Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I provide as an Accredited Financial Counselor and Fair Play Facilitator. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

For today’s episode, we welcome Jennifer Sabatini Fraone, MSW, MBA, former Executive Director for the Boston College Center for Work & Family. Jennifer received her BS in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University and her Master of Social Work and Master of Business Administration from Boston College.

For today’s episode we discuss how organizations, couples, and families can find work life harmony. Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Over your years leading the Boston College Center for Work & Family, what major shifts have you seen in how couples balance work and family life?

04:21 What do you think has been the most impactful research the Center has published in its 35 year tenure? (Fatherhood/parental leave/flex)

11:27 What are the biggest stressors you’ve found that high-achieving dual-career couples face today—and how can they navigate them without burning out?

18:40 Your research has explored changing gender norms. How are men’s roles in caregiving and domestic life evolving, and what still needs to change?

22:16 Remote and hybrid work promises flexibility, but often leads to blurred boundaries. What have you learned about how couples can protect personal time while working flexibly?

25:48 If you could redesign the “ideal” workplace for modern families, what would it look like—and how would it reshape the home lives of dual-career couples?

31:08 The Center closed at the end of 2025. How did you prepare for this upcoming transition after this work being an integral part of your life for 20 years?

33:59 What is one piece of simple and actionable advice you would like to share with our listeners?

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For today’s episode we welcome Alex Trippier, a dad of three who has been married for 18 years and is the host of the popular podcast, “Be a Happier Parent.” His mission is to help parents connect and grow.

Alex shares insights on parenting, the mental load carried by women, and the dynamics of relationships. He humorously discusses the concept of a 'brain rental fee' charged by his wife for asking where things are, highlighting the often unrecognized mental labor women perform in households. The discussion delves into the importance of humor in communication, the challenges men face with shame and vulnerability, and the insights gained from motherhood literature. The conversation concludes with actionable advice on appreciation and conflict resolution in relationships, emphasizing the need for curiosity and recognition of each other's efforts. Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction
01:38 Let’s start with you sharing a bit about yourself and your family?
04:35 Your wife charges you a “brain rental fee?” You’ve gotta tell us about that!
22:01 Why did you start reading motherhood books?
35:25 What are three things you’ve learned from doing the podcast that you wish you’d known earlier in marriage?
42:25 What’s the biggest problem you see caused by inequity in the home?
46:02 What’s the biggest win in your relationship compared to today?
48:03 Where can listeners learn more about you and your podcast?
48:53 What is one piece of simple and actionable advice you can leave with our listeners?

• Click here to listen to Alex’s podcast: “Be a Happier Parent”
• Click here to follow Alex on Instagram
• Below you can click and order the books mentioned on the podcast
  • Motherhood Complex
  • What’s On Her Mind
  • Having It All
  • Equal Partners
  • Fair Play

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Welcome to the Modern Husbands podcast, where any combination of Dr. Bruce Ross, Christian Sherrill, and Brian Page host national experts who share winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team.

I’m Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands. Sometimes our listeners want more support than a podcast can give, individual or couple support, which I provide as an Accredited Financial Counselor and Fair Play Facilitator. Details can be found at modernhusbands.com.

Today we welcome Dr. Shandra Parks. Dr Parks serves as Board President with the Maryland Council on Problem Grambling and is a Family Involvement Facilitator, Resource Home Worker and is a Field Instructor for MSW students with the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. Dr. Parks provides wellness counseling, financial education as well financial counseling to individuals and families impacted by Disordered gambling.

In this conversation, Dr. Shandra Parks discusses the complexities of gambling addiction, its evolution in the digital age, and the psychological factors that contribute to it. She describes early warning signs, understanding the emotional impact of gambling, and finding a balance between entertainment and addiction.

Enjoy the show.

Show Notes

00:00 Introduction
02:03 You work with people and families affected by problem gambling every day. When you hear the phrase “gambling addiction,” what do most people get wrong?
03:08 Many people picture casinos or slot machines. How has gambling changed in the last decade, especially with apps, sports betting, and online platforms?
06:01 What are loot boxes?
12:07 Does gambling feel different from other money struggles like overspending or credit card debt? If so, why?
13:19 What are some early warning signs that gambling is becoming unhealthy, even if bills are still getting paid?
20:59 Many people tell themselves “I’m just doing small bets” or “this is entertainment.” Where is the line between entertainment and risk?
25:37 If someone is listening right now and feeling uneasy about their behavior, what is the first step that doesn’t feel overwhelming or shame-filled?
31:03 How should a spouse bring up concerns without triggering defensiveness or shutdown?
34:07 How do you balance compassion for the person struggling with gambling while still protecting yourself financially and emotionally?
37:00 How long does recovery typically take, and what does progress realistically look like?
39:01 What is one piece of simple and actionable advice you want to share with our listeners?

Learn more: https://www.marylandproblemgambling.org/dr-shandra-parks

#gambling

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