We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness

The first First couple on We Didn’t Turn Out Ok and I learned so much! In this episode I sit down with my close friends Stephanie and Brett Gottlieb. Stephanie is a jewelry designer and entrepreneur known for her jewelry brand, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry which she founded and is now the Creative Director of. You may know Stephanie for her social media presence, where she showcases her designs and gives a behind-the-scenes look at her business and personal life all while balancing it all with motherhood. It’s safe to say she’s the definition of a mom boss. Brett, her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, is a real estate mogul who didn’t hold back when it came to discussing the realities of parenting. Together, they opened up about the challenges and unexpected lessons of raising their two children - pulling back the curtain on the parts of parenting that many, especially those with public platforms, often keep private. They got real about everything: the differences in parenting their son versus their daughter, the never-ending juggle of work and family, and how their own upbringings influence their approach to parenting today. What this conversation drove home for me? That no matter who you are, parenting is a constant learning process. We all struggle, we all grow, and we all have to find ways to accept what we can’t control - while working to connect with and support our kids in the best way we can. Key Takeaways: Pushing kids to participate isn’t the answer. Honoring their readiness and process - no matter how hard it is - is key. Attention-seeking is often a deeper need for connection. In Steph and Brett’s case, their son’s behavior sometimes demands attention, but they realize that what he really needs is the right balance of boundaries and connection. Parenting alongside other parents is hard. Differences in approach can make you feel like the “bad cop.” Even when you delegate, the mental load often defaults to moms. Steph shared how, despite leaning on Brett, she still feels the need to control and “own” a lot of parenting decisions. Mom guilt is real, but setting clear expectations helps. When kids understand and accept boundaries, the guilt shifts into acceptance for everyone. If you’re going to listen to any episode, let it be this one - a real reminder that parenting struggles and growth don’t discriminate. Even when you’re the mastermind behind the necklace Taylor Swift wore to the Super Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Brianne Manz, founder of the mom and lifestyle blog, Stroller in the City, to discuss the nuances of parenting three children in their pre-teen and teenage years. Brianne, a former fashion showroom owner turned full-time mom and content creator, shares her insights on navigating the emotional and mental challenges that come with raising kids as they get older.. I was particularly interested in finding out from Brianne her thoughts on “bigger kids, bigger problems.” She shared that while the physical demands may lessen as children grow, the emotional and mental complexities increase. We delve into topics like social media influence, FOMO, and the feelings of exclusion that adolescents often face. Brianne emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and fostering open communication to support her children’s mental well-being. We talked about the difficulty in our kids opening up when they are vulnerable. Both Brianne and I share experiences about the difficulty children, especially those who feel deeply, may have in opening up. We discuss the significance of being present and assuring our kids that we are there to support them through their emotional journeys. Key Takeaways: It’s crucial to approach negative comments with curiosity about their origin rather than internalizing them, teaching our children resilience and self-assurance. Forming alliances with other parents can be key in navigating social dynamics and setting appropriate boundaries around  our children’s activities. Assuring our kids that they don’t need to participate in every event or trend to feel fulfilled can help prevent feelings of inadequacy or being left out. Brianne shares how her own upbringing influences her parenting style, striving to provide her children with opportunities she lacked while maintaining a balance to avoid overindulgence. This episode feels like a candid conversation about the realities of parenting older children, with valuable nuggets on how to maintain healthy, open relationships with our kids as they navigate more complex stages of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Melissa Lavasani to hear her powerful journey through severe postpartum depression (PPD)—a journey that nearly ended her own life. Struggling with relentless despair and thoughts of ending her life, Melissa discovered something that not only saved her but changed the course of her life: psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in mushrooms. Through her own healing, Melissa went on to found the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, advocating for safe and equitable access to these transformative treatments. We also talk about the illusion of motherhood on social media—how it often glorifies the experience, leaving struggling mothers to wonder, What’s wrong with me? I open up about my own postpartum experience and my personal journey with psilocybin—something I’ve wanted to share for years but never found the right way to talk about, until now. Melissa brings the science, the research, and the advocacy, shedding light on how psychedelic medicine is finally gaining recognition in the medical and political landscape. Key Takeaways