We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness

Everyone F*cking Matters - And So Do Our Nervous Systems

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 10:52:00 -0000

I sat down with Dr. Brooke Weinstein, a globally recognized expert in neuroscience-based parenting, occupational therapist, and what she calls a “personal trainer for your brain.” But this episode goes far beyond strategies or frameworks.

It’s about what happens when life forces you to look at yourself differently.

After the loss of her husband to suicide, following a period where Brooke began choosing herself in ways she never had before, she was faced with the kind of truth most of us spend our lives avoiding: that so much of who we think we are is actually just our nervous system trying to keep us safe.

We talk about:

- What it really means to regulate your nervous system (and why it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity)

- When you realize you can't fix anyone and you aren't supposed to

- People-pleasing, identity, and the unraveling that comes with choosing yourself

- Talking to our children about hard things, and why our job is to parent the child in front of us… not the one we fear they might become

Throughout the episode, we come back to this idea over and over again:

everyone fucking matters.

Including you.

Brooke’s work blends neuroscience, sensory regulation, and real-time pattern awareness to help people not just understand their triggers, but actually change them. And in this conversation, you’ll hear what that looks like not just in theory, but in a life that’s been cracked open and rebuilt.

I also share parts of my own journey this past year, and why one of Brooke’s posts hit me so hard:

“People think healing is gentle. It’s not. Healing is gutting. Nothing destabilizes you more than realizing your entire personality was just your nervous system trying to keep you alive…”

This episode is so honest, raw, emotional and hopefully will inspire you to never forget that you matter too.

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We're Not Losing Control, We're Holding on Too Tight

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:36:00 -0000

This solo episode is all about what’s actually underneath the behaviors we’re trying so hard to fix, and why the more we try to control them, the more disconnected things can feel. I collected questions from you guys beforehand and almost every question I got sounded different on the surface like:

How do I get my child to listen?

To stop lying?

To be fair?

To go to school without a fight?

To feel ok when they're not included?

…but underneath all of them was the same question:

How do I get my child to behave and react in the way I think they should?

So in this episode, I’m breaking down why that approach and mindset, while so understandable, is often the very thing getting in the way.

I talk about:

why “old tricks” stop working (especially around age 3–5)
the problem with forcing moral behavior
what lying actually means in child development
school resistance, bedtime struggles, and what behavior is really communicating
and even how we show up in our own adult experiences (like not being included)

This episode is about shifting from control to connection and reacting to understanding (so hard guys! I know!) But our role isn’t to control every moment,…it’s to support our kids (not control them) as we allow them to move through it.

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From School Admissions to Building Life Skills

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 07:43:00 -0000

In this episode, I sat down with my friend Brooke Parker, someone who started as an Instagram connection and quickly became one of those rare, deeply trusted mom friends. We met in the most “New York mom” way possible - sitting across the hallway from each other after having our second babies. Fast forward four years, our kids ended up in the same preschool class and became incredibly close… and so did we. Brooke is an early childhood educator turned consultant, helping families navigate the often overwhelming (and very imperfect) private school admissions process in NYC. Through her work, she not only guides parents toward the right fit for their child, but also works directly with kids to help them feel confident, capable, and prepared. But beyond her professional lens, Brooke is that mom friend - the one everyone texts about everything. From products to transitions to “what do I do in this moment?” - she somehow always has an answer. It’s what led her to create her platform, @justaskbrooke, where she shares practical, thoughtful guidance for every stage of childhood. In this conversation, we get into: - Why she believes preparation (not perfection) is the foundation for confidence - Her biggest “no’s” (including no wipe warmers, skipping sippy cups, and ditching the stroller earlier than you think) - How to introduce a new sibling in a way that actually supports both children - The small, intentional choices that build real-life skills over time We also talk about something I find so compelling about Brooke, how she approaches parenting and life with a level of thoughtfulness and organization that feels grounding, not overwhelming, making sure to share the imperfections with her children as teachable moments. This episode is full of tangible takeaways, but also something deeper: a reminder that when we prepare our children (and ourselves), we give them something much more lasting than ease - we give them confidence.

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59: I Don't Believe in Homework

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:22:00 -0000

This episode started with a simple story I shared on Instagram: “the way my soul just does not believe in homework.”

That sparked a conversation with my friend and longtime follower, Caitlin Greer Meister, who reached out to say she’s actually done extensive research on this topic. So of course… we had to sit down and talk.

