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Parenthood and maintaining a healthy relationship are ambitious endeavors. Being fully aware, you armed yourself with all the latest books, articles, podcasts, and resources, committed to being present and strong for your family. Yet, despite embracing every piece of advice and strategy in your search for reassurance, there are times you find yourself wondering why the harmony, connection, and closeness you envisioned seem out of reach. If this rings true, let me tell you: it’s not you! It’s what they didn’t tell you. The parenting guidance and strategies we read online lack depth. They hardly ever address the transition into parenthood and the profound impact this has on our identity, partnerships, and ability to show up as the parent we wish to be for our children. But guess what? We’re about to turn that around. Hi there, I’m Markella Kaplani. A clinical-counseling psychologist, a parenthood and relationship Coach, a matrescence coach and facilitator, a former special educator, and a parent myself. In my 15+ years in counseling and coaching, I know this to be true: once a parent is truly supported, not only through being given techniques to overcome parenting challenges, but on a personal and relational level, then the entire family can thrive. So, welcome to the Parenthood and Relationship Podcast! Here, we learn to grow individually, normalizing and validating the processes of matrescence and patrescence (i.e. struggling with identity, mom guilt, dad guilt, postpartum rage, work-life balance, etc). We also grow together by unraveling how parenthood affects marriage and what stands in the way of following the actionable parenting strategies that we know are helpful. So, if you’re feeling ready, let me hold your hand while we tackle intriguing, yet difficult topics, with compassion and curiosity. Interested to know more? - Reach out via email at info@markellakaplani.com with your questions, and - Visit www.markellakaplani.com to access FREE resources and check out ways to work with me personally. Let’s do this! --- 🔎 Is Parenthood Making or Breaking Your Relationship? FIND OUT NOW! https://www.markellakaplani.com/couplesquiz 🖥 Reconcile the ’old’ identity with the ’new’ Grab your FREE Matrescence Mini-Course https://www.markellakaplani.com/videoseries 👥 Join our Circle: www.facebook.com/groups/parenthoodandrelationship/ 🤝 Would you like a more personalized touch? I can offer Parenthood and Relationship Coaching. info@markellakaplani.com www.markellakaplani.com Book an introductory session to explore our chemistry and whether I am the right fit for you: http://tidycal.com/markellakaplani/intro-session
Episodes
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Do you ever feel like old wounds from your childhood and resentment toward your parents are getting in the way of you being a great parent?
Many people struggle with the question of how to forgive your parents because deep inside we all know that it is a stepping stone toward effective parenting.
But we are held back by our fear that letting go of the anger and grievances will act as an excuse or a permission slip for more mistreatment. In an attempt to protect us, our inner child refuses to move forward in fear of getting hurt all over again.
In this episode we uncover:
🧠 How childhood experiences impact how we parent today
❤️ How forgiveness helps us parent with clarity and intention
🔑 Practical steps to break generational cycles without losing ourselves
Whether you’re replaying your parents’ patterns or bending over backward to avoid them, the past can feel like an emotional weight.
Forgiveness lightens that load, creating space for joy, connection, and a healthier family dynamic. 🫂
Click play to listen in as we dive into actionable steps, from acknowledging your hurt to deciding what values to keep and what to let go of.
Forgiveness isn’t about your parents—it’s about you and the freedom it brings.
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Full Transcript HERE.
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Want to take our relationship to the next level?
👉Here are my top Resources
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Sunday Dec 01, 2024
Are you feeling a distance between you and your partner after welcoming your little one? You're not alone. In this week’s episode, we delve into the real struggles of rebuilding intimacy after baby.
Parenthood brings immense joy, but it also introduces unexpected relationship changes that can leave you feeling disconnected.
Join me as we uncover the journey from exhaustion to connection. We explore why intimacy after children often takes a back seat and how to navigate these parenthood challenges without feeling hurt or misunderstood.
Discover practical steps for restoring closeness and reconnecting with your partner amidst sleepless nights and endless responsibilities. Learn how emotional connection and open communication in relationships can reignite the spark you thought was lost.
