The Village Thrives

Are you strict, relaxed… or somewhere in between? This week, we’re diving into the world of parenting styles — from Diana Baumrind’s classic four (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved) to newer approaches like “lighthouse parenting.” We explore how discipline has evolved over time, how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent, and what it looks like to blend different styles...

This is a special episode of The Village Thrives , as Donna takes on the role of interviewer and sits down with Kristina for an intimate conversation about her memoir and supporting podcast, She Believed . Kristina opens up about her breast cancer journey — from the moment of diagnosis to navigating treatment while continuing to show up as a parent, partner, and professional. She shares what it wa...

What if the secret to a longer, healthier, and happier life isn’t complicated — but rooted in how we live every day? In this episode, we’re joined by special guest Sarah Kearney, Executive Director of Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, to break down the powerful lessons behind the world’s longest-living communities. Sarah walks us through the Power 9 — including the 80% rule — and shares how simple sh...

From after-school sports to music lessons and everything in between, extracurricular activities have become a big part of modern childhood — but are we doing too much? In this episode, we look back at the activities we grew up with and compare them to the packed schedules many kids have today. We dive into the real impact of extracurriculars — the good, the overwhelming, and everything in between...

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 wil...

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,...

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 refl...

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 f...

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 vill...

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 work...

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 schoo...

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. Meditati...