Doing it All(ish)

On this episode of the Doing It All Ish podcast, Morgan interviews parent coach and board-certified lactation consultant Clair Ashburn about toddler meltdowns, co-regulation, and reducing power struggles without rewards or punishments. Clair shares her background transitioning from lactation consulting to parent coaching, then explains how kids’ nervous systems mirror parents’ regulation and why the goal isn’t perfect calm, but contained emotions. They discuss practical tools like: Noticing and replacing unhelpful thoughts Taking a pause Getting “low and slow” Using physical proximity And keeping language clear, brief, and positive. Clair covers common mistakes (escalating, disengaging, over-explaining), handling toddler hitting by physically containing impulsive behavior, why ignoring tantrums isn’t supportive, navigating sibling conflicts, and strategies for smoother mornings and stronger follow-through so kids cooperate without yelling. Find Clair on social media: @clairashburn ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

If family meal planning feels like one more thing sitting in your brain all week long, this episode is for you. In this episode of Doing It All(ish), we’re sharing our real-life systems for meal planning, meal prep, easy weeknight dinners, feeding toddlers and kids, and reducing the mental load around food. As busy moms raising families, working, and trying to eat as healthy as we can without perfection, we’ve both had to find a rhythm that actually works. We talk about: How we meal plan for the week without burning out Easy dinner systems for busy moms How to match meals to your weekly schedule Crockpot meals, sheet pan dinners, freezer meals, and takeout nights Grocery shopping strategies that save time How we feed our families without making separate meals Toddler-friendly meals, picky eating, exposure, and family-style dinners Prep habits that make lunch packing and dinner easier How to lower decision fatigue and the mental load of feeding a family The kitchen systems that help us eat healthy with real life in mind Whether you’re feeding toddlers, older kids, or just trying to get dinner on the table without losing your mind, this episode will help you simplify your meal planning routine and build a system that works for your family. ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

If you’ve ever felt like motherhood added a thousand responsibilities but nobody handed you a new operating system, this episode is for you. We’re joined by Alex Payetta, a systems and routines expert and mom of three, to talk about what really changes after kids: your capacity, your nervous system, your time, and the mental load that follows you everywhere. Alex shares the practical systems she uses with clients to create a more sustainable life, including task management, weekly planning, boundaries, and how to stop “toughing it out” when something can actually be fixed. In this episode, we cover: Why big life shifts (like having a baby) require a full reset Mental load and the systems that calm the chaos Productivity culture vs sustainable routines How to build a weekly planning rhythm that works Task management tools like Asana and why they help Regulating your nervous system postpartum through movement, sleep, and simple routines How to divide roles with your partner without resentment If you’re trying to stay sane while raising kids, working, and keeping your life from spilling over, this one will help you feel more in control. ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

In this quarterly check-in episode of Doing It All(ish), we’re catching up on life, pregnancy, and everything in between. Christina is 28 weeks pregnant after IVF, and we’re talking about what this pregnancy looks like compared to the first — from juggling a toddler to navigating extra scans, maternal fetal medicine, and the hidden risks that can come with IVF pregnancies. We cover: Pregnancy after IVF and what genetic testing does (and doesn’t) guarantee Maternal fetal medicine vs. a regular OB-GYN Extra heart scans for IVF pregnancies Baby aspirin and reducing the risk of preeclampsia Pregnancy insomnia, swelling, and real 3rd trimester symptoms Labor positions and protecting your hips during delivery How pregnancy can lead to hip labral tears Prenatal vitamins, probiotics, and supplements The emotional side of transitioning out of the nursery phase And yes… canned potatoes as a pregnancy craving If you’re pregnant, navigating IVF, preparing for birth, or simply trying to stay sane while raising toddlers and growing a business, this episode is an honest, unfiltered update from the thick of it. We’d also love to hear from you — what labor position did you deliver in? And did anyone else crave something as random as canned potatoes? ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

If you’ve ever stood in the Target aisle trying to read ingredient labels and wondering which products are actually safe, this episode is for you. In today’s episode of Doing It All(ish), we sit down with Andrea, founder of the Switch Natural app, to talk about non-toxic living, safer swaps, clean beauty, and how to build a low-tox lifestyle without overwhelm. We cover: How to read ingredient labels on cleaning and beauty products What “non-toxic” really means The truth about greenwashing and misleading marketing How to choose safer products for your home and family The best beginner-friendly non-toxic swaps How to build a toxin-free home without fear or perfectionism If you’re a mom trying to create a healthier home, reduce toxic chemicals, and make smarter product choices without going down a rabbit hole, this episode will give you practical tools and confidence to start. Because non-toxic living should feel empowering — not confusing. ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

