270 episodes

The Parents Who Think debate podcast interrupts our parenting status quo. Join Danusia Malina-Derben entrepreneur, author and mother of 10 for no-holds-barred debates between intelligent parents with diverse perspectives as they deliver raw and unfiltered opinions on crucial parenting dilemmas. Whether you see yourself as a mainstream parent or embrace ‘marginalized’ views, PWT injects clarity into the hard realities of parenthood. Agreement is not the goal in the show; it’s about finding your unique path in the messy, real-world chaos of raising kids. Flex your agency, think, and redefine modern parenthood with PWT, where debate is done different.

Parents Who Think Danusia Malina-Derben

    • Kids & Family
    • 5.0 • 21 Ratings

The Parents Who Think debate podcast interrupts our parenting status quo. Join Danusia Malina-Derben entrepreneur, author and mother of 10 for no-holds-barred debates between intelligent parents with diverse perspectives as they deliver raw and unfiltered opinions on crucial parenting dilemmas. Whether you see yourself as a mainstream parent or embrace ‘marginalized’ views, PWT injects clarity into the hard realities of parenthood. Agreement is not the goal in the show; it’s about finding your unique path in the messy, real-world chaos of raising kids. Flex your agency, think, and redefine modern parenthood with PWT, where debate is done different.

    Should Smacking be Banned in England & Northern Ireland? Part 1

    Should Smacking be Banned in England & Northern Ireland? Part 1

    For our "Should Smacking be Banned in England & Northern Ireland?" debate, host Danusia Malina-Derben speaks with Roma Norriss + Jo Bull + Nicole Ratcliffe . Two guests firmly advocate for a ban (but for different reasons), while one urges us to tread carefully before implementing these measures. 
     
    Part 1 kicks off by delving into the lives of these three debate parents when they share the heart of their Life Stories in 200 words. Then the conversation unfolds, as Danusia opens up about her personal journey with smacking in the Dishing the Dirt segment, setting the stage for the challenging dialogue to come. Despite her composed demeanor, she candidly shares her unvarnished experiences, rooted in her role as a devoted mother to ten children.
     
    In the Say It In Six segment, guests condense their views into six succinct words, offering a glimpse into their perspectives. Following this, we move onto The P That Fits Me, where they reveal whether they identify as having Predictable, Progressive, or Polarizing opinions—a segment bound to spark disagreement!
     
    With our topic heating up, guests unpack their stances on whether smacking should be banned in England and Northern Ireland, by sharing about their childhoods and they begin to reveal the complexities beneath the surface. Is this topic as clear cut as we maybe thought?!
     
    Join us next week for Part 2 of this debate, where things get even messier as our PWT parents return to argue their case. Get ready for serious truth-telling in the core Get Up On Your High Horse segment. Don't miss out on the tea-spilling action!
     
    By the way, if you're new to Parents Who Think, this 10-minute episode, gives the lowdown on how PWT debates work and introduces you properly to host, Danusia Malina-Derben.
     
    PWT Guests featured in this debate are:
    Roma Norriss + Jo Bull + Nicole Ratcliffe
     
    Discover more from us:
    • Join us on Substack ~ We’ve developed a nice little community there. Come on over.
    • 70 countries that banned smacking
    • Smacking is an act of violence Guardian article
    • Why smacking should not be criminalised article
    • Follow us on Instagram
    • Connect with Danusia 
    • Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts
    • Advertising Inquiries here
     
    Credits:
    • Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben 
    • Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Roger Heathers
    • Assisted by Marie Kruz
    • Cover art by Anthony Oram

    • 48 min
    Whole Debate 3: Should Schools Teach about Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation?

    Whole Debate 3: Should Schools Teach about Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation?

    This special episode is for those who love a binge listen.  Here’s the “Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation?” debate in one convenient download. Expect a seamless exploration of this thought-provoking debate as three parents share their raw thoughts and opinions without holding back.
     
    We kick things off with guests sharing their quick 200-word LIFE STORIES, followed by the THE P THAT FITS ME segment where they reveal if they see themselves as Progressive, Predictable, or perhaps Polarising. Host Danusia also dishes her take in the DISHING THE DIRT segment, before diving into the core debate in GET UP ON YOUR HIGH HORSE.
     
    In the  IF THIS, THEN THAT section, the consequences of teaching gender identity and sexual orientation in schools are laid bare, without any sugarcoating. We delve into the ONE HABIT each guest adopts based on their stance, shedding light on how beliefs influence actions.
     
    As the debate wraps up, Danusia tackles the question herself: should schools teach her ten children about these topics? Reflect on whether this debate challenged your perspective or prompted a rethink of your beliefs, because ultimately, did it make you think? At Parents Who Think, we're all about sparking thought, not dictating it. 
     
