KICPOD is a D&M with your besties on the stuff that matters. Hosted by Steph Claire Smith and Laura Henshaw, founders of Kic, a health & wellness app that focuses on feeling your best, not looking a certain way. To learn more you can find them on Instagram at @kicpod, @kic.app, @stephclairesmith and @laura.henshaw or visit their website kicapp.com
You meet someone, you get married, you have children. Right? That’s been the status quo for so long that it can be hard to imagine an alternative. For so many people who don’t feel called to be a parent, that path doesn’t feel right. But if you’ve grown up in a world where everyone you know, and everyone you follow, and every character in every movie and every TV show is getting married and having children, how do you distinguish what you want versus what society wants you to want? And if you do decide to have children…does your whole purpose have to switch to motherhood?
To help answer these questions Laura speaks with parenthood clarity mentor Ann Davidman. Ann and Denise L. Carlini wrote the book ‘Motherhood - Is It For Me?’ and Ann runs an online Motherhood Clarity Course and Fatherhood Clarity Course for people struggling with indecision.
Laura asks Ann: why do we feel shame over not knowing if we want to have children? What is the difference between our desire for children vs our decision to have children? Can we have more than one purpose in life? And most importantly…how do we start to figure all of this out?
Then you share your thoughts on the topic ❤️
FIND OUT MORE
Read ‘Motherhood - Is It For Me?’ https://www.motherhoodisitforme.com/books
Check out the Motherhood Clarity Course https://www.motherhoodisitforme.com/motherhoodclaritycourse
And the Fatherhood Clarity Course https://www.motherhoodisitforme.com/fatherhood-clarity-course
Follow Ann on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/anndavidman/
FOLLOW US
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Join Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Having children is one of the biggest decisions we'll ever make.
And for many people between the ages of 20 - 40, who don't feel called to be a parent, this question can be all-consuming. It was for Laura.
Last year Laura opened up on the podcast for the first time about her anxieties about having children. Your messages of support, encouragement, and "I feel exactly the same as you," are what inspired this miniseries.
'Do I Want Kids' is for everyone who is sitting with the decision.
Over 7 episodes hear Laura speak with people from all walks of life; from parenthood mentors to child-free advocates, career-driven professionals, stay-at-home mums, young and older parents, relationship experts, medical specialists and finally her own husband Dalton, about this decision.
New episodes will publish every Wednesday and Friday.
FOLLOW US
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Join Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We talk a lot about rebuilding our relationship to food but we don’t talk as much about our relationship to exercise. Off the back of Laura’s HIIT classes in the Kic app, and the D&M we responded to last week about listening to your body, we wanted to talk about it. And just like our relationship to food - even when you’re in a good spot with exercise - past behaviours can sneak up on you when you least expect it.
And this is your reminder that if you haven’t had a house party or a sleepover with your girlfriends in a while…do it!!
Plus we reflect on how we’re feeling about the horrifying state of violence against women in Australia right now. Sending love to anyone who’s going through it themselves or feeling anxious and unsafe.
1800RESPECT is the national domestic, family, and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit www.1800respect.org.au for online chat and video call services.
We spoke to Tarang Chawla about his personal experience with domestic violence and losing his sister Niki in 2015. The episode is called ‘The Raw Reality of Domestic Abuse and Family Violence’ https://pod.fo/e/238cc6
We also spoke to Sue & Lloyd Clarke, the parents of Hannah Clarke, who was murdered with her children by her estranged partner in 2020. The episode is called ‘Coercive control in relationships - how to spot the warning signs, with Sue & Lloyd Clarke’ https://pod.fo/e/202c1a
SPECIAL SHARES
Laura: The Playlist on Netflix https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81186296?source=35
Steph: Laura’s miniseries ‘Do I Want Kids’ !! Keep an eye on the feed tomorrow, Wednesday and Friday for the trailer and the first two episodes
The sleepover article we mentioned https://www.refinery29.com/en-au/2024/03/11696618/adult-sleepovers-nostalgia-friendship-socialising
FOLLOW US
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jess Sanders is a social worker and children’s author. Her latest book ‘You Can Do Hard Things - A Little One’s Guide For Not Giving Up’ helps children see disappointments as opportunities.
