Whatcha Expecting?

Season Two Episode Seven: The Thanksgiving EpisodeHappy Thanksgiving! This week, Claire, Kate and Joe share heartwarming, mundane and/or capitalist anecdotes from Thanksgivings past. They reflect on the things they’re grateful for this year, and the ways in which gratitude seeps into life in a new way. They discuss strategies for attempting to be more mindful of the things they’re thankful for on a daily basis, and close out with a special list of gratitude plugs. Did Joe do his plugs wrong, or is he maybe the only one who did them right? You be the judge!Gratitude Plugs:Leaning on familyCleverly deployed screen time Having moments for yourself Supportive partner Mom friends Pediatricians(Honorable Mention) Protein bars Getting to re-live and shape childhood Loving unconditionally Laughing at farting Follow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Claire and Kate are talking about everyone’s favorite time – naptime! They reflect on the unique challenges of putting a baby down to sleep for a nap vs. letting them fall asleep on you for a contact nap. “Should” you cherish all the contact naps you can, or “should” you make sure you put your baby down so they don’t come to rely on you to fall asleep? Joe shares his trick to help stay in the present for these fleeting moments, and no one’s surprised that it may or may not make everyone cry. Weekly Plugs:Butterfly kisses (the song and the act)Central Park in fallHarlem MeerRichard KindContact napsFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire reflect on the developmental milestones their babies are expected to have reached by their respective ages. Fresh off a doctor’s appointment with a questionnaire that felt like a pop quiz, Claire wonders what it says about her as a mom that she didn’t know the answer to every question. They talk through the pros and cons of various apps and books that walk you through the different developmental stages, and how easy it is to obsess over one milestone or another (spoiler alert: it’s very easy). Weekly Plugs:VerdelloBaby SparksYour Baby’s First YearReese’s Pumpkins Burt’s Bees Burp Cloths Contact Naps Cold Mist HumidifierFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Season Two Episode Four: Social SmilesThis week, Kate and Claire are seeing their sons’ personalities emerge. What makes them smile? How early on did they smile? What parts of Kate and Claire (for better or for worse) are they seeing in their sons? And how much of all this are they actually just projecting while their babies are just…being babies? With kids aged nine months old and two months old, Kate and Claire are both taking joy in the details of who their sons are in this moment. Joe reflects on his kids’ personalities and shares which elements existed from the early days. Listen to the end for some unexpected (mis)information about Vaseline!Saline DropsVaselineAquaphorMetal baby keysFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire talk about the early days of caring for their babies — how they structure routines, scheduled feeds vs. feed on demand, and when sleep may (or may not) happen. They dive into the concept of the newborn “trenches” and whether or not this controversial term fits this unique stage. They brainstorm a few alternate terms and debate which subway tunnels may be a better descriptor of the experience. Claire talks about what life looks like now that she’s out of that tunnel, and Kate says some profound stuff, as always!Gap BabySleepea Baby SwaddleSarah & DuckHow to be a Saint by Kate SidleyFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

It’s Whatcha Expecting’s first guest episode — featuring writer, performer, and C-Section extraordinaire, Molly O. Kemper! Kate, Claire and Molly discuss what it was like for their birth experiences to be via C-section in a world that mainly talks about vaginal birth. Molly shares her experiences with having both unplanned and planned C-sections, giving birth during COVID, postpartum depression, and more fun stuff! Kate shares a surprising indicator of health that was celebrated in the O.R., and all three marvel at what they could or couldn’t feel during the procedure. * Molly's article. Weekly Plugs:The Dead Ladies ShowWeekly HumoristBoogieManja Sketch Comedy at Second CityManhattan Valley PediatricsTribeca PediatricsPlastic water bottles and cardboard (for entertaining babies, obviously)Coffee sauce Follow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

