We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness

Imagine getting an inside glimpse into the dynamic between a mother and daughter—their reflections on who they are, where it all comes from, and how it shapes the way they show up in their own parenting. Imagine hearing not only the beauty, but also the “not so okay” parts, spoken with honesty and without hiding behind perfection. That’s exactly what you’ll hear in this episode with Lynn Shabinsky, known to over a million followers on Instagram as White Hair Wisdom, and her daughter, Marissa Savrick, her Director of Operations and mom of three. Together, they share not only what inspires them, but also the challenges, doubts, and growth edges that have shaped their bond as both mothers and daughters. We explore everything from the traps of “toxic positivity,” to the struggle of feeling like enough, to the freedom that comes from embracing who you are. Lynn’s ability to self-reflect with honesty—not with resentment or regret, but with awareness and empowerment—proves why White Hair Wisdom is the perfect name for her platform. This is a conversation that reminds us why sharing stories across generations matters. You'll relate to it, want to call your mom from it and learn so much from it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You guys sent in your questions, he answered! Everything from finding time for intimacy, what he feels changed the most since becoming parents and what it's like to be married to someone on social media. This one is short but sweet so I'll keep the description the same. Let us know what you think and what Matt should answer next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode I sit down with Lucie Fink - lifestyle host, podcast host of The Real Stuff and, who I like to call, an epic story teller. I was first drawn to Lucie because of her incredible way of telling stories, not just the way she shared the brands she believed in but how she shared her life. It’s sometimes silly, often beautifully edited but also so authentic and real. Her shift into motherhood solidified my intrigue because of how seamlessly she seemed to keep her videography abilities which I know can be all consuming. She just exudes effortless in so many ways and I was excited to see what was behind it.  Lucie and I got into her origin story at Refinery 29 (and probably spend longer there than planned because of my genuine fascination), but the most powerful takeaways are how she shares her ambition—an ambition she once thought would fade when she became a mom - actually carried her into the most creative stage of her career. We also talk about her parents, in-laws, her experience as a twin, and more. But the most powerful takeaways from this conversation are how Lucie shares the way in which her ambition, one she thought wouldn’t matter anymore once she became a mom, not only stayed with her but pushed her into her most creative stages of her career. We also talk about her parents, her in-laws, her experience as a twin and more.  What inspired me most was Lucie’s way of keeping her own projections out of parenting - something so difficult to do when our children’s experiences bring up memories of our own. This conversation truly feels like one of those long coffee chats with someone who inspires you as both a professional and a mom. Lucie and I also dig into how we each frame our work to our kids, and how important it is to dismantle the myth of “doing it all” - because none of us can, nor should we aspire to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Beth Gaskill, the reading and learning specialist behind Big City Readers. We dig into the disservice many schools unintentionally create when it comes to teaching reading - and how that often leads to a “third grade slump” - when children can no longer keep up and we learn that they need a more comprehensive tool box. Beth explains why this happens, and what parents can do to better support their children’s reading journey. We talk openly about my own experience with my daughter - how her confidence took a hit in kindergarten when she compared herself to friends who’d already had reading tutors - and how that shaped the way she’s embraced reading since. Together, we explore why confidence is just as critical as fluency, and why schools should avoid sharing reading levels with parents or children. Instead, it’s about honoring each child’s unique pace and path toward becoming a lifelong reader. Beth shares tactical skills, tools, and strategies parents can use right away, including when it might be time for a symbolic “homework bonfire” to push back against cookie-cutter assignments that don’t serve our kids. We also reflect on: How our own childhood reading experiences can contribute to areas in which we didn’t turn out OK - and how to break that cycle for our kids. The tension I’ve felt between play-based learning and the pressure to teach kids to read early. Practical ways to build confidence, foster a love of learning, and keep reading fun. Whether your child is just starting out or already navigating reading challenges, this episode will leave you with reassurance, perspective, and actionable tools to support them. Beth is the best - follow her!