    Join us next time as we tackle the big question: "Should Smacking be Banned in England & Northern Ireland?" Get ready for debate done different.
     
    PWT Guests featured in this debate are:
    Virginia Mendez + Jane + Amy McKeown
     
    Discover more from us:
    Join us on Substack
    Follow us on Instagram 
    Connect with Danusia
    Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts 
    Advertising Inquiries here
     
     
    Credits:
    Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben 
    Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Roger Heathers
    Assisted by Marie Kruz
    Cover art by Anthony Oram

    • 2 hr 31 min
    Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation? Part 3

    Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation? Part 3

    Join us for the final instalment of our robust debate on "Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation?" Our trio of guests dives deep into this contentious issue, fearlessly tackling tough questions and offering candid insights on the importance of addressing these topics in education. From the allocation of classroom time to fostering inclusivity and empathy among students, we confront the repercussions head-on in our "IF THIS THEN THAT" segment.
     
    Tune in to uncover the unique ONE HABIT each guest has cultivated in response to their stance on the inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation education in schools. Gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access as we delve into how these convictions shape their daily routines. Prepare to be surprised by the unexpected rituals these individuals adopt due to their positions on this matter.
     
    Expect a lively exchange of perspectives as our guests passionately defend their viewpoints, whether advocating for or against the incorporation of gender identity and sexual orientation education into the curriculum. Anticipate a blend of unfiltered honesty, introspective reflections, with an edge of chutzpah – because here at Parents Who Think, we celebrate the clash of ideas without settling for mere consensus.
     
    As our host, Danusia, wraps up the discussion, she shares her own thoughts on whether schools should address these topics with her own children. After immersing yourself in this thought-provoking dialogue, take a moment to ponder: Has this debate challenged your beliefs? Has it prompted a re-evaluation of your perspective? Ultimately, ask yourself: Did this episode provoke introspection?
     
    Here at Parents Who Think, we're not about telling you what to think; we provide debates, you decide what to think. Join us for the next PWT debate as we tackle the question: "Should Smacking be Banned in England and Northern Ireland?"
     
    PWT Guests featured in this debate are:
    Virginia Mendez + Jane + Amy McKeown 
     
    Discover more from us:
    Join us on Substack
    Follow us on Instagram 
    Connect with Danusia
    Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts 
    Advertising Inquiries here
     
     
    Credits:
    Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben 
    Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Roger Heathers
    Assisted by Marie Kruz
    Cover art by Anthony Oram

    • 48 min
    Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation? Part 2

    Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation? Part 2

    This episode Parents Who Think (PWT) guests Amy, Jane and Virginia continue debating the “Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation?” topic. Didn’t listen to episode one of this debate? Don’t worry. 
     
    If you’ve a newcomer to PWT debates you can catch up on details in a quick  10-minute episode, telling you how these PWT debates work and meet host, Danusia Malina-Derben. But if you're in a rush, just dive into this episode where Danusia and three parents discuss whether schools should teach about gender identity and sexual orientation, or not.
     
    In this episode, we kick things off by revisiting guests experiences of being taught about gender identity and sexual orientation at school and at home. Plus, we hear from one of Danusia’s sons about what he learned about this too. Cue the condom on the banana situation - this rite of passage was inadequate in the past and just doesn’t cut it now either. Then, prepare for the main event—the "Get Up On Your High Horse" segment where opinions collide; consensus isn't the ultimate goal here.
     
    You'll hear from one parent who's all about teaching beyond the binary model and sees entrusting teachers to impart gender identity and sexual orientation education as the way forward. Then there's another parent who wants heteronormativity eradicated and for schools to model diversity in their culture and across the curriculum. And finally, there's the third parent who argues schools do not have time for teaching gender identity, that this teaching is untested, not necessarily appropriate, and that other life skills are more important to focus on in school time. But wait, there's more: the safety of playgrounds is at stake, and everyone's got skin in the game.
     
    Next week, we delve further into the real-world implications of these parents beliefs. Remember, Parents Who Think won't hand you the answers; we're dishing out the debates, and it's up to you to pick your side.
     
    PWT Guests featured in this debate are:
    Virginia Mendez + Jane + Amy McKeown 
     
     
    Discover more from us:
    Join us on Substack
    Follow us on Instagram 
    Connect with Danusia
    Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts 
    Advertising Inquiries here
     
     
    Credits:
    Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben 
    Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Roger Heathers
    Assisted by Marie Kruz
    Cover art by Anthony Oram

    • 59 min
    Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation? Part 1

    Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation? Part 1

    We kick off the "Should Schools Teach About Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation?" debate today.
     
