Touched Out!

Parenting Podcast of the Year 2024

1 Creator

Welcome to Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents, where we explore the profound intersection of mental health and parenthood through raw, unfiltered, and emotional conversations. Hosted by Carter, a fellow parent navigating the challenges of mental health, this podcast provides a genuine look into the realities of parenting and self-care.

#2 in the Top 100 autism All time chart

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5 Listeners

What is The Touched Out Podcast about?

A raw, unfiltered and emotional peek into the intersection of mental health and parenthood. Carter speaks with guests from around the world about their mental health journeys and the ways in which their experiences molded them in parenthood and the ways they are making changes to ensure their children grow up feeling seen, loved and supported whilst also healing their inner child along the way.

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Top 10 Touched Out! Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Touched Out! episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Touched Out! for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Touched Out! episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Challenging Stereotypes in Parenting: A Father’s Emotional Journey

Touched Out!

06/06/23 • 60 min

Welcome to Episode Nine of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this thought-provoking episode, host Carter sits down with Luke, a stay-at-home dad of five, who shares his powerful story of navigating fatherhood, trauma, and mental health. Luke opens up about his battles with anxiety, self-medication, and the pressures of managing a blended family, while also challenging societal norms around masculinity and emotional expression.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on mental health struggles, self-medication, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Luke discusses:

Vulnerability and Fatherhood: Luke shares his journey of embracing vulnerability and breaking free from traditional masculine roles, emphasizing the importance of open emotional expression in parenting.

Personal Healing and Mental Health: Insights into Luke's personal battles with anxiety and self-medication, and how these challenges led him to focus on family and healing childhood traumas.

Balancing Family and Career: A candid look at how Luke manages the complexities of raising a blended family while dealing with online negativity and societal expectations.

Supportive Communities for Fathers: The critical need for supportive networks and resources for fathers, highlighting Luke's dedication to fostering change and advocating for mental health awareness.

Overcoming Societal Stigmas: A discussion on the societal pressures faced by men in expressing emotions, and the importance of challenging traditional gender roles for a healthier family dynamic.

Empowerment Through Authenticity: Luke’s story underscores the power of authenticity and community, offering a platform for fathers to share their experiences and embrace their roles fully.

Listen to Luke's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into parenting, mental health, and the power of vulnerability. Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practical tips on navigating parenthood and mental health.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Touched Out: A Mental Health and Parenting Support Podcast.
If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, share, and leave a rating and review. Your support helps others discover their new favorite parenting and mental health podcast.

Connect with Us:

Drop a comment on Spotify if you have any questions or thoughts. You can also visit The Touched Out Website to leave a voice message or contact me via email. If you are interested in being a guest on Touched Out you can access the guest form HERE

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

2 Listeners

Cutting Ties and Moving Forward: Family Estrangement Insights

Touched Out!

06/20/23 • 56 min

Welcome to Episode Ten of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this enlightening episode, host Carter is joined by Bekah and Bryan, a resilient couple who have spent 18 years navigating the complex landscape of parenting and mental health. From facing family estrangement to raising a child with autism, their journey is filled with both challenges and triumphs. Bekah and Bryan candidly discuss their unique parenting experiences, shedding light on how mental health awareness has profoundly influenced their approach to family life.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on mental health challenges, family estrangement, grief, and loss. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Bekah and Bryan discuss:

Navigating Grief and Estrangement: Insights into Bekah's decision to cut ties with her family and how this choice has impacted their parenting journey, alongside their experiences of dealing with profound loss and grief.

Parenting with Purpose: How Bekah and Bryan overcame their own childhood trauma and used those lessons to create a nurturing environment for their children, emphasizing emotional growth and resilience.

Fatherhood and Emotional Growth: Bryan shares the male perspective on mental health, detailing his initial resistance to therapy and the transformative impact it had on his emotional well-being.

Understanding Autism: A heartfelt discussion on the unique dynamics introduced by raising a child with autism, including the challenges and joys that have shaped their family life.

Setting Emotional Examples: The importance of setting a healthy emotional example for children and how Bekah and Bryan are challenging societal expectations around masculinity and emotional expression.

Grief and Loss: The emotional weight of explaining death to young children, sharing poignant anecdotes about the loss of a loved one to cancer and the comforting presence of grandparents sensed by their children.

