Chapter 32: Cat and Nat on cutting the crap to create community for courageous caregivers

3 Books is a completely insane and totally epic 15-year-long quest to uncover the 1000 most formative books in the world. Each chapter is hosted live and in-person at the guest's preferred location by Neil Pasricha, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Awesome and The Happiness Equation. Each chapter of 3 Books uncovers and discusses the three most formative books from one of the world's most inspiring people. Sample guests include: Judy Blume, David Sedaris, Chris Anderson of TED, and the world's greatest Uber driver. Each of the 333 chapters is dropped on the exact minute of every new moon and full moon until September 1, 2031. 3 Books is an Apple "Best Of" award-winning show as well as the world's only podcast by and for book lovers, writers, makers, sellers... and librarians. For more info check out: www.3books.co Catherine Belknap and Natalie Telfer are best friends, moms of seven children collectively, and the hilarious duo behind the @CatandNat movement to rid the world of mom guilt and mom shame. The pair's hilarious #MomTruths rants and podcast conversations quickly attracted millions of followers all interested in discussing the guilt and expectations surrounding parenting. Cat and Nat are the world's fearless crusaders against the perfection myth and all the gluten-free, sugar-free baking it entails. Every week the pair releases a Mom Truths podcast episode as well as a new recording of their worldwide series Mom Truths. The duo just released their instant bestselling book Mom Truths and regularly tour North America to sold-out audiences. You can find them @catandnat on all social media.  Chapter Description: Are you one of the million-plus people who follow Cat and Nat online? (@catandnat on every social.) Cat and Nat are moms of seven (!) children together and they are attempting to give moms permission, help moms be heard, and rid the world of mom guilt and mom shame. Oh! And they’re the bestselling authors of Mom Truths: Embarrassing Stories and  Brutally Honest Advice on the Extremely Real Struggle of Motherhood. How did I stumble upon these two badass, R-rated, intellectually flamboyant and passionate women? Well, I was wandering around the prairies (Regina, Saskatchewan to be specific) when I stumbled on their show at a casino across from my hotel. Stumbled upon is an understatement given that a thousand women wearing tight leather pants and swishing white wine almost trampled me. I found myself watching their incredible stage show, keeping the audience in stitches, and just putting their finger on this giant invisible stress that so many moms feel … and helping that stress go away. This is the first chapter since Chapter 1 of 3 Books where I have brought my wonderful wife (and mother of three boys!) Leslie.  In this chapter, we discuss parenting, motherhood, the pressures we put on ourselves to raise these perfect children, and why those pressures could be harming us and our expectations of our kids. Join me, my wife Leslie, Cat, and Nat as we hang out in Nat’s living room to have this important and honest conversation on Nat’s beautiful white couch. And, of course, to uncover Cat and Nat’s three most formative books. I hope you enjoy this chapter. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:    Why should we empower our children to make their own decisions? How can we teach children about the consequences of their choices? Why should you pursue marriage counselling before getting married? How can we learn to let go of the guilt and shame we feel surrounding parenting? Leave us a voicemail! Your message may be included in a future episode: 1-833-READ-A-LOT. You can find show notes and more information by clicking here: https://www.3books.co/chapters/32 Sign up to receive podcast updates here: https://www.3books.co/email-list