Parents Who Think
by Danusia Malina-Derben
The Parents Who Think podcast interrupts our parenting status quo. Join Danusia Malina-Derben entrepreneur, author and mother of 10 for no-holds-barred debates between intelligent parents with diverse perspectives as they deliver raw and unfiltered opinions on crucial parenting dilemmas. Whether you see yourself as a mainstream parent or embrace 'marginalized' views, PWT injects clarity into the hard realities of parenthood. Agreement is not the goal in the show; it's about finding your unique path in the messy, real-world chaos of raising kids. Flex your agency, think, and redefine modern parenthood with Parents Who Think.
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Episodes
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The Fathers We're Not Talking About with Elliot Rae
What happens when a father dares to speak the truth the world hasn't made space for? In this episode of Parents Who Think, host Danusia Malina-Derben speaks with Elliot Rae—author, speaker, and founder of Music Football Fatherhood—in a conversation about emotional fluency, gender equality, and…
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Motherhood: The Truth of It with Clover Stroud
What does it really mean to mother across time—through babyhood, adolescence, heartbreak, grief, and desire? On this episode of Parents Who Think, Clover Stroud joins Danusia Malina-Derben for a conversation that names the unspoken. They talk about what happens to a woman when she mothers across...
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Why Traditional Workplaces Are Still Failing Mothers with Jessica Chivers
What happens when your child's diagnosis doesn't just change your daily routine, it changes your entire business model? In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia Malina-Derben talks with psychologist and executive coach Jessica Chivers about how motherhood redefines ambition, and reshapes...
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Risk it Like a Mother with Colleen Wong
What does risk really look like when you're a mother and when you're not willing to blow up your life to chase a dream? In this episode, Danusia is joined by entrepreneur Colleen Wong, who talks about building her business on calculated risks, not chaos. They get into what happens when your…
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How to Stay Connected to Yourself with Zoe Blaskey
In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia Malina-Derben sits down with Zoe Blaskey to explore what it really takes to stay connected to yourself when everyone else seems to come first. Zoe, founder and author of Motherkind and mother of two talks openly about the difference between performing...
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What Shared Parenting Really Looks Like with Matt Blake
Journalist and author Matt Blake joins Parents Who Think host Danusia Malina-Derben for a candid conversation about what it actually means to co-parent equally. Since his daughter was born, Matt has shared care 50/50 with her mother, through relationship shifts, career trade-offs, and a system…
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What We Get Wrong About Screen Time with Jordan Shapiro
What if everything we thought we knew about screen time was the wrong conversation? In this episode, Danusia Malina-Derben joins Jordan Shapiro for a refreshingly grounded take on parenting in the digital age. Together, they unpack why most debates around tech and children are missing the point....
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What Matrescence Really Means with Dr Aurelie Athan
Becoming a mother isn't just a personal change but a profound identity transformation on par with adolescence. In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia Malina-Derben is joined by Dr. Aurélie Athan, clinical psychologist and scholar of reproductive identity, whose groundbreaking work on...
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The Myth of the Harried Woman with Laura Vanderkam
In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia Malina-Derben speaks with Laura Vanderkam—author, researcher, and mother of five—about time. Not just how we spend it, but how we talk about it. Laura's work tracks how high-achieving women actually use their hours, and what she found flies in the…
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I Am Enough with Marisa Peer
In this episode of Parents Who Think, host Danusia Malina-Derben is joined by Marisa Peer to discuss why "I am enough" is more than a mantra, it's a psychological reset that ripples through families. Drawing on decades of therapeutic work and her own personal evolution, Marisa unpacks how…
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Jealousy and Sex with Erica Jong
What happens when a woman writes the truth the world isn't ready to hear? In this episode of Parents Who Think, host Danusia Malina-Derben joins Erica Jong, novelist, poet, and unapologetic icon, in a conversation about the power and price of honesty. They explore how female jealousy gets buried…
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A Grown-Up Conversation About Manhood with Ken Mossman
In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia Malina-Derben joins Ken Mossman for a layered and moving conversation about modern masculinity, emotional maturity, and what it means to be an integrated man. Ken brings wit and wisdom to topics most men were never taught to face: how to play, how to...