It’s time for a cozy, real-life Q&A episode — the kind that feels like you’re hanging out with us while folding laundry, driving carpool, or hiding in the pantry for one quiet minute. We’re answering questions about: What we swore we’d “never do” as moms (and now do daily) Current survival dinners + snack rotations (hello, chicken nuggets + crockpot everything) The one house thing that drives us crazy… but will never change The most chaotic part of the day (spoiler: the 10 minutes before leaving the house) The mom “hill” we’ll die on (no folding clothes + one meal for the whole family) Expectations about motherhood that turned out totally wrong Mom guilt we’ve released (or are learning to release), especially around childcare + food How movement can instantly shift your mood The mental load of always feeling behind And a big one: how marriage changes after kids — the resentment, the reality, and what helps If you’ve been feeling like you’re doing a lot… and still somehow “behind,” this episode will feel like a deep exhale and a reminder that you’re not alone. ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with one of my closest friends, Leighanne McGill Jacobs — a physician assistant in aesthetics/dermatology and a new-ish mom raising a toddler in New York City. From the outside, Leighanne’s life looked totally normal: demanding career, motherhood, doing it all. But behind the scenes, she was quietly navigating an invisible postpartum injury — pelvic organ prolapse — and the emotional, physical, and logistical reality that came with it. We talk about: What pelvic organ prolapse can actually feel like (and the signs Leighanne noticed) Why it can be missed for months postpartum when you’re in pure survival mode Getting diagnosed in NYC, deciding between treatment options, and what surgery + recovery really looked like The unexpected “post-surgery blues” and how common it is Motherhood logistics in Manhattan: strollers, stairs, subways, snow, and no car seat life How becoming a mom reshaped her ambition, boundaries, and workout mindset What support actually helped most (and why “help” doesn’t have to look one specific way) Lightning round: NYC mom hacks, skin product recs, and her best boundaries right now If you’ve ever felt like your body was “off” postpartum but you couldn’t explain it… or you’ve been pushing through something quietly because you have no choice — this episode will make you feel a lot less alone. Follow Leighanne: https://www.instagram.com/skinin.thegame/ ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

Motherhood can feel isolating… even when you’re never technically alone. In this episode, we’re talking all things mom friendships — how they shift after babies, why they’re harder to build than anyone warns you about, and how to actually maintain them in the chaos of real life. We cover: Why mom friends matter (more than we admit) How friendships change from baby #1 to baby #2 (and beyond) The underrated power of the “walk date” Making friends at the gym, school, activities… and yes, even through DMs A simple “recurring plan” hack that keeps friendships alive Why friendships naturally ebb and flow — and how to let that be okay If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this feel so awkward?” or “I just want one friend who gets it,” this one’s for you. ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

What does it really take to “do it all” as a working mom — and why does it feel so heavy? In this episode of Doing It All(ish), we sit down with Emily Judice, nervous system coach, mentor to high-achieving women, podcast host of Be That Girl, and Amazon bestselling author, to unpack the mental load, invisible labor, and nervous system stress that so many working moms are carrying behind the scenes. We talk honestly about: Why “work-life balance” isn’t real — and what actually works instead How nervous system regulation impacts decision-making, boundaries, and burnout The guilt, pressure, and expectations moms silently carry every day What it really looks like to get help at home (childcare, delegation, systems) Why being busy isn’t a badge of honor — and how to opt out of chaos How modeling regulation builds resilient kids and healthier families Emily shares real examples from her life as a mom of four and from the women she coaches — doctors, business owners, executives, creatives — who are navigating motherhood, ambition, and overwhelm at the same time. If you’re a working mom who feels like you’re constantly juggling schedules, emotions, expectations, and everyone else’s needs — this episode will help you feel seen, grounded, and less alone. 🎧 Listen in for a powerful reminder: you’re not failing — you’re carrying a lot. ✨ Connect with Emily: Instagram Podcast Book Peak Performance Book: https://a.co/d/7NUJrrf ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

Postpartum psychosis is rare—but when it happens, it is a medical emergency that far too many families don’t recognize until crisis hits. In this powerful episode of Doing It All(ish), we sit down with Emily, a mom of two, to share her firsthand experience with postpartum psychosis after the birth of her first daughter. With no prior mental health history or risk factors, Emily walks us through the subtle early warning signs, rapid escalation, ER admission, involuntary commitment, misdiagnosis, and the critical role family advocacy played in her survival and recovery. We discuss: What postpartum psychosis actually is (and how it differs from postpartum depression and anxiety) Early warning signs partners and families should never ignore How sleep deprivation and hormonal shifts can trigger a break from reality Why postpartum psychosis is often misdiagnosed What happens during involuntary psychiatric hospitalization The importance of perinatal-specific mental health care How loved ones can support someone experiencing postpartum psychosis Why sharing these stories can save lives If you are pregnant, postpartum, supporting a new mother, or simply want to better understand maternal mental health, this episode is essential listening. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone—and help is available. Find more resources online with your local Postpartum Support International Chapter (PSI). ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

