In this episode of The Break Room, hosts Michel and Natashia engage in a heartfelt conversation reflecting on their shared past and personal growth. They discuss the impact of growing up with a sibling on the autism spectrum, the challenges of parenting, and the complexities of co-parenting in the context of toxic relationships. Natashia shares her experiences as an ABA therapist, shedding light on the struggles families face with special needs children. The conversation also touches on the importance of recognizing red flags in relationships, the significance of transparency in parenting, and the ongoing challenges of domestic violence. Through their candid dialogue, they explore themes of resilience, personal growth, and the lessons learned from navigating life's challenges. In this conversation, Michel Desgrottes and Natashia discuss various themes including the challenges women face in legal situations, the daily awareness of women's safety, the balancing act of education and parenting, and the professional hurdles encountered in male-dominated fields. They also touch on personal experiences with gender bias, the struggles of homeownership, and the complexities of parenting through stress and trauma. The conversation concludes with reflections on future aspirations and the importance of work-life balance.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Break Room

02:16 Reflections on Childhood and Adolescence

04:36 Growing Up with Autism

07:07 The Journey of an ABA Therapist

09:19 Navigating Parenting Challenges

11:50 The Impact of Co-Parenting

14:00 Understanding Autism in Daily Life

21:27 Navigating Toxic Relationships

25:07 Family Dynamics and Personal Growth

30:35 Red Flags in Relationships

39:14 The Broken System of Protection

40:02 Navigating Women's Safety in Daily Life

40:16 The Impact of Gender on Professional Experiences

42:51 Returning to Education as an Adult

44:46 Overcoming Personal Challenges in Education

46:29 Career Transitions and Gender Dynamics

48:27 Experiences of Women in Male-Dominated Fields

51:14 Homeownership Challenges and Gender Roles

52:26 Dealing with Insurance and Home Repairs

01:02:16 Navigating Toxic Relationships and Their Impact

01:02:44 Navigating the Home Buying Process

01:06:26 Parenting Challenges and Strategies

01:10:13 The Impact of Family Dynamics on Children

01:13:56 Future Aspirations and Work-Life Balance

01:17:14 Reflections on Generational Differences