Down To Earth with the Burucharas

In the final episode of season 4, Callie and David talk with Jeremy and Ilana from mybestsociallife.com. Whether you are on the spectrum, consider yourself neurodivergent, or know someone who is, this episode is for you! We talk about:Jeremy and Illana's career transitions from law and special-ed to helping people on the spectrum find community, make friends, start dating, and find loveHow Jeremy became the  "Hitch" for people on the autism spectrum, as mentioned in The AtlanticWhy dating is so difficult for neurodivergent people and how to get helpAlong with lessons we can all learn from the neurodivergent community (and their parents) about succeeding in relationships. ---------Jeremy and Ilana Hamburgh are friendship and dating coaches who empower autistic and neurodivergent adults to find community, make friends, start dating, and find love.  Ilana has over 16 years of experience as a special education teacher in New York City and is now the Director of Education for My Best Social Life.  Jeremy has over 13 years of experience coaching autistic adults into the social lives they want and deserve.  Their flagship program is called Social Life 360, and it's like nothing else in the autism and neurodivergent world:  It combines a warm and inclusive community, private and group coaching, and confidence and social skills building that uses formulas, diagrams, and step-by-step processes which allow a differently wired brain to observe, understand, and engage with the social world.      Jeremy and Ilana offer a no-cost 90-minute Strategy Session to every family whose autistic or neurodivergent adult wants to have a more fulfilling social life, and they love giving families incredible clarity on the path from loneliness to a more connected life.  Jeremy and Ilana do all of this with a deep commitment to kindness, compassion and world-class support.  You can learn more about Jeremy, Ilana, and the Social Life 360 Strategy at MyBestSocialLife.com and you can contact them about scheduling your family's Strategy Session at Jeremy@MyBestSocialLife.com or Ilana@MyBestSocialLife.com.    --------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In today's episode, Callie and David answer some of your burning questions about navigating adult relationships with parents.  Thanks to all of you who took the time to submit questions that include:dealing with your in-law's problematic behaviorhow to relate to and honor step-parentsdealing with an abusive step-parent from another cultureattending therapy to address issues with your parentsand more!--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

This week, we address a topic often avoided but inevitably encountered—the loss of our parents and navigating the associated grief. This episode features a heartfelt conversation with David's cousin, Miriam, reflecting on the memories and lessons from her grief journey following her father's passing in 2020. Join us as we delve into various approaches to grief, the unique impact of a parent's loss, surprising effects of grief, and more.Learn more about Miriam's professional journey here and follow her on Instagram at @mircyat--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In this week's episode, Callie and David open up about their respective relationships with their in-laws, discussing the joys and the risks that in-law relationships can bring.  They also share 4 key rules for successfully relating with your in-laws. Join in on the conversation as we unravel the art of balancing love, boundaries, and understanding in the world of in-law relationships.Submit your questions for this season's Q&A episode here: Season 4 Q&A Submission Form--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In this episode, we are honored to introduce Ann Marie Smith, a parent of adult children who shares her insights drawn from decades of parenting and her coaching program, Parent Possible. Ann Marie's perspective revolves around the notion that "childhood is fleeting, but being a parent is forever." She emphasizes the mutual benefits that adulthood can bring to both parents and their adult children. Join us as we explore how the dynamics of parent-child relationships evolve into adulthood, and we engage in a practical discussion about the expectations and responsibilities that adult children have towards their parents and vice versa. Ann Marie is an experienced Leadership and Project Consultant, Development Practitioner, Parent Educator, Coach and Speaker with a deep commitment to providing individuals, teams and families with the tools and resources needed to achieve breakthrough outcomes. She has shared and continues to share her experiences and expertise with public, private, and nongovernmental organisations in Jamaica,  and all over the world.Prior to becoming an Independent Leadership and Project Consultant, Ann Marie worked with the Government of Jamaica for 28 years, leading and managing learning and development for public servants and providing policy advice to senior levels of government in Jamaica and across the Caribbean region on public service learning and leadership development.She is the founder and Executive Director of:Parent Possible: Parent education and coaching organisation focused on equipping parents to succeed in their roles and transforming families one conversation at a time.Go Beyond Leadership – Her leadership development and coaching brand through which she works with individuals and teams to go beyond their current vision and create impact that matters.Gosnel’s Delight - A vegan ice cream brand named for her father, with the tagline “sweet responsibly”She is also a  founding member of the Global Initiative for Fertility and Family Transformation (GIFFT), an NGO currently operating in five countries (Zimbabwe, Jamaica, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa) promoting healthy family dynamics and contributing to more equitable, just and sustainable communities. Ann-Marie is currently pursuing doctoral studies with a focus on parenting and family studies.Her proudest accomplishments are her two young adult children, Sacha-Rose and Walter.Find Ann Marie here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annmariesmithleadership66https://www.go-beyondleadership.comhttps://www.facebook.com/parentpossibleja--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In last week’s episode, we explored the signs and effects of emotional immaturity in parents. Today, we dive into practical ways of navigating these complex dynamics as an adult with an emotionally immature parent. Tune in as we discuss the following strategies:letting go of the fantasyhow to individuate and process your feelingsfocusing on what you can controlestablishing appropriate boundaries Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson's book: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In today's episode, we uncover both the obvious and subtle signs that indicate emotional immaturity in parents, exploring the profound impact it can have on their children's emotional well-being and future relationships. Whether you're a parent seeking to better understand your own behaviors or someone who grew up with emotionally immature parents, this episode will help you identify the 4 types of emotional immaturity that parents tend to fall in. Next week, we'll discuss how to practically navigate these complex dynamics in our relationships.Dr. Lindsay C. Gibson's book: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In this episode, we're joined by friend and marriage & family therapist, Candis Braxton. Join us as we explore how the influences of our parents/caregivers echo within us long into adulthood. Learn how to identify and confront these internalized voices, appreciate the gifts and gaps that we've received from our parents, and how to build healthier relationships with our parents in the present.Candis Braxton is a Licensed Marriage and Family Associate Therapist (LMFT-A) in North Carolina, providing virtual therapy statewide. With over a decade of experience, she specializes in helping individuals, couples, and families dealing with various issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Candis  also offers a spiritually connected and Bible-centered therapeutic experience upon request, drawing from narrative, emotion-focused, and structural therapies, along with EMDR for unresolved childhood traumas. Candis lives in Fayetteville, North Carolina along with her husband, Sebastien, and 4 wonderful children. If you're interested in receiving therapy/counseling from Candis check out the links below:North Carolina residents: https://accrescentnc.comRest of the US/International: https://www.patreon.com/fiatluxnc--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

Welcome back! In our last episode, we dove into what it means to honor our parents as adults. Today, we're stepping into the next part of our conversation: forgiving our parents. What does forgiveness have to do with honoring? Is forgiveness as simple as "forgive and forget" or is there more to it? And how do we forgive that which we may have not yet named? Why is it especially hard to do so with our parents? Let's talk.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

Welcome back to Season 4 of the podcast! The DTE listener community has spoken - we're diving headfirst into the complexities of Adult Relationships with Parents. In this season's opener, we begin to unravel what it means to honor our parents. How do we honor our parents as adults? What happens when we feel like our parents don’t deserve any honor at all? What then? And how does our mental health and individuality fit into the picture? Tune in for the first part of the conversation.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In this episode, Joy Ofodu, comedy creator and host of the Dating Unsettled podcast, shares her personal dating journey and how she approached online dating with a specific strategy. She talks about the ups and downs of her dating experiences and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. Eventually, she found her bae and shares the story of how they met. Joy also introduces the concept of "hardballing" and explains how it can be a useful tool in dating. Tune in to hear Joy's insightful and entertaining take on modern dating, as well as her spot-on Obama impression.As a celebrated voice actor and Creative Executive, Joy Ofodu has drawn over 30M views to her original digital comedy content and countless more to inclusion-centered, global marketing campaigns at Instagram. Under her self-titled media company, she has grown a highly-engaged community of more than 200,000 online daters and meditators in just two years. Joy is the host of Dating Unsettled, an audio show designed to validate women daters, available now on all podcast platforms. Joy’s voice can be heard in her partnerships with HBO Max, Adult Swim, The Daily Shine, Skybound Entertainment, Meta, Credit Karma, Netflix, DIRECTV, Upenndo! and more.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In today's episode, Callie and David answer some of your burning questions about dating. Thanks to all of you who took the time to submit questions; here are the questions tackled in order:(04:07) Should I still date someone I don’t find attractive? (09:23) On paper, they’re perfect, but there's no chemistry. What do I do?(14:14) When should I bring up my past relationships?(22:08) We agreed to meet but haven’t heard from him. Should I let it go?(28:20) How quickly do you bring up things that you don't like?(44:03) Is there ever a right time to date?(49:05) Is group dating a good idea?(55:16) How do I know if I’m genuinely attracted?(1:02:42) My relationship is great thus far, but the future is uncertain. Should we go forward? (1:09:59) Is it safe to remain friends with someone who's rejected me?--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In this episode, Callie & David explore the important but often awkward "defining the relationship" conversation when dating. The DTR conversation can be the crucial difference between intentionally moving forward in a relationship or letting circumstances and faulty assumptions shape your dating experience. Join us as we dive into:When to have the DTR talk and how to initiate it Common fears and misconceptions about DTRTips for handling the conversation with grace and honestyDealing with rejection--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In this episode, Callie & David talk about conversations to have on dates that can drastically improve your dating experience. They share tips for less awkward interactions and more natural, fun, & meaningful discussions. They also provide helpful tools w/ examples for assessing whether it’s worth going on a 2nd or 3rd date. Join us as we explore:Transitioning from small talk to deep talkConversation topics on a dateDisclaimers vs. explanationsLeading with vulnerability & clarityJay Shetty’s 3-Date RuleLogan Ury’s Post-Date Eight...and more!--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

Share your questions for our upcoming Dating Q&A + vote for the season 4 theme: www.bit.ly/dte-survey In this special episode, Callie has a conversation with her best friend Emely Umaña. As they reminisce about their 15-year friendship, Emely opens up about her personal journey with singleness and dating. With grace and wisdom, Emely reflects on how her attitude and approach to dating has evolved over time, and shares valuable insights for anyone navigating their dating journey. --------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In this episode, Callie and David share tips and insights on how to meet potential partners within and beyond your current circles. They discuss different places and spaces where many couples first meet but most significantly, they emphasize the importance of approaching dating with a mindset that prioritizes reasonable efforts over immediate results.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

Attachment theory suggests that the quality of our early relationships with caregivers - how we received love - shapes our attachment style, influencing how we form and maintain relationships throughout our lives. In this episode, Callie and David delve into how our frustrating patterns in dating are often related to our attachment styles. They explore how we can better understand ourselves, relate with others, and build more secure dating dynamics.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

In our first guest episode of season 3, we're joined by globetrotter Jasper Iturriaga. Jasper is known by many for his amazing storytelling about his journies all around the world but in this episode, we zoom in and take a closer look at the man behind the camera to learn about his romantic life. Jasper is both wise and hilarious, honest and hopeful as he shares valuable lessons we can all appreciate that his travels have taught him about singleness and dating.Jasper is a photographer and a filmmaker. He has fit almost all his possessions in a backpack and suitcase to travel across 50 countries  around the world (on a Philippine passport!), telling people’s stories and discovering life through different perspectives.His passion for telling stories brought him to the jungles of Palawan. Seeing the realities on the ground, he rallied social media to be a force for good—raising over $100k to help build 2 jungle schools and to support medical and dental clinics in the remotest parts of the island.He is currently working as a film maker and field coordinator for Child Impact International, an organization focused on rescuing and helping provide education to vulnerable kids around the world.--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

Is it helpful to have a "type" when we date? Or should our tastes be more flexible when finding love? In this episode, David and Callie talk about what their types were before they met, exploring: the 3Ps that influence our typewhy it's important to question your typehow our type is often not actually our typeand how to differentiate between values and type in dating--------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr

Welcome back to season 3! In this first episode, Callie and David talk about the 3 dating tendencies: a helpful framework that highlights three common blind spots most people have in their dating lives. Taken from Logan Ury's book, How To Not  Die Alone, finding out your tendency can help you understand the struggles you face in your dating journey along with strategies to help you overcome them. Find out your dating tendency at: https://loganury.com/quiz --------------------------------We're eager to hear your thoughts on the podcast! Got any questions, topic suggestions, or just want to get in touch? We'd love to hear from you via this quick feedback form: https://tally.so/r/w4Jkgr