Caitlin is a specialist in strengths-based learning, neurodiversity-affirming practices, giftedness, and executive functioning. She’s a parent educator, instructional leader, and mom of two, with training from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and in Orton-Gillingham. She’s also the founder of Joyfully Learning, a NYC-based tutoring and educational consulting practice, where she supports families and schools in raising confident, capable kids. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, New York Magazine, Parents, and more, and you’ll feel why the second you hear her speak.

In this episode, we explore my instinctual, emotional reaction to homework alongside Caitlin’s research-backed perspective and her real-life experience advocating for less (and in some cases, no) homework for her own children.

This isn’t about dismissing school or structure, it’s about questioning what actually supports our kids: their learning, their nervous systems, and their connection at home.

Rather than summarizing it all here, I want you to listen, reflect, and decide where you land.

And maybe… consider this with me:

Less homework. More connection.

Less pressure. More presence.

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58: I used to roll my eyes at “woo”... until I didn’t.

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:43:00 -0000

I used to roll my eyes at the word “woo.”

You know the kind of things I mean — energy healing, psychics, plant medicine, spiritual practices that some people swear by and others dismiss immediately. I probably would have dismissed them too… until I didn’t.

About a year ago, a guest on this podcast shared how she used psychedelics to rewire her brain. What struck me wasn’t the mysticism — it was the science behind it. That conversation opened a door for me that eventually led to four of my own plant medicine journeys, a lot of meditation, and a growing curiosity about what we label as “woo.”

Then I met Ariana Cleo — someone who didn’t discover the woo world later in life, but was raised in it. Her childhood included psychic parties and energy healing from her grandmother whenever she was sick. In this episode, we talk about what it’s like to grow up surrounded by those practices, the fine line between magical family traditions and things that can feel embarrassing as a kid, and how she decided what parts of that world she wanted to carry forward.

Ariana shares how these spiritual practices became a refuge that helped her navigate deep trauma — and how, after experiencing pregnancy loss, they ultimately led her to create her own podcast, Into The Woo, where she explores the mystical and spiritual with curiosity and openness.

At one point Ariana was seeing seven healers a week, so if you’re even a little curious about what people mean when they talk about “woo”… this episode is a fascinating place to start.

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57: Raising Grounded Kids with Jill Kargman

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 07:40:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant and hilarious Jill Kargman, someone I’ve long admired for her authenticity and ability to make me laugh out loud.

Jill started writing in small pockets of time while she was a stay-at-home mom raising young kids in a Brooklyn walk-up. That writing eventually led her to become a bestselling author, screenwriter, and actress. Her work has been adapted into television, and now film, with her directorial debut Influenced coming soon.

What fascinated me most was hearing how Jill built a creative career as a mom in her 40s with young children—and how she now shows up as a parent to teenagers. I had a feeling she would bring the kind of refreshing honesty and perspective we all need, and she absolutely delivered.

Jill describes herself as having had a “perfect upbringing,” so this wasn’t a typical “breaking cycles” conversation. But as we talked, it became clear how certain parts of her childhood quietly shaped who she is today - as a creator, a person, and a mom.

We also talk about raising kids in New York City without getting swept up in the intensity of what the city can become. Jill is deeply intentional about keeping her family grounded and grateful in an environment that can easily pull you in the opposite direction.

At one point I told her she’s basically a parenting expert, not because she claims to be one, but because of the calm confidence and clarity she brings to raising thoughtful, grounded kids. The steadiness she speaks with throughout this conversation feels like a window into the way she shows up as a mom.

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56: What Your Birth Date Reveals About You and Your Kids

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 12:48:00 -0000

What if you could understand your child — and yourself — on a deeper level? To truly meet them where they are.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ipek Gray, founder of The Born Method — a numbers-based system that uses birthdates and meaningful numerical patterns to create a personalized 20-digit code. Through a blend of data, ancient wisdom, and research, Ipek helps people uncover how they’re wired: how they communicate, where their natural strengths lie, where they may carry wounds or shadows, and what their “zone of genius” might be.

I had a private session with Ipek the day before we recorded this — and it moved me so much that I asked her to come on and walk through my children’s numbers so you could hear the process in real time. What unfolded wasn’t about prediction or perfection. It was about awareness. About timing. About understanding how each person in a family might experience the world differently.

We talk about how tools like this shouldn’t create pressure to “get it right,” but instead offer a roadmap for deeper connection — helping us see our partners, our children, and ourselves more clearly.

Because when we understand how someone is built, we stop trying to change them — and start learning how to support who they already authentically are.

