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BDA Baby (Before, During and After Baby)

BDA Baby (Before, During and After Baby)

207 episodes — Page 2 of 5

Introducing Your New Baby to a Dog with Courtney Patterson of Tuna Melts My Heart

In this episode, Courtney Patterson joined us to share how she went about introducing her babies to her don, Tuna. You might know Tuna from his Instagram; Tuna Melts My Heart. Courtney shares her personal experience with introducing her baby to Tuna starting from before her baby was born to when they brought her home. Courtney has practical tips and insights for other new parents who are starting to plan how to introduce their baby to their dog. She emphasizes patience and creating a calm environment for everyone involved. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jan 12, 202638 min

Finding Focus in a Distracted World — Parenting, Presence & Screens with Dr. Zelana Montminy

Neuropsychologist and author Dr. Zelana Montminy joins me to talk about attention, burnout, and staying present in a world built to distract us — especially as parents.We unpack why successful multitasking between technology and real life is a myth, how constant task-switching dysregulates our nervous systems, and why so many parents feel chronically exhausted. Drawing from her book Finding Focus: Own Your Attention in an Age of Distraction, Dr. Zelana shares practical ways to create healthier boundaries with technology, model focus for our kids, and reframe screen limits as protection — not punishment.A grounded, practical conversation for anyone trying to balance modern life, work, and parenting without losing themselves to the scroll. Read her book Finding Focus here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-37821815Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jan 8, 202626 min

Carrying Strong: Navigating Pregnancy and Work

Alongside the release of her book Carry Strong, Stephanie Kramer joined us for a discussion all about the complexities of navigating pregnancy in the workplace. Carry Strong offers guidance for working professionals during pregnancy and aims to shift the narrative from “powering through” pregnancy at work to being powerful and pregnant in the workplace. We explore the importance of work-life balance in pregnancy and motherhood, and how workplaces can better support pregnant employees. Whether you’re pregnant at work or about to go back to work as a mom, Stephanie emphasizes the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and remembers the unique joys of motherhood. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jan 5, 202631 min

Catherine Price’s The Amazing Generation Empowers Kids to Take Control of Their Screen Time

Screen time and technology addiction is such a hot topic right now, especially when it comes to children. Today, Catherine Price joins us to talk all about the challenges of managing screen time in kids as well as her new book The Amazing Generation. The Amazing Generation is a book aimed at kids and preteens that hopes to empower them to make conscious choices about their technology use. While we chat about Catherine’s new book, we explore the power of making real friendships and how to encourage more off-line behavior in our kids. If we can come together as parents, we can help create a future for our kids without screen addiction. Pre-order her book here: https://amzn.to/44CKOAe Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Dec 23, 202530 min

Dr. LA Thoma Gustin’s Experience with Hyperemesis and Fertility

Dr. LA Thoma Gustin joined us to tell her story in dealing with Hyperemesis Gravidarum. LA got pregnant after a struggle with fertility, and she tells us the story of her fertility journey to eventually becoming pregnant with her daughter. LA struggled with Hyperemesis in early pregnancy which can have a profound mental and physical toll on an expecting mother. She highlights the importance of having a support system and healthy coping mechanisms to make it through when pregnancy doesn’t go how we envisioned it might. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Dec 15, 202539 min

Trauma, Understanding and Keeping your Cool with Mary Farrelly, the NICU Translator

In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Mary Farrelly, a NICU nurse and NICU doula behind the Instagram community "The NICU Translator." With over 13 years of experience caring for the tiniest patients and their families, Mary shares the realities of NICU life that most people never see as well as the critical gaps in care that exist when families finally go home. We explore the unexpected journey that leads families into the NICU, the overwhelming medical jargon that becomes their new language, and the tight-knit community that forms in those hospital rooms. Mary opens up about the staggering statistics: up to 70% of NICU families experience perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and 40% show clinical PTSD symptoms. These numbers far higher than the general postpartum population. But this isn't just about the challenges. Mary discusses the incredible work being done to bridge the gaps in NICU care, from her role as a NICU doula supporting families through discharge and beyond, to the community she's built online where parents find translation, understanding, and solidarity. We talk about why partners and siblings are also deeply affected, how trauma shows up months or even years later, and why specialized mental health support is essential for healing. Whether you've experienced the NICU yourself, supported someone through it, or simply want to understand this hidden world of healthcare, this episode offers an eye-opening look at the resilience of NICU families and the angels who walk alongside them. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Dec 11, 202530 min