✨ In this episode, we explore:
❤️ How to understand and adapt to relationship changes after baby
🤗 Small but powerful ways to rebuild emotional connection
🗣️ The importance of open communication in overcoming intimacy issues
🌟 Steps to restore closeness without adding pressure
💞 Embracing a new normal in your relationship journey
Don't let the joys of parenthood overshadow the love story that started it all. It's time to rekindle the flame and embrace the journey of overcoming intimacy issues together.
This episode is not just a new parents guide; it's a warm, yet realistic conversation about love, understanding, and the courage to rebuild.
Your relationship deserves this attention. Let's walk this path together and transform challenges into a deeper emotional connection than ever before.
Tune in and take the first step toward a stronger, more intimate relationship today.
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Full Transcript HERE.
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📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Are you struggling to balance motherhood and career aspirations? You’re not alone. In this emotionally charged episode, we sit down with childbirth educator and doula, Hannah Gill, to unpack the deep identity shifts moms face.
From grappling with mom guilt to redefining success, Hannah’s story speaks to anyone who has felt torn between being present for their children and pursuing their own passions.
Together, we explore:
- The unspoken pressures moms face as they try to “do it all.”
- How unresolved childhood dynamics and birth trauma influence our adult decisions.
- Why compassionate self-reflection is key to overcoming internal conflicts.
Hannah also shares her journey from experiencing a traumatic C-section to transforming that pain into a meaningful career helping other women. Her vulnerability will leave you inspired to navigate your own struggles with grace.
Today, we find out:
🌟 Why balancing motherhood and career feels so overwhelming
🍼 How birth experiences can shape our identity
💔 What happens when we prioritize everyone but ourselves
💡 Practical ways to reconnect with your true self
Whether you’re a mother wrestling with mom guilt, a dad seeking to understand your partner better, or someone navigating your own identity shift, this episode offers a wealth of insights.
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Hannah Gill
Hannah Gill is a childbirth educator, doula, and passionate advocate for empowering women through informed birth choices. Based in Indiana, she specializes in supporting women pursuing vaginal births after cesareans (VBACs) and helping them reclaim their sense of agency during the birthing process. Through her work, podcast, and educational resources, Hannah inspires women to trust their inner strength and make confident, informed decisions.
Website: https://thehannahgill.com
Free First 3 Steps to VBAC Guide: https://thehannahgill.com/firststeps
VBAC Guide for Doulas: https://thehannahgill.com/newdoulatips
Self-study version of my program VBAC Is Your Birth Right: https://thehannahgill.com/course
Motherhood Flow Podcast: https://thehannahgill.com/podcast
—
Learn more about motherhood psychology by listening to Episode 1 on Matrescence and fatherhood psychology by listening to Episode 4 on Patrescence
FREE COURSE on MATRESCENCE: https://www.markellakaplani.com/videoseries
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Full Transcript HERE.
---
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Parenthood changes everything, doesn’t it? Suddenly, life revolves around the baby, and for many dads, it can feel like they’ve been pushed into the background.
If you’ve ever felt sidelined, like the affection and attention you once shared with your partner has shifted entirely to the kids, this episode is for you.
And moms, while this episode speaks directly to dads, it offers insights that benefit you just as much. Many women start to feel as though their husband is jealous of the baby or the kids but the truth lies elsewhere.
By understanding what your partner might be feeling, you’ll discover ways to navigate these challenges together with empathy.
Moms often feel overwhelmed and under-supported, and this episode will help you see how to bridge the gap, foster empathy, and reconnect as a team—without adding extra pressure to your already full plate.
👉 Today, we uncover:
💔 Why dads often feel invisible after baby
🌀 The resentment cycle that quietly builds in relationships
🛠 Tools to help dads reconnect with their partner and role
❤️ How small shifts create big changes in your connection
Parenthood doesn’t have to mean drifting apart.
Whether you’re a dad feeling unappreciated or a mom looking to better understand your partner’s perspective, this episode is packed with practical tips to bring you closer.
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Mentioned Resources
1. Couples’ Communication Checklist
2. Reconnect With Her CHALLENGE
ALSO, learn more about men's psychology in parenthood [Episode on Patrescence] as well as moms' psychology [Episode 1 on Matrescence]
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Full Transcript HERE.
---
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
Resentment can be a silent weight in many relationships, and for parents, it often feels intensified.
