The Village Thrives

Donna Ruko, Kristina Guerrero, Bradley Hasemeyer
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting
  • Series

The Village Thrives is a real-talk parenting podcast hosted by fellow parents and professional on-air personalities Donna Ruko, Kristina Guerrero, and Bradley Hasemeyer. With decades of combined experience in storytelling — and in the trenches of parenthood — we bring honest conversations, diverse perspectives, and plenty of laughs to the mic. Together, we explore what it truly means to build — and rebuild — our village in today’s world, and why none of us are meant to do this alone. Because when we lean on each other, we don’t just survive — we thrive. Join our village @TheVillageThrives Donna Ruko @DonnaRuko Bradley Hasemeyer @BHaz Kristina Guerrero @KristinaGuerrero Intro song - Temptation by Doug Locke Outro song - Precious by Doug Locke Available on Spotify and iTunes

Episodes

  1. It Takes A Village

    Episode 1

    It Takes A Village

    In our very first episode, we’re kicking things off by sharing what our own villages looked like growing up — from tight-knit family support to figuring things out on our own — and how those experiences have shaped the way we parent now. We talk honestly about how villages have changed, why they matter more than ever, and the very real challenges of building one in today’s world. Whether your village is big, small, chosen, or still in the works, this episode is a reminder that none of us are meant to do this alone. Let’s talk about how we build the kind of support system where families don’t just survive — they thrive.

    53 min
  2. Kid Parties - Cake, Chaos & Culture

    Episode 2

    Kid Parties - Cake, Chaos & Culture

    From homemade cakes and backyard games to elaborate themes and Instagram-worthy setups — kids’ birthday parties have come a long way. In this episode, we look back at what birthday parties were like when we were growing up and compare them to the bigger, pricier, and often more social-media-driven celebrations we see today. We talk about the rising cost of kids’ parties, the pressure parents can feel to make them “perfect,” and the cultural birthday traditions from around the world that make celebrations meaningful beyond the decorations. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the party — it’s about the memories we create for our kids (and ourselves).  Follow us @TheVillageThrives

    56 min
  3. What's for Dinner? Family Food Choices

    Episode 3

    What's for Dinner? Family Food Choices

    Food is more than fuel—it’s memories, traditions, and the choices that shape our families. In this episode, we explore how childhood experiences, culture, and parenting influence the way we eat. From navigating picky eaters and balancing convenience with nutrition to the rise of food allergies and the power of comfort food, we unpack the many factors behind what ends up on our plates. We also reflect on family rituals around meals, the role of socioeconomic factors in food choices, and how sharing food can strengthen family bonds. And to end on a fun note, we reveal what our ultimate “last meal” would be.

    1h 5m
  4. Raising Kids in a Screen-Filled World

    Episode 4

    Raising Kids in a Screen-Filled World

    Screen time has come a long way from Saturday morning cartoons and shared family TVs. In this episode, we take a look back at what “screen time” meant when we were kids and how it’s evolved into a constant presence in our children’s lives today. We dive into the challenges of navigating screens as modern parents — from setting realistic boundaries and rules to encouraging creativity, imagination, and even boredom in a tech-filled world. We also have an important conversation about autism and the unique screen time considerations that can come with it, along with practical guidelines to help families find a healthy balance. And of course, we wrap things up with Bradley’s weekly Dad Joke — because sometimes, you just need a good laugh to log off.

    1h 3m
  5. What No One Tells You About Parenting

    Episode 5

    What No One Tells You About Parenting

    There’s what you think parenting will be… and then there’s reality. In this episode, we’re sharing all the things we know now that we had no clue about before becoming parents — the unexpected discoveries, the moments that caught us completely off guard, and the lessons you really only learn in the trenches. From kids’ ever-changing obsessions (yes, including a surprising dive into WWE) to the wild phases and stages that take over your household, we’re talking about what we never saw coming. We also dive into the dad perspective — how fatherhood hits differently, and the question we don’t talk about enough: do dads have a village too?

    47 min
  6. Are Kids Too Busy? Finding the Right Balance

    Episode 6

    Are Kids Too Busy? Finding the Right Balance

    From after-school sports to music lessons and everything in between, extracurricular activities have become a big part of modern childhood — but are we doing too much? In this episode, we look back at the activities we grew up with and compare them to the packed schedules many kids have today. We dive into the real impact of extracurriculars — the good, the overwhelming, and everything in between — and talk about how to balance clubs, school, and the often-forgotten need for rest. We also explore how to navigate kids’ changing interests, handle pressure (from kids and parents), recognize burnout, and know when it’s okay to quit. Most importantly, we get to the heart of it all: keeping the fun alive and understanding the “why” behind the activities we choose for our kids. Because it’s not just about staying busy — it’s about helping our kids thrive.

    55 min
  7. The Blue Zones Secret to Living Longer & Happier!

    Episode 7

    The Blue Zones Secret to Living Longer & Happier!

    What if the secret to a longer, healthier, and happier life isn’t complicated — but rooted in how we live every day? In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, to break down the powerful lessons behind the world’s longest-living communities. Sarah walks us through the Power 9 — including the 80% rule — and shares how simple shifts like slowing down, managing stress, finding purpose, and prioritizing connection can have a lasting impact on our wellbeing and the wellbeing of our families. We also dive into the importance of belonging, how community shapes our health, and answer the question you didn’t know you had: what exactly is a Moai?