Keeping Our Kids Safe on the Road with The Car Mom

Kelly Stumpe, aka the Car Mom, joined us for a conversation all about choosing the right vehicle and car seats for your family. She emphasizes the importance of safety, practicality, and long-term planning. We get into what the different safety ratings mean and how to decide what are the right priorities for your specific family. We also touch on car seat safety and the best practices for keeping kids safe while we travel! Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Dec 8, 202531 min

Justine Marjan’s Birth Experience

We sat down with Justine Marjan to talk all about her experience giving birth. At the time, we were in the height of the COVID pandemic, and many were having to shift their expectations for what birth would be for them. Justine shared her own experience, explaining how she prepared for childbirth and adapted to COVID precautions for her birth team. Justine also shares how she relied on her midwife and doula and their role in her birth. No two births are the same, and Justine encourages all moms to lean into the experience and trust their instincts. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Dec 1, 202543 min

Mike Rosenthal’s Journey to Fatherhood Through Surrogacy

In this episode, Mike Rosenthal joined us to discuss his and his wife’s journey to parenthood through surrogacy. Mike shares the decision-making process behind choosing surrogacy, and all the highs and lows along the way to welcoming their new baby. Mike gets to share the dad’s perspective of becoming a parent, and how he has felt stepping into fatherhood. Each path to parenthood in unique, and Mike shares his story to show other parents that they are not alone in their unique journey. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Nov 24, 202538 min

Fertility, Egg Freezing, and Hormone Health: What You’re Not Hearing on Social Media

Fertility isn’t one-size-fits-all—and in this episode, we’re diving into the real conversations many women are having when it comes to planning for a family. Whether you’re considering freezing your eggs or embryos, navigating a PCOS or endometriosis diagnosis, or facing sperm-related challenges with a partner or donor, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and science-backed insight. Dr. Lucky Sekhon, a leading fertility specialist and reproductive endocrinologist, joins us to break down the latest research and help debunk the myths running rampant online. We also explore how hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, and even new medications like GLP-1s (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc.) can play a surprising role in reproductive health. It’s the kind of candid, informative chat we all wish we had before hitting “follow” on another fertility myth. If you’re thinking about your reproductive future or just want to better understand your body, take a listen! Buy The Lucky Egg here: https://amzn.to/3JZ9pbgPlease join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Nov 20, 202534 min

Jessica Murnane on Navigating the Challenges of Endometriosis

Jessica Murnane joined us alongside the release of her book Know Your Endo to talk all things endometriosis. Jessica shared her own experience with endometriosis and her journey to diagnosis. Endometriosis is often misdiagnosed but is so important to recognize and address. We covered everything including key symptoms, how to get diagnosed, and finding the right doctor. Make sure to check out Know Your Endo to learn more! Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Nov 17, 202536 min

Creating a Parenting Toolkit for School with Jess VanderWier of Nurtured First

Going back to or starting school can be quite the struggle with little ones. In this episode, we sat down with Jess VanderWier of Nurtured first to talk all about making that transition to school a little easier. Jess is a psychotherapist and parenting expert, and she had great tips for helping your child ease into school. She also emphasizes the importance of managing our own emotions as parents. Jess covers it all from separation techniques to conflict resolution so make sure to tune in and take notes!Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Nov 10, 202534 min

The Thrill of Fatherhood with Tan France

Tan France joined us for a conversation about his journey into fatherhood and shared the story of the early arrival of his son Ismail. Tan reflects on the isolation new parents feel and the importance of taking care of our mental health. He also addresses the guilt some parents feel when going back to work. Tan tells parents not to be afraid to rely on their support systems and to make sure to keep communication open in your relationship. When entering into parenthood, Tan tells us it’s so important to build a supportive community. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Nov 3, 202540 min

Teresa Palmer on Embracing the Chaos of Childbirth

Teresa Palmer joined us for a discussion of all thing's childbirth and pregnancy. Teresa shares her journey through multiple pregnancies and some of her unique experiences with each birth. She shares what she learned along the way like the importance of surrendering to the experience and how each birth can be vastly different. Teresa emphasizes that maternal instincts are real, and no mom should feel pressured to ignore their gut. Whether you’re expecting or looking for birth experiences to relate to, Teresa has so much to offer in this conversation. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Oct 27, 202537 min

