In this episode, I’m joined by author Rebecca Chamian Ribaudo to talk about her novel, Crossing Division Street. We explore the complex ways our family histories, cultural identities and faith shape who we are, and how the stories passed down through generations can both connect us to our roots and leave us carrying inherited trauma. We also discuss immigration, community, poverty and the tension between individual freedom and our responsibility to one another. Along the way, we reflect on the power of empathy, the importance of seeing people as individuals, and how stories can help us navigate some of the big questions facing society today.

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LCG website

Loved Called Gifted is back after a summer break. This episode is an excerpt from the audio version of Catherine's book, Finding God's Feminine Side. It explores the connection between Christ and Sophia (Wisdom) and explores the ways in which we encounter the feminine and maternal in the life of Christ. And then there is an exploration of Jesus, women and masculinity.

Transcript

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Catherine Cowell talks with Val Mullally—author, parent educator, and SuperVision facilitator based in rural Ireland—about creating psychologically safe spaces for children (and really, for everyone).

Val shares how her own journey through emotional intelligence and neuroscience shaped her parenting philosophy: leading from love, not fear.

They discuss sensory sensitivity (how overwhelmed senses often drive "misbehaviour"), the difference between genuine affirmation and empty praise, and helping kids name and process emotions like anger rather than suppress them.

Val introduces her TRAKC model—Trust, Resonance, Authenticity, Kindness, Candour—for building psychological safety, emphasizing that rupture and repair (not perfection) build real trust, and that trust can't be demanded, only earned.

The conversation weaves together parenting, leadership, and supervision, showing how the same principles that help struggling children apply to all relationships.

It's a warm, reflective conversation blending psychology, faith, and decades of hands-on experience with children and adults alike.

Useful links:

Loved Called Gifted website

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