A growth mindset empowers children to believe in themselves and reach their full potential. From building blocks, to learning times tables, children are constantly faced with difficulties, and a growth mindset helps children believe they are capable of overcoming these difficulties, if not today, then one day.
In this conversation, Steph speaks with Jess about what a growth mindset actually means, how parents can model a growth mindset themselves, why children should experience failure and disappointment and what they can learn from it, not trying to “fix” our children’s emotions and giving children the tools to build their self-confidence.
Check out Jess' latest book 'Life Lessons for Little Ones: You Can Do Hard Things' https://www.booktopia.com.au/life-lessons-for-little-ones-you-can-do-hard-things-jess-sanders/book/9781922930316.html
KIC UPDATE
Whether you’re a new mum, soon-to-be mum or all you want in life is to be a mum, no matter what kind of mum you are, Kic is here to help you make time for you. We’re treating our KICBUMP community to 1 month free with Kic. If you’re already a Kic member, you can share this code with the amazing women in your life.
The code 1MONTH4MUM is available via www.kicapp.com until next Wednesday May 15th.
FOLLOW US
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Jess @iamjesssanders on Instagram
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram, @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Join our virtual mothers' group in the the KICBUMP Facebook group. Search 'KICBUMP Community'
Kic @kic.app on Instagram, @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our stories of overthinking and overexplaining! Laura shares what happened when she spent the day rubbing her eyes and tried to buy three bottles of wine on a Friday night (without looking in the mirror) and Steph reveals a recent email fail. Then we hear your stories of overthinking. Overthinkers, hypochondriacs, anxious girlies…you’re all welcome here.
Plus we open the mailbox to answer one of your DMs about running: “how do you know the difference between listening to your body vs breaking the mental barrier of “I can do it?”
And we want to give you a nickname! Are you a Little Ray (of sunshine) or a Cloudy? Have your say in the closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
And it’s the final week of the KICPOD audience survey! Tell us what you think of the podcast and you’ll go in the running to win a $100 Visa e-gift card https://form.typeform.com/to/wzd5Wuuu
SPECIAL SHARES
Kic UPDATE
Join is for the final Kic Run Club meet up this Saturday in Sydney! We’re meeting at the North Bondi Surf Club at 7:30am. There will be giveaways from New Balance and a relaxation station for after your run. No matter how far you can run, come join us!
Register here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/kicrun-club-north-bondi-meet-up-tickets-888002568587
FOLLOW US
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When Ash Paraskevas was in her early 20’s she was in a longterm relationship, studying law (as the first person in her family to attend uni) and competing in Miss World. From the outside - it looked like she had it all. But inside she was struggling with severe anxiety, depression, domestic abuse and changing everything about herself to try and fit in and be loved.
In this episode Ash generously shares how she built herself back from rock bottom to a place where she’s now living fully and authentically as herself and proud of it, including stripping back the layer of who she thought she “should” be and stepping into her sexuality as a lesbian woman.
We loved this chat and can’t wait to have Ash back on for a part two BUT you can also hear more from Ash in Liv Rogers’ podcast ‘Tell Me More’ https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/the-superpower-of-vulnerability-with-ash-paraskevas-part-1/id1716520554?i=1000640936889
FOLLOW US
Ash @ashparaskevas on Instagram
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
Ash Paraskevas @ashparaskevas on Instagram
Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We saw a TikTok about "food noise" and we want to talk about it. "Food noise" is the relentless thoughts about food and eating that unfortunately so many of us have experienced or still do experience. We reflect on how food noise still shows up for us regardless of how much effort we put into combating these thoughts, and what we can do to try and break the cycle.
If you experience food noise, disordered eating or an eating disorder, support is available at the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673 from 8am - midnight (AEST/AEDT) 7 days a week.
Then we bring back Kic Court! You asked: “my friend is having a child-free wedding. Can I still bring my baby and excuse myself if they make noise?” Buckle up, Kic Court is in session.
And the KICPOD Audience Survey is still live! Tell us what you think of the podcast and you'll go in the running to win a $100 Visa e-gift card https://form.typeform.com/to/wzd5Wuuu
SPECIAL SHARES
Kic UPDATE
Ready for something that HIITs different? Join Laura in the yellow room for a series of brand new 5 to 15-minute workouts. We’ve partnered with frank green to bring more energy, motivation and feel-good vibes to your dreaded HIIT session. Don’t believe us? Try just ONE of Laura's HIIT classes and you’ll go in the draw to win an entire year with Kic and a prize pack from frank green.
