What to Expect from Each Episode

Episode 0 – Introduction to Let Me Tell You How It Happened

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt gives a brief overview of what you can expect from this podcast series created to help you navigate the complexities of family life. She brings 40 years of experience as a mom of 9 grown children, family coach, co-founder of the PanAmerican Institute of Family Studies, coordinator of family conferences and programs for schools, and director of Families to Families. Let Me Tell You How It Happened includes 10 conversations in total, 9 with Luisana’s adult children and 1 with her husband, where you will hear stories, memories, and benefits of forming a united family culture.

Episode 1 – Marriage, Friendship, and Asking for Help

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her husband Ricardo open the conversation with a key question – whether or not you should get married in the first place. They discuss how to approach life intentionally, the necessity of shared values as a basis for friendship and marriage, as well as the need for forgiveness in relationships. They share insights on the significance of understanding marriage as a radical life project, highlighting practical advice for couples and parents to create a supportive and intentional family culture.

Episode 2 – Boundaries, Freedom, and Throwing Shoes

In this episode, Luisana Bethencourt and her son Juan Antonio reflect on how consistency with clear rules can create boundaries for fun and flourishing. They consider how order, routine, and structure do not actually restrict freedom, but create room for it. Their discussion also highlights the importance of having conversations about rules because while educating may be more challenging than punishing, it is far more rewarding.

Episode 3 – Let Nothing Disturb You, Let Nothing Frighten You

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her daughter Ana Victoria reflect on how to cultivate peace, joy, and resilience. They explore how family relationships and life experiences transform temperament and build character. The conversation emphasizes how to foster an ability to deal with change and embrace self-reflection to grow in any circumstance.

Episode 4 – Unconditional Love and High Expectations

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her son Carlos discuss how unconditional love is a foundation for family unity and strong friendships. They reflect on the importance of parents intentionally seeking opportunities to know their children, be with them, connect with them, and trust in their goodness. They explore how to notice your children’s strengths, fortitude, talents, and gifts to enable them to flourish rather than viewing them as someone to be “fixed.” 

Episode 5 – Family Culture and Fortitude

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her son Tomás discuss the significance of defining and preserving family culture, traditions, values, and branding that creates a sense of belonging. They explore the value of having an “open house,” including extended family regularly, creating lasting family traditions, and defining a family mission statement. The conversation emphasizes the importance of having a vision for your family, so you can have clarity to make choices and act freely.

Episode 6 – How to live without FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her daughter Ruth discuss the compatibility of having fun with maintaining structure in the home. They recount stories that reveal the role that fun and a good sense of humor played in their family culture, which is designed to bring out the best in family members. They explore how to recharge, give and receive support, navigate independence, and manage FOMO in different stages of life.

Episode 7 – You’re Never Alone

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her daughter Iraida discuss the significance of sibling relationships and the intentionality required in parenting. They share personal stories and insights on how to create a supportive family environment, the challenges of motherhood, and the journey of personal growth and unlearning. The conversation emphasizes the need for consistency in parenting, as well as the responsibility of raising children who will contribute positively to society.

Episode 8 – Raising Your Child in All Their Dimensions

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her daughter Mariana discuss the benefits of understanding the holistic development of children. They emphasize the need for community support, the acceptance of imperfection in parenting, and the importance of breaking negative cycles to create a nurturing family environment.

Episode 9 – Order and Thinking of Others

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her daughter Irene explore the significance of family in shaping responsibility, identity, communication, and life skills. They tell engaging stories about the importance of building a healthy family culture with practical strategies, like the black bag, laundry days, and family meetings. They detail how childhood experiences and skills learned at home translate to adult behaviors for success in life.

Episode 10 – Relationship with God and Music

In this episode, host Luisana Bethencourt and her daughter Miriam reflect on how identity, actions, and faith intertwine. The conversation emphasizes living your faith authentically and teaching by example rather than imposition. Miriam reflects on her experiences cultivating faith from the inside through prayer and music.