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Mummy was a Secret Drinker with Clare Pooley
Parents Who Think host Danusia Malina-Derben joins Clare Pooley in an unflinching conversation about motherhood, sobriety, and the silent unraveling that so often hides behind 'wine o'clock'." Together, Clare and Danusia speak frankly about alcohol as a socially sanctioned drug, the seductive…
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On Grief, Justice, and Legacy with Stuart Lawrence
In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia Malina-Derben talks with Stuart Lawrence, teacher, author, and younger brother of Stephen Lawrence, about what it means to carry grief and use it as a tool for change. Stuart reflects on stepping into a leadership role in his family after Stephen's...
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On Home Education and Redesigning Success with Rosie Sherry
Danusia Malina-Derben talks with Rosie Sherry about what it really means to educate and parent outside the system. Rosie, a home educator and founder of a global tech community, shares the story of pulling her children out of school—not out of rebellion, but out of radical care. What followed...
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On Harm, Healing and Radical Accountability with Eldra Jackson
Eldra Jackson doesn't soften the truth. And he doesn't offer redemption stories tied up in a bow. In this conversation, he speaks openly about the crimes that led to his 24-year prison sentence and the deeper inner work that began long after the bars closed behind him. Danusia Malina-Derben, host...
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On Stillness, Grief, and Letting Life In with Suzy Walker
When Suzy Walker began a mindfulness course, she didn't expect it to unearth a lifetime of suppressed grief. But in conversation with Danusia Malina-Derben, host of Parents Who Think, what unfolds is a raw, honest reflection on what happens when we stop running, and start listening. Danusia and...
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On Lone Fatherhood and Equality with Michael Ray
What does real equality look like when you're parenting solo? In this moving conversation, Danusia interviews Michael Ray, a father who's raising his daughter on his own after her mother stepped away from their lives. What might sound like a tough beginning becomes a powerful dialogue on…
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On Menopause with Meg Mathews
If you think menopause is just hot flashes and mood swings, Meg Mathews is here to set you straight. In this unfiltered episode, Meg opens up about how menopause knocked her sideways—crippling anxiety, misdiagnosis, zero libido—and how it took years before anyone mentioned hormones. That journey...
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Fatherhood Without the Patriarchy with Jordan Shapiro
What does it really mean to be a good dad in a world that's (finally) rethinking power, privilege, and gender? Jordan Shapiro offers a fresh framework—one that demands more than just 'helping out' or being 'the fun one.' In this episode, we talk about radical inclusivity, critical consciousness,...
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She's Not Selfish, She's Self-Full with Meredith Masony
We're told to be selfless. To give everything for our children. To die to ourselves for the sake of being a "good" mother and parent. But what if that's not the answer at all? In this fierce, funny, and deeply real conversation, Danusia is joined by Meredith Masony —a woman who came back from a...
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From Homeless Teen to Entrepreneur with Simon Squibb
This episode, I speak with Simon Squibb, founder of HelpBnk and author of What's Your Dream? We dive into cultivating luck (hint: it's not random), why desperation can be a creative superpower, and how his mother kicking him out of the house became the very thing that made him. Simon shares his…
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Creating an Equitable Home with Eve Rodsky
In this episode I sit down with Eve Rodsky, author of the groundbreaking book Fair Play, to discuss the often invisible and unequal labour dynamics that play out in our homes. We get into why women frequently become the "she-fault" parent, shouldering the brunt of domestic responsibilities and...
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Female Masturbation with Hollie McNish
In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia gets into into a juicy conversation with Hollie McNish—award-winning poet, author, and performer. The focus? Female masturbation, sexuality, and shedding the centuries of shame surrounding women's pleasure. One of Hollie's books, Slug and Other Things...
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Switching Gender Roles with Priscilla McKinney
What happens when a woman is the breadwinner and her husband takes the lead at home? Apparently, a lot of raised eyebrows, unsolicited opinions, and a bizarre mix of pity and praise. Entrepreneur and mother Priscilla McKinney joins me to talk about flipping the script on traditional gender roles,...