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In my first-ever solo episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal — my journey with anxiety, medication, and what it’s been like to come off Zoloft after nearly half my life. This conversation isn’t the full story of how I got here — that’s for future episodes. There’s a deeper beginning, one rooted in a lifetime of people-pleasing, seeking acceptance, and slowly losing sight of who I really was. But today, I’m starting with the moment I began to question whether I was truly living or just coasting, and the decision that shifted everything: stepping away from the medication I thought I’d take forever. I share why I made that choice, what it’s been like to feel more deeply than I have in years, and how I’m now navigating life — and parenting — without numbing. This is where the story starts… but there’s so much more to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Blask Campbell - founder of Seed and Sew, host of the Voices of Your Village podcast, and bestselling author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and the upcoming Big Kids, Bigger Feelings. A mom of two, Alyssa has spent years researching emotional intelligence in children - only to realize that many adults, including herself, never had the tools modeled for them in the first place. We talk about what it really means to support emotional development, starting with ourselves. Alyssa shares how regulating our nervous systems isn’t just a self-care buzzword - it’s the foundation for helping kids navigate their own emotions. She walks us through the simple yet powerful practice she used with her students (and now with her kids): checking in with her body cues, modeling emotional awareness, and embracing rupture and repair. We also dive into why regulation is never one-size-fits-all - why it’s okay to lose it sometimes, and how the true goal is quicker recovery and connection afterward. Alyssa talks about the importance of saying, “That wasn’t about you, that was about me. I’m sorry I yelled,” and how moments like that can rewire relationships and build true emotional safety. She also shares why she created the S.E.E.D. Certification® (Schools Excelling in Emotional Development) - a new model of professional development for educators that prioritizes emotional support for the adults in children’s lives. We wrap by discussing Alyssa’s two game-changing books: ✨ Tiny Humans, Big Emotions - A guide to helping kids navigate big feelings like tantrums, separation anxiety, and overwhelm while building a foundation for emotional intelligence from the start. ✨ Big Kids, Bigger Feelings - Available now for pre-order, this is the much-needed next step: a guide for supporting kids ages 5–12 through the emotional complexities of the elementary years—name-calling, meltdowns, cliques, and more. If you’ve ever wondered how to actually help your child with their big feelings - without losing your own mind - this episode is your starting point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ever wonder how you’ll ever bridge the gap between you and your spouse’s wildly different ways of handling emotions and challenges? Me too. That's why this episode is for you, me, all of us. In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with journalist Mosheh Oinounou—who you may know as Mosheh of Mo’ News—and his wife, my dear friend, marketing agent Alex Sall. We talk about how they’ve built their relationship from the inside out. From a couples retreat at Kripalu, six months into dating to navigating parenthood with a shared vision, they’ve done the work before the chaos, and it shows. We unpack how their childhoods—shaped their early dynamics, how they’ve bridged emotional gaps with tools like the Gottmans’ Bringing Baby Home and Eve Rodsky’s Fair Play Deck, and how they hold space for one another in both the everyday and the heavy moments (including Mosheh reporting the news daily). We talk emotional labor, people-pleasing, breaking generational patterns, and how parenting on the Upper East Side brings its own set of values to navigate. Alex opens up about her journey to stop pleasing everyone and start pleasing herself (with Mosheh cheering her on), and Mosheh shares how he’s learning to listen and validate instead of fixing. And yes—we also talk about the real difference between protecting kids from the news and empowering them to understand it. This episode is a must-listen for any couple navigating the emotional push-pull that comes with different upbringings, communication styles, or parenting values. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into raising kids, Alex and Mosheh offer a refreshingly honest look at how to bridge the kinds of emotional and cultural gaps that can quietly make—or powerfully strengthen—a relationship. Their story will leave you inspired to do the work, have the conversations, and build something intentional, together. Correction: In this episode, Alex references an astrology app when she says “time passages” but she is referring to “the pattern.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As someone who believes in letting gross motor development unfold naturally—without rushing babies into positions they can’t get into (or out of) themselves—I’ve always had questions about how we support movement in early childhood. So in this episode, I sat down with the amazing pediatric physical therapist behind Tots on Target, Dr. Allison Mell, to dig into all of it. I’ve followed Tots on Target for years because of the way she breaks down early development in a way that’s clear, thoughtful, and totally empowering for parents.  