The girls are back and it’s a new season (and new year!) of Mother Up! In this episode, Kacie and Gianna reflect on the holiday season and the emotional toll that can come along with traveling, group gatherings, and the realization that you are likely the one in charge of creating your child’s holiday memories now. They also discuss recent adventures and events - how Kacie got spontaneous by taking a last minute trip to Cabo, and how Gianna thrives under pressure when it comes to outfit planning. As they share heartwarming moments and open up about the challenges of motherhood, their conversation touches on the importance of vulnerability in relationships, self-care practices (why they’re more important now than ever), the fair play method, and what you can expect in upcoming episodes! Mentioned in this episode: Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live) by Eve Rodsky Connect with Kacie & Gianna: www.motheruppod.com www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com Great offers for you from our sponsors:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. We believe in the power of therapy!! Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by using the code MOTHERUP or signing up at this link: https://betterhelp.com/motherup.
This week on Mother Up, we're breaking down the conventional approach to pediatric care with the revolutionary Dr. Joel Warsh M.D. As a pioneer in integrative pediatrics and medicine, Dr. Warsh challenges the one-size-fits-all model, emphasizing the unique needs of every mom and child. He will walk us through vaccination facts, why nourishing your child from the inside out is key to lifelong health, and best practices for the basics of child care. We'll delve into the SEEDS approach, the magic of probiotics, and how to navigate the overwhelming world of social media while protecting your mental well-being. Plus, get expert advice on prenatal nutrition to set your baby up for a healthy start! Topics discussed include: Delayed vaccine schedule What can people find by reading Dr. Joel’s book? It’s not going to be always a one-size-fits-all for parents or the kids What is the SEEDS approach? Probiotics for kids Social media are driving adults into mental health issues It’s important that we spend a lot of money on our food to avoid chronic diseases How do you see the landscape of pediatric care evolving and changing? What do you eat when pregnant? Resources: Parenting At Your Child’s Pace by Dr. Joel Warsh Dr. Joel’s Website Dr. Joel’s Instagram Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/
Gianna and Kacie are here this week with an audience request on relationships! They’re spilling the tea on how they met their husbands, the “breaks” they took along the way, and what it really takes to feel secure in your love life. From self-love to setting boundaries, they’re covering it all. And, they’ll make you think twice about going on that second date. Get ready for some girl talk and cute love stories! Listen now. Topics discussed include: Do you start with self confidence or confidence in your relationships? Setting the parameters on how you run your life Redefining confidence and success Overcoming tough decisions in your relationship “What if this is your last first date?” Is there no such thing as a second date? Doubts in a relationship How do you gain confidence in the relationship again after getting back together? Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/
We’ve taken it, you’ve probably taken it, EVERYONE knows about it… but do we really know the truth about birth control? This episode we welcome a guest who has dedicated years of her life to exposing the secrets an truths about the pill. Abby Epstein is a film director who knows what's up. We're talking hormones, cycles, and the pill's impact on everything from PCOS and endometriosis to diabetes, heart disease, and even depression. But that's not all! Abby's here to debunk those pesky period myths and shed light on hormonal imbalances before and after pregnancy. Plus, get ready for a surprising parenting strategy that you need to hear. Know better, and do better. Listen now. Topics discussed include: What's the real deal with the pill? Explore how it works beyond just preventing pregnancy. Period myths debunked! Enough of the confusion, let's get the facts straight. The pill and health: Can it impact other health conditions? Hormonal roller coaster? Pre and post-pregnancy imbalances and how common they are. The surprising key to parenting: Benign neglect? Buckle up for an unexpected parenting strategy! Resources: Sweetening the Pill by Holly Grigg Spall The Business of Birth Control The Business of Being Born Connect with Abby Epstein Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/
It's a milestone celebration for the pod! Kacie and Gianna are popping the bubbly (mom-mosa for Kacie) as they hit episode 50. This special episode is a look back on their podcasting journey as moms, friends and no colleagues! They reminisce about the incredible guests, the hilarious (and sometimes tearful) moments, and the biggest lessons they've learned along the way. They'll also share some of the most impactful takeaways you shared, reminding us all why this supportive mom community is so special. Let's raise a toast to 50 episodes of real talk, laughter, and the incredible journey of motherhood together! WAY MORE TO COME! Topics discussed include: Feeling a sense of community and safe space in the podcast K & G’s biggest takeaway of working together Mother Up Merch? Yes please!! Upcoming guests Our fav lessons we’ve learned Always ask questions, don’t take anything at face value Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/