Terrible Twos? Tricky Threes? Why Toddlerhood Isn’t as Awful as They Say with Devon Kuntzman

If you're deep in the toddler years—or bracing yourself for them—this episode is for you. I’m joined by toddler expert and coach Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood and author of a new must-read parenting book. We talk all things tantrums, meltdowns, big feelings, power struggles, and why every age in the toddler stage seems to come with a negative label (“terrible twos,” “threenager,” “f***ing fours”… you get the idea).Devon explains what’s really going on in your toddler’s brain, why quick-fix hacks don’t work, and how to parent with connection, calm, and confidence—even in the middle of Target. We also talk about parental guilt, social media overwhelm, and why kids don’t need a perfect parent—they need a human one.Whether you're handling back-to-back meltdowns or wondering how to support your toddler's emotional growth without losing your own mind, this episode is a deep breath and a warm hug in podcast form.Order her book here: https://amzn.to/4ors0eCPlease join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Oct 23, 202535 min

Matthew and Elliot Dürt’s Path to Parenthood

Matthew and Elliot Dürt joined us to share all about their unique journey to parenthood. They told us how to eventually chose surrogacy and egg donation with Elliot’s sister donating her eggs and Matthew’s mother serving as the surrogate. Their surrogacy journey brought them their daughter Uma! Matthew and Elliot are now dads in the thick of parenting, and they go over the joys and challenges of parenthood. Family, intentional living, and spirituality ground them as a family, and they hope they can provide hope to others that want to start a family of their own!Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Oct 20, 202533 min

Feeding Without Guilt: The Real Formula Behind Bobbie with Laura Modi

What if feeding your baby didn’t come with pressure, shame, or judgment? In this episode, I’m joined by Laura Modi, founder and CEO of Bobbie, the formula company that’s rewriting the rules on how we nourish our babies and ourselves.We talk about:- The cultural expectations around feeding and the rise of combo feeding- The emotional toll of feeding expectations on new moms- Why formula shouldn’t be treated like a dirty word- What makes Bobbie different from ingredient standards to that viral poop Slack channel (yes, really)- Why no one should feel the need to smuggle formula from EuropeWhether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, combo feeding, or just curious — this one’s for every parent who's ever asked: Am I doing it right?Explore their products here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-27927499Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Oct 16, 202535 min

Walking Through Our Breastfeeding Experiences with Haakaa

In this episode, we talked to Aliza Carr and Candice Echeverria about their experiences with Haakaa and breastfeeding. Aliza is a midwife and shares some of the reasons she recomends Haakaa products to new moms. Candice is a lactation consultant and has such great insight on the breastfeeding process. Both women remind us that feeding our babies is a very personal journey. What works for one mom might not work as well for you and your baby. Having the rights tools can make the whole process that much smoother and enjoyable for you and your little one! Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Oct 13, 202532 min

Milestones, Tummy Time and Baby Massage: What Parents Should Know About Physical Therapy for Babies

Physical therapy for babies and toddlers was a foreign concept to me until I became a mother myself and learned about the benefits that come with having your baby seen early when needed. Today’s episode is all about baby and toddler physical therapy, milestones, and how we can feel empowered about when to seek the help and wisdom from someone like Dr. Mell of Tots On Target. We chat about rolling, crawling, oral ties, torticollis, and how to learn about ways to help your baby stretch at home and some baby massage techniques. If you’ve ever wondered about your baby’s milestones or just wanted to know more about it when your little one is “supposed” to start doing things, this episode is for you. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Oct 9, 202522 min

Dr. Krupa Playforth on How to Talk to Kids About Tragedy

We met with Dr. Krupa Playforth a few years ago to discuss the challenging topic of talking to children about tragedy and gun violence. Dr. Playforth is a board-certified pediatrician and mother who draws insight from her own experiences to provide advice to families. We explored the importance of giving our kids context, managing our own anxiety, and giving our kids the tools to feel safe and informed. It’s never easy to talk to our children about tough topics, but Dr. Playforth’s advice hopefully gives a little bit of guidance. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Oct 6, 202530 min

Big Kids, Bigger Feelings: Navigating Tantrums, Triggers & Emotional Growth with Alyssa Blask Campbell