We talk about when to reach out for support, what mini milestones really tell us, and how even well-intentioned early classes can place performance expectations on infants and toddlers before they’re ready. Together, we explore the tension between trusting a child’s timeline and knowing when intervention matters—and how to reframe what it means to support a child’s development without pushing them too far, too fast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What if the toys our kids play with could help shape them into more compassionate, balanced, and open-hearted ? In this episode, I sit down with Hart & Hero founders—and fellow moms—Chanie Brod and Musya Eckhaus to explore how toys can do so much more than just entertain. We dive into the quiet power of care, the beauty of duality, and how to bridge the gender play gap in a world that too often puts kids in boxes. From their origin story to the values behind their thoughtfully designed products, Chanie and Musya share how they’re raising both sons and daughters with the freedom to be strong and soft, nurturing and brave. I share a deeply personal parenting moment that challenged my own assumptions about femininity, reflecting on how easily we pass down gendered expectations—sometimes without even realizing it. We also explore how the roles kids take on in play can shape the roles they default to in adulthood—particularly when it comes to caregiving and the “default parent” dynamic. When nurturing is only encouraged in girls, we miss the chance to raise boys who are emotionally fluent, capable caregivers too. This conversation is a powerful reminder that play isn’t just play—it’s practice for life. We cover: Why care is one of the most radical, under-celebrated strengths How to support boys in embracing nurturing roles and girls in stepping into leadership—without forcing either The impact of representation and inclusive toys on identity formation How duality helps raise whole, resilient humans How early play patterns can shape future family dynamics Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about raising the next generation with intention, this episode will leave you inspired to notice the micro moments—and make them count. Learn more about Hart & Hero at @hartandhero Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

When I tell you that this may be one of the most moving conversations on We Didn’t Turn Out Ok so far, I’m still not doing it justice. Having Whitney Port on brought me back to growing up what felt like with her—from watching The Hills, where she seemed to live in an alternate world from my "Varsity Blues" suburbs in NJ to following her journey as she began filming for The City, where she carved her space in fashion and seemed to have everything fall into place. She met her now-husband Timmy (then a producer on the show), and began creating what she calls “beautiful things”—both professionally and personally. But if you’ve followed along with Whitney’s story, you know she’s opened up bravely and publicly—about how things didn’t stay perfectly “in place.” About how pregnancy didn’t feel magical, how her experience of starting motherhood felt really sudden and how she’s now navigating an ongoing six-year fertility and surrogacy journey. Her honesty has been incredibly powerful for those who follow her, they feel connected, seen and supported in her sharing. I wondered what was left to uncover. It turns out—so much more that we will all connect to— in different ways.  In this conversation, Whitney shares the feeling when she sees another mom in a moment, how that can feel easy to judge until we then experience the same in her own parenting. She talks about how realized that it’s not about judging anyone else or ourselves, but about awareness and confidence in how we are showing up as a parent. She shares the emotional landscape that’s shaped her: from being one of five siblings in a home where it sometimes felt like her feelings often didn’t have space, to seeing a beautiful example of a marriage in her parents, to the boundaries that were set forth for her and her siblings, to learning what emotional safety really means—first for herself, and now for her son, Sonny. This is a conversation about permission: to feel, to be unsure, to heal, and to show up—even when it feels like we don’t know exactly how. To be the kind of parent who’s still learning, still healing, still growing. Spoiler: we both shed tears reflecting on how we were raised, and how that contributed to who we are today. She’s amazing. This one’s special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Dale and Annabel - the funny, real and deeply honest voices behind We Are More Than Moms, a community and podcast that supports moms in navigating identity, ambition, and the messy in-between moments of modern motherhood. We talk about the many layers that shift when we become moms - from how we see ourselves to how we compare (to other moms, our pre-mom selves, even our own kids). We dig into the power of recognizing when we’re not OK, and how those moments can actually spark real growth - especially when we allow ourselves to ask for help. Dale and Annabel also share the inspiration behind their brand-new coaching program - a supportive space designed to help moms reconnect with who they are now and step into their next chapter with confidence, clarity, and self-trust. If