Community and Support: How personal beliefs and online communities provide solace, emphasizing the critical role of community support in navigating parenting challenges.

Listen to Bekah and Bryan inspiring story and gain valuable insights into how they navigate grief, family estrangement, and the realities of modern parenting. Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practic

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

2 Listeners

1 Comment

Navigating Step-Parenting & Embracing Unique Needs

Touched Out!

03/29/23 • 38 min

Welcome to Episode One of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!
In this debut episode, we delve into the complexities of step-parenting with Kate, a dedicated stepmother who navigates the challenges of raising children with unique needs, including autism.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on child abuse related to an injury suffered by Kate's eldest daughter as a baby. Listener discretion is advised.
Join us as Kate shares her personal experiences with:
Step-Parenting Dynamics: Insights into blending families and the rewards and difficulties of managing diverse family dynamics.
Autism Parenting: Strategies and experiences of supporting a child with autism, highlighting the unique aspects of this journey.
Overcoming Parenting Challenges: Practical advice for handling common obstacles faced by step-parents and fostering a supportive environment.
Kate also opens up about her personal mental health journey, balancing family responsibilities, self-care, and maintaining emotional well-being within a blended family setup.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

2 Listeners

A Mothers worry | Societal Pressures & Postpartum Depression in New Dads

Touched Out!

07/23/24 • 45 min

Welcome to Episode 30 of Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents

In this episode, we delve into the often overlooked issue of men's mental health during the postpartum period. Join us as we discuss the challenges and triumphs of navigating postpartum depression from a father's perspective.

Men's Mental Health in the Postpartum Period

Sam shares her partner Mitchell's struggle with postpartum depression and the difficulties they faced in finding adequate support. The conversation highlights the lack of resources and understanding available for men during this crucial time.

The Stigma and Shame of Men's Postpartum Depression

We explore the stigma and shame associated with men experiencing postpartum depression. This segment discusses the societal pressures that discourage men from expressing vulnerability and seeking help.

The Role of Medication and Alternative Support

The episode examines the role of medication in treating postpartum depression and emphasizes exploring alternative forms of support. We discuss the importance of a supportive network and the value of professional guidance.

Building a Strong Parenting Partnership

Mitchell's transformation from struggling father to a confident and supportive partner is a central theme. We highlight how he learned to handle parenting challenges, such as the baby's crying, and stepped up during a pivotal trip to Germany. The importance of time, communication, and shared responsibilities in overcoming postpartum depression and strengthening the parental partnership is emphasized.

Key Takeaways

Men's mental health during the postpartum period is often stigmatized and under-discussed.
There is a significant gap in resources and understanding for fathers experiencing postpartum depression.
Exploring alternative support systems beyond medication is essential.
Open communication, time, and support from partners are critical in overcoming postpartum depression.
Breaking the stigma and encouraging open conversations about men's mental health are vital.

Join the Conversation

We invite you to join the discussion on men's mental health during the postpartum period. Share your experiences and thoughts on social media, and let's work together to break the stigma.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

1 Listener

Fatherhood, Recovery, and Identity | How Daniel Overcame Addiction, Embraced Autism and his LGBTQIA+ Identity

Touched Out!

04/23/24 • 60 min

Welcome to Episode 23 of Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents.
In todays Episode, Daniel Van Nice shares his deeply personal story of overcoming mental health challenges, including a recent struggle with sleep issues. Daniel opens up about his discovery of being on the autism spectrum, his experiences with homeschooling, and the difficulties he faced when transitioning to public school. He reflects on how becoming a parent saved his life, sharing the joy and meaning he finds in fatherhood. Daniel also discusses his battle with addiction, the challenges of recovery, and the invaluable support he received along the way. This conversation highlights the complexities of addiction recovery, the impact of addiction, the importance of support systems, and the power of resilience.
Mental Health Struggles and Neurodivergence
Daniel Van Nice opens up about his mental health struggles, including a recent rough patch with sleep issues.
He reflects on his neurodivergent sixth sense and his realization of being on the autism spectrum.

The Impact of Homeschooling and Transitioning to Public School
Daniel shares his experiences of being homeschooled and the challenges he faced when transitioning to public school.
Insights into how these experiences shaped his perspective on education and social interactions.

