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Once Upon A Gene

Once Upon A Gene

By: Effie Parks
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Summary

 As a new parent of a child with a rare genetic syndrome, I was lost. There was no guide. There was no rulebook. This was not what I had imagined. As I navigated my way through this new reality, I realized something that should have been simple, but was not. A truth that had always been there, but that I had lost sight of for a time - I am not alone. And neither are you. These are the stories of my family, and of families like ours. These are the stories of how we have persevered, cried, bonded, and grown. These are the stories of children who have been told that they cannot, and that have proved the world wrong.© 2019 - 2022 Effie Parks Parenting & Families Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 273 Caregiver Archetypes of Survival (Part 3) The Saboteur Archetype: Reclaiming Your Inner Authority Without Losing Yourself, w/ Christy Foster

    ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 273 Caregiver Archetypes of Survival (Part 3) The Saboteur Archetype: Reclaiming Your Inner Authority Without Losing Yourself, w/ Christy Foster
    May 14 2026
    In part 3 of our 4-part series on Caregiver Archetypes, my sister and somatic therapist Christy Foster returns to unpack the Saboteur — the clever inner voice that second-guesses you, overthinks everything, and talks you out of what you actually want and need. We explore how this archetype shows up for caregivers (especially around time, perfectionism, trusting your gut when doctors gaslight you, asking for help, and feeling “not enough”). You’ll learn how to spot the Saboteur in real time, separate doubt from data, run tiny experiments to rebuild self-trust, and shift from the Scarecrow (who believes he has no brain) into the Magician — the part of you that creates something out of nothing, including time and sovereignty. This episode is packed with practical language shifts, somatic awareness, and compassionate tools that have literally changed how I show up for myself and Ford.
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 272 Caregiver Archetypes of Survival (Part 2) The Prostitute Archetype: Reclaiming Your Worth Without Losing Yourself, w/ Christy Foster

    ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 272 Caregiver Archetypes of Survival (Part 2) The Prostitute Archetype: Reclaiming Your Worth Without Losing Yourself, w/ Christy Foster
    Apr 23 2026
    Welcome to Part 2 of our 4-part Caregiver Archetype series. In this episode, Effie is joined by somatic therapist Christy Foster to explore the Prostitute Archetype—also known as the Worth/Value archetype. This pattern asks:What part of myself am I trading for approval, peace, love, or survival? For caregivers, this can show up as sacrificing your time, identity, health, and needs just to keep everything going. While it often comes from love, the cost can quietly become too high. In this conversation, you’ll learn: How this archetype shows up in caregiving The difference between self-sacrifice and self-abandonment Why your needs still matter Simple ways to reconnect with yourself—even in the chaos This episode is your reminder:You can care for your child without losing yourself in the process. Series Note: This is Episode 2 of 4. Next up: The Saboteur Archetype.
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    45 mins
  • Caregiver Archetypes for Survival (Part 1) The Child Archetype : Soothe Your Inner Child Without Letting It Drive the Bus, w/ Christy Foster

    Caregiver Archetypes for Survival (Part 1) The Child Archetype : Soothe Your Inner Child Without Letting It Drive the Bus, w/ Christy Foster
    Apr 16 2026
    In this opening episode of our special 4-part series on Caregiver Archetypes, host Effie Parks welcomes back her sister, Christy Foster, for a heartfelt and refreshingly different conversation. Christy will introduce the Child Archetype—the part of us that longs to belong, dream big, and feel safe… but can also slam the door shut, shout “It’s not fair!”, and feel completely powerless when life gets loud. It’s a simple, practical language to help caregivers notice their stress patterns in real time and choose kinder next steps. Christy guides listeners through how to spot when your inner Child is activated, how to soothe that part of yourself with compassion, and, most importantly, how to keep it from taking the wheel. You’ll walk away with: A clear understanding of the Child Archetype and why it shows up so strongly for parents and caregivers Tools to recognize your own “I have no choice” stress loops Small, doable resourcing choices you can make today instead of spiraling Permission to get curious, drop perfection, and treat yourself with the same gentleness you offer your loved ones Whether you’re in the thick of caregiving, navigating big emotions, or simply craving more self-awareness, this episode gives you a compassionate new way to understand yourself when stress hits. Mentioned in this episode: Once Upon a Gene Episode 29: Oxygen Masks & Motherhood with Christy Foster Once Upon a Gene Episode 239: How Stress Shows Up in the Body as Real Pain with Christy Foster This is the first of four episodes exploring different caregiver archetypes. Stay tuned for Parts 2–4
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    55 mins
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