Team Crew Podcast: Exploring The Art of Balancing Life, Love, and Parenting

In a world where technology is everywhere, how do we raise kids who use it wisely — without fear, guilt, or power struggles? In this episode, Crystal and Mathew sit down with education researcher and mom Jessica Rizk to explore how parents can build stronger connections with their kids through technology, not despite it. They dive into surprising research about screen time, discuss how to spot hea...

Ever wonder why you feel lit up by some things—and drained by others? Or why your partner takes six months to decide on a car while you knew in five minutes? In this eye-opening episode, Crystal and Mathew explore Human Design with  guide Brandi Healy ( https://www.instagram.com/modernredhead ). From parenting their manifesting generator toddler, Cole, to navigating the push-and-pull energy of the...

What happens when two parents hit pause on the chaos and reflect on their relationship?   From a beachside gazebo in St. Lucia, Mathew and Crystal dive into their most honest relationship check-in yet. They talk about the their communication blind spots, and how stress shows up in sneaky (and spiky) ways. There’s laughter, vulnerability, and a few confessions.  You’ll hear about emotional labor, t...

In this episode, we sit down with Jenna and Kerrie, hosts of How Motherhood Changed Me ( @howmotherhoodchangedme ) , to explore the concept of matrescence—a transformational shift as profound as adolescence, yet rarely named or understood. From hilarious car seat revelations to raw truths about identity loss, hormones, and judgment, this conversation dives deep into the unexpected emotional rewiri...

Is today’s education system smothering curiosity instead of fostering it? In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Wendy, a veteran educator and tutor (and Mathew's mom), to discuss why so many students lose their natural love for learning—and how parents can reclaim it. Wendy shares powerful insights from decades of experience, breaking down how the traditional school model priori...

We all know that having kids changes everything about your relationship with your partner—but have you ever stopped to consider how your relationship is shaping your child’s future? In this eye-opening episode, we flip the script on parenting and relationships, exploring how prioritizing your partnership isn’t just good for you—it’s crucial for your child’s emotional security and long-term well-be...

Is parenting today harder than it was 40 years ago? My mom, Donna Shadwell, joins us to kick off Season 2 with an honest, hilarious, and sometimes brutally real conversation about motherhood—then and now. From why she never planned to have kids (until she did) to the social pressures, mental load, and overwhelming expectations of modern moms, we compare notes across generations. She shares why she...

And that’s a wrap! Here brings the end of season 1 of the Team Crew Podcast! As we finish up Season 1, we're taking a short break to recharge and bring you an even more exciting Season 2!  There’s lots more to look forward to. From heartwarming conversations with our moms (who have all the stories!) to deep dives into parenting, relationships, and everything in between, we're making sure...

In this special episode of the Team Crew Podcast , we revisit some of the most impactful moments from our guest interviews. From self-care and mindfulness with Alicia Grigaitis to reconnecting when life kills the mood with Heather Craig, these clips offer insights on parenting, collaboration, and overcoming life’s challenges. Tune in to hear highlights from inspiring guests like Marsha Vanwynsberg...

In this episode, we dive deep into a conversation that many couples shy away from—intimacy and sex in long-term relationships. Joined by seasoned sex therapist Heather Craig, we explore the complexities of maintaining a healthy sexual connection through life changes, parenting, and busy schedules. Heather shares valuable insights on breaking down barriers to intimacy, why scheduling sex isn’t as u...

This week, it's a short one as Mathew and Crystal take a much-needed break to reflect on their journey so far. Even as they pause this week, they still take a few moments to revisit past episodes and acknowledge the importance of rest. This "non-episode" serves as a reminder to pause, reflect, and embrace the messy, real moments of life. See ya next week! 📣 Join the Dialogue! We wa...

Burnout is more common than we’d like to admit. Join us as we dive deep into the shifting mindset that changed everything for our guest, Erinn Yakabuski, a leadership coach and wellness advocate ( https://www.erinnyakabuski.com/about ). We explore the critical question: Have we been getting it all wrong when it comes to productivity? Erinn shares her personal journey through burnout, the powerful...

