In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy Podcast, host Christopher Robbins speaks with Paul Mandelstein, author of "The World's Best Dad During and After Divorce," about navigating the holidays as a divorced or separated parent. Paul emphasizes reframing divorce as creating an "extended family" rather than a "broken home" and stresses that holidays should focus on the children's wellbeing, not parental conflict. He provides practical advice on managing holiday gatherings, creating new traditions, and developing a positive collaborative co-parenting approach. The conversation highlights the importance of putting aside ego and hurt to ensure children feel loved by both parents during what can be a challenging time of year.

Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Christopher Robbins introduces the podcast and welcomes guest Paul Mandelstein 00:00:11: Introduction to Paul stein's background as founder of Father Resource Network and his extensive publishing career. 00:01:09: Discussion of Paul's authored books including folk tales and "The World's Best Dad During and After Divorce." 00:01:57: Paul thanks Christopher for having him on the show 00:01:59: Christopher shares his friend's difficult divorce situation and asks for holiday advice. 00:02:34: Paul reframes divorce as creating an "extended family" rather than a "broken family." 00:04:06: Paul discusses choices parents have when invited to ex's house, emphasizing not disparaging the ex in front of kids. 00:05:19: Advice on being flexible with holiday schedules and planning ahead. 00:06:46: Suggestion to have separate holiday celebrations if parents can't get along peacefully. 00:07:40: Christopher asks about the positive collaborative co-parenting plan. 00:07:49: Paul explains men should take the lead in creating new family culture. 00:09:39: Christopher emphasizes advice applies to children of all ages. 00:09:48: Paul discusses how the relationship with an ex continues even after divorce. 00:10:42: Discussion of admitting fault and working on self-improvement. 00:11:02: Paul shares how listeners can contact him for consulting. 00:11:28: Christopher concludes with thanks to Famis and encouragement to subscribe.

Key Takeaways

• Reframe divorce as creating an "extended family" rather than viewing it as a "broken home."
• Keep holidays focused on the children's happiness and wellbeing, not parental conflicts or hurt feelings.
• Never disparage your ex-partner in front of the children, as they still love both parents.
• Be flexible with holiday schedules and plan well in advance to avoid conflicts.
• Create new traditions in your own home that work for your unique family situation.
• Take the lead in establishing a positive collaborative co-parenting relationship, even if your ex doesn't initially reciprocate.
• Put aside ego, blame, and the need to be "right" for the sake of your children.
• If you can't be civil together, consider having separate holiday celebrations rather than creating tension.
• Remember that you and your ex once loved each other, and that love created your children

The relationship with your ex continues after divorce, especially when children are involved.

Quotable Moments

• "We're not a broken family when we divorce. We're an extended family."
• "Happy holidays are not about you, they're about the kids. They're not about your ex, they're about the kids."
• "This is an opportunity for you to learn compassion and to basically grow up."
• "It's important to never disparage your ex in front of the kids because they still love their mom or their dad."
• "Just don't be a jerk. Don't look for a way to prove that you were right or you or they were wrong."
• "If you've never been nice before, some people haven't. Let's face it."
• "It's an opportunity. And my book lays out a path that if you follow that path, even if your ex is, is not agreeing with you and is still adversary over time, the kids and your ex perhaps will realize that you're not the bad guy anymore."
• "I'm asking men to take the lead and be the bigger hero. Be the hero. If anything divorces, the hero's security to go through it."
• "The most important thing is for the kids to feel like they're not in an adversarial relationship where they have to pick one parent over another."
• "You'll realize even divorce your relationship with your ex is not over, especially if the kids are teen, young kids, teenagers or even young adults."

Celebrating Christmas Around the World

The podcast episode of "Helping Families Be Happy" features host Christopher Robbins and guest Stephanie Campisi, an Australian author based in Southern California. The discussion revolves around global Christmas traditions, inspired by Stephanie's book, "12 Little Elves Save Christmas." The book takes readers on a journey through various countries' unique festive customs, celebrating the diversity and richness of worldwide holiday practices. Through this exploration, the episode highlights the importance of understanding and appreciating cultural differences, fostering empathy and connection in a global community.