    If you're new to Parents Who Think, this 10-minute episode, gives the lowdown on how PWT debates work and introduces you to host, Danusia Malina-Derben. Don't let her demeanor fool you; she's genuinely a mother to ten!
     
    In episode one, we meet our next three debate parents as they share about their lives in a quick-fire segment called Guest Life Stories. Then, Danusia Dishes the Dirt on her background with gender identity and sexual orientation, setting the stage for things to come.
     
    Next, we have the Say It In Six segment, where parents sum up their opinions in just six words. Once we've got the nub of their views, we move onto The P That Fits Me segment. Guests reveal whether they believe they hold Predictable, Progressive, or Polarizing opinions. You’ll probably disagree with them on this. 
     
    As this is a scorcher of a topic guests tell us how they are defining gender identity, sexual orientation and non-binary. It’s not as plain sailing as we might think. And that's a wrap for this episode. 
     
    Tune in next week for episode two of this debate, where we get ever so messy with the same three PWT parents. Settle in for some serious tea-spilling in a segment called Get Up On Your High Horse, where the core debate thrashes out whether schools should teach about gender identity and sexual orientation, or not.
     
    Ps. Here’s the UK Govt Research Briefing Danusia promised to give you in this episode.
     
    PWT Guests featured in this debate are:
    Virginia Mendez + Jane + Amy McKeown
     
    Discover more from us:
    Join us on Substack
    Follow us on Instagram 
    Connect with Danusia
    Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts 
    Advertising Inquiries here
     
     
    Credits:
    Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben 
    Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Roger Heathers
    Assisted by Marie Kruz
    Cover art by Anthony Oram
     

    • 44 min
    Debate 2: The Sharing Episode

    Debate 2: The Sharing Episode

    This special PWT Sharing Episode is for people who like a binge listen.  Here’s the “Are we Creating Mollycoddled Kids?” debate in one convenient download. Prepare yourself for an uninterrupted exploration of this thought-provoking debate - three parents share their candid thoughts and opinions from start to finish, leaving no stone unturned. Unlike other debate shows, PWT guests don’t name-call or shame each other despite their differing opinions. There are plenty of surprises but no personal attacks. 
     
     
    We start out with guests sharing their quick fire 200 word LIFE STORY, followed by THE P THAT FITS ME segment. You’ll hear which guest thinks their opinion is Progressive, or Predictable or perhaps Polarising.
     
     
    Danusia, host of PWT says where she stands on this debate in the DISHING THE DIRT segment.  And on we go as each guest says it like they see it in the GET UP ON YOUR HIGH HORSE core part of the debate.
     
     
    In the "IF THIS, THEN THAT" section, the consequences of mollycoddling are debated without sugarcoating. We uncover the "ONE HABIT" adopted by guests based on their stance on favourite children. As we explore the relationship between beliefs and actions, we reveal how guests' beliefs shape their choices, offering a unique perspective on the topic. With the debate drawing to a close, host Danusia answers the question: does she mollycoddle her ten children?
     
     
    As you consider what you’ve heard, ask yourself: Did this debate challenge your perspective? Did it prompt you to reconsider your beliefs? Because ultimately, the most important question remains: Did this episode make you think? Here at Parents Who Think, we're not about telling you what to think; we provide debates, you decide what to think. This is debate done different.
     
     
    Join us for the next PWT debate as we tackle the burning question: ""Should Schools Teach about Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation?"
     
     
    PWT Guests featured in this debate are:
    Nicola Middleton + Rosie Sherry + Tanya Hackney
     
     
    Discover more from us:
    Join us on Substack
    Follow us on Instagram 
    Connect with Danusia
    Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts 
    Advertising Inquiries here
     
     
    Credits:
    Hosted by Danusia Malina-Derben 
    Edited, Mixed + Mastered by Roger Heathers
    Assisted by Marie Kruz
    Cover art by Anthony Oram
     

    • 2 hr 8 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
21 Ratings

21 Ratings

Top Podcasts In Kids & Family

Calm Parenting Podcast
Kirk Martin
Greeking Out from National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids
Good Inside with Dr. Becky
Dr. Becky Kennedy
Circle Round
WBUR
Wow in the World
Tinkercast | Wondery
Story Pirates
Story Pirates

You Might Also Like

Postcards From Midlife
Lorraine Candy & Trish Halpin
Happy Place
Fearne Cotton
Woman's Hour
BBC Radio 4
Life Changing
BBC Radio 4
Exhibit A
Marvellous
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
DOAC