In this episode, we dive into the roots of resentment in marriage, exploring how parenthood can uncover unresolved emotional wounds that surface when life becomes busier and more demanding.
Whether it’s unspoken needs going unmet or feeling like one partner is carrying more of the load, resentment can subtly shift how we view each other and impact our closeness.
Today we find out why resentment builds, especially after having kids, and how it’s often a signal that something important needs attention. 🧠
More specifically, we take a look at:
- 💔 How resentment forms when life feels unbalanced
- 🔍 The surprising role old wounds play in current frustrations
- ❤️ Practical steps to address resentment and reconnect
- 💡 Ways to build a partnership that feels fulfilling and balanced
This conversation isn’t about blame. It’s about creating a more connected, compassionate partnership and breaking free from resentment’s cycle so you both feel supported.
I hope you’ll join me!
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Mentioned Resources
1. Google: John and Julie Gottman - Relationship experts who research what makes a healthy relationship.
2. Couples’ Communication Checklist
3. Reconnect With Her CHALLENGE
Learn more about your psychology in fatherhood [Episode on Patrescence] as well as your partner’s [Episode 1 on Matrescence]
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Full Transcript HERE.
---
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Curious about why your partner is so exhausted despite the help you offer?
This episode delves into the unseen layers of mom fatigue and provides compassionate strategies to help you support her better whilst acknowledging the tough situation you, too, are in.
We’ll explore the emotional and mental loads that weigh heavily on mothers, and how you, as a partner, can make a meaningful difference in her daily life.
This episode is packed with insights to help you bridge the gap in understanding, improve communication, and bring renewed connection to your relationship.
What You’ll Discover:
- Why mom fatigue goes beyond physical tiredness and how it impacts your relationship
- The reasons why you may be triggered and hurt by her exhaustion
- How societal expectations and “the invisible load” affect her energy levels
- Practical tips to offer meaningful support without overwhelming or triggering her
- Ways to reconnect with empathy and strengthen your bond as co-parents
- How understanding her needs can also bring fulfillment to you
Discover small, powerful actions that can make a huge difference in how she feels — and in the strength of your partnership.
Listen in for actionable insights and start building a more connected, resilient relationship.
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Reconnect With Her CHALLENGE
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Episode 1 on Matrescence (Apple player)
Episode on Patrescence (Apple player)
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Full Transcript HERE.
---
📩 Get in touch with me (Instagram @markella.kaplani; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review!
Your support means the world!
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Today's episode is another coaching session, where we discuss how to mentally prepare for motherhood and the arrival of a new family member.
Join me as I coach Lexi, a mom-to-be and stepmom of 2, through her journey of embracing a positive mindset and finding balance in a blended family.
We discuss essential tips on managing family dynamics, staying flexible, and prioritizing mental health while preparing for a new addition to the family whilst exploring and maintaining how to be a supportive step-parent.
Whether you're about to become a new parent or are already navigating the world of step-parenting, this episode is for you!
Lexi’s story will resonate with anyone who is balancing different family needs, managing a busy life, and trying to keep a positive mindset along the way.
Get ready to take away real-life strategies for keeping a healthy perspective and creating a family culture filled with love, understanding, and flexibility. 💪🧘♀️👶✨
What You’ll Learn in this Episode:
🌈 How to cultivate a flexible and positive mindset
👨👩👧 Tips for managing blended family dynamics
🤔 Ways to address self-sacrifice and set boundaries
📅 Tips for preparing for motherhood
🧠 Mindfulness practices to reduce anxiety
💬 Open communication and family therapy benefits
💡 Realistic expectations when juggling multiple roles
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Lexi's Bio and Links
Lexi Kelley Soderberg was burnt out beyond belief when she chose to leave the classroom. She changed her life by switching from classroom teaching to tutoring full-time and now helps other teachers change their lives too. Lexi is on a mission to improve every child's reading ability and empower every adult in the process of helping them.
FREE Reading Tracker to set and achieve your reading goals:
https://poster.pages.teachertransformers.com/free-guide-1-3232
Interested in seeing if Teacher Transformers is a good fit for you? Book a free call here (https://link.webbrixx.com/widget/booking/pzTgKr8KyRPr6SYZYT7w)
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Journaling Exercise
To reflect on this and find balance in your own life, here is a journaling prompt:
In what areas of my life am I feeling stretched thin? What are three small steps that I could take to seek support, create flexibility, or let go of unrealistic expectations?
