Family Bonding, One Story at a Time

New Book Spotlight: "Humanism from the Heart" and Raising Kind Kids

Steve Ghikadis is back on the podcast! You may have heard Steve talk about interfaith parenting in episode five of the LTL podcast and now he is back to share news about his new book, Humanism from the Heart: Building Bridges Beyond Belief.  Steve shares how this book is a great resource for parents looking to have meaningful, open-ended conversations with their children. Steve discusses insights from the book, including techniques like street epistemology, practical strategies for fostering empathy, and the importance of real-world experiences in shaping kids' perspectives. With discussion questions for book clubs, real-life examples, and actionable parenting advice, this book is a must-read for those navigating interfaith relationships, secular parenting, and tough but essential conversations. Tune in to explore how to guide your children with curiosity, kindness, and open dialogue. Follow Steve at https://www.facebook.com/steve.ghikadis/ [https://www.facebook.com/steve.ghikadis/]

Family Bonding, One Story at a Time

I had a wonderful conversation with Quinn Cummings, founder of Reading to Connect, a movement dedicated to bringing families together through shared reading. Within this initiative, Quinn has developed the Engage Method, a framework and course designed to help parents deepen their connections with their children through meaningful reading experiences. Tune in as Quinn shares valuable insights on making reading a natural part of daily life, letting go of guilt and the pressure to focus on literacy, and using story time as a way for parents and children to truly get to know each other. Find Quinn at https://readingtoconnect.com

Raising Sustainable Kids

Pallavi Pande, the inspiring CEO of Dtocs, a company creating eco-friendly dinnerware from palm leaves, explores the journey of raising kids with a strong sense of sustainability. From small daily habits to big family changes, Pallavi shares how she instills eco-conscious values in her children and how we can do the same. If you're a parent looking to make sustainability fun and engaging for your little ones, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and plenty of inspiration. Tune in for a lively conversation on raising the next generation of eco-warriors!   Make sure to use DTOCS10 for 10% plus free shipping off your order of Dtocs!

Interfaith Family: Parenting with Mutual Respect

Join us for an insightful conversation with Steve Ghikadis as he shares his experience of raising children in an interfaith family. As a free thinker married to a Christian, Steve discusses the challenges and rewards of parenting with mutual respect for differing beliefs. He provides insight into how he and his wife, Cindy, navigate their distinct worldviews while raising their children, Nathan and Connor, to be free thinkers. Explore the nine best practices for raising free thinkers and the importance of curiosity and empathy in fostering a respectful and open-minded environment for children. Gain access to valuable resources and practical tips for bridging the divide between believers and non-believers, encouraging a respectful and enriching upbringing for the next generation. Follow Steve on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/steve.ghikadis/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/steve.ghikadis/?hl=en]. Steve is the Ambassador Program Director for Recovering from Religion, [https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org] an ambassador for Sunday Assembly Detroit [https://sundayassemblydetroit.org] and is also a Humanist Canada officiant [https://www.humanistcanada.ca/officiant/steve/]. Steve is currently working on his first book, “Midlife Musings from a Sarcastic Secular Humanist” and his other writings can be found on Medium [https://medium.com/@steveghikadis/about].

Last-Minute Dinner Parties: Embracing Imperfection in Social Gatherings

You ever feel the stress of having people over when you just can't keep the tornado of your house under control? My cousin Keri and I often have this conversation - never having people over because we're so worried about what everything looks like. A few years ago we nodded sagely over an article titled "The Crappy Dinner Party" posted on thekitchn.com [http://thekitchn.com/]'s blog - why couldn't we all just let ourselves off the hook and enjoy company no matter if we have loads of laundry piling up? In this episode we discuss the importance of spontaneous gatherings without the pressure of perfection, covering the influence of social media, the anxiety that comes with letting go of planning, the epidemic of loneliness, the drop-in visits that are so rare these days and memories of our grandparents’ revolving-door home. Whether you're a parent seeking adult conversation or just someone looking to reconnect with friends and family, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on the value of community and the joy of simple, unplanned get-togethers. Tune in for real stories, practical tips, and a reminder that sometimes, the best memories are made when we let go of the need to impress and just enjoy each other's company.