What happens when an ethics professor becomes a parent? In this deeply personal conversation, Katia reunites with her former college professor, Dr. J. Colin McQuillan, to explore the intersection of philosophical thinking and real-world parenting.

As chair of the Philosophy Department at St. Mary’s University, Colin has spent his career examining ethical frameworks and moral theory. But becoming a father to his six-year-old daughter brought challenges that no textbook could prepare him for—from navigating the unpredictability of childhood to confronting the relentless nature of 24/7 caregiving.
This episode tackles the big questions parents face today:

1. How do we raise ethically grounded children in an age of misinformation and political polarization?
2. What role do fathers play in reshaping traditional gender roles and emotional labor in families?
3. And how can we teach our children to care about truth and justice when the world often feels overwhelming?

Through candid reflections on everything from his daughter’s unexpected love of fashion to the deeper struggles of teaching children right from wrong, Colin offers a philosophical perspective on parenting that is both intellectually rigorous and refreshingly honest. Whether you’re a parent grappling with how to talk to your kids about difficult topics, an educator thinking about moral development, or simply someone interested in ethics and family life, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about the values we pass on to the next generation.

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⁠The Unaparent Podcast⁠ is a ⁠Studio Dama⁠ production. For production, sponsorship, and ad inquiries contact marina@studiodamadesign.com or send a DM to ⁠@studio.dama.design⁠

SHOW NOTES:
00:00 - Katia Catch-Up
05:05 - Opening tradition: The unapparent truth of parenting
09:16 - From theory to reality
18:31 - Teaching values in a troubled world
21:45 - Navigating difficult conversations: Age-appropriate ways to talk to children about racism, war, inequality, and injustice while balancing protection with honest education 37:21 - Modern fatherhood and gender roles
43:22 - The misinformation challenge
44:26 - The most important value
46:29 - Current projects and closing

En este episodio, Katia conversa con su amiga de universidad, Gisela Reyes, candidata doctoral en Filosofía especializada en filosofía social y política, pensamiento feminista latino y epistemologías de la resistencia.

Esta conversación entre dos amigas, una ya siendo madre y otra no, explora cómo TODOS participamos en la crianza de las futuras generaciones. Gisela comparte su perspectiva sobre por qué el cuidado y la resistencia política son actos de amor colectivo, la importancia de normalizar conversaciones políticas incómodas, y cómo el lenguaje inclusivo construye un mundo más justo.

Una charla profunda sobre resistencia, esperanza y nuestra responsabilidad compartida de dejar un mejor mundo para quienes vienen después de nosotros.

Que lo disfruten!

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Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast on Instagram and TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for all the unapparent content you never knew you needed. 📺

⁠The Unaparent Podcast⁠ is a ⁠Studio Dama⁠ production. For production, sponsorship, and ad inquiries contact marina@studiodamadesign.com or send a DM to ⁠@studio.dama.design⁠

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 - Katia Catch-Up

03:38 - Conociendo a Gisela: trayectoria de leyes a filosofía

08:52 - Feminismos latinos y filosofía de la diáspora

12:04 - El cuidado colectivo y la responsabilidad compartida en la crianza

16:34 - La resistencia como maratón: lecciones del triatlón aplicadas a la justicia social

20:03 - Normalizando las conversaciones políticas incómodas

24:27 - Prácticas para una crianza consciente y antirracista

27:12 - El diálogo y la fricción epistemológica: crecer a través de la incomodidad

32:05 - Qué nos da esperanza en tiempos difíciles

35:03 - Construyendo alianzas y cambiando mentes

37:01 - El poder del lenguaje inclusivo y respetuoso

43:13 - Reflexiones finales y despedidas

What does it mean to raise a family while also serving your country?

In this episode of The Unaparent, Katia sits down with Senator Ruben Gallego and his wife, Sydney Gallego, for a conversation that goes far beyond politics. They talk candidly about the realities of parenting three young children while navigating the demands of public life.

From breaking cycles of fatherhood to confronting the maternal health crisis, Senator Gallego shares how personal experiences have informed his legislative priorities—including the Dads Matter Act and postpartum Medicaid expansion. Sydney brings her own insights as a maternal health advocate and mother navigating the emotional terrain of postpartum identity and civic engagement.

In a country where gun violence is rampant, childcare is out of reach for many, and parental support remains a luxury instead of a given, this episode serves as a welcome reminder that some elected officials are fighting to change that. It’s a reflection of how public service, at its best, begins at home. Because sometimes, being a good parent is one of the most radical and impactful forms of leadership.

🌸 Topics covered:

• Fatherhood, masculinity & breaking generational cycles
• Maternal health & postpartum policy in America
• Raising kids in an era of gun violence
• Navigating political life as a family
• What gives them hope and what they’re fighting for

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Don’t forget to FOLLOW the podcast on Instagram and TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel for all the unapparent content you never knew you needed. 📺

⁠The Unaparent Podcast⁠ is a ⁠Studio Dama⁠ production. For production, sponsorship, and ad inquiries contact marina@studiodamadesign.com or send a DM to ⁠@studio.dama.design⁠

SHOW NOTES:

00:00 – Introduction & Guest Bios

02:45 – Unapparent Truths of Parenting

05:20 – How Their Upbringings Shaped Their Parenting Values

08:35 – Early Parenting Fears & Breaking Generational Cycles

12:05 – Legislation Inspired by Lived Experience (Postpartum, Dads Matter Act)

14:40 – What the U.S. Gets Wrong About Postpartum Care

17:30 – The Economic Reality of Raising Children

19:00 – Parenting as Civic Duty & Government Support

21:10 – Gun Violence & Sending Kids to School in Fear

26:50 – Raising Kids in the Public Eye

30:00 – Modeling Presence & Prioritizing Family

33:00 – Navigating Campaigns, Sacrifice, and Support at Home

34:50 – What Gives Them Hope as Parents

38:00 – Final Reflections & Advocacy Plugs (March of Dimes, Children’s Museum of Phoenix)