What I Wish I Knew : A Podcast About Pregnancy, Parenting, and Women's Health

TW: Breast cancerWe're kicking off 2026 by talking about BOOBS! We chatted with Dr. Dana Bonaminio, a world-class radiologist, mom of 2, and breast cancer survivor, about all things breast-related. We cover basic breast health must-knows, what mammograms do & why they're so important, and factors that increase your risk of breast cancer. Plus, we may have coined the term "jiggle-ometer"...Follow Dr. Zucker on Instagram: @danabonaminioFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

TW: Pregnancy loss & infertilityWe sat down with Dr. Jessica Zucker—psychologist, author, and creator of the #IHadaMiscarriage movement—for a conversation about the silence surrounding pregnancy loss, infertility, and grief, among many other experiences that women share. We learned about how deeply conditioned that silence is, and the true cost of carrying these feelings alone.Jessica shares why speaking your truth matters, how story-sharing can be healing (without necessarily being performative), and what it can look like to finally break the silence.This episode gets a little heavy at times, and it's deeply human. Follow Dr. Zucker on Instagram: @ihadamiscarriageFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down with Dr. Allison Mell - pediatric physical therapist, founder of Tots on Target, and the internet’s favorite “don’t panic, your kid is fine” voice - to talk about baby milestones in a way that was truly no-stressie. Allison has a gift for helping parents understand what actually matters when your baby rolls, crawls, stands, or… refuses to do any of the above on the timeline you have in your head.We dig into why independent floor time is a superpower, the stages of learning to walk, whether shoes are a go or no-go, and much more. Most importantly, we talk about why watching your kid rather than obsessing over a milestone is the way to go.Follow Dr. Mell on Instagram: @totsontargetFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We chat with the co-hosts of The C-Section Experience podcast, Dr. Jen Wagner and Bethany Scott, and dig into what c-sections are really like, why they don't have to be as traumatic as people think, and how to mentally prepare for the experience. Follow The C-Section Experience on Instagram: @thecsectionexperienceFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down with Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood and author of the upcoming book by the same name, to talk about one of the most misunderstood stages of parenting—the toddler years. Devon makes a convincing case that this stage isn’t just about surviving, but about understanding the brain growth, emotional regulation, and learning how to be a tiny human with biiiiiiig feelings.We dig into the construction zone that is the toddler brain, and how punishment actually works against their development. Finally, we discuss what it means to parent as a confident leader (think: not a pushover, not a drill sergeant.) Are you living with a small, wildly chaotic roommate who calls you Mommy? If so, this episode might tickle your fancy. Follow Devon on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhoodFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down for our second session with Dr. Sarah Oreck - reproductive psychiatrist, medical advisor for Natural Cycles fertility tracking app, and mom of three. We tackled the mystical "6-week check-up" for postpartum moms and why it can feel overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. We discussed how to handle conversations about intimacy during the fourth trimester, and what Dr. Oreck would change about how our country supports moms. We get a little salty, we get a little riled up, and we lay out the facts. This conversation is equal parts validation (once again - no, you're not crazy) and action plan for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re carrying it all.Follow Dr. Sarah Oreck on Instagram: @sarahoreckmdFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down with Dr. Corinne Low, economist and author of the new book "Having It All", to unpack what “having it all” actually means for women today and why the BS version society sells us is impossible (and exhausting).Corinne blends data, research, and her own lived experience to show how much of women’s time is squeezed by invisible labor, why men and women aren’t playing by the same rules at work OR at home, and how redefining success can be both liberating and life-changing.We cover everything from why mowing the lawn is not the same as caring for a child, to the economics of “secondary childcare” (yep, doing two jobs at once - sadly, something women are all too familiar with), to how to figure out what you actually value instead of living by someone else’s script.She gives us permission to find our OWN version of joy and helps us figure out how to experience it way more often.Pre-order Corinne's new book on her website: https://www.corinnelow.com/bookFollow Corinne on Instagram: @corinnelow.phdFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down with Jessica Rolph, co-founder and CEO of Lovevery, to talk about one of her favorite topics: play. Jessica has spent years digging into the science of early learning, and we yapped about how the simplest moments—turning on lights, banging pots, dropping a ball down a tube—are actually building your child’s brain in big ways. She’s a passionate advocate for making play accessible, meaningful, and less overwhelming for parents (because who needs MORE on their plate?). We walk through all the different stages of development and how they translate to spending quality time with your kids that actually fosters connection and growth. Visit www.lovevery.com to learn more.Follow Lovevery on Instagram: @loveveryFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