Every parent knows the cold sweat that hits when your child starts melting down… especially in public. The stares, the pressure, the mental spiral… it’s a lot. In this episode, I’m joined by Alyssa Blask Campbell, the brilliant mind behind Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and the brand-new follow-up Big Kids, Bigger Feelings. We dive into why kids act out, how our own reactions shape theirs, and what emotional regulation really looks like in the wild- at Target, at bedtime, or on the soccer field. Alyssa shares tools that are truly doable (even when you're exhausted) and reminds us that our job isn’t to end the tantrum, it’s to sit with them through it. We also talk about parenting with a partner who handles emotions differently, supporting multiple kids with big feelings, and what emotional growth looks like between ages 5–12. Whether you're deep in the toddler phase or navigating grade school dynamics, this one’s filled with so much helpful advice and a good reminder that you're not doing it wrong, you're just doing it real. Order her book, Tiny Humans, Big Emotions here: https://amzn.to/42iOuGa Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Oct 2, 202532 min

Navigating Weaning with Sharon Mazel

Sharon Mazel had all kinds of advice for starting solids in this episode. We address common concerns like choking and gagging and how to navigate picky eating. Sharon emphasizes a relaxed approach and repeated exposure to new foods. When parents relax and focus on the big picture over the little details, our kids’ nutrition becomes a lot less stressful. Sharon hopes that her practical advice can empower parents on their own journey to starting solids with their babies.Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Sep 29, 202535 min

Finding Hope After Pregnancy Loss with Mallory Ervin

In this inspiring episode, Mallory Ervin shared her journey to baby number three and her struggles and triumphs along the way. Mallory is open about her experiences with pregnancy loss, and her decision to share her experience with pregnancy loss in a public way. She tells us that faith and community support were pivotal in helping her through her experience trying to conceive. By sharing her story, Mallory hopes other moms who have experienced pregnancy loss will feel less alone in their one struggles.Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Sep 22, 202533 min

What Every New Parent Needs to Know About Baby Monitoring and EMF with Harbor CEO Kevin Lavelle

If you’re a parent, you’ve been there- the baby monitor cuts out in the middle of the night, and you wake up in a panic. So you can imagine the joy I felt when I found the Harbor monitor, which promised to never cut out. And after using it with all three of my kids, I can honestly say it delivered. In this episode, I talk with Kevin Lavelle, the CEO and Co-Founder of Harbor, about how and why he created this monitor from the ground up, as a dad himself. We chat about the anxiety so many parents feel when it comes to baby monitoring, how EMF exposure became part of the conversation, and why having a physical monitor (not just an app) totally changed my experience. We also talk about the very real issue of sleep deprivation, for parents and babies alike, and how Harbor was designed to help improve that. Because when you’re sleeping better, everything from your mental health to your relationship to your patience as a parent gets better, too. Whether you’re a first-time parent or juggling multiple kids like me, I think you’ll really relate to this one. Order a Harbor monitor here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-25057387 Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Sep 18, 202529 min

Building Community for Moms with Motherly’s Liz Tenety

In this episode, Liz Tenety shared her journey to creating a supportive community for mothers though Motherly. We talk through the challenges and triumphs of motherhood why it’s so important for moms to have a community that knows and celebrates their experiences. Liz also gives us some insight into her own experience with motherhood, including becoming a mom of five. Whether online or in person, mothers need community and Liz hopes Motherly can be one of the places where moms come together. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Sep 15, 202534 min

All About Weaning with Breastfeeding Expert Jessica Diamond

Jessica Diamond is a registered dietitian and breast feeding and weaning expert, and in this episode, we covered the emotional and physical journey of weaning from breast feeding. Jessica shares insights on gentle weaning methods and how to communicate with our children and partners. We also cover how to cope with some of the hormonal changes that come with weaning, and when to transition to other types of milk. Weaning can be a sensitive process, and Jessica encourages moms to remember that this process should follow their schedule, not someone else's. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Sep 8, 202536 min

