The Village Thrives

There’s what you think parenting will be… and then there’s reality. In this episode, we’re sharing all the things we know now that we had no clue about before becoming parents — the unexpected discoveries, the moments that caught us completely off guard, and the lessons you really only learn in the trenches.From kids’ ever-changing obsessions (yes, including a surprising dive into WWE) to the wild phases and stages that take over your household, we’re talking about what we never saw coming. We also dive into the dad perspective — how fatherhood hits differently, and the question we don’t talk about enough: do dads have a village too?

Screen time has come a long way from Saturday morning cartoons and shared family TVs. In this episode, we take a look back at what “screen time” meant when we were kids and how it’s evolved into a constant presence in our children’s lives today.We dive into the challenges of navigating screens as modern parents — from setting realistic boundaries and rules to encouraging creativity, imagination, and even boredom in a tech-filled world. We also have an important conversation about autism and the unique screen time considerations that can come with it, along with practical guidelines to help families find a healthy balance.And of course, we wrap things up with Bradley’s weekly Dad Joke — because sometimes, you just need a good laugh to log off.

Food is more than fuel—it’s memories, traditions, and the choices that shape our families. In this episode, we explore how childhood experiences, culture, and parenting influence the way we eat. From navigating picky eaters and balancing convenience with nutrition to the rise of food allergies and the power of comfort food, we unpack the many factors behind what ends up on our plates. We also reflect on family rituals around meals, the role of socioeconomic factors in food choices, and how sharing food can strengthen family bonds. And to end on a fun note, we reveal what our ultimate “last meal” would be.

From homemade cakes and backyard games to elaborate themes and Instagram-worthy setups — kids’ birthday parties have come a long way. In this episode, we look back at what birthday parties were like when we were growing up and compare them to the bigger, pricier, and often more social-media-driven celebrations we see today.We talk about the rising cost of kids’ parties, the pressure parents can feel to make them “perfect,” and the cultural birthday traditions from around the world that make celebrations meaningful beyond the decorations. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the party — it’s about the memories we create for our kids (and ourselves). Follow us @TheVillageThrives

In our very first episode, we’re kicking things off by sharing what our own villages looked like growing up — from tight-knit family support to figuring things out on our own — and how those experiences have shaped the way we parent now. We talk honestly about how villages have changed, why they matter more than ever, and the very real challenges of building one in today’s world.Whether your village is big, small, chosen, or still in the works, this episode is a reminder that none of us are meant to do this alone. Let’s talk about how we build the kind of support system where families don’t just survive — they thrive.

Kristina Guerrero has spent more than 20 years hosting and reporting on national television — from red carpets to TV sets — and is now a proud Student of the Month mom and reigning Best Mommy of the Year (according to her kids anyway!). She’s mom to Mateo (on the cusp of teenagerdom… Lord help her!) and Sebastian, 6 (who still thinks Mommy hung the moon), and brings her lived experience as a working mom, cancer survivor, and sober woman into real, honest conversations about parenting in the real world. These days, she’s traded Hollywood glam for baseball practice, 6th grade math, and the beautiful chaos of raising good humans.

Bradley Hasemeyer is an Emmy-Award winning host, father, and lover of coffee. He's spent more than 20 years traveling the world interviewing people, driving supercars, and hosting game shows. He's not new to the podcast space; he has hosted past shows like "Attempting Fatherhood", and "Midlife Crisis", as well as various podcasts for brands like Honda, and Best Buy. With a 12-year-old middle schooler, five-year-old in Kindergarten, and a 30-year-old foster daughter, Bradley's understanding of #Dadlife is ever-evolving and always humbling. He is very excited to be joining his long time friends Donna and Kristina for this new project and hoping to prove to everyone listening that they aren't alone in whatever circumstance they face. His one piece of advice for all parents: more coffee.

Donna Ruko is an Emmy Award–winning TV host and former 90s girl band member who now channels her creativity into motherhood, community, and meaningful conversation. As a proud mother to an energetic 8-year-old boy, a loving wife, and a stepmother to three grown bonus kids, she is passionate about raising healthy, resilient children and knows that parents flourish when they feel supported.Meditation is her medication, and she believes music heals, food feeds the soul, laughter is the best medicine. Sensitive, playful, and always ready to laugh—and perhaps indulge in her obsession with English Heinz baked beans—Donna brings honesty, heart, and practical wisdom to The Village Thrives.