you’ve ever felt like you’re somewhere between who you were and who you’re becoming, just know we’ve all been there - and as Dale and Annabel say, motherhood might just be your 2.0 version… the one where you become your best self, if you can just allow yourself to see it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is really special to me. I got to sit down with Emily Oster — someone whose work has been a constant companion in my parenting journey. Emily is an economist, bestselling author, and professor at Brown University who has become a trusted voice for parents looking to make informed, grounded decisions. You might know her from her books Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm, and The Unexpected. Her work takes complicated data and turns it into something we can actually use — not to be perfect, but to feel less lost and more confident in how we parent. I first found Emily when I was thinking about getting pregnant and searching (desperately) for trustworthy information on whether it was okay to stay on my Zoloft. Her calm, rational, and deeply human voice stood out immediately. She didn’t just share the data — she helped me feel like I wasn’t alone in trying to figure it all out. Meeting her in person was surreal, and also… so normal. She’s a mom, just like us, and she’s as down-to-earth as she is brilliant. In this conversation, I got to ask the questions that have been on my mind for years — and her answers did not disappoint. We talked about: Kids and technology — what the data actually says, how to think about screen time, and when kids might be ready for things like phones. (Her “frontal lobe” metaphor changed how I think about it.) Routines — why they matter not just for our kids, but for us. Emily shared how having routines early on (even just for sanity) laid the foundation for flexibility later on. “Hurried Child Syndrome" — the eye rolly term that has scared us all since it started trending on instagram, Emily shares the difference between rushing through life and pushing kids ahead too fast, and how slowing down has helped her kids take more ownership in the mornings. The power of saying no — how her family protects their weekends, talks through what really matters, and why sometimes skipping a birthday party is exactly what everyone needs. At the end, I asked Emily if there was one parenting hill she’d die on — and her answer honestly surprised me. She reminds us that no single choice makes or breaks our kids. What matters most is what makes your family happy and work well together. This episode felt like the kind of conversation I needed as a parent — grounding, smart, and totally freeing. I’m so excited to share it with you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Conscious Mom, where do I start? Back in 2020, when I was supporting other moms through virtual groups—craving a bit of that support for myself—I stumbled upon Erin Morrison, a.k.a. The Conscious Mom, on Instagram. What started as a digital connection during COVID quickly became a real friendship, even though we had never met in person. Fast forward five years, countless DMs, and near-misses in Florida (where Erin lives with her two kids, Ellie, 9, and Jonah, 11), and we finally made it happen. Erin flew up, and we got to share this conversation in person—a full hour of heart, insight, and so much truth. In this episode, we dive into Erin’s brilliant new book, Three Minutes for Mom, which I genuinely think is the only tangible tool every mom should have on their nightstand. It’s like a morning hug in book form—something I reach for before anything else, especially my phone. Here are some of my favorite takeaways from our conversation: The culture of over-involved motherhood: We unpack how stepping back and trusting our kids can unlock their creativity, independence, and resilience—not just from boredom, but from life’s bigger challenges. Discomfort and distraction: We talk about how the emotions hardest to tolerate in our children are often the ones we avoid in ourselves—and how our phones have become quick escapes from that discomfort. Urgency culture & boundaries: Erin and I are both recovering people-pleasers, learning to protect our mental space with boundaries—turning off notifications, reclaiming quiet moments, and modeling that for our kids. Loving boundaries: Erin shares a powerful reflection on the boundaries her own parents set that felt hard in the moment—but made all the difference. A reminder that boundaries are love in action. Weathering the storm: Erin beautifully captures the hardest part of parenting—“You have to withstand the storm of their emotions.” We talk about what it means to hold steady through our kids’ disappointments, big feelings, and heartbreaks—without taking them on as our own. Chipping away: A theme we kept returning to—how parenting (and personal growth) is all about chipping away at the noise, the pressure, the self-doubt, to get closer to who we truly are and how we want to show up. Not only is this episode reflective and relatable but it’s a conversation that will stick with you - or at least it has for me—in the moments when you need to access something to help you know you’re doing it right, when you’re setting a boundary and your kids push back, when your kids tell you their bored, when you go to look at your phone first thing in the morning instead of grounding yourself, when you really reflect and “chip away” at the stuff that’s making you think you don’t have it all within you, because you really do.  