In this Parenting is Political episode, Sophie sits down to kōrero with Dr George Parker (they/them) for a conversation about why representation and inclusion matter in healthcare and social services - for all whānau but especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

George talks us through their journey from midwifery, to advocacy mahi with Women's Health Action, and then into academic research as they discovered gaps in the available data. We discuss the difference that safe, inclusive, whānau-centred care can make on people's wellbeing.

George shares their knowledge and experience so generously and, in our opinion, this should be essential listening for anyone working in the perinatal health and support space.

George also mentions the publishing house Flamingo Rampant, who published their children's book "Bell's Knock Knock Birthday".

If you are a parent of a child aged 18 and under, and identify as LGBTQIA+, please consider filling our the Inclusion Through Difference survey here.

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And so the tradition of having wonderful conversations with wonderful people continues! Di McHardy (who you probably already follow @_mamas_meals) is just the kindest, coolest, most easy-going lady. I will never get sick of speaking to parents who have seen the need for a new resource and created it themselves. Di has done that this year by self-publishing her cookbook 'Family Cooking'. You can see Di's work at her website, here! Family Cooking would be such a great Christmas present if you're looking for one for someone in your life. I say it in the episode, but I am cooking adverse, and I have loved looking through this book and have done a shop to try out some recipes (watch this space - I'll keep you updated).

This episode was actually just lovely to record. I felt like I was talking to someone I have known for years and years! I am so lucky that this is (kind of) my job. Thank you for your ongoing support.

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As per usual, I ask that you share this episode around. Or share the reels/clips on your socials! The algorithm pushes out content that is being engaged with, otherwise we float away into the ether.

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Nope, I cannot believe it. This simply cannot be real life. The Marama Davidson sat down on this lil old pod to speak with me about her parenting journey.

As much as I want to shower Marama with praise and adoration, Marama is the first person to point out that she is as human as the rest of us. So I will suppress my natural instinct to rattle off compliments and instead opt to thank her so much for the vulnerability, generosity, and humanness that she imbued into our conversation.

We know her as the badass co-leader of the Greens, but she is also a mum and a Grandmother and those are two roles that she cares so much about. I loved hearing her humanness.

PLEASE VOTE FOR US FOR LISTENER'S CHOICE AWARD AT THE NZ PODCAST AWARDS 2025!!! Click here!

As per usual, I ask that you share this episode around. Or share the reels/clips on your socials! The algorithm pushes out content that is being engaged with, otherwise we float away into the ether.

Follow me on socials, or koha my work!

• Instagram
• TikTok
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If you have a story you reckon would be interesting to hear on the pod, flick me an email at whydoyouparentlikethatpodcast@gmail.com

LLOOOOOVVVVEEEE YYYOOOUUU

(say it back)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.