Buckle up, moms! Kacie and Gianna are redefining "success" through the wild and wonderful lens of motherhood. They'll dish on the toddler trenches – the chaos, the wins, and how they stay sane (or try, at least) through it all. They’re going deep on the vision of success, the happiness connection, and why quality time with your loved ones (and yourself) matters most. Let's build a support system, ditch the guilt, and find joy in the journey. Tune in and reimagine your path to a more fulfilling life. Topics discussed include: Surviving the toddler trenches. How to redefine success by celebrating small wins? What is your vision of success? Success can correlate with happiness, not money Motherhood shares surprising parallels with mortality Success is about having the flexibility and quality time with the people you love Success can also be helping your community Has there been a rise in depression because societal expectations of success aren't leading to fulfilling lives? Do it because it brings happiness to others Two mindsets for success: Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month. If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/
This week we’re joined by trauma healer, embodiment coach, and period whisperer Monica Yates to discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal identity, the importance of embracing one's femininity, and the weight of societal expectations. Over the last 7 years, Monica has become an expert in helping women step out of their masculine armor, tap into their core feminine desires, and live a life in alignment. Through the use of trauma healing, inner child healing, womb clearing, womb activation, subconscious reprogramming, embodiment, somatic work, and other modalities, she has helped thousands of women heal their cycle, reconnect with their period, break their trauma cycles and no longer be triggered by their past. Topics discussed include: The importance of not resenting oneself or one's partner in a relationship The connection between bedroom desires and real-life dynamics Strategies for effective communication and expressing needs in relationships The power of saying no and fostering a safe, respectful environment Addressing misconceptions of feminine behavior and creating supportive environments Exploring the impact of societal pressures on women's mental and physical health The controversial views on gender roles and the maternity vs. gender pay gap Embracing traditional values while managing a non-traditional lifestyle Addressing childhood experiences and societal influences on personal identity Practical advice on finding balance and maintaining identity in motherhood Connect with Monica: https://monicayateshealth.com/ https://www.instagram.com/monicayateshealth/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLeWRWbV3uuP7Os96UzVow https://monicayateshealth.com/pages/feminine-as-fuck-the-podcast Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Kacie and Gianna discuss a topic that can likely resonate with all moms and that is mom guilt. They explore the pressures of balancing motherhood, personal well-being, and societal expectations. From confronting negative self-talk to the impact of social media (and keeping up with the Joneses), this episode is a must-listen for any parent feeling overwhelmed. They also touch on the often-overlooked "dad guilt" and discuss actionable self-care tips. Tune in to hear more on coping mechanisms when it comes to mom guilt and strategies to find peace amidst the chaos of parenting. Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Struggling with intrusive thoughts, postpartum anxiety, and frequent hobby hopping? Is it hormones or are you neurodivergent? On this week's episode, Patricia Sung dives into the unique challenges moms with ADHD face, offering insights and support to help them feel seen and understood. As an ADHD mom herself, Patricia Sung shares what it looks like to navigate adult ADHD and provides practical strategies to confidently manage family life. She hosts Motherhood in ADHD, a Top 5 Parenting podcast, where she encourages moms with relatable stories and actionable advice. She is a hobby-hopping, anxious adventurer, willing to try almost anything once. Topics discussed include: - How ADHD affects motherhood - How we can be successful with our ADHD through motherhood or any goal - What it means to hobby hop (a common ADHD characteristic) - Hyperfixation and Emotional Receptivity - Engaging in creative activities for therapeutic benefits and managing ADHD - Navigating ADHD in professional settings - Non-medical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms - How environmental factors and emotional upbringing influence emotional receptivity in individuals with ADHD Connect with Patricia: www.motherhoodinadhd.com www.instagram.com/motherhoodinadhd www.facebook.com/motherhoodinadhd Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Squirrely girls are back and talking about all things summer safety as we officially enter the warm weather season! Kacie and Gianna dive into discussions on water hazards, the importance of swimwear visibility, and personal experiences with water activities. From planning summer getaways to a fun game of summer trivia, this episode is packed with tips and insights to keep your summer safe. So, grab your SPF, put on your favorite swimsuit, and tune in for a fun and informative episode on staying safe and enjoying the sunny season ahead! Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
