Cat & Nat Unfiltered

Are We Holding Our Kids Back? 21.07.2026 26min

Summer is somehow half over, one of our daughters is moving away to university in six weeks...why does it feel like we’re already grieving a life that hasn’t even changed yet? What is this weird in-between stage of parenting where your kids are still home… but not really?? We’re packing for residence, cleaning out bedrooms, pretending we’re not emotional, and trying to convince ourselves that FaceTime means they’re not actually gone. If you’re sending a kid to university, wondering whether you’re supposed to be crying, or just trying to survive the emotional whiplash of parenting older teens, this one is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Failure to Launch 20.07.2026 36min

In this repeat episode we get into how parenting teens feels like uncharted territory. It doesn't get easier—it just changes. One of the hardest parts is figuring out how to help our kids launch. What used to feel like a natural step toward independence now seems to require a whole lot more from us. We love that they still want to be close, but does that closeness help them grow—or quietly hold them back? At what point do we stop holding on and start giving them a little push? And really... how much should they still be telling us? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild World of Hockey Episode 8: Why Does Hockey Feel Like the Mafia? 17.07.2026 38min

We are talking about the unspoken rules of youth hockey and sharing everything we wish we'd known before our kids started moving teams. Why do so many parents feel like they're navigating a world with rules that no one is actually willing to explain? This episode isn't just about hockey—it's about parenting. We talk about trusting your instincts, asking the uncomfortable questions, choosing coaches based on character instead of reputation, and remembering that your child's emotional well-being matters just as much as their athletic development. You are your child's biggest advocate. Don't be afraid to use your voice.Keywordsyouth sports, parenting, coaching, hockey, team selection, child development, sportsmanship, parental advocacyKey topicsChoosing the right sports team and coachAdvocating for your child's needs and well-beingUnderstanding the unspoken rules and culture of youth sportsBalancing competitiveness and fun in sportsThe importance of communication between parents and coachesRecognizing and addressing toxic behaviors in sports environmentsSupporting your child's development and love for the game Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Summer Break? For Who? 14.07.2026 20min

Summer is supposed to be relaxing, so why does it feel like we're working harder than ever? We're talking about the chaos that starts the minute school ends—from packing for vacations and keeping everyone healthy, to realizing moms somehow become the family's travel coordinator, logistics manager, and nurse all at once. Because without fail, someone always gets sick. It's basically a vacation rule. So we've become those moms who pack for everything—from scrapes and little cuts to the first sign of a sore throat or cold. We'd much rather be overprepared than spend our vacation searching for a pharmacy!Head to https://www.betadine.ca/ for the Betadine products we always throw in our suitcase to help keep the little things from becoming big vacation problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting Is Not for the Weak 13.07.2026 33min

In this repeat episode we talk about what defines good parenting—and how do you know if you’re actually doing it right? In those first ten years, we felt like we were getting an A+: the routines, the structure, the feeling that we were showing up and doing everything we could. Even though it was physically and mentally exhausting, there was a sense of control and purpose.But parenting evolves as kids get older. The job shifts from managing every detail to sharing the responsibility, letting them make their own choices, and moving into more of a coaching role. Because parenting isn’t a straight path—it’s the ultimate freight train ride, and you’re just trying to hold on through every twist, turn, and unexpected stop. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Midlife with a Sex Life?? 10.07.2026 28min

In this repeat episode we’re talking about desire — where it comes from, where it goes, and why it seems to change so much over the years. Has our definition of sexual desire evolved as we’ve gotten older, or did the chaos of life, parenting, and the endless mental load slowly push it to the back burner?Nat used to be a full-on walking horndog, but somewhere between motherhood, exhaustion, and keeping everyone else alive, desire took a bit of a back seat. So we’re asking: does desire disappear when your kids are little only to come rushing back when they leave the house? Or does empty nesting shine a giant spotlight on your relationship when all the distractions are gone and there are no more excuses left? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Invisible Injury: Olivia’s Concussion Story 07.07.2026 37min

Three years ago Cat's daughter Olivia got a concussion... and it changed everything. What we thought would be a 10-day recovery turned into a year-long journey through chronic headaches, dizziness, vision problems, panic, endless appointments, and lots of questions unanswered. Today Olivia joins Cat to share what happened—from the moment she hit her head to what recovery actually looked like. We talk about the mistakes we made, the advice we wish we'd been given on day one, why concussions are so misunderstood, and the treatments that finally helped us find a path forward. If your child has ever hit their head, is recovering from a concussion, or you're feeling completely lost trying to navigate the system, this conversation is for you. We aren't doctors, but we are parents who lived it, and we're sharing everything we wish we'd known sooner. Because sometimes the biggest challenge isn't the injury itself—it's finding someone who knows how to help!Keywordsconcussion, brain injury, recovery, health, teens, parents, medical system, management, symptoms, research concussion, neurorehabilitation, brain injury, recovery tips, nervous system, concussion management, brain health, concussion therapy, mental health, recovery journeyKey topicsConcussion symptoms and misdiagnosisLack of information and medical supportManagement vs. cure in concussion recoveryThe importance of neurological and eye assessmentsThe evolving research on brain injuries Concussion rehabilitation techniquesImportance of nervous system calmingRole of neurotherapy and specialized clinicsManaging emotional and mental health during recoveryPractical daily routines and activity pacing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Throwback: Questions Every Mom Should Ask Themselves 06.07.2026 32min

