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Your Host Parents

Minneapolis, MN
Matthew Fox has a knack for uncovering the ethical dilemmas hidden in genre media, from superheroes to Star Wars. Host of Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics, and co-host of Once and Future Parent on TruStory FM, they’ve turned a childhood love of Star Trek into a podcasting career built on deep, meaningful conversations.
Los Angeles, CA
Mandy Kaplan is a multi-talented actress, voice-over artist, and writer whose voice can be heard in hundreds of commercials, video games, and audiobooks. She hosts Make Me A Nerd, where friends introduce her to their fandoms, and co-hosts Once and Future Parent, chronicling the adventure of raising—and being raised by—a high schooler.
Portland, OR
Pete Wright is a veteran broadcaster and media consultant with a 30-year career spanning journalism, brand storytelling, and podcasting. He is a co-founder of TruStory FM, where he hosts and produces podcasts that blend education, entertainment, and human-centered communication.

Support the Parents on TruStory FM

Join Matthew Fox, Mandy Kaplan, and Pete Wright as they navigate the joys, challenges, and surprises of parenting across ages and time. Your membership subscription supports honest, heartfelt conversations about this pivotal stage of family life while giving you early access to the show and occasional bonuses delivered straight to your personal podcast feed.

Most importantly, your support allows us to continue exploring the complexities of parenting with sincerity and warmth. Subscribe today, and let’s navigate this journey together.

What’s up with Discord?

So much! The shows of the Ethical Panda — Once and Future Parent, plus Star Wars Generations and  Superhero Ethics — are all represented on the TruStory FM Discord server. Jump in for free and chat with your community. Plus, once you become a supporting member of the Ethical Panda shows, you’ll be automatically granted access to the member-only channels in our Discord Server for special events and a more curated chat.

Meanwhile ... On the podcast

Halloween & Homecoming

Halloween as a parent means navigating everything from costume choices to candy negotiations, while also managing your own memories of trick-or-treating past. But when does healthy caution cross into helicopter parenting? And how do modern safety concerns compare to the anxieties our parents faced?

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Parenthood (The Movie) Part 2

Mandy and Matthew complete their deep dive into Ron Howard’s Parenthood, focusing on the film’s most quietly devastating subplot: Frank Buckman’s relationship with his troubled youngest son, Larry. This conversation explores how the movie tackles parental favoritism, the limits of unconditional support, and the painful moment when a parent realizes they can’t fix their adult child—but might get another chance with an unexpected grandchild.

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