This week K & G are joined by Certified Functional Medicine Coach and Somatic Trauma and Attachment Healing Practitioner, Kaitie Childs. Kaitie helps struggling trauma healers overcome the fear of being seen and the fear of success by closing your stress response to manifest the life and business you crave. She has worked with the nervous system for 13 years and brings a unique blend of science and spirituality to nervous system regulation. She is also the creator of the Manifest Miracles course which is the only step by step system to close your stress response. Kaitie offers a plethora of insights on managing stress responses and shares her journey of self-discovery outside of motherhood. Topics discussed include: Understanding Stress Responses: key differences between the flight, fight, freeze, and fawn responses Ways in which motherhood and relationships can influence nervous system regulation How external societal expectations and internal pressures can contribute to a person’s sense of lost identity Grounding techniques to help manage stress responses and improve nervous system regulation The interplay between the nervous system and chronic health issues The concept that a mother’s nervous system state can set the groundwork for her child's nervous system development Parasites and their potential impact on mental health Stress responses such as dissociation and overconsumption Connect with Kaitie: https://www.kaitiechilds.com/regulate https://www.tiktok.com/@kaitiechilds https://www.instagram.com/kaitiechilds/ Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Approaching Mother’s Day, Gianna and Kacie dive into the multifaceted experiences of motherhood and the mixed emotions that this hallmark holiday can evoke. They explore the pressures and challenges mothers face as well as share in some light-hearted laughs chatting about gifts gone awry. They also share what they’ve received in the past, what their most ideal day consists of, and the influence of culture and generational wealth on family dynamics and how these factors can shape Mother's Day expectations and experiences. Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Kacie and Gianna are joined by Certified Communication Coach and the Founder of Well With Raele Coaching, Raele Altano. Raele helps women socialize, articulate, and advocate for themselves with kindness, class and confidence through tangible tools and tips they can execute in their everyday lives. Growing up as the only child of divorced, immigrant parents with not much family close by and no siblings of her own to mingle with, Raele became a social butterfly mingling with her peers. She also had to think swiftly and communicate well in order to navigate the sometimes volatile waters between her parents and the custody arrangement they had in place. From this she discovered that hardships can lead to your biggest opportunities. Raele provides her clients with solid communication tools depending on the goals they’re looking to accomplish, and works with them to advocate for themselves and articulate in powerful ways. She helps them build inner confidence as they navigate through their journey of personal development, and become master communicators no matter where they are or who they’re talking to. Topics Discussed: How moms can confidently express their needs and draw boundaries while maintaining kindness and class How she helps couples find common ground and equality as partners and teammates in parenting How to approach situations where you’ve been given poor service Self-advocacy and setting boundaries Ways to make connections and build relationships with other moms Specific routines that help Raele manage her time effectively Connect with Raele: www.wellwithraele.com www.instagram.com/wellwithraele www.tiktok.com/@wellwithraele www.youtube.com/@wellwithraele Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Have you heard of matrescence before? Similar to puberty and your body going through a plethora of physical, mental, and emotional changes all at once, matrescence is all about the rollercoaster of changes that come along with becoming a mother. This week Kacie and Gianna are reflecting on the unique dynamics of motherhood and the many unexpected learnings that have come along from it. They share in the things that make up matrescence - from the lack of understanding and empathy for mothers from those who are not mothers themselves to weight gain and body image challenges and the physical, mental and emotional changes that occur during motherhood. Matrescence makes up a large period of a woman's life (arguably the largest) and is still a relatively new phrase. The girls shed light on the overlooked concept and share the importance for women to let go of expectations, set up a support system, and take time to connect with their bodies and minds. Mentioned in this episode: The emotional roller coaster of being a new mom The Process Of Becoming A Mother Has A Name: Matrescence The Matrescence Membership Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Kacie and Gianna are joined by mom of four with a passion for helping kids learn and grow to their fullest potential, Heather Mrak. Heather shares the importance of movement for your baby's brain development and understanding how our primitive reflexes contribute to the process of maturing the brain. She has over ten years of experience using cutting-edge brain training techniques for children and is trained in Neurodevelopmental Movement Foundations (based on Dr. Mastagova and Dr.Harold Blomerg's work), Dr. Melillo's Brain Balance techniques, and Brain Gym® 101. She helps parents learn strategies and exercises that boost their baby's brain development in order to grow the strongest foundation possible for all learning. Topics discussed in this episode: The seven intelligences The pivotal role that tummy time and crawling play in the early development Her personal journey through homeschooling and how movement-based interventions like Brain Gym supported her son's reading and writing skills Prenatal education: where to start before giving birth Essential connections between movement, attachment, and development, The impact of environments like playpens versus restrictive containers on infant movement The importance of play: including risky play and integrating it as part of stimulative development The significance of recognizing and nurturing children's love languages Allowing children to face struggles to build self-esteem Connect with Heather: www.instagram.com/babysbestbrain www.babysbestbrain.com www.tiktok.com/@babysbestbrain101 Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
