What’s it really like to grow up in a single-parent home shaped by grief...and deep, enduring connection?

In this special episode, I’m joined by copywriting coach Marisa Corcoran and her mom, Rita Fratto — a real-life “Gilmore Girls” duo whose story offers a powerful glimpse into widowhood, single parenting, and the long-term impact on children as they grow into adulthood.

This is an honest, inspiring conversation about loss, resilience, chosen family, and the everyday moments that build a secure, loving relationship over time, without pretending that single parenting is easy or light.

ABOUT MARISA CORCORAN AND RITA FRATTO

Marisa Corcoran and Rita Fratto hail from Syracuse, New York, and consider themselves the original "Gilmore Girls."

Rita spent the majority of her career as the head of Senior Programs for The City of Syracuse as well as a Social Worker with Syracuse Housing Authority, all while being a widow and single mother.

Marisa Corcoran is the creator of The Copy Chat and Copy Confidence Society, helping business owners uncover what to say (think: words on your website, emails, and more!) to magnetically attract your dream clients.

👉 WEBSITE: MarisaCorcoran.com

👉 IG: @Mtoni

👉 FREE: 50+ Scroll-Stopping Subject Lines

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Stuck in the snapping cycle? You deserve real support for staying grounded when parenting gets hard.

Join the VIP waitlist for The Regulation Reset to get early access, discounts, and bonuses!

parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

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©2025 Dr. Gila Parenting | All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: All episodes of Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection) are for educational and informational purposes only. Although Dr. Gila is a licensed psychologist and certified coach, this podcast and the information discussed within the podcast do not constitute therapy, counseling, coaching, or other professional service, and are not a substitute for professional services including medical or psychological advice. Moreover, the views expressed on the podcast are those of the host and guests. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content.

Any use of this intellectual property owned by Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA) may not be used in connection with the sale or distribution of any content (free or paid, written or verbal), product, and/or service by you without prior written consent from Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA).

In the words of Julie Andrews:

🎶 Let’s start at the very beginning. A very good place to start…

Tune in to hear Dr. Gila’s take on the first step to creating a more peaceful home, with less snapping, more snuggling, and the joy and ease you crave. She explains why parent self-regulation is such a powerful place to focus, especially for single parents in the thick of it.

Related resources:

⭐️ [Episode 2] Keeping Your Cool: Emotion Regulation for Parents

⭐️ [Episode 6] 2 Reasons You Can't "Calm" Your Way Out of the Hard Stuff

⭐️ [DOWNLOAD] Short Guided Meditation for Single Parents (or Anyone who Feels Like One)

👉 Love the show? Please rate and review it so others can find it too. And remember to share it with your single-parent besties!

_________________________________

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Stuck in the snapping cycle? You deserve real support for staying grounded when parenting gets hard.

Join the VIP waitlist for The Regulation Reset to get early access, discounts, and bonuses!

parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 Dr. Gila Parenting | All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: All episodes of Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection) are for educational and informational purposes only. Although Dr. Gila is a licensed psychologist and certified coach, this podcast and the information discussed within the podcast do not constitute therapy, counseling, coaching, or other professional service, and are not a substitute for professional services including medical or psychological advice. Moreover, the views expressed on the podcast are those of the host and guests. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content.

Any use of this intellectual property owned by Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA) may not be used in connection with the sale or distribution of any content (free or paid, written or verbal), product, and/or service by you without prior written consent from Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA).

In this solo episode, I share five truths I come back to again and again in my parenting and my coaching, especially with single parents who are carrying a lot and quietly wondering if they’re enough.

These are the truths I invite you to hold onto as we head into 2026, or whenever you need a grounding moment to exhale and re-center. And if that feels hard right now, I’m happy to hold them for you.

👉 Follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode! And please share with your single-parent friends.

_________________________________

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join the waitlist for The Regulation Reset: Real support for staying grounded when parenting gets hard.

parentingwithconnection.com/waitlist

_________________________________

CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 www.parentingwithconnection.com

_________________________________

©2025 Dr. Gila Parenting | All Rights Reserved

DISCLAIMER: All episodes of Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection) are for educational and informational purposes only. Although Dr. Gila is a licensed psychologist and certified coach, this podcast and the information discussed within the podcast do not constitute therapy, counseling, coaching, or other professional service, and are not a substitute for professional services including medical or psychological advice. Moreover, the views expressed on the podcast are those of the host and guests. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content.

Any use of this intellectual property owned by Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA) may not be used in connection with the sale or distribution of any content (free or paid, written or verbal), product, and/or service by you without prior written consent from Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA).