Episode 1: How We Met

Culture Clash Parenting

In the debut episode of Culture Clash Parenting, co-hosts Marisa Raymond and Astrid share their powerful journey of friendship, beginning in an online miscarriage support group in 2006. Both women, hailing from different parts of the world—Marisa, an American living in France, and Astrid, a German who moved to the U.S.—discuss their shared experiences of loss, cultural differences in healthcare, and the emotional toll of miscarriage.

Marisa reflects on her challenges navigating the U.S. healthcare system, including difficulties accessing prenatal genetic testing, and contrasts this with the care she received when experiencing another miscarriage in France. Astrid opens up about her miscarriage experience in the U.S. and the challenges with finding support in a foreign land.

Together, they emphasize the critical role of community and support during difficult times, especially for those living abroad. With warmth and empathy, they encourage listeners to share their own stories of loss and offer suggestions for building support systems across cultures.

Key Takeaways:

• You are not alone—finding support, whether online or in person, can make a significant difference in your healing journey.
• Cultural clashes in healthcare systems can add challenges, but navigating these with the help of others brings strength.
• Humor, empathy, and love are essential tools for coping with loss and raising children in multicultural environments.

Resources Mentioned:

• October 15th Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for families who have experienced pregnancy loss.

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• Instagram: @cultureclashparenting
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This episode was loving produced by Marisa & Astrid.
Music and editing by Lonely Heaven Music