The squirrel gals are back! This time, diving deep into the fabric of relationships and the intricacies of love languages — the crucial conduits through which we give and receive love. Together, Kacie and Gianna explore personal tales of how love languages can bind and challenge us yet also through understanding can help us go even deeper into our relationships (intimately, familial, parental, friendships, etc). They also unpack practical strategies, like using written lists to navigate household help, and discuss the impact of childhood experiences and life stages on our love languages. Topics discussed include: How understanding love languages can affect the dynamics of relationships Personal experiences where recognizing their partner's love language deepen their connection The language of quality time and why it’s so important for mothers, regardless of their top love language Understanding our kids love languages and ensuring you're meeting their emotional needs Healthy versus unhealthy gift-giving practices Non-sexual physical affection (physical touch) Confronting mortality and the effect on prioritizing relationships Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Kacie and Gianna are joined by licensed clinical psychologist and national expert in narcissistic abuse, Dr. Jaime Zuckerman. Dr. Zuckerman is a highly sought-after relationship coach for those experiencing narcissistic abuse, as well as the sole owner and founder of The Z Group, a private therapy practice specializing in anxiety, depression, and complex relationship dynamics. She is also the author of two interactive workbooks. Her first workbook, titled “Find Your Calm: A Workbook to Manage Anxiety,” garnered great success, prompting her to pen a second workbook titled, “Find Good Habits: A Workbook for Daily Growth.” She is an accomplished and active media contributor, as well as an influential social media personality in the mental health space. Topics discussed include: Her fascination with the brain, behavior, and patterns and her desire to become a psychologist Distinctions between anxious behavior and narcissistic behavior Different types of narcissism Generational views on mental health, therapy and accountability Ways in which public figures represent or challenge our understanding of narcissistic behavior versus narcissistic personality disorder How individuals who have suffered in narcissistic relationships can begin the healing process Strategies that can be used to set effective boundaries with narcissists The "flying monkey" concept when it comes to narcissism And more Connect with Dr. Zuckerman https://www.drjaimezuckerman.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.z_psychologist/ https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.z_psychologist https://www.zgrouptherapy.com/ Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
K & G are joined by passionate advocate for inner and outer well-being, facercise expert, and natural skin-care connoisseur Trinh Georg. Trinh is fueled by her love for natural beauty and her belief in the transformative power of self-care and shares incredible tips and insights that go beyond skin deep. With a deep understanding of the connection between inner well-being and outer radiance, she encourages individuals to nurture their mind and body to achieve a harmonious and vibrant life. Her mission is to inspire and uplift women around the world. Topics discussed in this episode: Transitioning to foreign country with a 5 month old and navigating a new identity How facial exercises contribute to skin health Benefits and risks of using Gua sha Specific techniques for using Gua sha on the face (chin, cheeks, and forehead) Korean skincare products Trinh loves Daytime versus nighttime skincare routines Incorporating facercises into your everyday routine Maintaining one's identity and self-care while managing the responsibilities of motherhood Connect with Trinh: https://www.gloweva.com/ https://www.instagram.com/trinhgeorgg/ https://www.tiktok.com/@trinhgeorg https://www.youtube.com/@trinhgeorg https://www.facebook.com/trinhgeorgg/ Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Coming to you solo this week, Kacie and Gianna are tackling how they organize life amidst the chaos of relationships, parenthood, and self-care. From improving communication and problem-solving in partnerships, and the delicate dance of teaching men to be open and vulnerable. K & G dove into the practicalities of spring cleaning, from decluttering closets to maintaining sentimental items. With Easter around the corner, they chatted about budget-friendly basket ideas and creating cherished family traditions along with exploring the tough conversations around handling grief and appreciating our partners’ love languages. Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Kacie and Gianna are joined by professional name consultant, content creator, and mom of three Steph Coffield. Steph has helped hundreds of families with name suggestions and is the author of the baby name book, Names Don't Have a Gender. They dive into the sometimes emotionally charged world of baby naming, complexities of selecting the perfect name, naming trends, traditional and classic names versus modern and unique names, cultural nuances of naming, and so much more. Steph shares: How she named her own children Name influences and trends How to find compromise with your partner when it comes to names The sweet spot for picking a name and the best time to turn to a name consultant Crafting sibling set names Trending names and statistics in 2020s versus the 1980s How she began as a content creator and name consultant and advice for other moms Connect with Steph: https://nameswithsteph.com/ https://www.tiktok.com/@nameswithsteph https://www.instagram.com/nameswithsteph/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9HYmDiuHrTIwRSWM3mLJ2g Connect with Kacie & Gianna: https://www.motheruppod.com https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppodView full show notes at www.motheruppod.com