Surrogacy Matchmaking with Marly Steinman

Ever wonder how someone wanting to grow their family via a surrogate gets paired up with the perfect surrogate for them? Cue a surrogacy matchmaker like Marly Steinman! So many families in today’s world are built in a variety of different ways. In this episode we talk about surrogacy, whether that path is right for you, and if you choose to go down that route, how you go about finding the perfect surrogate to carry your baby. I sat down with Marly Steinman, a surrogacy and donor consultant who helps guide parents through the world of third-party reproduction. Marley opens up about her own journey through infertility and loss, how she found hope in surrogacy, and why she’s now made it her life’s work to support other families doing the same. We talk about what it looks like to work with a surrogate, what the “job” of being a surrogate is really like, how to prepare emotionally and logistically, and what makes these journeys so incredibly powerful. Whether you’re navigating fertility challenges or just want to better understand this path- this episode is a must-listen. And be sure to share this with someone who might need to hear it. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Sep 4, 202541 min

Mini Voyager Makes Traveling with Kids Easy

Bri Hepworth of Mini Voyager joined us to share her journey to creating her travel kit brand. Bri was inspired by her own experience traveling as a parent. As her family traveled more, Bri started making travel kits for her kids to help ease the stress of traveling and keep them entertained on long trips. Now, Mini Voyager makes those kits available to everyone! From toddlers to older children, Mini Voyager kits help get keep kids occupied and engaged throughout the travel process.Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Sep 1, 202519 min

Rebecca Minkoff’s Journey as an Entrepreneur

In this episode, Rebecca Minkoff shared her journey as an entrepreneur and mother. We learn about her journey to starting her business while balancing motherhood along the way. Rebecca emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear while learning from our failures. We also discuss how to set boundaries while working our way through work and family life. Being a working mom can be hard, but Rebecca tells us that with the right support, anything is possible. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Aug 25, 202529 min

Raising Readers: How Early Literacy Shapes a Child’s Future with Maya Payne Smart

When should you start reading to your baby? According to literacy advocate and author Maya Payne Smart, the answer is now. In this episode, we dive into the science and storytelling behind early reading and why those bedtime books (and even the ones they chew on!) matter more than you think.Maya explains how the simple act of reading aloud from day one helps build your child’s brain, supports language development, and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of books. We talk about why it’s never too early, or too late, to foster a love of reading, how to navigate tricky content in kids' books, and the impact of screen time on literacy and connection. She also shares actionable tips for making reading feel fun, joyful, and part of your everyday rhythm, even if you’re short on time or your child wants the same book 100 times.Whether you’re a parent of a newborn or a soon-to-be reader, this conversation is packed with practical advice, reassurance, and inspiration for raising curious, confident, and book-loving kids.Grab her book Reading for Our Lives: https://amzn.to/476Z2veGrab Katherine’s books: https://www.katherineschwarzenegger.com/booksPlease join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Aug 21, 202523 min

Demystifying Meal Prep with Prep and Rally’s Dini Klein

In this episode, Dini Klein of Prep and Rally joined us to share so many great meal prep tips from her cookbook and beyond. Dini has so many great recipes for busy families that make meal prep easy. She also has great advice on how to keep prepped food fresh and keep meals exciting throughout the week. Juggling work, school, and extracurriculars can be a challenge, and Dini shares that meal prepping has helped her streamline mealtime and reduce the stress of deciding what to make for dinner each night. Tune in for great meal prep strategies and recipes that can help you transform mealtime. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Aug 18, 202528 min

Jenna Johnson on Mom Guilt, Infertility, and Finding Balance in the Chaos

Jenna Johnson—professional dancer, Emmy nominee, and mom—joins me for a heartfelt conversation about motherhood, career, and what it really takes to do both. We talk about the chaotic beauty of raising a child while competing on Dancing With the Stars, how she and her husband Val navigate parenting as a team, and the real emotions that come with being a working mom—like mom guilt, comparison, and the pressure to keep it all together. Jenna also opens up about her journey through infertility and miscarriage, how therapy helped her reclaim her joy, and what she’s learned about listening to her body, honoring her emotions, and letting go of timelines. She shares what it means to compartmentalize as a parent and performer, the role her big family played in shaping her approach to motherhood, and how becoming a mom has changed everything—from the way she works to the way she loves. Whether you’re navigating the early days of parenting, balancing ambition with family, or healing from loss—Jenna’s honesty and strength in this episode is a reminder that you’re never alone. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Aug 14, 202531 min

John Kanell of Preppy Kitchen’s Journey to Fatherhood

John Kanell of Preppy Kitchen joined us a few years back for this episode all about fatherhood. John shares his and his husband’s journey to fatherhood, and how they chose surrogacy. John and his husband eventually welcomed twins, and we walk through all the highs and lows that come along with parenting twin toddlers. We also get into how John balances work and family, and the joy of baking with kids! He tells us that getting kids involved in the kitchen is a great way to bond while teaching them important skills at the same time. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Aug 11, 202530 min

Redefining the Role of a Stepparent with Tanya Rad

Radio and TV personality, author, and podcast host Tanya Rad joins for a deeply personal and refreshingly honest conversation about step-parenting—a role both of us have stepped into and are still learning to navigate. Known for co-hosting On Air with Ryan Seacrest on KIIS FM and podcast Scrubbing In, Tanya opens up about her journey as a stepmom to two boys after marrying her husband. She shares how she built her own support system, found her rhythm in a role with no clear blueprint, and learned to embrace both the beauty and the challenges that come with it. Together, we dive into the emotional complexity of blending families, the lack of resources and representation for stepparents, the power of communication, respecting parental boundaries, working through insecurities, and why it’s time to change the narrative around stepmothers. Whether you’re a stepparent yourself, co-parenting with one, or curious about what this role really looks like, this episode offers a heartfelt, honest look at what it means to show up for a child who isn’t biologically your own. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Aug 7, 202530 min

Soraya Sutherland and Simon Huck on the Importance of Disaster Preparedness

Simon Huck and Soraya Sutherland joined us in this episode to talk all about disaster preparedness. Be prepared for the worst is so important, especially with young children. However, it can be hard to find ways to talk through preparedness with our kids without feeling like we’re scaring them. Soraya’s book A Kids Book About Safety addresses this issue and helps parents have kid friendly conversations about emergency preparedness. Simon and Soraya also stress the importance of creating a go bag, and how to include your children in the process. This episode is full of great tips, and Simon and Soraya hope they can help get more families to start the conversation about their emergency plans. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Aug 4, 202526 min

All Things Step-Parenting with My Coach and Therapist Ashley Graber

Like parenting, step-parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but unlike parenting, your role is much less defined. You’re not a parent, nanny, or assistant, but you might share responsibilities in those areas. At the end of the day, though, you’re none of those roles.I feel very lucky that I get to experience both step-parenting and parenting. One of the best decisions I’ve made was seeking out the help and guidance of a step-parenting therapist, whom I sit down with in this episode: Ashley Graber, LMFT. Together, we talk about a role that so many of us are navigating and one that often comes with more questions than answers.Six and a half years into this journey, I’ve learned that being a step-parent can feel like parenting, assisting, supporting, and sometimes stepping back all at the same time. I’ve also learned that there just aren’t enough resources or real conversations out there for those of us in this role. That’s why I opened up the conversation to all of you and I’ve never received more questions for a single topic.Ashley and I dive into the big and most commonly asked topics: discipline, defining your role, communicating with co-parents, and the emotional gymnastics of blending families. We talk about the importance of putting the child first, but also how to honor your own experience and feelings along the way.This is a conversation I wish I could have listened to years ago, and I hope it offers support, perspective, and maybe even a little peace for anyone walking this path.Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jul 31, 202551 min

Carrying the Mental Load with Mama Psychologists Chelsea Bodie and Caitlin Slavens

Caitlin Slavens and Chelsea Bodie of Mama Psychologists joined us in this episode and shared great insights into balancing mental health with being a mom. Caitlin and Chelsea explain that mothers often carry a huge mental load, and it is important to emphasize self-care and open communication. We also get into managing mom guild, and how we can manage the complex emotions that come up around being a busy mom. Chelsea and Catilin encourage all moms to practice self-compassion and self-care. Even small steps can make a big difference! Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jul 28, 202527 min

Supporting Families from the Start: Special Olympics, Early Childhood, and the Power of Play

This week’s episode is deeply personal and incredibly meaningful to me. I’m joined by Rebecca, an early childhood expert at Special Olympics, and Jennifer Pittman, a Special Olympics parent and manager of Healthy Families, for a conversation about the organization closest to my heart. We talk about how Special Olympics is changing the game in early childhood development, providing crucial support to kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities before they even receive a formal diagnosis. We also dive into their new Young Athletes app, which empowers parents to support their child’s growth through play, wherever they are. Jennifer shares her powerful story of navigating her son Shalom’s early diagnosis and how Special Olympics became a place of community, support, and strength for her whole family. This conversation is filled with practical advice, hope, and a reminder that none of us are alone in this journey. Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone who cares about inclusive communities, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Download the Young Athletes App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/young-athletes/id1629555324 Learn more at specialolympics.org Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jul 24, 202529 min

