Cat & Nat Unfiltered

We're talking about one of the hardest parts of parenting right now: screens. This episode explores the complexities of managing our children's screen time, the importance of setting boundaries, and how parents can navigate the digital world to foster healthier habits. Are our kids addicted to their phones? Are we? How do you teach healthy habits when technology is changing faster than any of us can keep up? From screen time meltdowns and endless notifications to AI, deepfakes, Snapchat, online misinformation, and the importance of boredom, we're unpacking what it actually means to parent in a digital world.We also talk about why boundaries aren't punishment, why kids often become more connected when their phones are put away, and how helping them build healthy digital habits today can set them up for success tomorrow.Keywordsscreen time, parenting, digital habits, children's devices, parental controls, screen sense guide, digital literacy, family tech managementKey topicsScreen time management strategiesParental controls and settingsTeaching kids digital responsibilityTakeawaysSetting clear boundaries helps children develop independence and healthy habits.Using parental controls and screen time reports can prevent overuse and addiction.Teaching children about their feelings and reactions to screens fosters self-awareness.

Welcome to the second episode in our series on the wild world of hockey - a special 8-part series airing every Friday, where no topic is off limits. This week, we dive headfirst into the world of hockey dramas, hockey romance, and the sudden cultural takeover of soft hockey boys everywhere. From Off Campus to Heated Rivalry, we unpack why these shows are exploding, how hockey players became the ultimate romantic lead, and why everyone is craving tension, chemistry, and “yearning” again. We get into puck bunnies, hookup culture, and the era of athletes being just as famous off the ice as they are on it. Why is hockey officially the hottest sport on TV? Let us know your thoughts!

We’re talking postpartum bodies, aging, bagels, body image, more bagels, mammograms, colonoscopies, and why trying to get your “old body back” is basically impossible. We spiral through bathing suits vs. bikinis, breakfast debates, HRT, colonoscopies, movement vs. weight, and the insane pressure women feel to constantly “fix” themselves at every age. Here's a quick PSA, staying strong matters way more than chasing your 20-year-old body!Keywordsbody image, postpartum, health, aging, self-acceptance, women, body changes, mental health, self-love, aging gracefullyKey topicsPostpartum body changes and acceptanceSocietal pressures on women's bodiesAging and body evolution

We’re talking about the pressure kids feel to follow the “right” path — good grades, university, dream job — and why real life rarely works that way. We get into how differently kids learn, why effort matters more than straight A’s, and why creative problem-solving might matter more than memorization in an AI world.We also dive into neurodivergent thinking, cheat-sheet debates, getting kicked out of Girl Guides, and the weird freedom of growing up in the ’80s roaming neighborhoods unsupervised. Plus: the teachers who make kids love school, why every version of our kids is only “for now,” and the endless cycle of appointments, sports injuries, and growing pains that comes with raising teens in Toronto.Keywordseducation, parenting, creativity, school system, learning styles, neurodivergent, shortcuts, cheating, future of education, parenting tipsKey topicsTraditional vs. modern education approachesNeurodivergent learning styles and creativityThe role of shortcuts and support in learningParenting tips for fostering independence and effortThe impact of school environment on kids' happiness

Welcome to the wild world of hockey with Cat & Nat Unfiltered - a special 8-part series airing every Friday over the next 8 weeks, where no topic is off limits. From the chaos, pressure, politics, and unforgettable moments inside youth hockey to the rise of hockey culture taking over Hollywood and social media, this podcast dives into the good, the bad, and the seriously entertaining side of the game. Featuring players, insiders, parents, coaches, and brand builders, each episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to survive high-level youth sports and build a name in the game today. And even if hockey isn't your child's sport, you'll be surprised by how much parents of competitive young athletes have in common. As hockey moms, Cat & Nat aren't here to protect the dirty secrets - they're here to talk about them. Because at the end of the day, we all just want the best for our kids who love the game. It's a must-listen for anyone navigating the world of competitive sports parenting.We are diving headfirst into the wild world of being sports moms. From NHL dreams and dance politics to super teams, burnout, and the pressure cooker of youth sports culture. The obsession, identity, competition, and chaos that comes with raising kids in hockey, dance, soccer and...insert sport here. Parents chasing scholarships and drafts, the kids who secretly hate competing, the ones who live to win, and the impossible balance between pushing your child and protecting them. And why some kids walk away while others can’t imagine life without the grind. This is part one of a very real, very unfiltered series.Keywordsyouth sports, hockey, baseball, dance, parental influence, competition, youth development, sports culture, Canadian sports, athlete mindsetKey topicsThe culture of youth sports in Canada and beyondParental influence and pressure in youth sportsThe mental and physical toll of competitive sports on kids

This week we’re talking about getting older and realizing we don’t have to stay attached to the people we used to be. From losing interest in things we once loved — dinner parties, cooking, fashion, entertaining — to craving spontaneity over stuff, this conversation turns into a surprisingly honest chat about changing priorities as we age.We get into birthday expectations, why opportunities and experiences now feel more exciting than material things, and how freeing it can be to stop following the script of what life is “supposed” to look like. Plus, the compliment Cat got at the vet that absolutely took her out, why we don’t want your heirlooms, and the unexpected joy of finally embracing exactly who we are right now.Key topicsMinimalism and personal styleSpontaneous opportunities and experiencesChanging preferences and self-awarenessTakeawaysYou don't have to follow the script; you can change what you like.Material possessions are not what bring happiness.Spontaneous opportunities create memorable experiences.

May parenting is absolute chaos: graduations, dance competitions, prom pressure, and the realization that summer is somehow six minutes away and we have zero plans for our children. Should they all have jobs? Should they be at camp? Should they just roam free? What are teenagers even supposed to do all summer anymore?We also debate whether promposals have officially gone too far and revisit Nat’s very complicated Grade 13 prom situation — because apparently teenage drama never really ends.Key topicsEnd of school season chaosSocial media trends among youthParenting stories about prom and hockey

Story time! Nat got her eyelids done and we are here to talk all about it! Somehow it turned into a full-blown conversation about aging, confidence, Botox, body image, moms who never judge us, husbands who don’t ask questions, and whether cosmetic procedures are self-care, boredom, or just something fun to do. From “your eyelids are the texture of a testicle” to scheduling surgery during the busiest mom hour possible, this is a must listen!We talk:- upper blephs and what actually happens- why women feel weird admitting they want to change something- confidence vs. self-acceptance- the pressure of aging naturally- wanting to feel good in your own skin- why some people get highlights and some get surgeryAlso: Mark’s reaction, Grandma driving post-surgery, TJ wanting to watch the stitches come out, and why Cat thinks Nat just needed a hobby.