    1h 1m
  8. She Believed: Kristina’s Story of Strength, Survival & Hope

    Episode 8

    She Believed: Kristina’s Story of Strength, Survival & Hope

    This is a special episode of The Village Thrives, as Donna takes on the role of interviewer and sits down with Kristina for an intimate conversation about her memoir and supporting podcast, She Believed. Kristina opens up about her breast cancer journey — from the moment of diagnosis to navigating treatment while continuing to show up as a parent, partner, and professional. She shares what it was like to compartmentalize life during illness, how she made decisions about what to share with her children, and the role her village played throughout her experience. It is an honest conversation about motherhood, vulnerability, and the unexpected ways life can reshape us. Kristina also reflects on why, despite everything, she describes this chapter as one of the best things that has ever happened to her — and what she hopes others can take from her story. Follow "She Believed" here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shebelievedpod Listen here:Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/she-believed-with-kristina-guerrero/id1819072697

    40 min
  9. Parenting Styles: What Actually Works?

    Episode 9

    Parenting Styles: What Actually Works?

    Are you strict, relaxed… or somewhere in between? This week, we’re diving into the world of parenting styles — from Diana Baumrind’s classic four (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved) to newer approaches like “lighthouse parenting.” We explore how discipline has evolved over time, how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent, and what it looks like to blend different styles in real life. From handling backtalk to managing the everyday stress of parenting, we share the real-life challenges we’re all navigating together. Most importantly, we talk about the power of repair: owning our mistakes, reconnecting with our kids, and remembering that parenting isn’t about perfection — it’s about intention, growth, and showing up again and again. And as we wrap up Season 1, it feels only fitting to end on a topic that every parent is still figuring out in real time. Subscribe and Thrive: InstagramThe Village Thrives - @thevillagethrivesDonna Ruko - @DonnaRuko Kristina Guerrero - @KristinaGuerreroBradley Hasemeyer - @BHaz YouTubewww.youtube.com/@TheVillageThrives Thank you for joining the village. Keep thriving!

    1h 1m
  10. Meet The Hosts - Donna Ruko

    Bonus

    Meet The Hosts - Donna Ruko

    Donna Ruko is an Emmy Award–winning TV host and former 90s girl band member who now channels her creativity into motherhood, community, and meaningful conversation. As a proud mother to an energetic 8-year-old boy, a loving wife, and a stepmother to three grown bonus kids, she is passionate about raising healthy, resilient children and knows that parents flourish when they feel supported. Meditation is her medication, and she believes music heals, food feeds the soul, laughter is the best medicine. Sensitive, playful, and always ready to laugh—and perhaps indulge in her obsession with English Heinz baked beans—Donna brings honesty, heart, and practical wisdom to The Village Thrives.

    25 min
  11. Meet The Hosts - Bradley Hasemeyer

    Bonus

    Meet The Hosts - Bradley Hasemeyer

    Bradley Hasemeyer is an Emmy-Award winning host, father, and lover of coffee. He's spent more than 20 years traveling the world interviewing people, driving supercars, and hosting game shows. He's not new to the podcast space; he has hosted past shows like "Attempting Fatherhood", and "Midlife Crisis", as well as various podcasts for brands like Honda, and Best Buy. With a 12-year-old middle schooler, five-year-old in Kindergarten, and a 30-year-old foster daughter, Bradley's understanding of #Dadlife is ever-evolving and always humbling. He is very excited to be joining his long time friends Donna and Kristina for this new project and hoping to prove to everyone listening that they aren't alone in whatever circumstance they face. His one piece of advice for all parents: more coffee.

    19 min
  12. Meet The Hosts - Kristina Guerrero

    Bonus

    Meet The Hosts - Kristina Guerrero

    Kristina Guerrero has spent more than 20 years hosting and reporting on national television — from red carpets to TV sets — and is now a proud Student of the Month mom and reigning Best Mommy of the Year (according to her kids anyway!).  She’s mom to Mateo (on the cusp of teenagerdom… Lord help her!) and Sebastian, 6 (who still thinks Mommy hung the moon), and brings her lived experience as a working mom, cancer survivor, and sober woman into real, honest conversations about parenting in the real world. These days, she’s traded Hollywood glam for baseball practice, 6th grade math, and the beautiful chaos of raising good humans.

    22 min
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Village Thrives is a real-talk parenting podcast hosted by fellow parents and professional on-air personalities Donna Ruko, Kristina Guerrero, and Bradley Hasemeyer. With decades of combined experience in storytelling — and in the trenches of parenthood — we bring honest conversations, diverse perspectives, and plenty of laughs to the mic. Together, we explore what it truly means to build — and rebuild — our village in today’s world, and why none of us are meant to do this alone. Because when we lean on each other, we don’t just survive — we thrive. Join our village @TheVillageThrives Donna Ruko @DonnaRuko Bradley Hasemeyer @BHaz Kristina Guerrero @KristinaGuerrero Intro song - Temptation by Doug Locke Outro song - Precious by Doug Locke Available on Spotify and iTunes

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Ruko, Kristina Guerrero, Bradley Hasemeyer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright The Village Thrives 2026