from Our Conversation: • Psychedelics have a long history, but politics and stigma have overshadowed their proven therapeutic benefits. • Major universities and government agencies are now prioritizing psychedelic research, including studies on postpartum depression. • A new clinical trial is recruiting participants to test a groundbreaking postpartum depression treatment based on psychedelic compounds. • Melissa’s advocacy led to Initiative 81, which passed with a record-breaking 76% approval in Washington, D.C., pushing forward the movement for safe and legal psychedelic medicine. Melissa has dedicated her career to ensuring that Americans have the right to access life-changing treatments through education, advocacy, and policy reform.This episode means a lot to me—not just personally, but for every mother who has ever questioned why motherhood doesn’t look the way it does on Instagram. You are not alone. 1 in 4. There is hope, even when you can’t see it yet. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Learn more and find resources here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Robyn Youkilis—speaker, bestselling author, and wellness expert for 16 years. Robyn is the founder and CEO of Your Healthiest You, a mom to two daughters (Navy, 9, and Dover, 3.5), and a new puppy. We dive into some of the less spoken about topics—like purposely waiting until her early 40s to have a second child (creating a 5+ year age gap), making herself a priority always, and fully embracing what lights her up. Robyn calls these her “Big F” experiences (referring to the most fun) and how she makes sure to make them happen even when she has to move mountains to make them happen . Robyn, author of Thin from Within and Go With Your Gut, was a pioneer in the wellness space before Whole Foods was on every corner. She shares how gut health isn’t just about physical well-being—it’s about clearing the noise we hold inside so we can hear our most authentic voice. We also get real about the challenges of parenting, like those moments when your kids are driving you nuts, and you catch yourself thinking you’d rather be anywhere else. We talk about the guilt, the internal tug-of-war, and how to ride that wave to reconnect. Key Takeaways: • Repairing with our kids can be as simple as saying, “I don’t like how that felt before.” • Problem-solving doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes just asking, “What should we do?” is enough. • And perhaps the most valuable lesson of all? Ironically, not everything needs to have a lesson. Robyn and this conversation are relatable, raw, refreshing, and packed with wisdom. Loved this episode and have found myself thinking about so much of what we discussed ever since! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Ali Bandier, a child and family dietitian and founder of Senta Health. Ali and I first connected during COVID in a virtual moms’ group, bonding over our shared philosophies on working with children. With an extensive background in pediatric nutrition, Ali has worked at some of the world’s most renowned clinics, including the feeding clinic at LA Children’s Hospital. Her firsthand experience has given her deep insight into how we can support children in developing healthy, happy relationships with food. Our conversation starts with a breakdown of common phrases and approaches parents use to encourage eating—some of which can backfire. Ali explains why certain tactics may do more harm than good and how too much pressure around food can lead to long-term challenges, including disordered eating and a negative relationship with food in adulthood. Her advice is warm, judgment-free, and full of practical wisdom. We also discuss some of our frustrations with school food policies and when we have (or haven’t) spoken up about issues that didn’t sit right with us. Ali shares her own experiences, reminding us that even the experts face struggles too. Another key topic we cover is sibling dynamics at mealtimes. As a new mom of two, Ali opens up about the challenges she’s navigating with her son and how she’s handling tricky moments around food. The two biggest takeaways from this episode: 1. Pressuring kids to eat—no matter the form—can be counterproductive. 2. A child’s eating behaviors are often a reflection of their internal emotions. Due to a last-minute scheduling mix-up, we had to cut this episode short, but consider this a “Scratching the Surface” conversation with Ali. It’s an easy, insightful listen packed with valuable takeaways for any parent navigating mealtimes with their kids. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Rudin—founder of Spring Cafe, mom to three boys, and a true expert in clean eating and healthy living. She’s the mom everyone thinks of when it comes to non-toxic living, but what sets her apart is how she makes it work for her family without making her kids feel deprived. I was especially curious about how she approaches this lifestyle in a way that feels sustainable and positive for her children. We dive into the balance of sharing our passions with our kids while allowing space for conversation, pushback, and independence. Sabrina was raised this way herself, so I ask her to reflect: What made this lifestyle something she wanted to carry forward rather than leave behind? We also talk about the challenges of advocating for her kids’ nutrition outside the home—at birthday parties, school, and camp. Does she ever worry about being “that” mom? And, of course, I had to ask one of my biggest questions: Does she ever drop the ball? Key Takeaways: Balance Over Restriction: Sabrina’s approach isn’t about strict rules; it’s about creating a home environment where healthy choices are the norm, so her family feels empowered