BABIES DOWN, BOTTLES UP

```html The cookisode is finally here, and it is landing just in time for the holidays. Whether you are trying to keep the kids fed while they are home on break or you are just ready to level up in the kitchen, this one is for you. We are talking all things cooking and baking, starting with simple beginner meals and the kitchen gadgets that actually make life easier. We get into meal prep routines, grocery shopping strategies, and how to confidently drift away from a recipe without losing the plot. We also walk through how we orient ourselves around the stove as blind moms, from finding your bearings with burners to safely managing multiple dishes at once. And of course, we get into baking: the tips, the tricks, and the basic ingredient science that makes the difference between “it worked” and “why did it turn into a brick?” Some of our favorite lessons from independence training make their way into the conversation too, including the little skills and shortcuts that changed the way we move in the kitchen. If you have been wanting to sharpen your cooking skills, get more comfortable with baking, or simply feel more confident whipping up something good, this is your episode. Hit play and let’s get cooking. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.```

BDBU in Austin? On the court? Absolutely. Kisha and Josselyn officially drag Terrin into their world of sports as Babies Down, Bottles Up reps Metro Blaze at the Texas Goalball Tournament. We break down what goalball actually is, how the game works, and what it felt like to finally play together as a trio. The sportsmanship, the teamwork, the chaos, and the inside jokes on the court, we’re giving you all of it. We swap stories from our weekend in Austin, our favorite moments from being reunited, and yes, the bruises we didn’t expect but proudly brought home. Terrin shares what it was like touching a goalball for the very first time, and how surprisingly natural she felt jumping into a game she’d only ever heard about from the other two. We also get into our first experience riding in a Waymo self-driving car and why we instantly became fans. No weird small talk. No unhinged rants. No “five-star if I drop you at this random corner instead?” Danny proves our point perfectly with a real recording of the chaotic Uber driver he got stuck with on the way to the airport. It’s friendship, sports energy, and pure BDBU vibes from the court to the rideshare. Hit play and join us in Austin. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Safety isn’t optional when you’re raising kids, and this week we’re getting into the real, everyday work that goes into keeping your home and your family protected. We’re talking first aid basics, what supplies you should always have stocked, and how we blind parents stay organized so we know exactly what we’re giving and when. We get into babyproofing, toddler-proofing, and teen-proofing the house as your kids grow, plus the importance of locking up anything that could become a temptation or a risk—meds, alcohol, firearms, and more. We also talk about how we tell what’s going on when our kids come running to us in pain or panic: listening for certain cues, asking the right questions, checking their bodies safely, and trusting our instincts even when we can’t see what’s wrong. And because emergencies don’t wait for you to get ready, we’re breaking down safety plans too: what happens if there’s a fire, a break-in, or any situation where every second counts. Why having a plan matters, how to talk to your kids about it, and how to make sure everyone knows what to do. It’s an important conversation full of practical tools, family-tested systems, and reminders that preparation really does make all the difference. This one’s for every parent who wants their home to be as safe and steady as possible. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

We’re joined by friend of the show Kristin Revere from Gold Coast Doulas to explore a role that many don’t hear about often enough — the bereavement doula. Kristin walks us through the vital support she offers families who experience miscarriage, stillbirth, infant loss, or a traumatic birth. She explains how this work differs from therapy and why having someone by your side who truly understands these moments makes all the difference. We talk about what happens in the immediate aftermath of loss, both physically and emotionally, and how a bereavement doula helps families process shock, communicate with partners, and begin to heal. Kristin also shares ways to work through grief in healthy, sustainable ways, and how to set realistic expectations for yourself when it comes to recovery. The conversation moves into how families can find balance when they’re ready to re-enter daily life, and the importance of giving yourself grace through anniversaries, due dates, and other emotional milestones. We also touch on what it’s like when the doula’s work comes to an end, and how to continue that healing journey afterward. It’s a powerful and compassionate conversation — one that reminds us all that grief doesn’t have a timeline, and that no one should have to face it alone. Find Kristin Revere with the links below: Gold Coast Doulas Supported: Your Guide to Birth and Baby Check out Kristin's Podcast and Media Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Traveling with kids isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when you’re juggling strollers, car seats, and white canes. This week, the crew shares their best tips, stories, and survival tactics for traveling as blind parents. From wrangling car seats in Ubers and Lyfts to managing flights, trains, and buses, we’re breaking down how to keep the little ones safe, close, and calm. You’ll hear how we plan seating arrangements, pack efficiently, and handle those unpredictable moments in airports because there’s always one. We also talk motion sickness, yes, Dramamine gets a shoutout after Kisha’s unforgettable plane story, and the rules we set for the kids when we’re out in public. Whether it’s staying hydrated, staying together, or staying sane, this episode’s full of the small details that make traveling just a little smoother. Hit play, grab your carry-on, and let’s get going. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This episode is one of the hardest we’ve ever recorded. Terrin and Josselyn open up about their personal experiences with miscarriage, sharing what it was really like to go through it from start to recovery. They talk about the first signs that something was wrong, how they identified what was happening as blind women, and what the medical process looks like when a miscarriage occurs. They walk through the procedures doctors perform, what recovery actually feels like, and how the emotional impact lingers long after the physical pain fades. The conversation gets deeply personal as they describe how grief affected them and their partners in different ways, and how even simple things—like attending events or enjoying certain activities—can bring back memories. They also share what it’s like dealing with doctors who don’t always say the right thing, and why it’s important to express your own feelings separately on medical paperwork. Both women reflect on the joys they felt during pregnancy, the parts of that experience they miss, and the moments that took time to enjoy again without the weight of those reminders. It’s a heavy, honest episode that doesn’t shy away from the details—but it’s also a reminder of the strength it takes to talk about what most keep to themselves. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

It’s giving petty, pretty, and witty! 💅🎤 The crew finally linked up LIVE in Dallas, glammed up and ready to pod with champagne flutes in hand! The energy was sky-high, the laughs were nonstop, and this one feels like you’re right there in the room with us. We’re spilling all the tea—from our airport adventures to whether our families actually listen to the podcast 👀. We share what we’re most proud of, get a little sentimental (in between the jokes), and even introduce you to our amazing studio engineer and photographer who came through for our Dallas photoshoot. And because no BDBU moment is complete without a surprise guest, Tanner Gers from Accessibility Officer pops in to tell us what he loves about the show and why he had to jump on board to support. So grab your glass, press play, and catch the vibe—it’s BDBU, live, loud, and unapologetically us. 🥂✨ Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Friend of the show Tanner Gers, founder of AccessAbilityOfficer.com, joins us to get real about employment in the blind and visually impaired community. With most blind adults still facing massive barriers to finding and keeping steady work, Tanner breaks down what it actually takes to stand out and succeed. He talks about learning your strengths, mastering assistive tech, and why staying close to people in positions of influence—what he calls “proximity to power”—can change everything. We also talk about the hidden skills that stay-at-home parents build every day and how to translate those into résumé-ready experience when it’s time to rejoin the workforce. Along the way, we share our own work-life balance struggles, the lessons we’ve learned about professionalism, and why effort matters more than excuses. Tanner keeps it straight, reminding us that in this world, cutting corners isn’t an option. It’s an honest, practical, and motivating conversation about knowing your worth, putting in the work, and creating your own opportunities—no matter where you’re starting from. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Potty training—it’s one of those milestones every parent faces, and we’re sharing exactly how it went down in our homes. From spotting the first signs that our kids were ready, to the ways we encouraged them to keep going once they started, nothing is off the table. We talk about the rewards that worked (and the ones that didn’t), how we handled kids who just weren’t ready yet, and the creative methods we used to help them through the process. Kisha, being the only one on the team with experience training both a boy and a girl, breaks down the differences and what worked for her family. We also open up about teaching independence—how we showed our little ones to care for themselves after using the potty—and the tools that made life easier once they started going on their own. If you’re a blind parent trying to figure out what works, or you just want to hear a few tried-and-true ideas to make potty training less stressful, this episode is packed with tips, laughs, and a whole lot of real talk. Press play and learn a few things with us. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Last week we took you through pregnancy. This week—perfect timing for episode 69—we’re tackling sex. From pregnancy sex to postpartum changes, we’re laying it all out: the awkward, the funny, the “hell yes,” and the “not tonight.” We talk about how desire shifts before and after birth, how to bring the spark back when you’ve been with someone forever, and why communication is the real MVP of the bedroom. From straight-up saying what you like to experimenting with new ways of getting there, we’re giving you suggestions that will encourage your partner to listen—and deliver. Birth control makes an appearance too: how it affected our bodies, why we stayed on, why we came off, and what sex felt like on both sides of the decision. And then there’s the jaw-dropping part—sighted people who can’t seem to wrap their heads around the fact that blind people have sex. (Yes, seriously.) We’re not just laughing at it—we’re asking YOU to send us your best retort for the next time someone drops one of those comments. It’s blunt, it’s funny, it’s episode 69. Press play, because you know you want to hear this one. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This one’s personal. We’re opening up and sharing our pregnancy journeys—everything from the moment we found out we were expecting to the rollercoaster of labor and delivery. You’ll hear how we navigated those early pregnancy tests, what it was like experiencing ultrasounds and hearing our babies’ heartbeats, and the ways morning sickness showed up during each of our pregnancies. We talk about what we packed in our hospital bags, the contractions that signaled it was time, and the unique challenges that came with delivering during COVID. We don’t hold back on the hard stuff either—the complications, the unexpected moments, and how it all felt as we entered motherhood for the first time. At the same time, we celebrate the joy, the belly, and the miracle of growing a tiny human. This episode isn’t just a trip down memory lane—it’s an honest look at the journey of becoming a mom, from the scary parts to the magical ones. We want you to walk away embracing the beauty of pregnancy, showing off that belly proudly, and knowing you’re part of something miraculous. Hit play and come along for the ride—we’re taking you from that first trimester all the way to the delivery room. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This week we’re keeping things fun and light! We’re talking about the people in our lives who knew us before we were moms—and what it’s like for them to see us as parents now. We also share the best (and worst) parenting advice we’ve ever been given and play another round of Playlist Playoff, this time featuring the songs that get us through our cleaning routines. But that’s not all. We reflect on the things we would never do now as parents that we might have done—or thought about doing—before motherhood. We get into gentle parenting, why “just popping your kids” isn’t the answer for us, and even share the wild story of a blind family who bought their teenager a car and expected them to chauffeur everywhere. And, as always, we kick things off with “What’s on your mind?”—because sometimes you just need to catch up, laugh, and get real before diving into everything else. It’s a mix of laughs, real talk, and plenty of stories to give you a better glimpse of who we are beyond the mics. Hit play and hang out with us—you’ll definitely get to know us a little better in this one! Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

When it comes to your child’s education, nothing is more important than understanding their rights—and yours. In this episode, Terrin and Josselyn roll up their sleeves and get into the world of evaluation plans, accommodations, and everything tied to IEPs, 504s, and ARD meetings. They break down the differences between an IEP, a 504 plan, and ARD meetings, explaining what each one actually covers and why it matters for your child’s success. From what’s typically discussed in these meetings to how to make sure your child’s true needs are reflected in their plan, this conversation gives parents the clarity and tools they need to walk into the room prepared. But it doesn’t stop there. Terrin and Josselyn also tackle the emotional side of these meetings—the overwhelming jargon, the intimidating number of professionals sitting across the table, and the pressure parents often feel to agree to whatever is suggested. Their message is clear: you are the boss in that room, and you have the final say. Along the way, they share stories from their own school days, recalling what it was like to go through ARD and IEP meetings themselves, and how those experiences now shape the way they advocate for their own children. They also talk about seeking outside advocates when necessary, making sure you know when and how to push for more, and the power of documenting exactly what you want in writing. Packed with practical advice, personal experiences, and encouragement, this episode is your guide to showing up strong in IEP and 504 meetings, ensuring your child gets the support they deserve. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Your baby’s growth doesn’t come with a manual, but early childhood intervention comes pretty close. In this episode, we talk and get real about what it looks like from day one through those first critical years of development. We start at the beginning: screenings at birth for vision, hearing, and reflexes, and how prematurity can shift the timeline for everything that follows. Extra rounds of testing? Yep. Developmental charting? Absolutely—but with a reminder that it should be about your child’s progress, not your abilities as a blind parent. We as moms open up about our own journeys navigating early intervention services. Terrin shares her path of switching out therapists until she found the right fit, while Josselyn talks candidly about an occupational therapist that just wasn’t working out. Together, they dive into the ups and downs of speech therapy, the benefits they’ve seen in their kids, and the sometimes awkward invasion of home life when therapists show up at the door. You’ll hear about what therapists actually test for, how progress is measured, and why speaking up about what you are (and aren’t) comfortable with is essential. The conversation also covers the frustrating pushback districts can give when it comes to referrals—and exactly how to advocate for your child when they try to say no. If you’ve ever wondered what early intervention really looks like, how to gauge if your child needs services, or how to make sure you’re being heard in the process, this episode breaks it down with honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight. So grab your coffee, settle in, and hit play—because this one is packed with the info you’ve been waiting for. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Backpacks packed, pencils sharpened—the kids are officially back in school, and Terrin and Josselyn are here to talk all about it. They kick things off with some Taylor Swift chatter before jumping into the real stuff: uniforms versus no uniforms, how pricey clothes and supplies have gotten, and even the added hit of class and lab fees for Terrin’s teenager. The conversation doesn’t stop there. They get into when it’s smartest to shop for supplies, the latest craze around Labubu figures, and how they keep track of school-issued tech like Chromebooks and iPads. They also break down what it looks like to meet teachers and stay on top of homework as blind moms, offering a peek into their routines and challenges. It’s back-to-school season BDBU style—equal parts laughs, real talk, and useful takeaways. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