In this episode of The Team Crew Podcast , Mathew and Crystal get real about the struggles of juggling full-time careers, parenting their energetic almost three-year-old, pursuing personal interests, and maintaining their relationship. It may seem like they’ve got it all figured out, but they reveal the truth about dropped balls, daily chaos, and the overwhelming stress that comes with trying to m...

In this special highlight episode of the Team Crew Podcast , we revisit some of our most insightful and inspiring moments. From parenting challenges to navigating friendships, tech, and relationships, this episode serves up a mix of humor, reflection, and heart as we explore how to bring the best of ourselves to every aspect of life. Perfect for those looking for a little inspiration as the season...

In this  episode, we sit down with the Honourable Jenna Sudds, M.P., Canadian Minister of Family, Children, and Social Development, to explore the intricate balance between her public service and her role as a mother of three teenage daughters. Jenna shares her journey into government, highlighting how her experiences as a parent have shaped her approach to policy-making. We delve into the real-wo...

Are you a parent grappling with the hopes and dreams you have for your child while navigating the complexities of modern parenting? In this episode, join us as we delve into the  balance of trying to raise a resilient, empathetic, and curious child amidst the pressures of today's world.  Listen in as we share our personal reflections on the traits we hope to pass on to our son, Cole, and the...

In this episode, we chat with Carly Ottaway, founder of marketing agency, Web of Words, who shares her journey from being a career-driven copywriter to leading a thriving marketing agency, all while navigating the complexities of family life.  Carly opens up about the challenges and rewards of working alongside her spouse, the essential role of collaboration in her business growth, and the profoun...

We celebrate Crystal's birthday (her 10th anniversary of her 29th birthday!) with a mix of light-hearted fun and deep introspection. Join us as Crystal shares her journey over the past year, reflecting on personal growth, learning from setbacks, and the continuous quest for self-improvement. Through rapid-fire birthday questions, we uncover her favourite memories and traditions, revealing the...

In this  episode, we delve into the too-often transient nature of adult friendships and explore why maintaining these connections can be so challenging yet profoundly important. Drawing from personal stories and the long-term Harvard study on adult development, we discuss how career, family, and geography shape our relationships. We share the joys and bittersweet moments of reconnecting with old f...

Today, we’re diving into a personal story close to our hearts—the tale of how we met and became “Team Crew.” Join us as we take a nostalgic trip back to 2016/2017, sharing the quirky and unexpected journey that led to our first date and beyond. Whether you’re in a relationship, looking for one, or simply enjoy a good love story, this episode is a testament to the magic that can happen when you lea...

In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring Marsha Vanwynsberghe ( @marshavanw , https://www.marshavanw.com/ ), a podcaster, author, and speaker, to delve into the often-overlooked topics of vulnerability, shame, and how they impact our relationships. Marsha, known for her deep insights and ability to connect with audiences, shares her journey of owning her story, mindset, and choices, offerin...

In this episode, we dive into the impact of screen time on our daily lives, especially as parents. We discuss our own digital addictions, the challenges of modeling healthy technology behaviours for our two and a half-year-old, and the struggle to balance convenience with mindful engagement. We explore the science behind screen time, sharing insights from studies on its effects on children's...

Following a few weeks after Mother's Day and Father's Day, we decided to sit down with a list of questions for one other about our experiences of becoming parents. From unexpectedly not feeling an instant bond with our newborn to navigating the highs and lows of parental expectations, we provide unscripted answers to what it was and has been like to raise a little boy. We' discuss t...

In this insightful episode of the Team Crew Podcast, hosts Crystal and Mathew sit down with their first official guest, Alicia Grigaitis. Alicia, a single mom, primary music teacher, and founder of Flow & Co. ( https://www.instagram.com/flowandco__/ ), shares her inspiring journey of self-care, mindfulness, and finding balance in the chaos of parenting. Alicia opens up about her transition fro...

Join Crystal and Mathew in this captivating episode of the Team Crew Podcast as they delve into the challenging yet essential journey of rediscovering their identities beyond parenthood. Fresh from a mini getaway, they share the highs, lows, and unexpected realizations of trying to reconnect as a couple away from their two-year-old son, Cole. Explore the emotional rollercoaster of their first majo...