Ep 12 | Parenting, Careers, and Disneyland: Brett and Stephen’s Story

Touched Out!

Welcome to Episode Twelve of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!
This week, we’re joined by Brett and Stephen, two inspiring fathers who share their heartfelt journey to parenthood. Their story is filled with love, resilience, and determination as they navigate the challenges of becoming parents in a world that still harbors prejudice.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on miscarriage, homophobia, and mental health challenges. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Brett and Stephen open up about:

• From Miscarriage to Surrogacy: How they overcame a heartbreaking miscarriage and embarked on a four-year surrogacy journey to welcome their son into the world.
• Mental Health and Parenthood: The struggles they faced in the first year of parenting, highlighting the importance of self-care and seeking support.
• Confronting Homophobia: Their experiences with ignorance and discrimination as gay parents and their unwavering commitment to raising their son in a loving and inclusive environment.
• The Role of Social Media: How they use TikTok and Instagram to advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation and share their parenting journey with a growing audience.
• Balancing Life and Careers: Tips on managing demanding careers while being present, loving parents, and their cherished connection to Disneyland.

Join us as Brett and Stephen discuss the triumphs and trials of their unique path to fatherhood, offering invaluable insights and encouragement for parents and allies alike. Their story serves as a beacon of hope and love, proving that family is built on acceptance and diversity.

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Stay tuned for more insights, tips and personal stories on parenting and mental health.
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Chapters

1. Introduction and Overview (00:00:00)

2. Meeting and Relationship (00:02:19)

3. Deciding to Have Children and the Surrogacy Process (00:05:03)

4. Finding a Surrogate and Dealing with Setbacks (00:09:22)

5. Mental Health Struggles in the First Year of Parenthood (00:13:26)

6. Navigating the Division of Parental Roles (00:16:41)

7. Dealing with Homophobia and Ignorance (00:20:03)

8. The Power of Representation and Inclusivity (00:28:53)

9. Balancing Careers, Parenthood, and Self-Care (00:32:42)

10. The Magic of Disneyland and Walt Disney's Legacy (00:39:53)

11. Addressing the Controversy Surrounding Walt Disney (00:47:24)

12. Promoting Love, Acceptance, and Normalizing Diversity in Media (00:55:53)