The Open Dort Podcast

Quality Time in Relationships: Learning to Understand Each Other’s Needs

In this episode, we explore the importance of quality time in relationships, especially when it comes to balancing personal needs and family dynamics. Chelsea shares how she yearns for more one-on-one time with her partner, Bedford, and how they navigated their 9th anniversary celebration. Despite wanting to spend the week together, they faced challenges in making time work due to their children's presence and limited resources. Through this experience, they both reflect on their differing love languages and expectations for quality time. The conversation digs into how important it is to understand and communicate what quality time means for each partner. While Chelsea craved deep connection and uninterrupted time, Bedford had a different approach, often enjoying simpler moments, like watching TV together. Ultimately, the couple learns valuable lessons about how small moments of engagement can strengthen their bond, even if they don't look the same for both partners.

Teaching Kids About Race and Allyship

In this episode, we discuss the crucial conversations we're having with our children as they grow older and begin navigating the world more independently. With our 13-year-old, Jax, approaching the age where he’ll be spending more time away from us—like going to the movies with friends or hanging out at the mall—it’s more important than ever to have open discussions about race, racism, and how to be an ally.We focus on how we're preparing him to understand his role in standing up for others, particularly in situations where he might witness racism or inequality. We also address the need to teach him about the serious consequences of actions, using the example of blackface during Halloween. When a group of teens painted themselves in blackface and mocked Black history, we emphasize how harmful actions can affect not just the individuals involved but the broader community. These conversations are tough but necessary, as we work to raise a generation of empathetic and socially responsible kids.2. Suggested YouTube Title:

How to Talk to Kids About Race and Diversity

In this episode, we continue our conversation about how to talk to kids about race, diversity, and inclusion, diving into the important topics for children ages 5-9. As kids begin attending school, we see firsthand the experiences they face, especially in terms of bullying and diversity. Bedford shares his own childhood experiences at the same school our kids attend, providing a valuable perspective. We also address common misconceptions that some parents may have, like the idea that we shouldn't talk to our kids about race because it doesn't exist or because they don't see color. We debunk this myth by highlighting how ignoring race can actually perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Instead, we emphasize the importance of teaching kids to recognize and appreciate diversity, including understanding the science behind skin color and melanin. We touch on how to address bullying at a young age, especially the disproportionate bullying experienced by Black children. The episode serves as a guide to help parents navigate these conversations and teach their children how to embrace differences while fostering empathy and understanding.

Tips and Tricks for Raising Kids in a Diverse World

In this episode, we discuss the evolving landscape of social media and how platforms like TikTok are on the brink of being banned. While TikTok isn’t our primary platform, we reflect on the potential impact on creators, especially those who have invested significant time and energy into building their presence. As we talk about TikTok’s future, we shift to a larger conversation about the importance of representation, particularly for our children.We dive into why it’s crucial to expose kids, especially from 0-4 years old, to diverse role models, both on-screen and in books. Representation goes beyond just showing characters who look different; it's about creating connections that resonate with our kids. We highlight the importance of using media to normalize diversity and inclusion, and how even simple shows like Doc McStuffins can have a profound impact on a child’s understanding of the world. We also touch on how early exposure to diverse people can shape a child’s approach to race, culture, and empathy as they grow.

Raising Mixed-Race Kids: Navigating Race, Identity, and Parenting

In this episode of the "Open Door Podcast," Chelsie and Bedford dive deep into their personal goals for 2025, including business, family income growth, travel, and health. We reflect on the burnout of past years and the challenges of maintaining motivation through injuries. We share our "YOLO" approach to life, embracing experiences and making memories with their family. We also explore personal anecdotes, like our journey through parenting their mixed-race children, and the ongoing challenge of navigating race in our family. Chelsie reflects on her past work teaching about race, inclusion, and diversity, and they begin discussing how to talk to children about these important topics. The conversation also touches on their experiences living in Utah, often as the only people of color, and the awkwardness of racial dynamics in social settings. They emphasize how conversations about race are necessary to challenge stereotypes and foster understanding, especially for the next generation.