It is officially summer so that means we are bringing you back some of YOUR favourite episodes!! There is a shift in parenting older kids. The roles, the routines, even the purpose. Do we need a club? Hobbies? A retirement home for people our age? We ask ourselves the three questions every mom should ask. Weigh in and let us know your answers! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild World of Hockey Episode 7: Everyone Thinks Their Kid Is Going Pro 03.07.2026 22min

We are bringing you a repeat this holiday weekend! This episode isn’t just about sports—it’s about confidence, resilience, and rethinking what winning really means. We get into the pressure parents put on kids, the entitlement that can creep into youth sports, and why sometimes the biggest lessons happen off the field.And because we can never leave well enough alone, we dream up our latest million-dollar idea: live post-game feedback panels where real experts break down every player's performance—for both the kids and the parents. It would be completely unhinged... and we'd absolutely watch.Whether you're a sports parent, a coach, or just someone who appreciates the chaos that comes with raising kids, this episode is full of laughs, honest conversations, and reminders that success isn't just about trophies—it's about raising confident, resilient humans. So if you've ever questioned whether everyone takes youth sports a little too seriously, this one's for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is This Perimenopause or Just Life? 30.06.2026 29min

We are a little all over the place this week! We get into a very real conversation about perimenopause, unpredictable periods, navigating women's healthcare, and why getting answers shouldn't be harder than booking Botox. We also chat about sports nutrition, the pressure social media puts on feeding our kids "the right way," and why girls love hanging out in their rooms while boys disappear to the basement. Plus, we're sharing our ultimate dorm shopping list for parents getting ready to send their kids off to university. Find it (and so much more!) here: https://shopmy.us/shop/catandnat.Keywordsfamily cooking, cultural food differences, perimenopause, women's health, parenting, nutrition, dorm essentialsKey topicsTeaching kids to cook meat safelyCultural differences in food preferencesPerimenopause symptoms and medical proceduresEssential dorm room items and organizationFamily food traditions and myths Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Summer Series: The Career Advice Our Kids Actually Need with Emily Durham 29.06.2026 33min

Today we’re joined by career coach, recruiter, content creator, public speaker and author Emily Durham for a conversation every parent of a teen or young adult needs to hear. Emily's longtime expertise in hiring and recruitment has made her a trusted voice on modern hiring, Gen Z careers, and the evolving world of work. We get into the reality of today’s job market, why getting hired feels harder than ever, and what skills actually matter in a world where AI is changing everything. Emily breaks down why empathy, decision-making, leadership, and communication may be more valuable than technical skill, how teens can stand out in a crowded job market, and why old-school tactics like walking in with a resume might be making a comeback. We also talk about Gen Z’s relationship with work, why they’re not as lazy as people think, and how parents can guide their kids without turning every conversation into a lecture.For more from Emily, follow her on Instagram at @emily.the.recruiter. And for the career resource she wishes she'd had herself, check out her debut book, Clock In: No-BS Advice for Getting Ahead in Your Career (Without Losing Your Mind), at emilydurham.org/clock-in.Keywordscareer advice, future of work, skills development, Gen Z, education, AI, job market, parenting, career coachingKey topicsShift in the job market due to AI and technologyImportance of transferable skills like judgment and empathyHow parents can help kids develop soft skillsThe changing landscape of university educationThe role of social media in hiring decisionsPractical tips for teens to build their resumesThe importance of early work experience and volunteeringAdapting career education to modern needs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild World of Hockey Episode 6: Hockey Slang Decoded 26.06.2026 27min

We’re talking hockey drafts, hockey agents, hockey reality shows, hockey WAGs and the absolutely wild world of youth sports where kids seem to need highlight reels, social media managers, and future plans before they can even drive. We debate whether young athletes really need agents, if social media is helping or hurting kids chasing big dreams, and whether talent alone is still enough to get noticed. Plus, we share stories from the rink that will have every sports parent nodding along. And then Nat quizzes Cat on hockey slang! Tune in to find out if Cat is a hockey expert or just really good at guessing.Keywordshockey, youth sports, social media, parenting, sports terminology, hockey slang, kids and social media, sports drafts, athlete brandingKey topicsHockey terminology and slang explainedThe youth sports draft process and athlete developmentThe role of social media in young athletes' careersParenting tips for kids in competitive sportsInsights into hockey culture and community Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Food Noise, Weight Loss & Why Willpower Isn't Always Enough 23.06.2026 26min

We are deep in the weeds over here with graduations, ceremonies, and all the end-of-year chaos that comes with having seven kids! So this week, we're bringing back one of your favourite episodes. We're talking about one of the biggest conversations happening right now: bodies, aging, weight, and the growing buzz around GLP-1 medications. With celebrities like Oprah and Serena Williams making headlines, it feels like everyone has an opinion—but what’s actually true? We dissect the reality of food noise, why weight and health are far more complex than willpower alone, and how aging can completely shift the way you think about your body. From metabolism and mindset to the pressure women face to look a certain way, we're having the honest conversation so many of us have been having behind closed doors. If you've ever wondered why some people seem to struggle with food differently, felt frustrated by outdated advice, or found yourself navigating a changing relationship with your body as you age, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Summer Series: The Teen Job Debate 22.06.2026 26min