Episode Highlights 00:00:14: Introduction of the podcast and guest, Stephanie Campisi, an author discussing global Christmas traditions. 00:01:39: Stephanie shares the adaptation of wishing Merry Christmas in Australia with a cultural twist. 00:02:33: Discussion of Stephanie's book and its research into global Christmas traditions, including Australia's practices. 00:04:02: Exploration of similarities and differences in holiday traditions between Australia and the US. 00:05:10: Stephanie shares experiences spending Christmas in Japan, noting unique Japanese holiday practices. 00:06:08: Insight into Venezuelan Christmas traditions like roller skating to church. 00:06:58: Explanation of Lebanese nativity crib traditions, emphasizing cultural nuances. 00:08:00: Overview of countries featured in Stephanie's book and the selection process for representing diverse traditions. 00:09:05: Stephanie discusses her family's Christmas traditions evolving between cultures. 00:13:32: Highlighted favorite global Christmas traditions include German markets and Swedish celebrations. 00:14:23: Discussion on the book's potential to foster cross-cultural understanding and empathy. 00:15:11: Ending remarks and where to find more information about Stephanie Campisi's work.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding global Christmas traditions can enrich holiday experiences by recognizing cultural diversity.
• Sharing stories through books can foster empathy and a greater appreciation for our global neighbors.
• Adaptation of traditions when moving to a new culture can create newly meaningful personal celebrations.
• Christmas traditions worldwide offer varied ways to appreciate the season beyond traditional narratives.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Reading is how we connect and cultivate empathy and understanding among cultures." -Stephanie Campisi
• "A book is a little olive branch extending a connection to other cultures." - Stephanie Campisi
• "One great holiday tradition at a time, we can make the world a happier place." - Host, Christopher Robbins

Kitchen Secrets for the Holidays with Jason "Chop Happy" Goldstein

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, Christopher Robbins hosts food blogger Jason Goldstein. Goldstein, known as Chop Happy, shares insights and tips for preparing stress-free holiday meals, highlighting the importance of creating a positive kitchen environment. He provides innovative kitchen hacks, including using a mason jar to peel garlic and a lint roller for cleanup. The episode also explores creative ways to handle leftovers and suggests easy, no-fuss baking ideas for people who don't enjoy baking, rounding out with ways to contact Goldstein online.

Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Christopher Robbins introduces the Helping Families Be Happy podcast along with guest Jason Goldstein. 00:01:11: Jason Goldstein is introduced as a food blogger specializing in comfort dishes and easy recipes. 00:01:57: Jason shares tips for reducing holiday stress and creating a happy kitchen atmosphere. 00:03:45: Discussion about the benefits of garlic and an innovative method for peeling using a mason jar. 00:04:37: Jason shares cleanup tips using butter spray on cheese graters and utilizing a lint roller. 00:06:25: Advice on cooking bacon, suggesting oven baking as the best method for avoiding a mess. 00:07:15: Ideas for handling leftovers, including making vegetable stock and casseroles from scraps. 00:09:28: Suggestions for gifting hosts, like bringing breakfast or prepared foods for the morning after. 00:09:58: Discusses less desirable recipes and how to make baking easier with store-bought mixes and alternatives. 00:12:32: Ways to connect with Jason Goldstein online and learn more about his work. 00:12:59: Conclusion of the podcast with a thank you to the audience and Famis for their support.

Key Takeaways

• The kitchen should be seen as a happy, nurturing environment where cooking becomes an enjoyable activity.
• Innovative cooking and cleanup tips can greatly reduce holiday meal preparation stress and save time.
• Effortlessly handling leftovers can save money and make use of the remaining ingredients creatively.
• For less enthusiastic bakers, simple substitutes and alternative baking methods can make dessert preparation hassle-free.
• Thoughtful gift ideas for hosts include preparing meals or breakfast items to offer after holiday gatherings.

