<![CDATA[The Parent(Thesis)]]>The Parent(Thesis)

A parent's curious conversations about the lives, loves and desires of others.

Becoming a parent changes how you see everyone — not just your own kids, but every person you meet. The Parent(Thesis) is where that curiosity gets a microphone. Host Marika sits down with people from her local community in Harlow to ask the questions that actually matter: what they love, what they've chased, what still keeps them up at night — parenting included, but never limited to it.

Guests range from parents to people just starting to think about family life, and everyone in between. Some conversations are tender, some are funny, some wander somewhere neither host nor guest expected — but each one treats the guest as a whole person, not just a role.

Recorded in person, in Harlow, The Parent(Thesis) is as much a portrait of a community as it is a series of interviews — proof that the most interesting stories are usually sitting closer than you think.

]]>www.the-parenthood.co.ukRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:33:04 GMTFri, 25 Sep 2026 19:09:46 GMT60Marika<p><b><strong>The Parent(Thesis)</strong></b></p><p>A parent's curious conversations about the lives, loves and desires of others.</p><p>Becoming a parent changes how you see everyone — not just your own kids, but every person you meet. The Parent(Thesis) is where that curiosity gets a microphone. Host Marika sits down with people from her local community in Harlow to ask the questions that actually matter: what they love, what they've chased, what still keeps them up at night — parenting included, but never limited to it.</p><p>Guests range from parents to people just starting to think about family life, and everyone in between. Some conversations are tender, some are funny, some wander somewhere neither host nor guest expected — but each one treats the guest as a whole person, not just a role.</p><p>Recorded in person, in Harlow, The Parent(Thesis) is as much a portrait of a community as it is a series of interviews — proof that the most interesting stories are usually sitting closer than you think.</p>episodicMarikacontact@the-parenthood.co.ukno<![CDATA[Episode 3: Leo's vision for health and wellness in Harlow]]>In this conversation, Marika interviews Leo Troubridge, a personal trainer and manager at Harlow Town FC's Performance Lab, discussing his journey from accountancy to fitness coaching, and his focus on helping mothers regain strength post-pregnancy. They explore the importance of community in fitness, the misconceptions surrounding women's strength training, and the specific needs of mothers, particularly during menopause. The conversation explores the challenges and solutions for mothers looking to re-enter fitness, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment and addressing common barriers such as timing and fear of the unknown. Leo Troubridge discusses his approach to fitness training, particularly for mothers, and his vision for the future of his business in Harlow.


Takeaways

  • Importance of community in fitness
  • Misconceptions about women's strength training Supportive fitness environments matter
  • Overcoming barriers to fitness


Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction to Leo Troubridge
  • 02:53 From Accountancy to Personal Training
  • 05:57 Building a Community in Harlow
  • 09:03 Focus on Strength for Mothers
  • 12:09 Addressing Misconceptions in Women's Fitness
  • 14:59 The Unique Needs of Mothers in Fitness
  • 17:54 Coaching Approach for Mothers
  • 21:00 The Three C's of Fitness Training
  • 21:55 Barriers for Mothers in Fitness
  • 25:00 Creating a Comfortable Environment for Mums
  • 28:03 Future Vision for Harlow Fitness
  • 29:55 Building Community Connections
  • 32:55 Encouraging Mums to Take the Leap
  • 37:05 Personal Reflections and Advice
]]>1f4fd140-dbe5-46fc-a5ac-7dddcdbd6e12Wed, 07 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT<p>In this conversation, Marika interviews Leo Troubridge, a personal trainer and manager at Harlow Town FC's Performance Lab, discussing his journey from accountancy to fitness coaching, and his focus on helping mothers regain strength post-pregnancy. They explore the importance of community in fitness, the misconceptions surrounding women's strength training, and the specific needs of mothers, particularly during menopause. The conversation explores the challenges and solutions for mothers looking to re-enter fitness, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment and addressing common barriers such as timing and fear of the unknown. Leo Troubridge discusses his approach to fitness training, particularly for mothers, and his vision for the future of his business in Harlow.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Importance of community in fitness</li><li>Misconceptions about women's strength training Supportive fitness environments matter</li><li>Overcoming barriers to fitness</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction to Leo Troubridge</li><li>02:53 From Accountancy to Personal Training</li><li>05:57 Building a Community in Harlow</li><li>09:03 Focus on Strength for Mothers</li><li>12:09 Addressing Misconceptions in Women's Fitness</li><li>14:59 The Unique Needs of Mothers in Fitness</li><li>17:54 Coaching Approach for Mothers</li><li>21:00 The Three C's of Fitness Training</li><li>21:55 Barriers for Mothers in Fitness</li><li>25:00 Creating a Comfortable Environment for Mums</li><li>28:03 Future Vision for Harlow Fitness</li><li>29:55 Building Community Connections</li><li>32:55 Encouraging Mums to Take the Leap</li><li>37:05 Personal Reflections and Advice</li></ul>no00:42:4213Episode 3: Leo's vision for health and wellness in Harlowfull<![CDATA[Episode 2: Navigating Self-employment as a SEND mum of twins]]>The conversation covers the journey of becoming a twin mum, financial planning for parenthood, unexpected pregnancy challenges, practical and financial adjustments for three children, challenges of labor and delivery, self-employment in social media management, and the identity shift and flexibility in self-employment. It also delves into the challenges of self-motivation and loneliness in self-employment. The conversation covers topics related to productivity, neurodiversity, challenges with diagnosis and support, self-awareness, coping strategies, organization, EHCP process, school transition, and life in Harlow. It delves into the experiences of parenting a child with additional needs and navigating the education system. The discussion also explores personal experiences and memories associated with living in Harlow.