Starting solids can feel overwhelming. From fear around choking to pressure about doing baby-led weaning “the right way,” many parents are left confused, anxious, and unsure where to begin.In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we sit down with Jenny Best, founder and CEO of Solid Starts, to break down the science and reality of feeding babies real food. Jenny shares evidence-based guidance on baby-led weaning, gagging versus choking, oral development, and how babies actually learn to eat.We talk about why gagging is a normal and important part of development, why babies don’t need teeth to eat real food, and how letting babies self-feed can reduce choking risk. Jenny also explains how pressure at the table can backfire, contributing to picky eating and negative food relationships later on.This conversation covers:The difference between gagging and chokingWhy gagging is developmentally normalHow babies learn to map their mouths and chew safelyCommon myths about starting solids and baby foodWhy self-feeding supports long-term feeding skillsHow to approach holiday meals and family food pressureTools and resources that actually help parents feel confidentWhether you’re preparing to introduce solids, already in the thick of feeding a baby, or supporting a new parent, this episode offers practical, reassuring, and science-backed advice to help you feel more confident at the table.If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” — this episode is for you.

Christina & Amy do a solo episode to discuss why they started What I Wish I Knew, their favorite moments from the season, and what to expect in season 2.Visit whatiwishiknew.life to learn more.Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben Scott

We sat down with parenting expert Dr. Siggie Cohen to talk about what actually helps when your kid is melting down, how to remain calm in the face of chaos, and why kids lash out in the first place. Her approach is calm, thoughtful, and full of real-life strategies that you can use right away. We covered tantrums, boundaries, emotional regulation...plus why it’s not your job to fix every feeling. Cheers to raising emotionally resilient kids! Visit drsiggie.com to learn more.Follow Dr. Siggie on Instagram: @dr.siggieFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

Egg freezing is no longer a whispered secret or a last-ditch backup plan—and Lauren Makler, co-founder and CEO of Cofertility, is leading the charge in changing that narrative. In this episode, Lauren shares her personal fertility journey, how her sister’s egg donation inspired Cofertility’s unique Split and Keep programs, and what every woman should know about their options. We talk about accessibility, ethics in egg donation, secondary infertility, and why planning your family isn’t just about getting pregnant.Visit cofertility.com to learn more.Follow Lauren & Cofertility on Instagram: @laurenmakler and @cofertilityFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We spoke with Dr. Mona Orady—gynecologic surgeon, women’s health advocate, and total powerhouse—to talk about why so many women are being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and underserved when it comes to their reproductive health. From fibroids and endo to infertility and unnecessary hysterectomies, Dr. Orady breaks down what’s really going on—and how to fight for the care you deserve.Follow Dr. Orady on Instagram: @drmonaorady.careFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_Music by Ben ScottMotion Design by Banona.co

We sat down with Human Design expert Erin Claire Jones to talk about how this personality-meets-energy system can actually make parenting easier.From understanding your own needs as a parent to better supporting your kids' unique personalities (yes, even the wildly independent, nap-fighting toddler), Erin shares practical ways to use human design in everyday life.Here's what we learned in this episode:* How knowing your design helps you parent YOUR way (not social media's way)* The surprising connection between energy types and burnout* Why your kiddo's design might explain their EPIC bedtime procrastination* Why words of affirmation hit different for some of usWhether you've never heard of Human Design (like Amy) or already deep in the charts (like Christina), this one will have you rethinking how you show up—for yourself AND your little ones.Follow Erin on Instagram: @erinclairejones and @humandesignblueprintPurchase her new book, "How Do You Choose?" at erinclairejones.com/bookFollow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_

In this episode, we’re joined by registered dietitian Haley Miskowiec who specializes in nutrition for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.We cover:Why your preconception health really matters (and yes, that includes your partner’s health too)The problem with generic nutrition advice (and how to personalize yours)Protein, prenatal gaps, and how to fuel yourself in the first trimester when everything is :vom:How food can actually support your mental health postpartumFollow Haley - @prenatal.nutritionist on Instagram or https://nutritionwithhaley.com/Follow WIWIK - @whatiwishiknew_ on Instagram or https://whatiwishiknew.life