After what felt like forever, the wait is finally over…we’re back for season two! Oh, and also Kate had her baby. Claire reveals Kate’s baby’s name (thanks Claire!), and Kate walks us through her baby’s birth story, obviously without a single interruption from Claire or Joe. Claire shares more about how it’s been to start to transition to life in Kansas City, and whether or not it’s been…ahem…what she was expecting?!Weekly Plugs:Aloha BarsMyliconStore closing sales Strider bikesFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Surprise! Kate had a baby, which means that Season 1 of Whatcha Expecting? has drawn to a close, but don't worry! We recorded one last episode to tide you over until Season 2.We suspect that the pain we feel in pausing our weekly chats is similar or equal to the pain of being pregnant, the pain of labor, and the pain of being newly postpartum. Kate waddles us through what it feels like (felt like) being 37 weeks pregnant while Claire reflects on struggling to feel connected in the early days of motherhood. Weekly Plugs:WalmartCostcoPhysical TherapyPelvic Floor Physical TherapyFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire talk about sleep. Kate walks through the foolproof system she had before she was pregnant vs. the challenges she has sleeping while pregnant. Claire reflects on Rodney’s sleep patterns and how sleep has changed for her as a mom. They consider the debate of whether sleep is worse in pregnancy or with a newborn. Joe shares his surprisingly controversial tip for falling asleep, as the three discuss the roles of anxiety, vigilance, and being needed by another human being that make sleep in pregnancy and parenthood such a doozy. Weekly Plugs:Lawrence, KansasNew York CityMamdani CampaignSeatbelts Meditation Mindful AstoriaEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Claire’s moving! This week, Claire’s packing for her imminent move to Kansas. She considers the things she’ll miss about living in New York, while being excited for her new home (which has TWO bathrooms?!). Kate’s world is getting narrower as it gets physically harder to move through the world while being, medically speaking, super duper pregnant. Claire discusses what it was like to see Kate’s baby nook in her apartment, and Kate shares the shocking revelation that Claire’s clever use of space in her own one bedroom apartment inspired Kate in her own nesting, too. Weekly Plugs:Whatcha Expecting? - our new Instagram page!Lambs and Ivy Wall DecalsStone fruit season NYC FerryEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

As Claire prepares for her move home to where her and her husband’s parents both live, Claire and Kate reflect on the roles of grandparents in memorable visits, childcare, and instilling ties between generations. Kate breaks down the differences between the coasts of Southern Florida where her future son’s grandparents live. Claire shares a controversial “bit” and/or social experiment she has in mind for her divorced parents’ role in her son’s life. Kate thinks about how she might honor her mother’s memory for her child, as both imagine the bonds they hope their children build with their grandparents.Weekly Plugs:Homemade Baby PureeLittle Hearts CPRPlayground Swing SetsFollow us at @whatchaexpecting!Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Kate’s got a cold! Oh no! Kate examines why she seems surprisingly chill about this situation. Kate and Claire talk about their sick day routines as kids, and Kate talks about which traditions she’s taken forward as an adult (hint: not the Robitussin with codeine). They chat about Claire’s bout with mastitis, Joe’s worries around being too sick to care for his kids, and Claire’s early motherhood vigilance in taking Rodney’s temperature all the time. Kate gives Joe and Claire shockingly nice compliments, which means it’s time for her to take a sick day nap.Weekly Plugs:Pack and PlayThree-Tiered Woven CartFast Food Apps e.g. McDonald’s and Wendy’sKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