FOLLOW US
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This episode is tough but a really important conversation for every parent and person with young people in their lives. Grooming refers to an older child or adult establishing a trusting relationship with a child or their family to sexually abuse or exploit the child. The average age that a child is abused is 6.8 years old and 90% of children who are abused know their abuser.
To help make sense of it all, Steph speaks with Jayneen Sanders. Jayneen is a mum of three, author and educator who writes children’s books on body boundaries, respect, consent, body safety, feelings and emotions.
In this episode, they speak about what grooming actually is, the red flags parents can look out for, how parents can live with the fear of letting their children out of their sights, what to do if you suspect your child is being groomed, and what support exists.
GET SUPPORT
Raising Children Network https://raisingchildren.net.au/
Centre Against Sexual Assault https://casacv.org.au/
FOLLOW US
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Jayneen @jayneensanders on Instagram & @educate2empower
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram, @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Join our virtual mothers' group in the the KICBUMP Facebook group. Search 'KICBUMP Community'
Kic @kic.app on Instagram, @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It feels like only yesterday that we were sitting in our cars recording this podcast on our iPhones and now you’ve downloaded us over 14 MILLION (!) times in places as far and wide as Greeland and Jamaica.
For KICPOD’s 5th birthday we take a trip down memory lane from them to now, reflect on what making this podcast means to us and hear what the podcast means to you.
Plus! We think five years is a good time to give you guys a nickname. Tell us in our Facebook group what you want to be called ;)
And last one! We’re doing a KICPOD survey to try and get to know you a little better. Tell us what you think and you’ll go in the running to win a $100 Visa e-gift voucher https://form.typeform.com/to/wzd5Wuuu
Thanks for spending the last five years with us. We love you <3
FOLLOW US
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If you’ve ever questioned if you’re on the right path and wished you could ask someone who’s no longer alive what they think, a psychic medium could help connect you. Jessica Lynne is a psychic medium who’s dedicated herself to connecting the living with their departed loved ones. Steph & Laura both received a reading from Jess, and in this episode, they unpack it together.
Find out: how Jess actually connects with departed loved ones, what you should do with the information you get from a medium, can you still get a reading even if you’ve never lost someone, and how skeptical is too skeptical?
Then Steph & Laura share parts of their own readings with Jess and how the readings align to things they’re both working through right now.
FOLLOW US
Jessica Lynne Mediumship @jessicalynnemediumship on Instagram
Check our Jessica's website https://www.jessicalynnemediumship.com/
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People are commenting on Laura's TikTok telling her she should divorce her husband Dalton. And you know what? Laura couldn't care less.
Plus! Steph had a moment when she realised something she was doing to “save time” actually ended up worse off than if she’d put in effort to begin with. So we asked you…what do you to “save” time that ends up taking you longer? If you hate putting away your washing or taking out the recycling, we see you.
And hi Alice! You guys love seeing Alice on the Kic Instagram and TikTok so we brought her into the studio to say hello.
SPECIAL SHARES
Kic UPDATE
Ready to try Pilates but don’t know the difference between teasers and toe taps? Or ready to feel strong but don’t know the difference between a split or sumo squat Introducing: The Beginner Series. Support, guidance and celebration, from the very beginning. Everyone celebrates the finish line, But who’s cheering you on from the beginning? ‘Begin With Pilates’ has everything you need to enter your Pilates era and by the end of our 14-step ‘Begin With Strength’ series, you’ll have the basic movements covered and feel ready to workout with confidence.
FOLLOW US
KICPOD @kicpod on Instagram
Join our closed KICPOD Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/630561419185145/
Steph Claire Smith @stephclairesmith on Instagram & @steph_claire_smith on TikTok
Laura Henshaw @laura.henshaw on Instagram & @laura.henshaw on Tiktok
Kic @kic.app on Instagram & @kic on TikTok and kicapp.com or download the app from the App Store and Google Play Store
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Your feedback is valuable to us. Should you encounter any bugs, glitches, lack of functionality or other problems, please email us on [email protected] or join Moon.FM Telegram Group where you can talk directly to the dev team who are happy to answer any queries.