Kelly Corrigan Wonders

A mother's journey into communal joy while navigating personal grief unfolds beautifully. Attending a bat mitzvah becomes a transformative experience, showcasing how moments of celebration can lift sorrow. Amid her worries for her daughter, she discovers the healing power of connection and shared joy. The essay emphasizes the importance of showing up for others, reminding us that vulnerability and inclusion can provide respite from our struggles. Ultimately, it's a heartfelt call to embrace community during challenging times.

A scientist and entrepreneur built an AI to intercept every interruption in family life—the basketball emails, the field trip forms, the play rehearsal schedule buried at the bottom of a message. Then, an investor suggested the product could do more: text the sitter automatically, send birthday wishes to friends, suck up every teacher email so parents never see another one, and Avni Patel Thompson realized something didn't feel right. In this Go To episode featuring Avni's TED talk from Kelly's curated session on AI and family life, a mother who designs AI products for families discovers that not all friction is bad—some of it creates connection. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexa Arnold, a social impact entrepreneur, and Kate Cockrill, a leadership coach and improv comedian, dive into the chaos of balancing ambitious careers with parenting. They share personal anecdotes, including Alexa's anxiety over a dream job proposal while managing a toddler. The discussion explores the pressures of modern intensive parenting, the joy in pursuing personal fulfillment, and how social media amplifies the parenting performance. They challenge the belief that one must excel in all areas, advocating for redefining success and prioritizing mental health for better parenting.

Discover the gripping story of Pat Tiehel, a suburban housewife whose powerful 1974 essay about feeling trapped sparked a journey of transformation. Uncover her struggle between motherhood and personal ambition, alongside the harsh realities of childcare and economic pressures. After a disappointing rejection from a magazine, her life took a remarkable turn as she earned a real estate license and thrived in a male-dominated industry. This heartfelt narrative explores ambition, hope, and the enduring legacy of a woman who dared to dream.

Andy Lotz, Co-founder and former CEO of Nixon, shares heartfelt insights on parenting after losing his wife, Liz, to ovarian cancer. He reveals how he underestimated the hidden emotional labor in parenting and discovered deeper, nonverbal connections with his kids. Lotz emphasizes the importance of daily routines in building trust and empathy. He urges tech leaders to prioritize authentic parent-child interactions and reflects on the role of AI in shaping emotional growth, reminding us that the real prize in parenting is accessing a child's inner world.

This engaging discussion features Kate Cockrill, a leadership coach and improv comedian, alongside Alexa Arnold, a social impact entrepreneur noted for tackling work-life tensions. They dive into the chaotic world of mom rage, exploring the unrealistic expectations on mothers and the emotional toll of task hoarding. With stories of personal meltdowns, they reflect on how small triggers can lead to big reactions and share insights on finding mercy and forgiveness in parenting. Their candid conversation reveals the complexities of identity and competence in motherhood.

Lesley Hu, a mother turned advocate after the tragic loss of her son Pierce, delivers a heartfelt eulogy, capturing his joyful spirit and unique personality. She shares poignant memories that highlight his kindness and humor. Lesley discusses the distressing reality of child fatalities in custody disputes and introduces Pierce's Pledge, a campaign aimed at ensuring temporary weapon storage during these sensitive times. Through her grief, she seeks to foster healing and community support, transforming tragedy into a mission for change.

Ndinini Kimesera Sikar, founder of the Maasai Women Development Organization, shares her unique journey from a traditional Maasai upbringing to modern life. She reflects on the importance of preserving community practices and cultural rituals as society evolves. Ndinini contrasts the collective care of her village with the individualism of modernity, emphasizing that our well-being thrives on connection and belonging. As AI reshapes our world, she prompts us to consider what traditions we must safeguard for future generations.

Join social impact entrepreneur Alexa Arnold, a mother, and leadership coach Kate Cockrill, who raises two teenagers, as they dive into the complexities of tracking children. They discuss why parents feel the need to monitor their kids' data and locations, challenging the idea that it ensures safety. With insights on the emotional motivations behind tracking, they explore how it can inadvertently stem from a desire for intimacy rather than protection. The conversation offers valuable perspectives on balancing supervision with fostering independence.

A listener named Karen felt compelled to donate a kidney after hearing another listener's heartfelt thank-you letter. The story unfolds through Karen's journey, revealing the emotional and medical steps she took toward donating. She shares her positive experience and insights about living donation, highlighting the profound ripple effect of one simple letter. Ultimately, the recipient expresses immense gratitude, calling the transplant a miracle. This tale beautifully illustrates how sharing personal experiences can inspire acts of kindness and connection.