This reflection is designed to help you see where you can introduce some breathing space and allow for a gentler approach to the challenges you're facing.
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Related Resources and Links
> FREE Self-Connect Calendar
> FREE Guide: Calm Parent Calm Child
> (Re)Discover Your Identity in Motherhood [waitlist]
> Get in touch with me (Instagram; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
> Leave a Podcast Review HERE 😀
> FREE Motherhood Coaching Session: Send an e-mail to info@markellakaplani.com with the subject line “Podcast Guesting”
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Find the full transcript HERE.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/11OtZvbKyBPHIUhRK86I7YczpfWJliYaMfAL3A8BtyyE/edit?usp=sharing
—
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world!
📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for more insights and updates.
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Sunday Oct 20, 2024
Feeling disconnected in your relationship after having kids? You’re not alone.
In this episode, we get real about the communication struggles that many couples face after becoming parents. Parenthood brings new challenges, and it’s common for communication issues to arise, but they don’t have to drive a wedge between you and your partner.
We explore the 3 most common communication mistakes couples make after kids, and most importantly, how to fix them. Discover practical ways to reconnect with your partner, establish healthy communication, and create a more harmonious family dynamic.
Join me to uncover how parenthood shifts the way we communicate and learn simple, effective strategies to rebuild that bond and strengthen your relationship.
Here’s the truth: You and your partner can still have a connected, thriving relationship, even in the chaos of parenthood.
My tools will help you enhance your communication and create a stronger, more connected family unit.
Today We Find Out:
🧠 3 common communication mistakes that couples make after kids
🔍 How lack of appreciation creates distance in relationships
💡 Practical ways to express your needs clearly
👶 How parenthood affects the way we communicate
💬 How to use “clear and compassionate requests”
🧳 The importance of gratitude and appreciation in maintaining connection
🧘 How to manage stress to avoid damaging conversations
This episode will leave you feeling ready to tackle your communication challenges and bring more balance and understanding into your relationship.
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Referenced Links
Couple’s Communication Checklist
markellakaplani.com/coupleschecklist
(Send me a screenshot of your Apple review at info@markellakaplani.com and get it for FREE)
Couple’s Communication Workshop
markellakaplani.com/CouplesWorkshop
Sign up for the waitlist and be the first to know when we go live!
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Journaling Exercise
As your journaling exercise this week, pick one of the strategies discussed in the episode and put it into practice.
Write down in your journal whether you'll be using the daily appreciation ritual or the pausing before you snap, or whether you will be doing the weekly check ins.
Each small step helps to build a stronger foundation for your relationship.
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Related Resources and Links
> FREE Self-Connect Calendar
> FREE Guide: Calm Parent Calm Child
> (Re)Discover Your Identity in Motherhood [waitlist]
> Get in touch with me (Instagram; website; e-mail: info@markellakaplani.com)
> Leave a Podcast Review HERE 😀
> FREE Motherhood Coaching Session: Send an e-mail to info@markellakaplani.com with the subject line “Podcast Guesting”
> Join our community on Facebook: Parenthood and Relationship Group
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Find the full transcript HERE.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Arefwmg49G5qXmJzzrdzR58MHqvt1zcthjgqeVHds8M/edit?usp=sharing
—
🎧 Listen, share, and leave a review! Your support means the world!
📲 Follow me on Instagram @markella.kaplani for more insights and updates.
---
Markella Kaplani, M.A.
Clinical-Counseling Psychologist
Parenthood & Relationship Coach
www.markellakaplani.com
Markella Kaplani
Psychologist | Parenthood & Relationship Coach
The Parenthood and Relationship Podcast offers a deep exploration of the emotional and psychological challenges of becoming a parent.
Diving into topics like matrescence, patrescence, and the loss of identity, this podcast is designed to provide holistic, compassionate insights for those looking to navigate the complex dynamics of parenthood and relationships.
With weekly episodes focused on personal growth, overcoming parental guilt, and strengthening family bonds, it invites you, the listener to join a supportive community dedicated to personal and relational fulfillment.
Let's (re)connect to ourselves, our partners, our children, and each other!