January wellness can feel overwhelming—new routines, big goals, and pressure to “do it all right.” In this episode of Doing It All(ish), Christina and Morgan share what their real wellness routines actually look like in this season of motherhood, business, and life. This isn’t about perfection or starting over. It’s about movement goals that feel doable, habits that fit into real schedules, and wellness routines that support your mental and physical health without adding more pressure. We talk about: How we approach January wellness without burnout What movement looks like in busy seasons of motherhood Goals we’re bringing into the new year (and what we’re letting go of) Why consistency matters more than intensity How to build routines that actually stick If you’re craving realistic wellness, sustainable movement, and permission to do less—but better—this episode will meet you right where you are. 🧂Mineral Sea Salt: https://a.co/d/0ttZc0x ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

What does it really look like to build a career you love and stay grounded as a working mom? In this episode of Doing It All(ish), we sit down with Dr. AJ Marcellino—ENT surgeon turned aesthetics physician, founder of Radiant Medical Aesthetics & Hair Restoration in Greensboro, NC, mom of three, and Pure Barre regular—to talk about motherhood, entrepreneurship, wellness, and the systems that keep her life moving. AJ shares her story of navigating demanding hospital medicine, trauma call, high-risk pregnancies, and burnout—and the exact mindset shift that gave her the courage to leave corporate medicine and create a business aligned with her values. We also get practical about the routines that support real-life balance: grocery delivery, scheduled date nights, childcare logistics, and why movement (hello, Pure Barre Define) is a non-negotiable for her mental health and productivity. We also cover: diastasis recti repair postpartum, faith and gratitude practices, cortisol and stress, collagen + skincare favorites, GLP-1 medications and metabolic health, and what “self-care” looks like when you’re building a business and raising a family. If you’re a busy mom, entrepreneur, or high-achiever craving better routines, sustainable wellness, and a clearer path to work-life balance—this one will leave you feeling seen and motivated. Follow Radiant Medical Aesthetics: https://www.instagram.com/radiantmedicalaesthetics/ ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

In this episode, Morgan and Christina slow down and actually pause to look back at the past year—personally, professionally, and everything in between. They share wins like finding a better rhythm between motherhood and business, rebuilding after hard seasons, starting the podcast, and trusting their intuition in work and life. They also get honest about fertility struggles, burnout, marriage ups and downs, slower business seasons, and the constant background hum of mom guilt. You’ll hear what they’re intentionally leaving behind (over-consumption, pressure to do it all perfectly, saying “yes” to everything) and what they’re carrying forward into the new year (routines that ground them, flexible systems, friendship, creativity, and confidence in their choices). This is your permission slip to reflect on your own year without needing a massive “rebrand” or resolution—just small, honest shifts toward the version of you your family gets to experience. ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

In this episode of Doing It All(ish), Morgan and Christina dive into one of the most stressful, least-talked-about parts of modern motherhood: childcare. From waitlists and half-day preschool to nannies, grandparents, au pairs, daycare, and the endless “patchwork schedule,” they unpack what it actually looks like to figure out care for your kids while you work, build a business, or simply try to have a moment to yourself. Christina shares the behind-the-scenes of their own setup—rotating sitters, grandparents, part-time preschool, early mornings, and why she finally decided to switch her son to a full-day, year-round program (and all the guilt and relief that came with it). Morgan talks about juggling multiple sitters, moving to a nanny during COVID, and how things shifted as her kids got older and more independent. They also get into: The invisible mental load of school delays, sick days, and schedule changes Why it feels “taboo” to talk about how much help you actually have The difference between having help and still feeling maxed out Mom guilt around wanting (and needing) time away How to think through big childcare decisions without spiraling If you’ve ever thought, “How is everyone else doing this?” — this episode will make you feel a lot less alone. Share this one with a friend who’s deep in the childcare juggle right now, and don’t forget to leave a quick review so more moms can find the show. ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#

Mealtimes don’t have to feel like a daily battle. In this episode, we’re breaking down 10 realistic, evidence-based keys to mealtime success. Learn from Morgan Berliner, speech-language pathologist and feeding specialist with Eat Talk Grow and take note of actional steps that you can start doing today to support your child’s eating without pressure, bribes, or burnout. Whether your child is picky, inconsistent, or you are just trying to stay ahead of feeding battles, these strategies are designed to reduce stress, build trust at the table, and support long-term feeding skills. No perfection required, just small shifts that make a big difference. In this episode, we cover: Why structure at meals matters more than variety How pressure (even “just one bite”) can backfire What your role is vs. your child’s role at mealtimes How to create safety and predictability around food Why exposure and repetition are key for picky eaters How language at the table can shape eating habits What to do when your child refuses food How modeling impacts eating more than we realize Simple routines that support regulation and appetite Where parents can start without overhauling everything If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure if you’re “doing it right,” this episode is your reminder: you don’t need more rules, you need the right tools for feeding your toddler with strong lifelong feeding habits! Tune in and walk away with practical, doable steps you can use at your very next meal. ✨ Subscribe so you never miss an episode—and if you can take a minute to leave us a review, we’ll be forever grateful! ✨ Connect with us: Christina: https://www.instagram.com/christinacbuchanan/?igsh=eGZvejNmY3VkdmY3# Morgan https://www.instagram.com/eat.talk.grow/?igsh=MXc4bHh6dXkwcXJ3OQ%3D%3D#