Tweetable Quotes

• "Think of the kitchen as a canvas and cooking as painting, with every dish nourishing your soul." - Jason Goldstein
• "Chop Happy: Create a positive kitchen environment for a stress-free, enjoyable cooking experience." - Jason Goldstein
• "Make an extra casserole from holiday leftovers and save money while reducing food waste." -Jason Goldstein

Cooking Up French Cuisine with Your Kids Barbara Beery

In this episode of the Helping Families Be Happy podcast, host Adina Oberman interviews Barbara Beery, founder of Foodie Kids Culinary Center and author of 20 cookbooks, about her newest release "Ooh La La Kids Cook French" launching November 2025. Barbara shares her passion for teaching children French cooking techniques through approachable recipes that emphasize fresh ingredients and family bonding. The conversation explores how cooking with children builds confidence, creates lasting memories, and provides valuable life skills while making sophisticated cuisine accessible to young chefs aged 10-15.

Episode Highlights 00:00:10: Host Adina Oberman introduces the Helping Families Be Happy podcast and welcomes guest, Barbara Beery, founder of Foodie Kids Culinary Center and author of 20 cookbooks. 00:01:22: Barbara expresses gratitude for being on the show. 00:01:25: Discussion begins about Barbara's new cookbook "Ooh La La Kids Cook French" and its origins. 00:01:43: Barbara shares her childhood cooking experiences with her German mother and how "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" became her first cookbook inspiration. 00:02:34: Barbara explains how children naturally learn cooking without fear of failure and discusses the target age group (10-15) for her new French cookbook. 00:03:34: Adina asks about favorite recipes and highlights from the cookbook. 00:03:49: Barbara discusses her love for crepes as a versatile and simple recipe, along with French pesto made with parsley and various desserts like cream puffs. 00:05:17: Adina praises how Barbara makes French cuisine approachable for families and mentions the fondue recipe. 00:06:23: Barbara acknowledges forgetting to mention the fondue recipe initially. 00:06:32: Discussion about Barbara's experience teaching fondue in cooking classes. 00:06:42: Barbara describes the popularity of French cooking in summer camps and the herb garden experience that amazed children. 00:08:01: Adina reflects on the importance of hands-on experiences for children and asks about recommended starter recipes. 00:09:06: Barbara suggests soup as the most forgiving recipe for beginners, along with crepes and fondue. 00:10:04: Discussion about chocolate fondue and Valentine's Day traditions. 00:10:30: Adina emphasizes how cooking creates lasting memories and family traditions. 00:11:05: Barbara shares key takeaways about empowering children through cooking and the immediate gratification it provides. 00:12:02: Adina agrees and highlights the focused quality time cooking provides between parents and children. 00:12:27: Barbara emphasizes that cooking with kids is about the journey, not the destination. 00:12:39: Adina asks about how listeners can find Barbara online. 00:12:55: Barbara provides her website (barbarabeery.com) and Instagram information 00:13:21: Information about where to purchase the cookbook when it releases in November 2025 00:13:34: Barbara thanks the host for the interview. 00:13:37: Closing remarks and credits from host Adina Oberman.

Key Takeaways

• French cooking can be made accessible to children through age-appropriate recipes that focus on fresh ingredients and simple techniques.
• Cooking with children builds confidence and provides immediate gratification, unlike activities that require years of practice to master.
• Starting with forgiving recipes like soups, crepes, and fondue helps children develop cooking skills without fear of failure.
• Hands-on experiences, such as cutting fresh herbs from a garden, create lasting memories and deepen children's appreciation for fresh ingredients.
• Cooking together provides quality family time focused on connection, learning, and creating traditions that span generations.
• The process of cooking with children is more important than the final product - it's about the journey and shared experience

Quotable Moments

• "Children can learn anything if they're taught and it's done in segments and it's something that's appropriate for their age level, they have no qualms about cooking like a lot of adults do." - Barbara Beery
• "Doesn't have to be something fancy, it needs to be fresh, and your ingredients are what your meal is about." - Barbara Beery
• "I don't think there's anything better we can do for our kids than that [providing them with something they can own and feel proud of]." - Barbara Beery
• "With cooking with kids, it's not about the destination. It really is about the journey." - Barbara Beery
• "Those are the kinds of things that people remember. You know, that's what you can pass on to your kids." -Barbara Beery