Also, buy her book immediately.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I’m joined by Katia Pryce, the powerhouse founder and CEO of DanceBody, a dance-based fitness brand built on the belief that movement is medicine—something I deeply resonate with. What struck me most in our conversation was learning how DanceBody was born from Katia’s rock bottom moment. After moving to New York in her early twenties with dreams of being on Broadway, Katia landed a job at the iconic Tracy Anderson Studios—only to have it taken from her without warning. From that space of uncertainty and loss, she chose to keep moving—literally. DanceBody was created out of necessity, resilience, and a refusal to stop dancing. Her story embodies the idea that life doesn’t happen to us—it happens for us, a theme that runs through this episode. Now a mother to an almost two-year-old daughter, Katia opens up about the ever-evolving challenges of body image in motherhood. She’s passionate about helping women feel more connected to their bodies—more confident, more present, and ultimately, more joyful. Key Takeaways: – Katia’s energy is magnetic, especially when she talks about dance as a healing tool. She shares how movement isn’t about aesthetics for her—it’s about boosting serotonin, dopamine, and reclaiming mental wellness from the inside out. – She reflects on her upbringing, where work ethic was modeled as “non-negotiable,” and how her early experiences with dance, pom, and extracurriculars laid the foundation for self-earned confidence and community. – We dive into how DanceBody helps women build confidence, even if they walk in full of self-doubt. Katia has created an environment where women feel safe enough to let go and gain a new sense of self. – As someone who needs music and movement to stay grounded, I felt such a connection with Katia. Dance is my form of meditation, a way to connect with my girls, and my go-to for lifting the mood. To speak with someone who built an entire business on the transformative power of dance—it was everything. Whether you’ve danced your whole life or not at all, this episode is a reminder that movement isn’t about performance—it’s about coming home to yourself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Cameron Rogers - longtime content creator, podcast host of Conversations with Cam, and mom of two boys. Cameron is as real as they come - unapologetically honest, refreshingly open, and someone who always has a way of making you think, “Wow, I feel the same way, but I never knew how to say it!” We dive into so many topics - starting with how Cameron has learned not to internalize negativity from others, and whether anything from her upbringing helped her build that resilience. We chat about how therapy and simply growing into herself have shaped her confidence, and she shares how she’s been working through the “role” her family gave her growing up as the so-called “bitch” of the family. Cameron, like myself, is the middle of three girls, so it was fun to relate and get into birth order, sibling dynamics, and how those patterns play out not just in our own lives, but in the relationships we see forming in our kids. Cameron opens up about her childhood as an athlete, how the need for external validation drove her, and how her high-functioning anxiety and ADHD impacted her - especially in motherhood. We also share a little sneak peek into a recent “journey” we both embarked on that included psychedelics (more on that in a future episode!). Cameron is one of those people you can talk to about anything - she’s an open book with a gift for sharing and somehow does it all.  After this conversation, I’m even more obsessed with her new journal (which I already loved!) because I understand the heart behind it. Listen for a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation that was one of my favorites.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexa Mufson is the founder and CEO of Alexa Leigh Jewelry and a mom of three - ages 9, 6, and 3. Before this episode, Alexa and I actually recorded one that got lost (I know!) - so this is our second take. Honestly, I welcomed the redo because I can get totally lost in conversation with Alexa. She’s so open to diving deep into parenting, exploring her own childhood, and coming up with tools that work for her - and that’s exactly what I hope this podcast inspires more parents to do. Before we recorded, I asked Alexa what she wanted to talk about, and she shared something close to home: one of her sons has been experiencing anxiety. It’s something she remembers from her own childhood - and still feels at times. In our first recording, I suggested she try the “worst case scenario” exercise, something I personally use when I’m feeling anxious. So often when our kids (or we) are overwhelmed, the instinct is to say “don’t worry, it’ll be fine,” but there’s real power in facing the fear and asking, “what’s the worst thing that could happen?” Alexa has since used that exact approach with her son when he’s anxious about being late. She’ll pause and say, “what are you afraid will happen if we’re late?” And in doing so, she’s giving him the gift of resilience - a set of tools he can carry with him for life. Some other moments that really stood out: Alexa shared a bedtime ritual she’s created with her kids - especially her middle son, who feels things deeply. Every night, they go around and share three feelings from the day. She even shares her own three feelings which also helps her kids feel "less alone" in their own. It came from her own memories of lying awake at night as a child, anxious with no outlet. Now, she’s created a space for her kids to release those feelings, and in doing so, she’s healing something in herself, too. She also opened up about her own experience with postpartum anxiety, specifically a rare hormone-related condition where she’d get intrusive thoughts every time her milk let down. It was her mom who first noticed it, which helped her name and prepare for it before her second baby was born. Naming it gave her power over it—just like she’s now helping her son do with his own worries. We talked about how powerful it is to raise emotionally intelligent kids—and how that starts with modeling it ourselves. From labeling emotions to creating safe spaces for expression, Alexa is doing that daily. It’s not just about managing anxiety; it’s about understanding feelings, connecting through them, and building emotional awareness that will serve her children far beyond childhood. Alexa describes herself as a “recovering perfectionist.” Recently, she handed over control of her professional @alexaleigh Instagram account to her team and is focusing on her personal account @alexamufson. While she said it was to separate business from personal, I can’t help but see it as a big step in her journey away from perfectionism and into trust and delegation. There’s so much more in this episode - it was so open, honest and heartfelt. I adore Alexa, and I think you will too. I’m also so excited to share that we’ll be partnering again on our separation bracelets just in time for back-to-school. Spoiler: there may be a version just for boys this time around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with OG podcast host Lindsey Metselaar of We Met at Acme a a show where singles turn for unfiltered dating advice. Lindsey started her podcast at 27 after being dumped on her birthday, and now she’s married, a mom, and still telling it like it is. What struck me most about Lindsey is how grounded and confident she is, even just 15 months into motherhood. She’s figuring it out in real time and learning more about herself along the way.. Key Takeaways: The Butterfly Effect of Love: Lindsey and I reflect on the tiny moments that lead us to our partners - and even the babies that feel meant for us. (Spoiler: You might be surprised by how I met Matt!) Imposter Syndrome: Lindsey shares how she once questioned herself as a host of a dating podcast before meeting “her person,” and how those doubts don’t continue to creep in as much at least - as a married mom she feels its the ultimate testament to how it all ends up working out. Real Confidence: Lindsey credits her success to letting go of what others think. Control & IVF: We both open up about our fertility journeys and how releasing control in that process prepared us for motherhood - teaching us how to trust. Perfectionism & Type-A Tendencies: From IVF to birth plans, Lindsey shares how striving for control and perfection clashed with real life - and how letting go allowed space for so much more. Parenting with Perspective: We discuss how reflecting on who we were as children helps guide the way we parent today. Handling the Haters: I talk about how I process negativity by imagining how I’d want my daughters to respond to it. It’s not about me - it’s about modeling strength for them. Mean Girl Moms: We touch on the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways adult behavior impacts the kids we’re raising. This episode feels like a cozy hangout with two moms keeping it real. It’s open, honest, and filled with the kind of conversation you want over coffee - honestly, I’m ready to start a series with Lindsey. You can find Lindsey on Instagram at @wemetatacme and @wemetatbaby and listen to her on her own podcast We Met at Acme available wherever you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when an empath and a behavioral analyst sit down for a conversation? An honest, and incredibly helpful discussion about the realities of parenting. In this episode, I talk with Mandy Grass - known as The Family Behaviorist -about the tools, tactics, and truths of raising children, especially when things don’t go as planned. We recorded this after a rough morning on my end, and I found myself genuinely needing Mandy’s grounded perspective. Her insights were not only validating but also actionable - and I knew I wanted to share them with you. Mandy is a go-to voice in the parenting space for her practical strategies, thoughtful courses, and accessible behavioral tools. But beyond that, she’s also a solo parent to three girls, navigating their unique needs (including ADHD) with honesty and care. In this episode, we talk about: Why avoiding unnecessary transitions in the morning can make a huge difference How to blend empathy with clear boundaries Why our kids often save their hardest emotions for us - and what that really means The importance of repairing after parenting missteps, using what Mandy calls “name without blame” The four functions of behavior - and how understanding them can change everything Parenting post-divorce, and being mindful of how we speak about our co-parents around our kids Mandy’s wisdom is filled with compassion, structure, and reality - plus she shares some of the go-to resources she’s created, like her “technology contract” and more. Remember that even the experts have chaotic mornings - and that’s exactly why this conversation will leave you feeling seen, supported, and a little more sane. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I’m really excited about this episode — not just because I got to talk (and laugh a lot) with this amazing human, but because she’s about to release a book that is so important. Jyoti Chand, also known as Mamajotes, is a mom of three, a beloved social media personality, and now the author of the upcoming book Fitting Indian, releasing May 13. Order it now. Jyoti advocates for self-love, self-care, and maternal mental health -  all of which are wrapped beautifully into her book, a teen graphic novel about a young South Asian Indian girl’s search for identity growing up in America. Fitting Indian is being hailed as an authentic and powerful story that highlights the harm of mental health stigma -  and the lifesaving power of finding an honest, supportive community. That’s exactly who Jyoti is: real, honest, open, and unapologetically herself. Her social media presence is one I look forward to seeing every time I open Instagram. This was actually the first episode I recorded virtually - and Jyoti’s humor came through immediately. She told me how her husband, two dogs, and three kids were all “trapped” in the basement so she could record uninterrupted (she emphasized that it’s a finished basement, not a dungeon). What we talked about: How identity can often feel “decided” for us based on our cultural backgrounds -  but how growing up in America can complicate that. Jyoti shared how she felt “Indian at home and American outside.” The importance of owning our mental health journeys and being open about them. Both Jyoti and I have shared publicly about being on Zoloft. When we recorded this episode a month ago, I was still on it -  and now, for the first time in 17 years, I’m not. I’ll be sharing more about that soon because normalizing mental health is so important. Jyoti opened up about her mother’s silent struggles with mental health, and how stigma made it even harder. Gender roles in the home -  how both of us “wear the tool belt” in our families, but are lucky to have partners who aren’t afraid to own the kitchen, too. The importance of showing affection to our kids - especially when we didn’t grow up seeing it modeled between our own parents. There’s more, but I’ll let you hear it for yourself. Jyoti is as real as they come -  and truly one of the most fun people ever. TLDR: Taking care of your mental health is self-care - and it’s non-negotiable. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I’m joined by Katie Sands - content creator, style expert, lifestyle influencers, and now, a mom.  It’s such a real and honest conversation about how motherhood reshaped her identity both online and off. Katie opens up about her IVF journey, the spiral of postpartum anxiety and OCD, and how even well-meaning messages from followers sent her into overwhelm during those early days. We also talk about something we both initially planned to do: not share our kids online. Spoiler: It’s the real reason this podcast was created. I’ve been rethinking -  and yearning for -  a different way to share my motherhood journey and my guidance  that feels more respectful of my girls, especially as they get older. We talk about: Katie’s journey in her career, the pros and cons of working for herself especially now that she is a mom.  Katie’s experience with IVF and how she feels and supports others close to her going through it.  Katie’s unexpected experience of Post Partum Anxiety and how sharing on social media contributed to that.  The complicated decision and process  to hire a nanny -  and the emotional layers behind it - especially as this was recorded the day before  she left her baby for the first time to be able to fully focus on being a sister for her brother’s wedding.The constant “do we bring the baby or not?” tug-of-war How relationships are tested when you have babies at the same time as others but you make very different choices And Katie’s transformation from always saying “yes” to learning how to say “no.” (she’s officially a JOMO girl!) We talked about the slippery slope of “Keeping up with the Jones’s” that often comes raising a family in NYC.   Key Takeaways: We don’t know what motherhood will bring until we’re in it , and that’s part of the magic of it. We learn, we grow, we mature and we set boundaries. Sharing vulnerably online can be grounding for both us as creators and our  communities.It’s how we feel so connected to our followers. This is the reason we went from “I won’t share my kids” to “I have to share them” and how we are still on the journey to finding that real longer term plan on this topic.  Boundaries aren’t limitations -  they’re signs of growth and alignment. Every mother’s path is different, and comparison only distracts us. I hope this conversation meets you wherever you are on your motherhood journey :) f you’ve felt the pressure to be everything to everyone - online and off - this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone, and that redefining what motherhood looks like for you is not only allowed… it’s meant to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices