Still Here: Jake's Story

My Parents Were Always Naked

What happens when the boundaries in a home are… basically nonexistent? In this episode, Andrea shares what it was like growing up in a house where her parents walked around naked all the time — but not in a free-spirited, open way. It was secretive, confusing, and left her with a lot of questions about privacy, attention, and what healthy boundaries in a family are supposed to look like. We talk about the difference between nudity and neglect, what it feels like to grow up feeling invisible, and how those experiences follow you into adulthood. Some parenting dynamics don’t fit neatly into boxes like “good” or “abusive,” but they still leave a mark. As always on Parenting Without Permission, we’re talking about the messy, uncomfortable stuff that people don’t always say out loud. Parenting Without Permission is a podcast about real parenting stories, breaking cycles, and having honest conversations about family dynamics.

Valentine’s Day & The Audacity of Mediocre Men

Valentine’s Day has people lowering their standards like it’s a clearance sale. Let me tell you about the time a man got jealous because a waiter refilled my water. Sir… you still had water. If someone feels threatened by basic hydration, imagine what they’ll do when you actually shine. Red flags don’t turn pink just because it’s February.

Motherhood, Autism & Immigrant Advocacy with Laura

In this episode, I sit down with Laura, director of The Latin Village Colorado Springs. Laura is a social worker, an advocate for immigrant families, and a mom raising a child with autism. We talk about the work she does supporting the immigrant community, how immigration reform is impacting Latino families in real, everyday ways, and what community care looks like when systems fall short. Laura also shares about her Spanish-language content platform where she creates space for immigrant voices and conversations that matter. Connect with Laura and her work: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgUJc7YJA6uZradwKwwCMg [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDgUJc7YJA6uZradwKwwCMg] TikTok: @latinvillageofcol Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1462462827808044/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/1462462827808044/] This is a conversation about motherhood, advocacy, and showing up for our communities.

Breaking Cycles Isn’t Gentle or Harsh — Andreea's Story

In this episode, Andreea shares her journey of growing up with an abusive parent, leaving to build a life of her own, and later returning to heal, not just for herself, but for her child. We talk about what it’s like to break cycles without swinging to extremes, how therapy helped her understand patterns instead of repeating them, and what it means to parent with intention when your own upbringing lacked emotional safety. This is a conversation about survival, boundaries, healing, and choosing a different path, even when it’s hard.

Still Here: Jake's Story

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of homelessness, sexual assault, and the loss of a child. These topics may be difficult for some listeners. Please listen at your own pace and take care of yourself. In this episode, Jake shares his story with honesty and vulnerability, including experiences that are often lived through silently. We talk about survival, loss, and the long road of carrying grief while continuing to show up for life. This is a heavy conversation, but it is also a deeply human one. Listener discretion is advised.