It’s go-bag week! As Kate preps her hospital bag, she solicits advice from Claire and Joe on the essentials they put in theirs, and what they brought that they didn’t need. They then look at what they bring with them in their diaper bags, with an unexpected turn into diaper bag ASMR content. They consider the balance of carrying what helps you feel empowered to navigate the world as a parent with freeing yourself of what weighs you down — exclusively from a capitalist, products-you-can-buy perspective, of course. (Speaking of which, don’t worry — Kate has in fact bought diapers since recording this episode.)Weekly Plugs:Beis diaper bagPlaya BowlsSleep masks Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire talk about their approach and/or aversion to birth plans. Claire recalls all the TikToks she used to see marketing anti-science birth plans, and Kate talks about some of the options she saw on MyChart that surprised her. Claire reflects on her birth experience and wishes she’d went in more prepared for different possibilities. Did you know that if you avoid reading up on something, that doesn't prevent it from happening? But also neither will preparing for every scenario? These revelations and more on this week’s episode!Weekly Plugs:Tomato SeasonMandarin OrangesShorty One-Pieces (Gap doesn’t sponsor us, YET!)Banana Orange Smoothie (add ice for a slushie vibe)Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Recorded the week of Kate’s cancerversary, this week’s episode examines what genes Kate and Claire are passing onto their kids. After a highly scientific lesson on Punnett Squares, Claire notes that Rodney has her eyes, and Kate suspects her son will have her judgmentalness. They discuss their experiences surrounding genetic tests, and Kate reflects on her experience with cancer. Kate considers her fears about passing it along to a child, and looks back proudly on her younger self who drew firm boundaries and asserted her emotional needs.Weekly Plugs:Frozen teething rings Baby Tylenol (Always consult a doctor before use, obviously)Bear-shaped Wicker Hamper Plums Infant Motrin (Always consult a doctor before use, obviously — also not for use before six months but again we’re not doctors OK thanks!)Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire chat about the ways they’re perceived in the world, both in pregnancy and in new motherhood. In both cases, they’ve noticed women who acknowledge them with a knowing “welcome to the club” look — a look Joe will sadly never understand. Claire reflects on whether or not she wants people to think she’s a mom, or whether she prefers that it be a fun, shocking little surprise. Kate thinks about both wanting and not wanting to have people treat her differently as a visibly pregnant person. CW: Body image, weight changes Weekly Plugs:Ice waterThe Courage to be DislikedSupportive sneakers  --Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

In this week’s episode, Kate comes fresh off a breastfeeding class awash with a slew of lessons and/or propaganda to unpack. Claire shares her experience with switching to formula and the shaming attitudes she encountered along the way. Kate prepares for a feeding journey that embraces the grey areas, and Claire and Joe discuss their experiences with lactation consultants. Kate commits to exclusively pump if a certain breast pump wants to sponsor her — to find out which one, listen to the pod!Weekly Plugs: Claire on Lactation ConsultantsGolden KiwifruitOwlet Dream SockKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Claire shamefully confesses to being apart from her baby for nearly two weeks and shares what it felt like to be baby-less for 12 days. The highs, the lows, the SEPARATION ANXIETY and, of course, the reunion. Kate talks about the physical reassurance of baby kicks as well as the acrobats she suspects her baby is doing en utero. She also reflects on how that intimate physical reassurance ends with pregnancy as she and Claire look ahead to other milestones where separation anxiety may come into play -- daycare, moving out, going to jail, etc. Weekly Plugs:Peacharines Color-changing baby spoonsCoconut WaterIced WaterKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, we’re talking about how — and where we build our nests, and what kinds of trees we’ve chosen to root our families’ lives in (while taking the metaphor further than we should). Claire shares big news about where she’ll be living, and Kate discusses her hopes and anxieties for raising kids in New York. They discuss the different factors that go into these decisions, with Joe sharing insights on schools, economic realities, and surprising takes on Bill de Blasio. Weekly plugs:Spending quality time with your partner before baby’s arrival in the third trimester (very specific plug)Our podcast! Ever heard of it? Rate us, review us, give us a social shout outNew York City Department of Education Bill de Blasio (why? Listen to the end to find out!)Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, we’d like to wish our heavily male audience a Happy FATHER’S DAY! Claire shares a sweet surprise she gave Cody in honor of his first Father’s Day, Kate ponders the importance of the holiday, and both co-hosts discuss the roles their own dads have played in their lives. After a couple of poorly-delivered Oedipus complex jokes, the two also share the qualities they admire the most in their partners and how they hope to parent together in the future. Weekly Plugs:Splurging on an apartment/house cleaningFreshly cut pineappleGet tickets for Kate's BoogieManja show on June 18th at The PIT in New York @ 7:30.Catch Bibs--Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.