Addiction and Recovery
Daniel's battle with addiction and his journey to overcome it.
The challenges and triumphs of addiction recovery, including the tragic consequences of addiction.

Support Systems in Recovery
The role of support groups like SMART Recovery in Daniel's recovery process.
Building a network of support and understanding to aid in recovery.

Fighting for Parental Rights
The emotional process of fighting for parental rights and its impact on mental health.
Strategies and tips for navigating the legal system and advocating for one's rights.

Housing and It's Influence on Mental Health
The struggles with housing and its effect on overall well-being and mental health.
The significance of stability in promoting a healthy mental state.

The Power of Asking for Help
Emphasizing that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The benefits of reaching out and seeking assistance during difficult times.

Emotional Openness with Children
The importance of being emo

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

1 Listener

Miscarriage, Motherhood, and Mental Health: Michelle's Journey

Touched Out!

04/11/23 • 58 min

Welcome to Episode Two of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this heartfelt episode, host Carter is joined by Michelle from Canada, who courageously shares her journey from multiple miscarriages to motherhood. Michelle opens up about her mental health struggles, her husband's ADHD and autism, and their shared experiences with seasonal and postpartum depression.
Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on miscarriage, birth trauma, and mental health struggles. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Michelle discusses:

Overcoming Miscarriages: Michelle and her partner's emotional journey through two traumatic miscarriages before welcoming their son, who was born via emergency C-section and spent time in the NICU.

Mental Health Challenges: Insights into Michelle's battle with postpartum depression, seasonal depression, and anxiety, and how her husband's ADHD and autism have impacted their family dynamics.

Birth and NICU Experiences: Personal recounting of the birth trauma and NICU stay, shedding light on the emotional and physical toll these experiences take on parents.

Coping Strategies: Practical advice on navigating mental health challenges while parenting, including seeking medical support, leveraging social media for community, and finding balance with a supportive partner.

Empowerment Through Sharing: Michelle's story underscores the importance of community and destigmatizing mental health issues, offering a platform for others to feel seen and heard.

Listen to Michelle's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights and support for your own parenting challenges. Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practical tips on navigating parenthood and mental health.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

1 Listener

Laughter and Tears: Parenting an Autistic Child

Touched Out!

05/23/23 • 47 min

Welcome to Episode Eight of Touched Out: A Mental Health Podcast for Parents!

In this heartfelt episode, host Carter is joined by Martin, a dedicated father from Perth, Australia, who shares his touching story about his son Harrison's autism diagnosis and the challenges they faced. Martin opens up about the emotional turmoil of Harrison going completely nonverbal, the struggle of finding a supportive community, and the significant gaps in resources available for fathers after an autism diagnosis.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions on autism, mental health struggles, and societal stigma. Listener discretion is advised.

Join us as Martin discusses:

From Silence to Resilience: Martin's emotional journey through his son Harrison's regression to nonverbal communication and the transformative impact on their family.

Finding Community and Support: The challenges Martin faced in building a supportive network and overcoming societal stigma surrounding autism.

Challenges in Support for Fathers: Insights into the lack of resources for fathers after an autism diagnosis and Martin's frustrations with ineffective seminars.

The Power of Early Intervention: The crucial role early intervention played in Harrison's development and Martin's experiences with unexpected milestones, like Harrison learning Russian from YouTube videos.

Impact on Family Dynamics: How Harrison's autism diagnosis affected Martin's marriage and the financial and emotional strains it brought.

Moments of Joy and Triumph: Heartwarming and humorous anecdotes that showcase Harrison's unique personality and the special bond he shares with Martin.

Addressing Societal Stigma: The importance of receiving a diagnosis, unlearning toxic masculinity, and embracing authenticity despite societal pressures.

Listen to Martin's inspiring journey and gain valuable insights and support for your own parenting challenges. Subscribe now to Touched Out for more heartfelt conversations and practical tips on navigating parenthood and mental health.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

1 Listener

Breaking Stigmas | ADHD | Autism | Innovative Sensory Solutions with Jo from Kaiko Fidgets

Touched Out!

09/26/23 • 74 min

Welcome to Episode 16 The Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents.
I'm your host, Carter, and today, we're diving into the fascinating and often misunderstood dynamics of ADHD and Autism in our society.

Meet Jo, the mother of Kai and Kobe. Kai, a brilliant young mind, founded Kaiko at just 11 years old in 2017. Kaiko was created to provide age-appropriate sensory solutions and fidget toys, born out of Kai's personal experiences with dyslexia and autism. These sensory solutions have significantly boosted his confidence and mental well-being.

Challenging Stigmas Around Autism

In our conversation, Jo and I discuss the negative stigma often associated with Autism and how it impacts late diagnoses. We delve into Kai's mental health journey and how his struggles led to the creation of Kaiko.

The Growth of Kaiko

Starting at local markets, Kaiko has now expanded to over 120 stockists. They focus on creating needs-based tools designed to replace non-suicidal self-harm practices. We explore the difference between self-harm as a coping mechanism for sensory overload and using tools like wrist and finger spiky's to provide non-harmful pain relief.

The Importance of Wearable Fidgets

Wearable fidgets offer individuals immediate sensory relief. Jo and I emphasize the importance of having these tools readily available, discussing how they can improve daily life for those with sensory needs.

Neurodiversity, Gender Fluidity, and Body Modification

Drawing from personal experiences, I share my history with self-harm and masking behaviors. We discuss the strong overlap between neurodiversity and gender fluidity, theorizing a potential connection between body modification and neurodiversity.

Powerful Insights and Continued Conversations

Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode. Let's continue to break down stigmas and explore innovative ways to support our neurodiverse community. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions.

Explore Kaiko's Range

You can browse and purchase Kaiko’s extensive range at Kaiko Fidgets. Head to the podcast Instagram and hit the bio link to sign up for preorder today.

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

1 Listener

Season 2 Trailer (04/10/23)

Touched Out!

08/11/23 • 2 min

The Touched Out Podcast is back with a second season. Premiering on 4th October 2023. Mark your calendars!

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

1 Listener

Embracing Authenticity | Nicole’s Story of Coming Out, Co-Parenting, Feminine Art and Self Love

Touched Out!

06/04/24 • 60 min

Welcome to Episode 27 of Touched Out! A Mental Health Podcast for Parents.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nicole, the inspiring host of the "Your Say Podcast," who shares her incredible journey from corporate stress and personal turmoil to artistic fulfillment and mental health advocacy. Nicole opens up about hitting rock bottom after a life-altering breakup and how she rebuilt her life by embracing authenticity and prioritizing her mental health. Join us as we explore Nicole’s story of resilience, recovery, and her dedication to helping others through her experiences.

Nicole’s Journey to Authenticity and Mental Health Advocacy

Nicole’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and mental health awareness. After years of corporate stress, she reached a pivotal moment in her life when she came out as a lesbian at the age of 32. Nicole shares the challenges and triumphs of living her truth, co-parenting her two sons, and advocating for mental health. Her story highlights the importance of embracing one's identity and the strength required to break free from societal expectations.

Overcoming Depression and Anxiety

In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the often-misunderstood world of depression and anxiety. Nicole and I share personal stories about the emotional pain that can lead to suicidal thoughts, emphasizing the critical need for understanding and support. We discuss the intense strength required to overcome these mental health challenges, the importance of recognizing signs of distress, and the transformative power of seeking help. Our dialogue sheds light on how mindset and support systems play a crucial role in recovery and healing.

Parenting in the Digital Age

Parenting today comes with its own unique set of challenges, especially in the digital age. Nicole candidly discusses the intricacies of co-parenting her sons, balancing screen time, and addressing teenage experimentation with alcohol and drugs. We explore the impact of different household rules on children’s development and the importance of preparing them for the real world. Nicole's insights on modern parenting provide valuable lessons for anyone navigating the complexities of raising children today.

Future Collaborations and Exciting Podcast Ventures

Looking ahead, Nicole shares her excitement about future collaborations and podcast ventures, including her plans to feature h

Support the show

Connect with Us:

Get your official Touched Out! Merch HERE

Donate to Touched Out! HERE

Spoony App:

All of the friends, None of the fear. A safe space for neurodivergent, chronically ill and disabled people to make friends and find support. Download the Spoony App HERE

*This is not a paid promotion

1 Listener

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