We're talking about the great teen summer job debate: Are jobs really impossible to find, or have our kids become a little too selective? We get into a conversation about chores, responsibility, and why we're still cleaning up after our teenagers who somehow have time for their phones but not the dishwasher. If you're raising teens, trying to teach responsibility, or wondering if you're the only one having the same argument over and over again, this episode is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild World of Hockey Episode 5: Your Marriage Might Not Survive Hockey 19.06.2026 32min

From locker room culture and the lessons we hope our kids learn, to the coaches who change lives and the conversations every team should be having, this episode in our hockey series goes deep. We talk about raising kids who have the courage to speak up, why being "not guilty" isn't always the same as being right, and how sports can shape so much more than athletic ability. Of course, we also get into hockey parents, spring hockey battles, the family that got divorced over hockey, and the grown man who still resents his father for making him play. We talk about what happens when a sport becomes a kid's entire identity, why summer breaks matter, and how to make sure your relationship with your child exists beyond the rink. If you've ever spent a weekend at a rink, argued about spring hockey, or wondered if you're raising a kid who loves the game or just doesn't know anything else, this one's for you.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being Innocent Feels Suspicious 16.06.2026 30min

School’s almost out, the kids are half checked out, and we seem to be running around to a million and one end of the year school events. Question...Why do we only give awards to the kids with the highest grades? Where’s the scholarship for the kid who makes everyone laugh, organizes the fun, and is the reason people actually want to come to school? That should be the Cat & Nat award. From there, we get into police chases and why crossing the border can make even the most innocent person question every decision they’ve ever made. Why does everyone suddenly feel guilty in front of a police officer? And how many oranges are too many oranges to bring across the border?Keywordsparenting, school ceremonies, billeting athletes, privacy, surveillance, technology, parenting humor, everyday life, societal rules, personal storiesKey topicsBilleting athletes and their familiesSchool closing ceremonies and awardsPrivacy concerns with technology and surveillanceParenting humor and everyday life stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Summer Series: If They're Not Online, Are They Left Out? 15.06.2026 27min

Everyone wants a simple answer: When should I give my kid a phone? The problem is, there isn’t one. It's one of the biggest parenting debates out there—phones, Snapchat, social media, and whether keeping our kids offline is protecting them or leaving them out. From flip phones and family tracking apps to group chats, Snap Maps, and the reality of how kids actually communicate today, we're unpacking the pressure many of us feel and the balancing act of keeping our kids safe while helping them stay connected. We talk about the fear of exclusion, the risks that come with social media, why one-size-fits-all rules rarely work, and why every child's readiness looks different. The question isn't always, "Is my child ready for a phone?" Sometimes it's, "Am I ready to parent one?"If you're navigating the digital world with tweens or teens, this episode is for you! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild World of Hockey Episode 4: Hockey Rink Icks 12.06.2026 37min

We are bringing you episode 4 of the wild world of youth hockey—from tournament weekends and rink life to hockey dads behaving badly, it all continues! We've got viral parent fights in the stands, glass-banging enthusiasts (one who aggressive cheerer/glass clapper who may surprise you!), sideline coaching, team group chats, and all the things that give them the ultimate rink ick. It's all part of the strange, entertaining, and occasionally unhinged culture of youth sports. Whether you're a hockey parent, a sports parent, or just someone who loves hearing about real-life chaos, this episode is packed with plenty of rink-side drama. Leave us your biggest rink icks, your wildest sports-parent stories, and tell us what's the craziest thing you've ever seen at a game? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hospitals Are Better Than Reality TV 09.06.2026 31min

We covered everything from mammograms and mysterious ultrasound follow-ups to hormones and perimenopause. We also talk about the anxiety of waiting for health test results, the surprisingly entertaining world of hospital waiting rooms, and whether hormones might be responsible for our shrinking patience. And because no conversation stays on track for long, we somehow end up pitching a whole new business venture involving spray tans, laser hair removal, and the realization that women could probably build an entire economy just by trading the skills they already have. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Summer Series: Phones, Anxiety & Teens 08.06.2026 31min

This week, we're diving headfirst into the thing parents worry about more than anything else: teen mental health. Are our kids more anxious than ever, or are we just using different language now? What's the difference between being nervous, shy, anxious, sentimental, or depressed? And how much of it is connected to phones, social media, and the digital world our kids are growing up in? We talk about the realities of parenting in a world where our kids' entire social lives live on a device—and why conversations matter more than simply taking the phone away.Keywordsteen mental health, social media, anxiety, parenting, phones, digital age, teenagers, mental health awareness, summer seriesKey topicsTeen mental health and social mediaImpact of phones on anxiety and self-esteemParenting strategies for digital ageUnderstanding mental health terminology and misconceptions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.