Scarlett Lewis Teaches us to Choose Love

In this episode, we sat down with Scarlett Lewis to discuss her Choose Love Movement. Scarlett founded the movement in honor of her son Jesse who was tragically lost in the Sandy Hook shooting. The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement promotes fostering nurturing, healing love. They also provide free programs for violence prevention and emotional wellbeing. Scarlett hopes that through her movement, more children can learn forgiveness and compassion. It is so important that we teach our kids how to be emotionally intelligent people who can navigate their feelings and be caring to others. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jul 21, 202529 min

From Melanoma to a Clothing Brand: The Birth of Tied Sunwear

This week, I’m joined by Laura and Kelly, the sister duo behind Tied Sunwear, the fashion-forward UPF clothing brand that’s changing the way we think about sun protection. What started as a deeply personal mission after their mom’s melanoma diagnosis turned into a full-blown business built on style, safety, and sisterhood. We talk about why sun-protective clothing matters more than most people realize (spoiler: your cotton tee isn’t cutting it), what it really took to launch a brand from scratch, and how they’re designing timeless, flattering silhouettes that work for every season of life from pregnancy to postpartum and beyond. They also share how they keep their relationship strong while running a family business, what it means to build a mission-driven company, and their dream to become the ultimate “one-stop sun shop.” If you’ve ever wondered what goes into starting a brand or just want better options for protecting your skin without sacrificing style, this one’s for you. Use my code Katherine15 for 15% off: https://go.shopmy.us/p-21318273 Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jul 17, 202526 min

Making Every Day Grand with Jocelyn Delk Adams

Jocelyn Delk Adams joined us for this episode alongside the release of her cookbook Everyday Grand, a cookbook that celebrates everyday moments through food. Jocelyn has such great insights in today’s episode on everything from balancing motherhood and career to cooking with children and bringing people together. She emphasizes that a supportive community helped her to realize both her professional and parenthood goals. One of those goals was writing Everyday Grand! Jocelyn hopes that her cookbook can help other families realize the joy of food just like it did for her own. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jul 14, 202519 min

Creating the Ultimate Bento Box with Jessica Woo

Jessica Woo joined us in this episode to share all about how to create cute, boxed lunches that kids will actually eat and enjoy. Jessica has built a following on social media sharing the bento boxes she makes for her kids, and today she gives us some tips and tricks to make similar meals for our own children. Presentation can really impact what our kids will eat, so quick easy ways to make mealtime more fun can help get our kids eating a wide variety of new foods. You might even find a new form of self-expression! Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jul 7, 202522 min

Catherine McCord of Weelicious Teaches us How to Make Meal Prep Magic

Catherine McCord joined us alongside the launch of her cookbook Meal Prep Magic. Catherine is a chef, entrepreneur, mom of three, and the founder of Weelicious. She creates kid friendly, nutritious recipes to help feed the whole family. Today we talk about how to meal prep for kids, and what kids of foods Catherine likes to keep on hand to make feeding her kids simpler. She also gives some great tips on everything from organizing your pantry to quick meal hacks. Feeding kids nutritious foods they’ll actually like can be a challenge, but Catherine hope Weelicious and Meal Prep Magic can help take away some of the stress around meal time. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jun 30, 202524 min

How to Introduce Solids with Confidence: A No-Stress Guide with Jenny Best of Solid Starts

This week, I’m joined by Jenny Best, founder of Solid Starts and one of the most trusted voices in baby-led feeding, for a super informative and stress-reducing conversation about starting solids. Whether you’re a first-time parent or navigating food with baby #3, Jenny shares practical advice, research-backed insights, and personal stories to help you feel more confident and calm about this big milestone. We talk about how baby-led weaning differs from the traditional puree path, how to reduce the fear of choking, why mess is a good thing, and how to fold your baby into the family meal (instead of making separate “kid food”). Jenny also shares tips for that very first food, what to actually buy (or not buy), and why letting baby lead the way is key to building a healthy relationship with food. Whether your baby is 5 months or you're prepping for solids down the line, this episode will give you the reassurance and tools to approach this stage with more ease and a lot less anxiety.Order her book here: https://amzn.to/44geFx6Download her app here: https://solidstarts.com/app/ Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jun 26, 202531 min