In this “Best of BDBU” episode, the girls share the moments their kids first realized they were blind, the baby items they were given or bought but never actually used, and their experiences with breastfeeding. They also bring back the “Playlist Playoff,” picking songs that match their parenting styles, and talk about their opinions on sleepovers and slumber parties. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Traveling with kids is already a challenge—but throw in summer heat, sports gear, and being blind, and you’ve got a whole new level of coordination. This week, Kisha and Josselyn break down exactly how they make it all work when it comes to traveling to sports events with their kids. From must-have snacks and hydration hacks for those long, hot days, to how they keep things flowing smoothly with their partners, this episode is packed with practical tips. Josselyn shares her experience as a beep baseball athlete, and Kisha brings in her perspective from both beep baseball and goalball, offering a real glimpse into what it's like to parent from the sidelines while still staying game-ready. They also talk about leaning on your village, mentally preparing for big trips, and how to balance your athlete mindset with your mom brain. Whether you’ve got a tournament coming up or you’re just trying to figure out how to not forget the sunscreen, this episode’s for you. Hit play and take notes. This is the real playbook for traveling as blind moms. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

This week, we’re shining the Mom of the Month spotlight on someone extra special—Esmeralda, childhood best friend of our very own Josselyn. Esmeralda wears a lot of hats: Girl Scout troop leader, former JROTC commander, PTA president and board member, mom of three, and partner to her high school sweetheart of 18 years. But behind all the titles is a story of growth, identity, and reclaiming power as a blind woman. For years, Esmeralda struggled with cane shame—avoiding using her cane in public out of fear of being treated differently or seen as less capable. It wasn’t until her early 30s that she fully embraced it, letting go of the shame and choosing to lead with confidence instead. Today, she works in administration at the Lighthouse for the Blind in Dallas—one of the few blind or visually impaired professionals to hold such a high-level role there. She’s not just breaking glass ceilings, she’s flipping the script on what blind leadership can look like in traditionally sighted spaces. Hit play to hear her story. It’s one of friendship, strength, and finally owning your space in the world. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

Tremaine is back—and this time, we’re closing a loop that’s been 15 years in the making. If you’ve been with us for a while, you’ll remember Tremaine’s original episode: an emotional conversation where she shared how her newborn daughter Mikaela was taken from her the same day she gave birth all because she was blind. She wasn’t allowed to bring her baby home. She was separated from her child for 57 days. That story struck a chord with so many of our listeners because it’s every blind parent’s nightmare—and it actually happened. In this episode, we catch up with Tremaine to hear what life looks like now. Mikaela is a teenager. Tremaine is thriving. And most importantly, she’s been doing the work—traveling, speaking, and helping drive legislative change. Because of advocacy efforts like hers, seven states have now passed bills that protect blind parents from being denied custody, placement, visitation, guardianship, or adoption based solely on their blindness. This is real, tangible progress—and Tremaine has been part of that fight. She updates us on Mikaela’s growth, her own healing, and the ways she’s helping make sure no other parent has to go through what she did in 2010. After the update, we’re replaying her original interview—one of the most listened-to episodes we’ve ever put out. If you’ve never heard it, now’s the time. And if you have? You’ll hear it differently with everything you now know. This is a story about pain, power, and proof that change is possible when we refuse to be quiet. Press play. This is one you’ll remember. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.

We've been waiting to bring you this one. In this episode, we welcome longtime BDBU listener Alyssa Hicks to share her powerful story as a NICU mom. Alyssa, a dialysis patient, opens up about the emotional and medical rollercoaster of giving birth at just 26 weeks. Alongside her is our very own Terrin, who also walked the NICU path and is a fellow Tubey mom. Together, they reflect on the early days—what it’s like when bonding with your baby looks different because wires, machines, and hospital walls get in the way. They talk about the role of primary nurses in those fragile moments, navigating GI tubes, and how they managed the flood of emotions that comes when you can’t bring your baby home right away. This episode is honest, raw, and full of the kind of insight only NICU parents can truly give. Whether you’re in the thick of your own NICU journey or just want to better understand what so many families go through, this conversation is one of support, connection, and strength. And if you are going through it—we’re here. Please reach out. You don’t have to do it alone. Support us on Patreon. Email us at info@bdbupod.com. Like our Facebook page. Follow us on TikTok. Follow us on Twitter. Follow us on Instagram.