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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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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©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!

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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

_________________________________

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 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.

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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).

This week's episode is a special gift to help you through the winter holiday season, or any other stressful season of your life.

Somatic psychotherapist, and my dear friend, Meg Tobin, LMHC, guides us through a tapping (EFT) tutorial and practice to soothe your nervous system, including modifications and suggestions to fit your unique needs.

If you’re brand new to tapping, this episode is a gentle, no-pressure introduction.

If you’ve tried it before and thought, “Yeah… not for me,” you might be surprised by how flexible and customizable it can be.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• A primer on what tapping (EFT) is, and how it helps you move through the prickly feelings.
• How to use tapping to support yourself and your kids.
• Simple modifications if tapping feels overstimulating or awkward.
• The key to crafting personal affirmations that work.
• A live, guided tapping practice for anyone feeling alone or unsupported.

Related resources:

⭐️ [Free gift from Meg] 5-Day Nervous System Reset (Use code: DRGILA)

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

About Meg Tobin, LMHC:

Meg Tobin, LMHC, is a somatic psychotherapist and nervous system strategist who helps women reconnect with their bodies, release old patterns, and live from a place of deep inner safety.

Meg's work blends psychotherapy, somatic practice, and sacred journeying, including ketamine-assisted experiences, and transformational retreats in Puerto Rico and Ireland. Known for her real-talk wisdom and calming presence, Meg supports women through big life transitions, trauma, grief, burnout, and healing the parts of themselves that have been holding it all together for too long.

Meg believes healing doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be real, honest, and rooted in the body.

👉 WEBSITE: https://www.breathingspacepsychotherapy.com/

👉 INSTAGRAM & FACEBOOK: @breathingspacepsychotherapy

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Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at 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

_________________________________

©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).

Winter break can bring joy, pressure, and a whole lot of overwhelm, especially for single parents.

This episode shares 10 realistic tips to help you navigate the holiday season with less stress and more connection. It focuses on why this time of year can feel harder, how to anticipate challenges before they spiral, and what actually helps when routines, emotions, and expectations collide.

You’ll hear:

• How to set yourself and your child up for success
• Ways to reduce power struggles and sensory overload
• How to support big feelings without fixing or forcing
• Why connection matters more than perfect plans
• How to find glimmers of joy without chasing perfection

Related resources:

⭐️ Join the free Facebook community, also called, Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)

⭐️ Download the free meltdown guide for single parents.

⭐️ Being Playful When You're Running on Fumes, with Mia Wisinski

👉 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

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at 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).

Stressed about screen time? (Who isn't?!) What you're about to hear might surprise you...and make this topic feel a lot less scary.

In this episode, I'm joined by Ash Brandin, EdS, aka TheGamerEducator and author of the bestselling book, "Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family," for an eye-opening conversation that may just change how you think about screens.

You'll hear:

• Why screen-time conflicts feel so charged, and the mindset shifts that instantly lower the temperature.
• What most parents miss about their kids’ relationship with screens.
• Why common screen-time strategies can backfire, and what works better.
• Practical ways to build healthier tech skills without shame, fear, or power struggles.

Resources:

⭐️ Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family, by Ash Brandin

⭐️ The Burnt Toast Guide to Division of Responsibility, by Virginia Sole-Smith

About Ash Brandin

Ash Brandin, EdS, known online as TheGamerEducator, empowers families to make screen time sustainable, manageable, and beneficial for the whole family.

Now in their 15th year of teaching middle school, they help caregivers navigate the world of tech with consistent, loving boundaries, founded on respect for children, appreciation of video games and tech, and knowledge of pedagogical techniques.

Ash has appeared on podcasts including Re:Thinking with Adam Grant, Good Inside with Dr. Becky, and Culture Study with Anne Helen Petersen, and has contributed to articles featured on Romper, Scary Mommy, Lifehacker, The Daily Beast, USA Today, and NPR.

Their bestselling book, "Power On: Managing Screen Time to Benefit the Whole Family" debuted in August, 2025.

👉 WEB: thegamereducator.com

👉 IG: @thegamereducator

👉 SUBSTACK: thegamereducator.substack.com

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Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at 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

_________________________________

©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).

If the idea of “being playful” with your kid makes you want to crawl into a cave, this episode is for you.

Today, I’m talking with Mia Wisinski from Playful Heart Parenting, who has a seemingly endless bucket of low-effort, high-connection ideas for sneaking silliness into the cracks of real-life parenting… even when you’re wiped.

In this episode:

• Why play feels so hard for so many of us adults (including me!).
• How to tap into even the tiniest spark of silliness when you're running on fumes.
• Why playfulness can actually save you time, energy, and headaches.
• Simple ideas you can try today...from your couch!

And yes… there will be fart noises. Consider yourself warned.

Related resources:

⭐️ FREE Play Break Bingo from Playful Heart Parenting

About Mia and Playful Heart Parenting

Mia is a theater educator, performer, songwriter, and more — but her favorite role by far is being Mommy to Zal and Novi, and “Mama Mia” (stepmom) to Aliya.

Mia is deeply passionate about play, creativity, and laughter. Since starting Playful Heart Parenting in 2023, she's connected with hundreds of thousands of parents who are looking to bring more lightness, humor, and connection into everyday life.

Her mission is simple: to help families create more joyful, meaningful moments through laughter — even on the busiest days and in the hardest seasons.

👉 WEBSITE: http://www.playfulheartparenting.com/

👉 INSTAGRAM: @playfulheartparenting

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at 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).

Have you had "start gratitude practice" on your to-do list for years, or get eye rolls every time you try it with your kid?

You're not alone, my friend!

In this solo episode, I dig into why gratitude can be powerful, why it sometimes backfires, and what to do instead, especially for single parents raising spirited or neurodivergent kids.

You’ll hear:
✅ When and how gratitude practices help “train your brain” (and the key ingredient for success).
⚠️ Common pitfalls (think: toxic positivity) and barriers, and what to do instead.
🌱 Simple, realistic alternatives that create similar benefits.
💡 Practical ideas for you and your kids.

❤️ I also share a special message of gratitude for you, dear listener. So make sure you catch the end of the episode!

👉 Enjoying the podcast? I'd love if you'd share it with a friend or leave a quick rating or review. It truly helps the show reach more single parents (and anyone who feels like one!).

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JOIN THE WAITLIST

Get VIP perks when you join Dr. Gila's waitlist at 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).