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55: Giving Our Kids the Voice We Didn't Always Have

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:47:00 -0000

In this episode, I talk with Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen, the founders of Slumberkins, a parenting resource designed to help both parents and children build resilience through meaningful stories, characters, and emotional tools that families truly see themselves in.

From transitions and repair to grief, gratitude, emotional courage, and the development of a loving inner voice, what they’ve created reaches far beyond plush dolls and books. At its core, Slumberkins speaks to something universal: the inner child we all carry, and how parenting our own children often reveals the voices we needed but didn’t always receive.

We connected deeply over our own seemingly “great” childhoods that still held moments of not feeling fully seen or heard, and how those experiences shaped us into people-pleasing adults who struggled to set boundaries without questioning our lovability. Kelly and Callie share vulnerably about stepping away from marriages where emotional safety wasn’t present, choosing instead to model honesty, courage, and self-respect for their children as single mothers.

This one felt really special to record, and I’m so grateful for the work and community they’ve created.

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54: What is Confidence Really?

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 11:33:00 -0000

In this short solo episode I'm sharing what I think confidence really is - not praise, not performance, not getting everything right and not even owning a room. It's a belief in oneself as we are. I introduce the powerful role we play as parents in shaping that belief through our reactions, tone and presence.

I also share on how stumbling upon meditation gave me the ability to pause and choose how I react to my kids. It gave me more control over how I respond to them - and I even attempt to guide you through a 60 second meditation practice on how you can start this.

TLDR: raising confident kids starts with the work happening inside us.

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53: Doing This for the First Time

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:24:00 -0000

Rebecca Smith is a friend of my sister’s but she’s also the founder of Mamala Organics, a new mom brand born from a very real moment: becoming a mother and realizing how hard it was to find even a few minutes to nourish herself.

She began noticing something so many of us do, dipping into our children’s snacks just to get through the day, and Mamala grew from that shared truth into something meant to feel like a hug for mothers when they need it most.

But this conversation goes far beyond a brand story.

Rebecca and I naturally found ourselves talking about grit, as founders, as mothers, and as people deeply triggered by the idea of “giving up" and feelings around things we quit as a kid. We explored what it means to keep building for our children, the role our partners play as safe places when we hit those I can’t do this anymore moments, and how that safety is exactly what we hope to become for our own kids.

We talk about energy, confidence, and the quiet realization that none of us were born knowing how to do any of this. We’re all learning. We’re all doing this for the first time.

I love this episode. It feels like a snapshot of where I am right now, in parenthood, in work, and in life.

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52: Breaking Cycles and Becoming Ourselves

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 11:36:00 -0000

Erika and I met through the mom influencer world, but our connection felt instant and deeper than coincidence - like one of those meetings that’s meant to happen. Since then, the universe has kept weaving our lives together in ways this conversation brings to light.

This episode begins with me in the middle of a full-blown “hot mess mom week,” opening up about the spiral of self-judgment, the fear of other people’s judgment, and how easily we turn inward when we’re overwhelmed. From there, we talk each other through the ways we’re hard on ourselves, and the ways we’re learning to meet ourselves with more grace as we actively break generational patterns, navigate our marriages, and raise daughters we want to grow up unburdened, proud, and free.

You’ll hear Erika’s origin story, losing her job at nine months pregnant at the start of COVID, continuing to follow her purpose through uncertainty, and now arriving in a completely different season of life as she approaches nine months pregnant with her second child, six years later.

We also talk about her bringing her brand to life with⁠ Eden⁠ - a women’s clothing line designed for every season of motherhood, with quality and comfort at its core, pre, during, and post-partum. But what’s most powerful is that Eden isn’t just a product, it’s a symbol. A vehicle for her real purpose: building support, safety, and community for mothers.

This is a conversation about identity, resilience, alignment, and becoming - in motherhood, partnership, and selfhood.

You’re going to fall in love with her, just like I did. 💛

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51: Step into the Group Chat

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 08:46:00 -0000

In this episode, I got to Zoom-hang with three women who feel like instant soul-friends: Allison Williams (Girls, M3GAN, Get Out) and her lifelong best friends Hope Kremer (early childhood educator) and Jaymie Oppenheim (therapist).

It’s a four-way Zoom, so it feels exactly like being dropped into a private group chat, the kind where nothing is curated and everything is real. We talk about momming on meds, realistic expectations changing our parenting lives, confidence and bag size (yes, really), the pressure we put on moments that maybe don’t deserve it, and the ways we all carry high stakes without even realizing it.