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Sex Toys with Sarah Forbes
Sex toys: ancient history, cultural icon, and—if Sarah Forbes has anything to say about it—essential to our understanding of sexuality. This week, Danusia sits down with the anthropologist and former curator of the Museum of Sex in New York to talk about the rise (and rise) of sex toys, the...
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Lies About Working Parenthood with Christine Armstrong
We've been sold a lie: that working parents can "have it all" if they just work hard enough. Today, we're tearing that fantasy to shreds. Danusia Malina-Derben PWT host is in conversation with journalist and author Christine Armstrong. They get brutally honest about the impossible expectations of...
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From Self-Doubt to Self-Love with Jeanette Leblanc
From Self-Doubt to Self-Love with Jeanette Leblanc Ah, the old "you're too much" conundrum. Too loud, too opinionated, too ambitious, too everything—and somehow, simultaneously, not enough. If you've ever felt stuck in this impossible tug-of-war, you are not alone. Joining Danusia today is…
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From Divorce to Dating with Steph
Motherhood and sexuality—two things we're told don't belong in the same sentence. But who made that rule? And why are we still following it? Steph wasn't about to. After decades of marriage, she found herself single, re-entering the dating world with a libido very much intact. But society had a...
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Hormones, Health, and Happiness with Dr. Shahzadi Harper
Danusia Parents Who Think host, gets real with Dr. Shahzadi Harper about hormones, libido and why women's sex lives shouldn't have an expiration date. Shahzadi, a badass in women's health, spills the tea on how hormonal changes—hello, perimenopause—mess with your libido, energy, and...
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Female 'Empowerment' and Motherhood with Emma Sayle
What happens when a woman builds an empire that shatters every outdated idea about female sexuality, and then dares to become a mother? Today, we feature Emma Sayle—founder of Killing Kittens, global disruptor, and all-around unapologetic powerhouse. We're talking about breaking taboos, rewriting...
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Joy After Trauma with Shoshana Garfield
Join Host, Danusia Malina-Derben brings you a powerful conversation with Dr Shoshana Garfield, a survivor of childhood torture and sexual abuse. Shoshana shares her journey of healing and self-reclamation, highlighting the importance of forgiveness, self-compassion, and relentless kindness. This...
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No Kids, No Apologies with Rachel Pesso
In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia is in conversation with Rachel Pesso, brand designer and unapologetic truth-teller, about her choice to skip motherhood—despite the relentless pressure to conform. Rachel gets real about the fear of judgment, the selfish-woman stereotype, and those...
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Style Unleashed with Yvadney Davis
Danusia is joined by Yvadney Davis to explore the magic of fashion as self-expression. Whether it's metallic joggers, kaftans, or Katharine Hepburn-inspired classics, Yvadney serves up insights on owning your style unapologetically. From experimenting with bold looks to raising kids who feel...
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Raising Consciousness About Race with Uju Asika
Today, host Danusia Malina-Derben is joined by author Uju Asika. She shares her powerful story of navigating childhood racism, the lessons it taught her, and why hope is at the heart of her work. We talk about when kids start noticing race, why "colorblind" parenting doesn't work, and how we can...
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Teen Mom to Netflix Star: Mary Bonnet's Story of Grit and Glamour
In this episode of Parents Who Think, Danusia interviews Selling Sunset star Mary Bonnet about her inspiring journey from being a teen mom to becoming a powerhouse in high-end real estate. Mary opens up about the challenges she faced raising her son at 15, the grit it took to thrive, and how…
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Asking for What You Want with Emer Brady
Why is asking for what we want so hard? In this episode, host Danusia Malina-Derben gets into this question with guest Emer Brady, exploring the barriers many women face when advocating for themselves. From the subtleties of language to the power of body language, this conversation is packed with...
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Reframing Mother-Daughter Dynamics with Harriet Malina-Derben
In this episode, Danusia is joined by her daughter, Harriet Malina-Derben, for a candid conversation about the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Together, they unpack the generational patterns that can trap these bonds in negativity, from societal expectations that pit women against...
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Good Enough Parenting with Dr Joanna Fortune
Perfection is overrated—especially in parenting. In this thought-provoking episode, Danusia Malina-Derben sits down with Dr Joanna Fortune, child psychotherapist and author, to challenge the myths of perfect parenting and embrace being "good enough." Joanna shares about the concept of parental...
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Having It All & Tackling Imposter Syndrome with Caroline Flanagan
Danusia Malina-Derben takes on the myth of "having it all" with Caroline Flanagan, author of Be the First and all-round powerhouse. Together, they shred the outdated idea that women need to do everything to have it all—and dig into what your "all" could look like. But that's not all. Imposter...
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Unlocking Self-Love at Any Age with Jane Wyker
What if you could feel more alive in your 80s than ever before? Meet Jane Wyker, the unstoppable force behind Soul Selfish: The Awakening of a Good Girl. Jane's story is proof that it's never too late to prioritise yourself, let go of toxic baggage, and embrace joy at every stage of life. Danusia...
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Reframing Disability Narratives with Rebekah Taussig
Danusia Malina-Derben sits down with Rebekah Taussig, author of Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary, Resilient Disabled Body, to unpack the complexities of living with a disability. In this episode, Rebekah challenges the oversimplified narratives that often surround disabled lives and…
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Embracing Motherhood and Poetry with Kate Baer
Want your heart to skip a beat? Danusia Malina-Derben sits down with poet Kate Baer—three-time New York Times bestselling author of What Kind of Woman, I Hope This Finds You Well, and her latest, And Yet. They get real about everything from raw realities to anger simmering beneath the surface.…
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On Guilt with Jo Wimble-Groves
Guilt—it's the nagging companion of parenthood. Jo Wimble-Groves, creator of Guilty Mother, joins host Danusia Malina-Derben to unpack why so many parents feel this way and how to start shifting that guilt into something useful (yes, it's possible!). From screen time to sandwich choices, Jo's...
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The Secret to Winning in Life with Wies Bratby
This week, Danusia Malina-Derben brings in Wies Bratby—founder of Women in Negotiation and self-proclaimed "women's butt kicker"—to break down why every woman needs to own her worth in the world of negotiation. It's not just about more zeros on the paycheck; it's about freedom, choices, and doing...
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Raising Body-Happy Kids with Molly Forbes
Host Danusia Malina-Derben gets real with Molly Forbes, author of "Body Happy Kids: How to raise children who love the skin they're in" for adults and "Every Body" for children. They're talking about one thing every parent worries about—how to raise kids who love their bodies in a world obsessed...
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Sarah Peck on Postpartum Sex + a Naked Swim
In this minisode of Parents Who Think, host Danusia Malina-Derben sits down with Sarah Peck, CEO of Start Up Parent, to discuss the often unspoken realities of postpartum sex and recovery. Sarah shares her personal experiences, from healing after childbirth to the surprising physical challenges...
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Can Detachment and Love Coexist? A story about the stoic parent
In this episode of Parents Who Think, host Danusia Malina-Derben explores Stoicism and its relevance to parenting. Drawing on her experience as a mother to 10 children, she reflects on how Stoic principles like control, patience, and detachment have shaped her approach to raising kids. But it's…
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The Caregiver Crisis with Anna Pawlowicz
In this episode of *Parents Who Think*, host Danusia Malina-Derben interviews Anna Pawlowicz, CEO of Humankind, about the often invisible role of caregivers in society. Anna opens up about the challenges faced by those who provide care, whether for children, elderly family members, or those with...
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The Undercover Self-Care Habit with Danusia Malina-Derben
In this rare solo episode, Danusia shares a self-care secret that's hiding in plain sight: cuddling a teddy bear. Yep, you heard right. We're talking about the comfort of snuggling up to a stuffed toy, and why it's not just for kids anymore. From CEOs sneaking plushies into bed to Supreme Court...
About this show
The Parents Who Think podcast interrupts our parenting status quo. Join Danusia Malina-Derben entrepreneur, author and mother of 10 for no-holds-barred debates between intelligent parents with diverse perspectives as they deliver raw and unfiltered opinions on crucial parenting dilemmas. Whether you see yourself as a mainstream parent or embrace 'marginalized' views, PWT injects clarity into the hard realities of parenthood. Agreement is not the goal in the show; it's about finding your unique path in the messy, real-world chaos of raising kids. Flex your agency, think, and redefine modern parenthood with Parents Who Think.
Hosted by
Danusia Malina-Derben