Focusing on Character Over Achievement with Paula Faris

Paula Faris joined us alongside the release of her children’s book Who Do You Want to be When You Grow Up to share insights on how we should focus on more than just what our kids will be when they grow up. Paula explains that too often, kids are asked what they want to do when they grow up. Instead, we should be asking our children who they want to be when they grow up. Paula says that children should be encouraged to be the best person they can be, not the best worker. Traits like integrity and empathy are so much more important to instill in our children over what they might do for work as adults. It’s Paula’s hope that her book and the conversations around it can help more parents flip the conversation about their kids’ futures. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jun 23, 202527 min

Let’s Talk About Your Pelvic Floor with The Vagina Whisperer

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Sarah Reardon—better known as The Vagina Whisperer—for an important and empowering conversation about pelvic floor health. Dr. Reardon breaks down why understanding and caring for your pelvic floor is crucial through every season of life—from menstruation and pregnancy to postpartum recovery and menopause. We talk about her new book Floored, why pelvic floor issues like urinary leakage and painful sex are so common (but not normal), and why pelvic floor therapy shouldn’t be reserved just for after having a baby. Dr. Reardon also shares what a pelvic floor PT session really looks like, the surprising changes your body goes through during menopause, and how we can better advocate for ourselves in a healthcare system that often overlooks these issues. Whether you’re years away from kids, deep in postpartum, or navigating perimenopause, this episode is packed with information every woman should know. Order her book here: https://amzn.to/4dTqC09 Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jun 19, 202526 min

Lo Bosworth of Love Wellness Educates about the Gut Vagina Connection

Lo Bosworth joins us today to chat all about gut health! After educating herself on the connection between gut health and all other facets of health, Lo was inspired to found Love Wellness. Love Wellness is a women’s wellness brand that focuses on vaginal, gut, and hormonal health. Lo tells us that one of the most overlooked parts of gut health is its connection to vaginal health. Believe it or not, the gut microbiome can impact vaginal wellness as well! Lo has so many great insights and encourages all women to get in touch with their microbiome health. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jun 16, 202525 min

Destigmatizing Post-Partum Psychosis with Sarah Wynter

Many moms struggle with their mental health after giving birth. For some, this might be a sign of a more serious problem. In this episode, Sarah Wynter joined us to share her experience with post-partum psychosis. Sarah shares how her psychosis developed, and how some of her symptoms manifested. She also tells us the story of how she got help, and women who stood by her side to make sure she got the help she needed. Sarah hopes that by telling her story, other women who have had or are dealing with post-partum mental health struggles will feel less alone. If you or someone you know is struggle, help is available. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jun 9, 202538 min

Christina Perri on Motherhood, Mental Health, and Healing Through Every Season of Life

This week, I’m joined by Christina Perri — singer-songwriter, mom, and now children’s book author — for a truly special conversation. We talk about how becoming a mother completely reshaped her life and career, the real work she’s done on her mental health, and what it’s been like turning her song “A Thousand Years” into a children’s book. Christina shares openly about the highs and lows of motherhood, the importance of therapy, and how she’s learned to stay grounded and present in the chaos of raising young kids. She also shares her journey through loss and healing, how she’s teaching her daughters about emotions, and why putting her mental health first has made her a better mom, partner, and person. This conversation is raw, emotional, and so full of heart — I hope it leaves you feeling seen, supported, and reminded that you’re not alone in whatever season you’re in. Order her book here: https://amzn.to/4kscuxy Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jun 5, 202537 min

IT Cosmetics Jamie Kern Lima’s Experience with Surrogacy

Jamie Kern Lima joins us this week to share all about her experience with surrogacy, and how why she chose surrogacy on her path to motherhood. Jamie tells us how she founded and sold IT Cosmetics while at the same time struggling with such an emotional fertility journey. Eventually, Jamie and her husband decided to pursue surrogacy, and today we walk through to whole process from selecting a surrogate to welcoming her babies. At the time, Jamie’s book Believe It had just come out as well, which is so inspirational whether you are dealing with fertility struggles or not. Jamie has such great insight into the surrogacy process, and she hopes that sharing her journey will help other people feel empowered in their own journeys to parenthood. Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Jun 2, 202539 min