All Lights On

Episode 14 – Boundaries, Not Threats Elena and János start with a life update: a new career step for Elena, a growing and increasingly independent toddler, early wake-ups, stimulation, and the full experience of a toddler birthday party. They also share what has helped them manage early mornings. The main topic is one many parents struggle with: when does a consequence become punishment? They talk...

Episode 13 – Back to business? In this episode, Elena and János find themselves entering a new phase of everyday life. With demanding work, tighter schedules, and what feels like everything happening at once, life is starting to resemble the busy days they knew before everything changed. Somehow, they are finding their way back to the very topics that inspired them to start this podcast in the fir...

Episode 12 – Am I a Bad Mother? In this episode, Elena and János take a closer look at a question that is difficult to say out loud: Is Elena a bad mother? They talk about the moments when Elena questions her decision to have a family, and how confronting herself through parenthood can sometimes hurt more than she ever expected. They explore the pressure, doubts, and emotions that come with mother...

Episode 11 – Holiday Stories In this episode, Elena and János share stories from their holiday in Hungary, the families they met, and the different family models they encountered. Their conversations lead to more personal topics, from Elena’s health and her struggle to see herself as a real athlete to the question of whether equal parenting is currently possible in Hungary, at least from their per...

Episode 10 – What We Sacrificed In this episode, Elena and János reflect on the things they gave up when they decided to start a family. They talk about partying, travelling, couple time and finances — and how these things have changed since becoming parents. But the conversation goes deeper than the obvious sacrifices. They explore how parenthood has changed the way they manage their energy and w...

Episode 9 - Truth or Myth In this episode, Elena and János talk about the many expectations, assumptions, and prejudices surrounding parenting, motherhood, and how children are “supposed” to behave. They reflect on the ideas and opinions they have encountered themselves, how these shaped their experiences, and how they learned to deal with them. Enjoy listening to the new episode, feel free to sen...

Episode 8 – Janos' journey In this episode, Elena and János turn the tables as the focus shifts to János. Together, they explore why disappointment has become such a familiar feeling in his life and how his experiences have shaped the person he is today. Through an honest conversation about expectations, identity, and personal growth, they reflect on the moments that continue to influence him both...

Episode 7 – Elena’s Journey In this episode, the focus is entirely on Elena’s journey. János interviews her about the path that shaped her: her drive, motivation, and ambitions, as well as the experiences that influenced her view of family and motherhood. Together, they reflect on the obstacles she faced along the way and the choices that made it possible for her to build the life she had always e...

Episode 6 – Equal Parenting In this episode, Elena and János finally dive into the topic at the heart of this podcast: equal parenting. They talk about how they share the responsibilities and joys of raising a family, what this looks like in their everyday life, and the values that guide their decisions. Rather than offering a blueprint, they simply share their experience with one important messag...

Episode 5 – May In this episode, Elena and János catch up on the events of the past few weeks and reflect on two important milestones for Elena: her first podium finish and her 40th birthday. They also talk about different perspectives on sports, as János continues to search for what makes competition meaningful, and share their thoughts on the tendency of parents to idealize certain stages of chi...

Episode 4 - Separation In this episode, Elena and János talk about how life continued after János’ cancer diagnosis. They share how they tried to stay grounded, reorganize family life, and get through a two-week period of separation. With honesty and vulnerability, they reflect on the emotions behind it all, the challenges of accepting support, and how the grandparents became both a help and part...

Episode 3 – The Fight In this episode, Elena and János reflect on one of the biggest conflicts in their relationship, sparked by the realities of parenthood and the pressure of everyday family life. They talk openly about Elena’s experience of feeling stuck in motherhood, the expectations they both carried into parenting, and how those ideas compare to the life they are living today. Enjoy listeni...

Episode 2 - the Diagnosis This podcast project starts heavier than originally planned — but that is life, right? Elena and János share what happened during the last two weeks in which health issues led to a surprising diagnosis and turned their everyday life upside down. They talk about the sudden full stop this brought to family life, and how they tried to move through it together as a couple and...

Episode 1 - Introduction In the first episode, Elena and János offer a glimpse into how their story began and how their life is currently organized. The episode also marks their first attempt at finding their rhythm behind the microphone. While János draws on his experience and naturally steps into his on‑stage persona, Elena approaches the recording with a touch of nervous energy and a struggle t...