rather than deprived. Her Own Upbringing Shaped Her Perspective:Growing up with this lifestyle made her realize, especially as she got older, how much better she felt compared to those around her who consumed foods that left them sluggish or unwell. Advocating Without Apology: As moms, we often feel guilty for asking others—schools, parties, camps—to accommodate our values. We discuss the importance of letting go of that guilt and standing firm in what feels right for our families. Managing Passion-Driven Anxiety: When we care deeply about something, it can sometimes lead to unnecessary stress. We talk about working through anxious thoughts and embracing discomfort as part of the bigger picture. This conversation is full of practical insights and honest reflections - I can’t wait for you to hear it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with fitness and mindfulness expert Kristin McGee—single mom of three boys and an endless source of inspiration. Kristin shares how single motherhood has reignited her passions, allowing her to focus on them in a new and meaningful way. We dive deep into breaking the cycle of people-pleasing, exploring how we can support our kids in confidently saying no—even to friends—without unintentionally passing down our own struggles with setting boundaries. We also discuss the delicate balance of setting boundaries with family, especially during holiday gatherings. How do we assert what’s best for our kids while preparing them for what to expect? How do we navigate screen time, solo time, and family dynamics with clarity and confidence? Finally, we unpack how to create open, honest conversations with our kids about insecurities and self-doubt—without simply trying to talk them out of their feelings. This conversation is full of insight, practical strategies, and real-life wisdom. Key takeaways: We have opportunities to model healthy boundary-setting for our kids, even when it feels uncomfortable for us. Teaching kids to say no starts with allowing them to practice it in small ways—like turning down a playdate—without guilt. Instead of trying to erase our kids’ insecurities, we can help them process those feelings by opening up conversations rather than offering quick fixes. We also talk about the importance of creating space for boys (or any child) to express their emotions and raising them to feel seen and understood. This episode is packed with real-life wisdom and actionable strategies to help you set healthier boundaries—for yourself and your kids—while fostering confidence, independence, and open communication. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with one of the most respected experts in early childhood, Tovah Klein. I’ve admired Tovah since I first read How Toddlers Thrive at the start of my career, and I’ve had the privilege of knowing her firsthand over the years. Now, with her latest book, Raising Resilience, I knew I had to have her on to discuss a topic that has been central to both my work and my parenting: resilience. While I’ve studied and shared insights about resilience for years, I still struggle to find the right balance between supporting my children and preparing them for the real world. In this conversation, I get to turn the tables and ask Tovah for guidance in my own parenting—particularly with my older daughter. We dive into real-life challenges, from handling friendship rejection to navigating morning routines, and explore how to build the kind of parent-child relationship that encourages openness rather than secrecy as kids grow. What I Took Away From This Episode: Resilience isn’t something we can instill with a quick tip or hack—it’s built through authentic relationships. If we feel like we’re doing too much for our kids, we probably are. The kids who always seem “good” may be the ones we need to check in on the most. Trusting our kids to come to us—rather than constantly rescuing them—is key. Parenting isn’t just about our kids; it’s also about understanding what we bring to the relationship—our own fears, projections, and patterns. (Which, at its core, is what this podcast is all about!) This might be my favorite episode yet—I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we recorded. Tovah is the mentor and expert we all wish we could have coffee with. I feel lucky I got to sip my Culture Pop soda with her while soaking in her wisdom. *All links are affiliate links supporting both this podcast and each guest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sat down (okay, maybe dragged) my husband, Matt Monness—aka Matty Mo—to chat about the things in our kids that remind us of ourselves, and where those traits might come from. Unlike me, Matt isn’t exactly a talker when it comes to himself, so this episode is short but full of "gems." Here’s what we uncovered: Matt doesn’t like losing—and he’s here to remind us that being competitive isn’t a bad thing, as long as it doesn’t come at the expense of good sportsmanship. Letting our kids lose sometimes, instead of "head starts" can help them in their long future of not always being the "winner." The things that trigger us most in our kids often reflect parts of ourselves, even if we’re not aware of it. Connecting the dots between our struggles and their roots isn’t always easy, but it’s a chance to learn and grow (yes, even Matt agrees). Self-reflection isn’t necessarily fun—at least not for Matt—but it’s an opportunity worth taking. Takeaway: While Matt insists he’s never doing this again, he’s officially opened the door for more Dads on the show. What did you think of this episode? Should we bring on more Dads? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This was the very first episode I recorded! In this episode, I sit down with my friend Blake Dembling, a close mom friend, to tackle the topics that many of us find daunting—or even cringe-worthy—when it comes to discussing them with our kids. Blake and I each have two daughters around the same age, and she’s one of the few people I know who can talk openly and honestly about everything. That’s why I invited her to join me for this conversation. We dive into setting boundaries around nudity in the home—when is it time to stop showering or bathing with our kids? How do we approach those conversations in a way that respects their curiosity without shaming them? We also touch on the big, inevitable questions like: What is sex? What is a period? Who is God? Along the way, we reflect on our own childhoods and how those experiences shape the way we parent today. Blake shares her struggles with her daughter’s bedtime challenges, and we unpack the guilt that often comes with not always being able to give our kids the attention we know they need in the moment. We also talk about those parenting spirals—when our kids’ behavior or reactions (think: school photos or performances) don’t match what we had hoped—and how to differentiate between being “slow to warm” and “difficult.” This episode is a candid, heartfelt conversation about navigating the complexities of parenting with grace and honesty, while giving ourselves permission to not have all the answers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Neeti Narula, a yoga and meditation teacher and creator at Melissa Wood Health. Neeti is also a mom to son Lokan (5) and daughter Rooni (2). Together, we explore the common struggles parents face when their expectations for their children clash with where their kids are emotionally or developmentally—especially around topics like separation and trying new things. For example, how do we respond when we’re eager to see our child join friends in an activity, but they resist? When do we honor their hesitation, and when is it helpful to encourage them to push through? What’s really behind our own triggers in these moments? We also dive into the sensitive topic of talking to our kids about death and personal loss, sharing thoughts on how to approach difficult conversations without feeling the pressure to have all the answers. We end the episode with Neeti seeking guidance on what to consider when hiring a caregiver for her children. Key Takeaways: When we understand our own discomfort around our children’s readiness, we become better equipped to support them through challenges rather than simply pushing them forward. It’s often less about the activity itself and more about giving our kids opportunities for growth and exploration. Sometimes, our default mode is to rush—but leaning into natural consequences, like the simple experience of being late, can be a more effective motivator than we realize. Talking about death often feels scarier for us than for our kids. We don’t need perfect answers; it’s okay to say, “I’m not ready to talk about that yet.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode I sit down with Neha Ruch, the founder of Mother Untitled, the first platform dedicated to discussing women taking career pauses and leaning into family life. Neha has two kids: Lyla, age 6 and Bodie age 9.  Neha and I talk about getting stuck on the "little things" that don’t feel so little in the moment—like when our kids insist on wearing certain clothing—and how we can project our own feelings around their self expression. For example, the thought “People will judge me as a parent if my child wears this again!” We also discuss how our kids' expressions of discomfort, such as not wanting attention on their birthdays, can get under our skin. Lastly, we explore the experience of raising "slow-to-warm" kids.  What we learned in this episode: Our children’s assertiveness can be empowering when we move past our own hang-ups.  Honoring who our kids are—especially when they express such a clear sense of self—is challenging but crucial. There’s a real difference between shaming/guilting a child and helping them become more aware of others.  Our kids' behavior does not define our success as parents—we have to trust the long game.  When we’re so fixated on “fixing" our child, we miss the opportunity for our own personal growth.  Neha’s book, The Power Pause, is a guide to career breaks after having kids, rebranding stay-at-home parenthood for a new generation of women and families. The Power Pause comes out January 14th, 2025. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the last two decades, I've worked closely with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents—listening, guiding and supporting families and their young children. I've connected with so many parents through my social media account, texts, calls, and leading moms' groups. When we have open, honest and vulnerable conversations—no matter who you are as a parent—that's how we connect, learn and grow. We also discover so much about ourselves and how that plays into our parenting. That's why I created We Didn't Turn Out Ok—a podcast where you'll hear real conversations about challenges we face in parenting, hear how we uncover the roadblocks, often from our own stuff, and listen to how we work through what's often keeping us stuck. There will be professionals in the field, noteworthy guests and everyone in between. Using my own parenting journey and approach—combined with research-backed best practices—I am determined to help us all move forward from our areas of where we "didn't turn out ok." Every guest will be sharing openly and honestly knowing that it will help them grow as a parent but will also help all of you listening. Welcome to We Didn't Turn Out Ok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices