

Pop Culture Parenting
Dr Billy Garvey, Nick McCormack
This podcast is about finding the sweetspot between the textbooks and real life when it comes to parenting. Dr Billy (a developmental pediatrician) and Nick (a developing parent) are a couple of dads having honest discussions about parenting day to day
We'll be using iconic TV and cinema scenes from the 80's & 90's to give context to Billy's parenting advice.
Please subscribe and tell us what parenting topics and movie scenes we should talk about next
We'll be using iconic TV and cinema scenes from the 80's & 90's to give context to Billy's parenting advice.
Please subscribe and tell us what parenting topics and movie scenes we should talk about next
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 5min
Episode 113: Gladiator & survival
This discussion dives into the parenting struggles of feeling like a gladiator in the arena of life. It emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the importance of supporting children's mental health. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the joys and challenges of holiday parenting, alongside the philosophy of stoicism represented in 'Gladiator.' The conversation touches on father-son dynamics and the benefits of self-care for parents, creating a supportive community for shared experiences and insights.

16 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 51min
Episode 112: Nurturing neurodiversity reflection (part 2)
Dive into the science of neurodiversity and its real-world applications for supporting kids. Exceptional educators share insights on helping neurodivergent students, while the conversation touches on Pathological Demand Avoidance and its challenges. Explore the importance of playfulness in parenting and effective communication strategies. Discover how to reframe harmful labels and the significance of creating supportive, inclusive environments for all children. Heartfelt stories and personal reflections enrich the discussion, promoting empathy and understanding.

15 snips
Jun 30, 2025 • 1h 51min
Episode 111: Nurturing neurodiversity reflection (part 1)
This discussion offers insights into the challenges faced by neurodivergent children and the importance of nurturing their unique identities. They explore the complexities of masking, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and emotional sensitivity. Personal anecdotes highlight the balance between medication and individuality. The conversation emphasizes supportive environments in both education and home, advocating for understanding and community acceptance. Heartfelt reflections from listeners further illuminate the journey of parenting neurodiverse kids, celebrating both struggles and victories.

27 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 16min
Episode 110: The Green Mile & nurturing neurodiversity
The discussion delves into the portrayal of neurodiversity in films like 'The Green Mile,' emphasizing the need for better understanding and support. Light-hearted anecdotes about grappling and parenting challenges add humor, while sleep struggles and bedtime routines provide relatable insights. Personal experiences reveal the complexities of raising neurodivergent children and the importance of inclusive education. Ultimately, the conversation advocates for nurturing unique abilities and emotional well-being in neurodiverse kids.

48 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 2h 5min
Episode 109: Conflict resolution reflection
This discussion dives deep into conflict resolution strategies for families, exploring communication techniques for toddlers and teens alike. The speakers reflect on personal experiences and listener insights, emphasizing the transformative power of dialogue. They tackle the challenges of conflict in family dynamics and the importance of emotional regulation. Tips for educators and parents highlight the need for empathy and understanding differing perspectives, especially in navigating complex relationships. Unique insights on neurodivergence and healthy communication further enrich the conversation.

31 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 24min
Episode 108: The Notebook & conflict resolution
Exploring conflict resolution, the discussion highlights how early experiences shape our handling of disagreements. Personal anecdotes reflect on the challenges of parenting and emotional growth. The influence of 'The Notebook' on real-life relationships provides a nostalgic backdrop, while practical strategies emphasize empathy and nonviolent communication. Listeners gain insights on fostering children’s autonomy and managing sibling conflicts. The episode concludes with a humorous take on trivial disagreements, underscoring the need for understanding in family dynamics.

13 snips
May 5, 2025 • 2h 5min
Episode 107: The future reflection
Explore the fascinating journey into parenting challenges and the future. Discover how to help children manage anxieties and navigate complex emotions, especially in light of rising behavioral issues post-pandemic. Delight in heartfelt stories of transformation and resilience from parents tackling trauma. Learn the significance of understanding neurodiversity and fostering emotional regulation while sharing insightful experiences. It’s a lively discussion filled with optimism, humor, and practical guidance for parents.

18 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 50min
Episode 106: The Fifth Element & the future
Dive into the fascinating connection between kids' fears about the future and the beloved film 'The Fifth Element.' Discover practical strategies for managing anxiety while enjoying humorous parenting anecdotes. Explore how storytelling in media shapes perceptions of hope and despair. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy in supporting children's emotional growth as they navigate their own futures. Plus, be inspired to align your parenting values with meaningful actions for a brighter tomorrow!

Apr 7, 2025 • 1h 56min
Episode 105: Beautiful boys reflection part 2
Dive into a heartfelt exploration of resilience in children and the challenges they face. Reflect on the complexities of masculinity through humorous anecdotes and listener insights from a recent live show. Confront toxic masculinity in schools and the impact of societal expectations, while advocating for empathy and emotional expression. Discover the transformative power of supportive family dynamics and how popular culture influences personal values. Lastly, hear inspiring stories of empowerment and resilience after abuse.

10 snips
Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 45min
Episode 104: Beautiful boys reflection part 1
The hosts dive into the emotional expressions of boys, encouraging a balance between laughter and sadness. They tackle the challenges of solo parenting while celebrating community support. Insights from social media reveal disparities in parenting expectations for boys versus girls. The conversation shifts to redefining masculinity and advocating for emotional openness. They address individuality in boys' fashion choices and the importance of fostering empathy. Personal stories about resilience and the impact of toxic masculinity round out this enlightening discussion.