Takeaways

  • Financial planning for parenthood is crucial
  • Challenges of self-employment include loneliness and financial instability Productivity and self-imposed deadlines can impact task completion.
  • Navigating the EHCP process and school transition for children with additional needs can be challenging.


Chapters

  • 00:00 The First Meeting at Novo Lounge
  • 01:47 Becoming a Twin Mom
  • 02:17 Financial Planning for Parenthood
  • 03:11 Unexpected Pregnancy of Twins
  • 04:10 Challenges of Pregnancy and Hospitalization
  • 05:35 Financial and Practical Adjustments for Three Children
  • 06:28 Car Seat and Car Space Challenges
  • 07:28 Parenting Costs and Practical Considerations
  • 08:22 Dealing with Unexpected Situations and Decisions
  • 09:18 Post-Natal Depression and Matrescence
  • 10:14 Difficult Labor Experience
  • 11:06 Challenges in Labor and Delivery
  • 12:04 Self-Employment and Social Media Management
  • 15:48 Loneliness and Financial Challenges of Self-Employment
  • 16:46 Expertise and Niche in Social Media Management
  • 18:07 Honesty and Flexibility in Self-Employment
  • 19:01 Behind-the-Scenes Work in Social Media Management
  • 20:43 Email Marketing and Customer Engagement
  • 21:41 Self-Employment vs. Salaried Employment
  • 23:06 Identity Shift and Flexibility in Self-Employment
  • 24:06 Self-Motivation and Challenges of Self-Employment
  • 25:29 Productivity and Self-Imposed Deadlines
  • 26:27 Neurodiversity and Matrescence
  • 28:23 Challenges with Diagnosis and Support
  • 29:18 Self-Awareness and Coping Strategies
  • 30:10 Organization and Task Management
  • 31:28 EHCP Process and School Transition
  • 43:43 Life in Harlow
]]>19ce0f98-730a-4d6e-8541-7a385d8f2b9dSat, 03 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers the journey of becoming a twin mum, financial planning for parenthood, unexpected pregnancy challenges, practical and financial adjustments for three children, challenges of labor and delivery, self-employment in social media management, and the identity shift and flexibility in self-employment. It also delves into the challenges of self-motivation and loneliness in self-employment. The conversation covers topics related to productivity, neurodiversity, challenges with diagnosis and support, self-awareness, coping strategies, organization, EHCP process, school transition, and life in Harlow. It delves into the experiences of parenting a child with additional needs and navigating the education system. The discussion also explores personal experiences and memories associated with living in Harlow.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Financial planning for parenthood is crucial</li><li>Challenges of self-employment include loneliness and financial instability Productivity and self-imposed deadlines can impact task completion.</li><li>Navigating the EHCP process and school transition for children with additional needs can be challenging.</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The First Meeting at Novo Lounge</li><li>01:47 Becoming a Twin Mom</li><li>02:17 Financial Planning for Parenthood</li><li>03:11 Unexpected Pregnancy of Twins</li><li>04:10 Challenges of Pregnancy and Hospitalization</li><li>05:35 Financial and Practical Adjustments for Three Children</li><li>06:28 Car Seat and Car Space Challenges</li><li>07:28 Parenting Costs and Practical Considerations</li><li>08:22 Dealing with Unexpected Situations and Decisions</li><li>09:18 Post-Natal Depression and Matrescence</li><li>10:14 Difficult Labor Experience</li><li>11:06 Challenges in Labor and Delivery</li><li>12:04 Self-Employment and Social Media Management</li><li>15:48 Loneliness and Financial Challenges of Self-Employment</li><li>16:46 Expertise and Niche in Social Media Management</li><li>18:07 Honesty and Flexibility in Self-Employment</li><li>19:01 Behind-the-Scenes Work in Social Media Management</li><li>20:43 Email Marketing and Customer Engagement</li><li>21:41 Self-Employment vs. Salaried Employment</li><li>23:06 Identity Shift and Flexibility in Self-Employment</li><li>24:06 Self-Motivation and Challenges of Self-Employment</li><li>25:29 Productivity and Self-Imposed Deadlines</li><li>26:27 Neurodiversity and Matrescence</li><li>28:23 Challenges with Diagnosis and Support</li><li>29:18 Self-Awareness and Coping Strategies</li><li>30:10 Organization and Task Management</li><li>31:28 EHCP Process and School Transition</li><li>43:43 Life in Harlow</li></ul>no01:02:2212Episode 2: Navigating Self-employment as a SEND mum of twinsfull<![CDATA[Episode 0: An Introduction with Marika]]>Marika introduces The Parent Thesis, a video series and podcast that explores the lives, loves, and desires of people in the Harlow community. She aims to highlight the positive aspects of the town and share honest, unpolished conversations with guests. The series is a megaphone for what's actually happening in Harlow beyond the roadworks and traffic complaints.