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Sarah Oreck—reproductive psychiatrist, postpartum expert, and mom of three—to talk about what really happens to your brain, body, and mental health after giving birth. From the massive hormonal crash no one warns you about to the very real experience of postpartum rage, Dr. Oreck breaks it all down with empathy, expertise, and zero judgment.We cover:The difference between baby blues and postpartum depressionWhy the “bounce back” culture is setting moms up to failThe importance of asking for help—early and oftenIf you’ve ever felt like motherhood is an absolute cluster, this episode is your reminder that you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not doing it wrong.Follow Sarah - @sarahoreckmd on Instagram or https://www.sarahoreckmd.com/Follow WIWIK - @whatiwishiknew_ on Instagram or https://whatiwishiknew.life

Starting solids can feel exciting and terrifying all at once—because, let’s be real, there’s an overwhelming amount of (often conflicting) advice out there. Do you start with purées? Is baby-led weaning the way to go? What about choking risks? And are you actually ruining your baby’s relationship with food forever if you don’t introduce solids the “right” way?Enter: Jenny Best.Jenny is the founder & CEO of Solid Starts, the go-to resource for parents navigating the wild world of feeding babies. In this episode, she drops some serious knowledge bombs that completely shift the way we think about baby food—like why spoon-feeding isn’t actually necessary, how self-feeding reduces choking risk, and why gagging is a good thing (yes, really).We also get into: 🍽️ The biggest myths about starting solids 🥕 Why babies don’t need teeth to eat real food 🚫 How pressuring kids to eat backfires 📉 The outdated feeding advice still being given by pediatriciansIf you’re ready to stress way less about feeding your baby, this episode is for you. Grab your snack of choice (no purées required) and hit play! 🎧 #WhatIWishIKnew #StartingSolids #ParentingUnfiltered

Postpartum recovery can feel overwhelming, confusing, and, let’s be honest, a little lonely. From navigating physical changes to learning how to care for a newborn, it’s a lot—and one area that often gets overlooked is pelvic floor health. That’s why we were so thrilled to have Jessica London, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic health (and mom herself!), join us on What I Wish I Knew. In this episode, Jessica shared her expertise and her personal journey to shed light on postpartum recovery, pelvic floor basics, and how to advocate for your own care. Here are the key takeaways from our conversation.To learn more about Jessica or to work with her, head to her website or follow her on Instagram.

Sleep and newborns—two words that don’t always go hand in hand. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we sit down with Ashli Daley, a NICU nurse turned baby coach, who shares her journey from bedside nursing to supporting families through the chaos of early parenthood.Ashli’s approach is all about meeting parents where they are—no rigid schedules, no guilt, just practical, science-backed advice to help you navigate those exhausting early days. From understanding newborn sleep cycles to creating gentle routines that actually work, Ashli breaks it all down with warmth, wisdom, and a deep understanding of what new parents really need.If you’ve ever wondered, Is this normal?, Why won’t my baby sleep?, or Am I doing this right?—this episode is for you. Tune in for real talk, actionable tips, and the reassurance that you’re not alone in this wild, wonderful season of life.🎧 Listen now and take a deep breath—you got this.

In this episode of What I Wish I Knew, we’re joined by Amita, Ayurvedic practitioner and registered nurse, to explore the intersection of Ayurveda, science, and modern parenting. Amita shares her journey of reconnecting with this 5,000-year-old practice and how it supports fertility, pregnancy, and parenting in today’s world.We dive into topics like:How balancing digestion (Agni) impacts hormonal health and fertility.Practical Ayurvedic tips for nourishing your body during pregnancy.The role of stress and mindfulness in creating harmony for both parents and children.Whether you’re trying to conceive, navigating pregnancy, or deep in the trenches of parenting, this episode is packed with actionable insights blending ancient wisdom with science-backed strategies. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how small changes can lead to big transformations in your family’s health. 🌿#WhatIWishIKnew #AyurvedaAndParenting #HolisticHealth