Being sad is a part of life as we all experience a wide range of emotions on a daily basis. But sometimes in society there seems to be a message that if you're sad, there must be something wrong. Well that's simply not always true! It's okay to feel down, and we explore the reasons behind our emotions, breaking down the stigma around sadness.

We don't have to smile through the sadness or pretend like everything is ok, it is healthy to feel all those feelings. Sometimes it could be very evident why we are sad, but other times there may not even a particular reason we may be feeling this way. It doesn't mean you're not an overall happy person or that you're not a positive person. Not at all! We all get sad from time to time.

However, we also discuss the crucial distinction between occasional bouts of sadness and persistent feelings of depression. While embracing our emotions is vital, we strong recommend people seek professional help when the weight of sadness becomes overwhelming and chronic. While this podcast offers insights, support, and a platform for open conversations about mental health, it is essential to recognize that it is not a substitute for seeking professional help, especially if you or someone you know is dealing with persistent feelings of depression. We strongly encourage reaching out to qualified mental health professionals for personalized guidance and support on your journey to well-being.

If you are enjoying our podcast, please make sure to go out to Apple Podcasts and leave a 5 star and written review, as well as share it with friends and family. Your support is so very appreciated!

Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.

This episode has become a yearly tradition for the podcast during the holidays as we discuss how to navigate the Season alcohol free, whether you're starting day one of your alcohol free journey or have been on it for years. Alcohol consumption historically spikes during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day and it can be often times be incorporated into many people's holiday traditions. Some people may use alcohol to celebrate during the holidays, but others may use it to escape some of the stress or loneliness that also can occur during this time of year.

Last year was our first holiday alcohol free and now that we have another year under our belt, we wanted to share how our holidays look different these days, but also some ways that you can enjoy the holidays without alcohol! We also talk about how your decision to change your drinking habits may (and probably will) have a ripple effect on those around you as well.

Finally, there is no reason to wait until the New Year to begin making changes in your life. If you've been contemplating going alcohol free or were going to do Dry January, start now! We often give ourself a "pass" during this time of year, whether it's with alcohol, sweets, food, not exercising, etc. because we are going to start fresh on January 1st. You don't need a new year on the calendar to begin living your best life!

As always, thank you all for listening and from Leslie and I, we hope you have a wonderful, joyous and safe holiday season!!

If you are enjoying our podcast, please make sure to go out to Apple Podcasts and leave a 5 star and written review, as well as share it with friends and family. Your support is so very appreciated!

Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.

One year ago Leslie and I released our very first episode of the Unemployed AF Dad podcast. Starting a podcast had been something we had discussed for a long time, but life has always just kept us from ever taking any further action. When I lost my job at the end of October 2022, we knew that it was time to take that leap of faith and record an episode, put it out there and just see what happened. And here we are 365 days later after releasing 26 episodes celebrating a year of podcasting!

We have learned so so much during this first year of podcasting and are grateful for every single person who has taken the time to listen to even one episode. We could not do this without YOU! During this episode we share 5 things we've learned throughout the last year while doing the podcast, but they also are applicable to life in general.

One year down, many more to go! We hope to continue to churn out episodes that encourage you, inspire you, perhaps challenge your way of thinking at times, but make you feel like you matter and that you are not alone in this life. Whether it comes to drinking alcohol, parenting, your marriage, personal healing, etc., we cover it all on this podcast because we know these things are important. Thank you for allowing us to share our lives with you for this past year and we hope you know how much each of you mean to us. Happy Birthday Unemployed AF Dad podcast!

If you are enjoying our podcast, please make sure to go out to Apple Podcasts and leave a 5 star and written review, as well as share it with friends and family. Your support is so very appreciated!

Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.

Even in 2023, there are still gender stereotypes that exist when it comes to defining masculinity and femininity. As children, society seems to gear boys and girls towards certain colors, toys, activities that society has determined the norm for that gender. Then as we grow into adults, there are expectations that we act a particular way, dress a certain way, and like specific things based on our gender.

The truth is, that in every individual there are both masculine and feminine energies not determined by our gender and generally one is more dominate than the other. During this episode, Leslie and I we discuss some of the toxic gender stereotypes we believe that still exist today and each of our experiences exploring our masculine and feminine energies. We also discuss raising our children to embrace both their masculine and feminine energies in everything they do, whether it be the clothes they wear, the toys the play with, the activities they participate, and the feelings and emotions they experience.

If you are enjoying our podcast, please make sure to go out to Apple Podcasts and leave a 5 star and written review, as well as share it with friends and family. Your support is so very appreciated!

Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.

We are so honored to have the opportunity to speak with today's guest, Allison Guilbault. Allison is a New Jersey based licensed therapist specializing in anxiety and trauma. Her mission is to promote radical and relentless self-love and empowerment to populations that are often marginalized, mainly women, the queer community and individuals with non-traditional lifestyles.

During this amazing conversation, Allison shares her unique journey which lead her to becoming a licensed therapist, the importance of self love and self care, crystals & metaphysics, body positivity and unrealistic physical expectations society sets, the challenges of being a therapist, and how being sober curious for over 2 1/2 years has put her on a path to committing to a year without alcohol.

We hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed making it. Again, a special thanks to Allison for taking the time to be on our podcast. Please make sure to share this one with all your family and friends!

We encourage you to check Allison Guilbault on all her platforms:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/anotefromyourtherapist

This podcast is not a substitute for working with a mental health professional one-on-one.

Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.

Finances are a challenge we all face and especially in today's world, it can be really difficult to make ends meet. This can cause a huge strain on your relationship with your partner and may be a topic you tend to avoid. It can especially be difficult if only one partner works and you are reliant on one income. Let's face it, struggling to pay your bills can impact even the strongest of relationships.

It's not necessary a "fun" subject to tackle, but one that we felt was important to discuss on today's episode. Les and I share our own experiences of trying to navigate through my recent unemployment, having two children, owning a home, paying for groceries, etc. and all the financial challenges those things bring. Our biggest takeaway, communication is key! And make sure you are your partner remember that you're on the same team, regardless of who is contributing more financially to the relationship. If you're enjoying Unemployed AF Dad and find the content valuable, please make sure to share episodes with your friends and family. We really appreciate it! Follow us on Instagram: @unemployed_af_dad Make sure to check out our website at https://www.unemployedafdad.com If you're interested in being a guest on the podcast, contact us at unemployedafdad@gmail.com. Soundtrack music is performed by penguinmusic, Oleksandr Stepanov, and 23843807 - available on Pixabay.