Takeaways

  • Community exploration
  • Highlighting positivity


Chapters

  • 00:00 Opportunity for Practice
]]>9a25bf2d-7bb9-4240-bdda-7e7cbdb12bafSat, 26 Sep 2026 15:20:12 GMT<p>Marika introduces The Parent Thesis, a video series and podcast that explores the lives, loves, and desires of people in the Harlow community. She aims to highlight the positive aspects of the town and share honest, unpolished conversations with guests. The series is a megaphone for what's actually happening in Harlow beyond the roadworks and traffic complaints.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Community exploration</li><li>Highlighting positivity</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Opportunity for Practice</li></ul>no00:04:131Episode 0: An Introduction with Marikafull<![CDATA[Episode 1: Sunni's Story with Sarah & Darron]]>The conversation covers the journey of Sarah and Darron from pregnancy to early parenthood, including their experience with IVF, the birth of their daughter Sunni, and their participation in antenatal and postnatal support courses. They share insights into their emotional experiences, the challenges they faced, and their hopes for the future.


Takeaways

  • IVF journey and pregnancy challenges
  • Emotional experiences and recovery
  • Importance of antenatal and postnatal support
  • Looking forward to early parenthood
  • Communication and alignment in parenting


Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Work
  • 01:28 Baby's Name and Pregnancy
  • 03:23 Pregnancy and IVF Journey
  • 03:46 Expecting Sunni
  • 07:37 Sunni's Birth and Recovery
  • 10:19 Early Parenthood and Emotions
  • 13:31 Antenatal Support and The Parent Hood
  • 16:51 Matrescence Plus Course
  • 26:43 Postnatal Plus Course
  • 28:34 Looking Forward and Advice for New Parents
]]>514bef0c-48bd-4ab0-856a-272dcec11e5aSat, 26 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers the journey of Sarah and Darron from pregnancy to early parenthood, including their experience with IVF, the birth of their daughter Sunni, and their participation in antenatal and postnatal support courses. They share insights into their emotional experiences, the challenges they faced, and their hopes for the future.</p><p><br /></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>IVF journey and pregnancy challenges</li><li>Emotional experiences and recovery</li><li>Importance of antenatal and postnatal support</li><li>Looking forward to early parenthood</li><li>Communication and alignment in parenting</li></ul><p><br /></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Work</li><li>01:28 Baby's Name and Pregnancy</li><li>03:23 Pregnancy and IVF Journey</li><li>03:46 Expecting Sunni</li><li>07:37 Sunni's Birth and Recovery</li><li>10:19 Early Parenthood and Emotions</li><li>13:31 Antenatal Support and The Parent Hood</li><li>16:51 Matrescence Plus Course</li><li>26:43 Postnatal Plus Course</li><li>28:34 Looking Forward and Advice for New Parents</li></ul>no00:19:0111Episode 1: Sunni's Story with Sarah & Darronfull