The Real Family Eats Podcast Logo

A Parenting Podcast

with Reesa Morala

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Parenting is Hard!

You are so over the “instaperfect” parenting lies. You feel lonely in your parent struggle because no one is talking about what really happens when you are in the thick of it. Well, so am I! This stops now. I am talking to real parents about real parenting struggles while recipe sharing (because who doesn’t like a new recipe!)

Here on The Real Family Eats we’ll have food for thought from real parents who have or are in it. We are tearing down the curtain and showing that it’s not all unicorns and rainbows. We are getting raw and unfiltered. While these parents are dishing about their real-life parenting struggles, we’ll be dishing out their fave recipes to add to your list. So, let’s eat!

Skip to Videos
  • Parenting Without a Manual: Celeste Hamilton on Discipline, Balance + Zesty Salsa Recipe
    • 12/17/24

    Parenting Without a Manual: Celeste Hamilton on Discipline, Balance + Zesty Salsa Recipe

    Join Celeste Hamilton, mom of two and Co-Owner of Hamilton Homes and Loans, as she chats with Reesa Morala, LMFT, about navigating the challenges of parenting without a manual. From balancing discipline with mindfulness to addressing outside pressures, Celeste shares valuable insights and lessons learned along the way. Plus, don’t miss her vibrant salsa recipe—a family favorite perfect for any occasion.

  • Parenting through Type I + Steak Bites
    • 12/10/24

    Parenting through Type I + Steak Bites

    Rachel, a single mom of two, shares her journey navigating the challenges of parenting a child with Type I diabetes. Rachel opens up about the fears and close calls her family has faced. She also shares her comforting Steak and Potatoes recipe, a classic family favorite. Join Rachel and Reesa Morala, LMFT, for heartfelt parenting insights, practical tips, and a delicious recipe!

  • Parenting Expectations vs. Reality: Melissa on Navigating Challenges and Spinach Artichoke Dip
    • 12/3/24

    Parenting Expectations vs. Reality: Melissa on Navigating Challenges and Spinach Artichoke Dip

    Melissa Donald, a doula and mom of two, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to discuss how parenting expectations often differ from reality. She shares her journey parenting a second child with a vastly different temperament, the impact of unexpected challenges on her family, and how she overcame feelings of isolation. Melissa also shares her favorite Spinach and Artichoke Dip recipe, perfect for family gatherings.

  • Sacrificing Single Mom Wellness + Schmarn
    • 10/22/24

    Sacrificing Single Mom Wellness + Schmarn

    Tanya Reinhofer, teacher and mom of 3 adult children, talks with Reesa, our resident couples therapist for parents about their real parenting struggles. She discusses how much she felt she needed to sacrifice as a single parent after the divorce. While she discusses what she did to survive she shares a cost-efficient go-to meal called Schmarn.

  • A Father's Rejection Sensitivity + Tortellini Soup
    • 10/15/24

    A Father's Rejection Sensitivity + Tortellini Soup

    Andy Pollock, dad of 1 and Culinary Marketing Chef at Mezzetta, talks with Reesa, our resident couples therapist for parents about their real parenting struggles. He shares how his child’s rejection of him led to a discovery about what Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria is. While he talks about how he navigates this he is sharing his Tortellini Soup recipe perfect for busy parents.

  • Advocating for My Autistic Child + Tacos
    • 9/24/24

    Advocating for My Autistic Child + Tacos

    Samantha Alloway, mom of 3 and Executive Director of the Arc of Illinois, talks with Reesa, our resident couples therapist for parents about their real parenting struggles. She is talking about the hurdles they navigated to advocate for their autistic child. While they are chatting, Samantha is sharing her taco night recipe and how she gets creative in working with food aversions.