What surprised me most wasn’t just how honest the conversation was, it was how familiar it felt. Different lives, different paths, same nervous systems. Same fears. Same gratitude. Same joy. Same constant recalibration of who we are and who we’re becoming as mothers.

And that’s exactly the energy they’re bringing into the world with what they’ve created through Landlines: connection, honesty, and a sense of you’re not doing this alone.

This episode doesn’t need a long explanation.

Just know this:

It feels like listening to a lifelong group text thread between three best friends who became moms - and suddenly realizing it sounds exactly like your own.

And that’s the magic.

Join their substack.

Listen to their pod.

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50: How Loss Shapes Belonging

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:22:00 -0000

In this episode, Jamie Kolnick peels back every layer.

As a mom of three, Jamie is constantly navigating her own growth and healing, shaped by profound loss after losing both of her parents and her brother. Many know her as the founder of the beloved children’s music brand Jam with Jamie. What you may not know is how much inner work she has done - and continues to do - to make sense of grief, belonging, and identity.

Rather than summarizing this conversation, I want to urge you to listen.

This is one of the most raw episodes yet. Jamie opens up about losing her brother at just 13 years old, how the attention and popularity surrounding that loss shaped her understanding of belonging, and how those early experiences still echo in her life today, as a parent, a partner, and a public figure on social media.

Through therapy, medication, deep reflection, and honest self-inquiry, Jamie has come into herself in ways that feel both brave and deeply relatable. She speaks candidly about couples therapy, learning her triggers, the lifelong work of feeling “enough,” and what it really means to live alongside loss rather than try to move past it.

Jamie also shares about spearheading Little Jam Fest, offering classes through Jam with Jamie, and her ongoing fundraising work with the Reach for the Stars Foundation.

This episode will stay with you.

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49: Sister Episode

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 07:31:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with my sisters for what started as a “get to know us” conversation, and quickly turned into something much deeper. At some point, we forgot we were recording and simply began reminiscing. It felt like therapy. It felt grounding. And it felt especially meaningful during a time when we’re navigating some of the hardest things we’ve faced together.

What kept coming back to us was this: getting through life together has always been our anchor.

We reflect on our childhood and the sisterhood we share, one that, surprisingly, was never rooted in competition or jealousy. We don’t remember being at odds (aside from a few scratch marks from toddler toy disputes). As a mom of two young girls close in age, currently deep in the trenches of sibling rivalry, I found myself wondering how our experience was so different… and what, if anything, I can learn from it.

Listening back to this episode, what moves me most are the moments you can’t fully hear: the quiet looks, the tears, the shared smiles. Those nuances are what hold this conversation together. I hope this episode gives you a glimpse into my upbringing, the shaping experience of being the middle of two sisters, and the quiet magic that sibling relationships, especially sisterhood, can hold.

You’ll also meet my sisters:

Katy Leinoff, my younger sister, is a collage artist living in Florida with her husband and their 3-year-old daughter. She’s currently seven months pregnant with her second child.
Lindsey Lamchick, my older sister, is a real estate agent, title owner, and the founder of Project Disco Ball, a nonprofit inspired by her journey through breast cancer. She lives in Florida with her husband, their 16-year-old twins, and their 6-year-old daughter.

There will be more sister episodes in the future, I’m already sort of hoping I can create a spin off podcast for the three of us to have regular sessions.

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47: The Psychology of Sleepaway Camp (for Kids and Parents)

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:03:00 -0000

This week I’m joined by the hilarious, honest NYC moms behind the podcast Mic’d & Medicated, Eva Heyman and Caroline Leventhal, in what starts as a conversation about sleepaway camp turns into something much deeper (and very funny).

Sleepaway camp might sound niche, but it’s a topic I get asked about constantly ever since I started sharing about how we were looking at camp for Tess this upcoming summer (I can’t believe she’s leaving us so soon!). I get questions from parents all over the world. Why do we send our kids away for the summer? Who is it really for? Our kids? Us? Both?

We unpack the phenomenon behind camp and all the questions that come with it:

– What age is “right”?

– Co-ed or single gender?

– How long is too long?

– Is camp about independence, identity, resilience… or parents needing space to breathe?

– And how much of our own childhood experiences shape the decision?

We also go inward, sharing whether we went to camp ourselves, the experiences that stayed with us (good and hard), and how those memories quietly inform the choices we’re making now as parents.

For me, camp was the first place I truly felt like I belonged. It shaped who I became, gave me lifelong friendships, and remains one of the most formative chapters of my life. That belief deeply influenced the schools I chose for my daughters and the camps we explored together.

This episode is real, reflective, laugh-out-loud funny, and full of nuance. It’s a conversation about sleepaway camp not just as a parenting decision but as a decision about giving your child an experience where they discover who they are, who they can be without us and what it feels like to truly belong.

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46: Blending not Balancing with Jenny Fleiss

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 12:37:00 -0000

Today’s conversation with Jenny Fleiss is one that stayed with me long after we stopped recording. You may know Jenny as the co-founder behind major ventures like Rent the Runway and Jetblack, or recently from Roll Rider, the kids’ luggage company she dreamed up with her children. She’s also been recognized with awards such as Inc.’s 30 Under 30, Fortune’s 40 Under 40, and Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs — but what we explore in this episode is the part of her story that accolades don’t capture.

We dive into the inner work of adulthood and parenting: the moments when we realize we’re not validating what matters to our kids, even though we’ve spent our whole lives wishing others would validate what matters to us. We talk about how this work doesn’t necessarily get easier, but it becomes clearer… and how awareness is often the biggest shift of all.

Jenny shares why she doesn’t believe in the word balance — and why blend is the more honest, compassionate way to approach working motherhood. We talk about what happens when we include our kids in the worlds we’re building, how it softens us, surprises us, and reveals the parts of ourselves still in need of slowing down, rewiring, or healing.

It’s a warm, honest, deeply human conversation about ambition, presence, stress, creativity, and raising kids while still raising ourselves.

Discount for listeners:

Get 20% off Jenny’s kids’ luggage scooter company Roll Rider with code RollOK.

This one is just SO GOOD.

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45: Hear it from my girls

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:32:00 -0000

This was the most I have learned from any guest so far. It was a 45 minute episode cut down to 12 minutes because of how moving this entire conversation was I felt compelled to keep the majority of it private. What I left in, I hope helps give you ideas for questions you can ask your own kids, letting them know you are curious about what they think and that it sparks conversations like the one I had here. I was able to hear some of their innermost thoughts and what I am sharing here I hope puts perspective on how their minds work, they want magic, they want presence, they want us.

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44: Mind Shifting

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 23:49:00 -0000

This episode is all about rewiring ourselves.

In this episode, I sit down with mind shifter and meditation coach Jamie Graber for the meditation conversation I’ve always wanted but never heard: a true back-to-basics, “start at square one” guide to what meditation actually is and how it rewires us as parents and people. I have always wanted someone to talk to me about meditation in the most basic, approachable way. She breaks it down and explains how the practice of meditation reshapes the nervous system, helps us see our thoughts instead of being ruled by them, and softens our reflexive thoughts and reactions (this is especially in motherhood when we find ourselves triggered or reactive to things we aren’t even aware of).

We each share our own before/after moments, including how meditation gave us perspective on the stories running in the background of our minds. If you’re curious about meditation but feel intimidated or confused - or if you’re like me, skeptical - then this is your starting point.

You can also be guided by Jamie through her app Shift with Jamie.

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43: Rethinking Education with Alpha Co Founder MacKenzie Price

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:44:00 -0000

Many parents feel it: that the current education system doesn’t fully reflect how kids actually learn. We’re craving something more aligned, more human, and more empowering, a model where children feel engaged, capable, and genuinely excited to learn because the experience itself is meaningful.

I love my girls’ school and feel privileged to have been able to choose it. But I also feel there’s often a disconnect between what any current school teaches and what kids actually need to thrive in real life: confidence, communication, social skills, executive functioning, curiosity, and a true love of learning.

That curiosity is what led me to learn more about Alpha School. This week I am joined by its co-founder, MacKenzie Price, who started Alpha after watching her own daughters lose their love of learning early in elementary school, and decided to create a school that brought it back.

Alpha uses Time-Back Learning, an approach where AI customizes academics to each child’s level. Core academics are completed in about two hours a day, which opens up the rest of the school day to what children truly need - time to explore interests, build real-world skills, collaborate, create, and grow at their own pace.

In this episode, MacKenzie and I talk about why the legacy model is failing so many kids, what truly prepares children for life, how personalized pathways can unlock potential we’ve never tapped into, and what school could look like when we design it around how children actually learn.

This conversation is not about choosing a school, it’s about reimagining an entire system. It’s about believing that kids deserve environments where they grow, stretch, collaborate, problem-solve, and discover their own agency. If you’ve ever felt like something about school just isn’t working… this episode will feel really exciting and will give a glimpse into what education could really become.

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42: A Journey with Heart Openers

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:12:00 -0000

This episode is one that I have been waiting to release, because it introduces one of the the most meaningful experience I've ever had.

Last spring, I experienced a guided psychedelic journey with James Gangemi and Zev Eisenberg, the couple behind Heart Openers. They are not only gifted guides individually, but their partnership, the way they hold space together, and the energy they bring as a couple is truly remarkable. You feel safe, supported, and seen in a way I can only describe as being "held." That safety became the foundation for the most transformative experience I've ever had.

I wanted this episode to talk about the neuroplasticity that occurs on a "journey" and the huge rewiring opportunity it gives us in the way we think. I also wanted it to help clarify the many misnomers around a psychedelic journey. Every "journey" is different and everyone experiences them differently. This journey was not ayahuasca. It didn't feel like I was out of control, I didn't feel sick, it felt gentle, grounding and deep. It was about sitting with myself, not escaping. Seeing what's been inside all along with the support of plant medicines and with guides who knew exactly how to hold the emotional and spiritual container for that to happen.

In this episode you'll be introduced to the process, learn the purpose of it all and really get a glimpse into how special Zev and James are. It feels like the start of so much more that really touches on the truest expression of what this podcast has always been about: understanding where we "didn't turn out OK" and discovering what becomes possible when we finally turn toward those areas with understanding and love.

James and Zev are extraordinary guides, an extraordinary couple and extraordinary humans. I'm so honored and excited to share this conversation - and this part of my story - with you.

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41: Be Nice, Try Hard and Have Fun

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 01:14:00 -0000

In this episode I sit down with Brynn Putnam and Kevin Thau for a conversation about ambition, reinvention, blended family life, and what it really means to build connection at home.

Brynn is the entrepreneur behind Mirror - the interactive fitness company acquired by Lululemon - and now the creator of The Board, a new tool designed to help families stay connected in a tech-saturated world. A former professional ballerina and mom of two (and step-mom of three), Brynn brings a unique blend of creativity, discipline, and a deep belief in designing for presence.

Her husband, Kevin Thau, is a longtime tech leader and investor known for helping scale companies like Twitter and Vine. As a dad to three daughters and partner in raising a blended family of five kids, he brings thoughtful perspective on technology, growth, identity, and parenting across every age and stage.

We talk about:

The inspiration behind The Board and using tech to bring families together, not pull them apart
Parenting a blended family with kids ranging from toddler to college-aged
Perfectionism, identity shifts, and what entrepreneurship teaches us about raising humans
Reclaiming family quality time in a world that moves fast and pulls our attention everywhere
Letting go of who we thought we had to be in order to show up to parenting - and life - more fully

And in true WDTOOK fashion, we explore where Brynn and Kevin feel they “didn’t turn out ok,” how those patterns show up in parenting, and what they’re doing to rewrite them - including the family mantra: be nice, try hard, have fun.

This is a conversation about building things - companies, families, and new ways of being - and remembering that the most meaningful things we build happen at home.

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40: Redefining Success with Rebecca Minkoff

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 05:36:00 -0000

Rebecca Minkoff is a designer, founder, best-selling author of Fearless, co-founder of the Female Founder Collective, host of Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff, and mom of four.

In this episode, Rebecca opens up about what it really took to build her vision - from hand-sewing pieces in her apartment and styling clients to fund her dreams, to the moment she could finally stop checking her bank account before ordering dinner. She shares how following her “opportunity tentacles” - her term for staying alert to possibility - kept her always one step ahead, even when the path wasn’t clear.

We go deep into what success means after you’ve achieved it - how Rebecca has redefined it as being fully present. She shares how she’s teaching her kids to negotiate (a skill she once resented learning herself), why she refuses to chase balance, and how labeling ourselves with “imposter syndrome” keeps us stuck in a false story.

It’s an honest, inspiring, and very real conversation - from her ill-fated reality TV experience to the moment her child talked a seller down to a $10 Labubu. What we both came back to again and again: how hard, and important it is to model meaningful work for our kids while still trying to figure out how to message it right.

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39: Finding Meaning on the Other Side with Chloe Harrouche

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:54:00 -0000

At just 23 years old, Chloe Harrouche was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of spiraling or feeling defined by the diagnosis, she chose to meet her journey with purpose, trusting that meaning would reveal itself on the other side. A decade later, that belief became the foundation for The Lanby, her concierge medical company created to bridge the gap between medicine and wellness, bringing together the best providers to empower people with integrative care.

In this episode, Chloe opens up more vulnerably than ever before. She shares why she cried only once during her cancer journey - until a fertility struggle years later opened the floodgates. She reflects on the way her mom parented her differently from her sisters - stricter, more focused on academics - and how she now sees both the gifts and the challenges of that approach. Chloe also discusses how cancer shaped her as a parent: the pull toward routines, structure, and wellness, and the simultaneous reminder from her kids to rediscover silliness and presence.

What makes Chloe’s story remarkable is her willingness to hold all of it - her upbringing, her diagnosis, her resilience, her vulnerability - and her belief in a greater purpose running through it all. Her path to founding The Lanby feels not only logical but destined.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this conversation honors the club no woman wants to join but that holds some of the strongest members. As I share in this episode, my own sister is part of that club too.

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38: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to Father of Two Michael Perry's True Measure of Success

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 02:58:00 -0000

Michael Perry could be introduced as the founder of Maple, the creator of KIT (acquired by Shopify), and a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur. But he’ll tell you the only introduction that matters is: husband to an incredible wife and father to two amazing sons.

Michael found himself on food stamps in his 20s, sold cars for a living, and only dreamed of the symbols of success - financial security, the house, the car, the validation that he had “made it.” And he achieved all of it. But when faced with the possibility that he might never have children, he realized none of it mattered. Through IVF, he and his wife went on to welcome two beautiful boys, and fatherhood became his greatest accomplishment and deepest purpose. Of course his recap of this unleashed all the emotions for me, because this was such a gift to have this reminder from him that I feel such a sense of urgency to share with all of you.

In this episode, Michael shares the story of how his wife’s unwavering belief in him unlocked his potential, how redefining success transformed his life, and why every achievement felt almost superficial in comparison to being present for his family. Now, with his new venture Maple - which stands for “Making All Parents’ Lives Easier” - he’s building a tool for parents rooted in that same belief: that family is everything, and that being there for the practices, the drop-offs, the moments in between (when we can be) is what really matters.

My favorite quote from this episode is when he said "everyone is greedy about something and I'm really f*cking greedy about time with my kids."

If there’s one message you were meant to hear as a parent, let it be this: validation and success are fleeting, but showing up for the people you love will always be enough.

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37: Solo on When Our Kids Trigger Us...and More

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:30:00 -0000

In this episode, I’m answering a mix of questions I’ve gotten from you - things like:

“Why does my kid’s behavior trigger me so much?”

“How do I know if I’m reacting to them or to something in me?”

“What do I do when they refuse to apologize?”

I share a real moment in the car after apple picking where I slipped into that familiar place of making their emotions about my expectations. Not because I don’t know better - but because maybe I’m still unlearning what I absorbed growing up. The work isn't about being perfect in the moment - it's about noticing it later and repairing . I also talk about something so many of us do without realizing it: parenting for the people watching instead of the child in front of us - especially when we feel judged, embarrassed, or responsible for how our kids make us “look.”

Here’s what else I get into:

Why certain behaviors, like refusing to apologize, hit such a nerve
How to tell if your reaction is about your kid—or about you
What to say instead of forcing an apology in the moment
How to repair later without using shame
Parenting for approval vs parenting for connection
Why noticing a trigger is actual growth, not proof you’re failing

This is basically my first full solo episode, and I’d really love to hear what you think. Do you want more episodes like this? What topics should I do next? Send me a DM, leave a review, or message me one of your questions - I’d love to build future solos around what you’re actually navigating.

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Episode 36: Business and Life Partners Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon on Delegating at Home and Work

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:14:00 -0000

What happens when you build a business with your spouse before you even start dating? For Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon, co-founders of The Clear Cut, that was the foundation of their love story, their multi-million-dollar company—and now, their parenting journey.

In this episode, Olivia and Kyle open up about:

How Kyle believed in Olivia’s idea before she did, pushing her to grow a blog hobby into a thriving business. How even her parents doubted her early on - and how that early lack of belief shaped her journey as a founder.
Why they wish they had given themselves more time to adjust to parenthood instead of jumping back into work too quickly.
The surprising freedom they’ve found in releasing control—delegating at home and in business—and why it doesn’t make them any less of entrepreneurs.
The ways their “not okay-ness” shows up—Olivia as a recovering perfectionist, Kyle as someone working on being more present—and how they’re navigating those patterns as new parents.

It’s an honest, funny, and relatable look at the intersection of marriage, entrepreneurship, and parenthood—proving that success isn’t about doing it all yourself, but about learning when to lean on each other and your village.

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Episode 35: Enoughness and the Mother Daughter Dynamic with White Hair Wisdom

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:51:00 -0000

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.

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34: Marriage after Parenthood with My Husband Matt Monness

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:13:00 -0000

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!

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33: Lucie Fink on Ambition, Motherhood and the Stories We Tell Ourselves

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0000

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.

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32: Big City Readers x We Didn't Turn Out OK with Beth Gaskill

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 15:09:00 -0000

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!

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31: Waking Up - The Beginning of My Life After Zoloft

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 05:22:00 -0000

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.

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30: It Starts With Us — Nervous System Regulation with Alyssa Blask Campbell

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 08:14:00 -0000

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.

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29: Bridging the Emotional Gap in Marriage: Partnership and Parenthood with Alex Sall and Mosh Oinounou

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:10:00 -0000

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.”

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28: Is This Normal? Navigating Early Development with Tots on Target Dr. Allison Mell

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 10:27:00 -0000

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.

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27: Redefining What Play Looks Like with Hart & Hero

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 04:12:00 -0000

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

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26: From Guarded to Grounded with Whitney Port

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:55:00 -0000

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.

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25: Beyond the Comparison Trap - Identity After Motherhood with Dale Stabler and Annabel Lawee

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 10:03:00 -0000

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.

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24: Parenting without Panic, Emily Oster on Tech, Routines and more

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 14:46:00 -0000

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.

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23: Chipping Away to Your True Self: Conscious Parenting with Erin Morrison

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 08:03:00 -0000

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.

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22: Movement as Medicine with Katia Pryce, Founder of DanceBody

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 09:24:00 -0000

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.

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21: Siblings, Sisters and Psychedelics with Cameron Rogers

Tue, 27 May 2025 06:37:00 -0000

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.

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20: How Childhood Shapes Parenthood a Conversation with Alexa Leigh Mufson

Tue, 20 May 2025 10:49:00 -0000

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.

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19: From Dating Doubts to Mom Confidence with Lindsey Metselaar

Tue, 13 May 2025 05:30:00 -0000

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.

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18: Combining Tools and Understanding with Behavioral Analyst

Thu, 08 May 2025 12:19:00 -0000

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.

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17: Fitting In with Jyoti Chand: Identity, Motherhood and Mental Health

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 03:19:00 -0000

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.

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16: From Yes Girl to Sure Girl - Katie Sands on Motherhood, Boundaries, and Being Real Online

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 08:39:00 -0000

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.

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15: Built to Solve with Julie Cole - Lessons in Leadership, Motherhood and Letting Go

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 14:28:00 -0000

In this episode, I sat down with the magnetic and insightful Julie Cole - Co-founder of Mabel’s Labels (a company I genuinely cannot live without), author, media personality, and mom of six.

We covered everything from what it was like mothering six kids while pivoting from a career in law to starting her own business, to the messy, not-so-glamorous truth behind entrepreneurship. Julie shared how, long before “authenticity” became a buzzword, it was her willingness to write openly about the hard parts of motherhood - through her blog - that helped her connect with other moms and build deep trust with her customers.She doesn’t sugarcoat the hustle, and it’s exactly that honesty that makes her so credible and relatable.

As a mom of six - one of whom is autistic - Julie had a wealth of perspective I couldn’t wait to absorb. I found myself asking again and again: “How did she do it?” This may be the episode I’ve learned the most from so far. Her insights, especially as a mother of now-young adults, were absolute gems.

Key Takeaways

(I’ll keep them simple—just like Julie does.)

Saving your kids from every challenge may actually disable them. Let them forget their lunch. Don’t swoop in. At her kids’ school, the spot for forgotten items was lovingly dubbed the “enable table.”

Failing builds resilience. Let them.

Todays problem solvers and tomorrow’s leaders and change makers.

Chores matter. They teach responsibility, accountability, and empower kids in lasting ways.

As your kids get older, you shift from managing to coaching. That's the point.

The village matters. Julie’s early mom community is still her community today.

Perhaps what stuck with me most was Julie’s philosophy of “let them.” Let them forget. Let them fall. Let them figure it out. In her words, delivered with a signature shrug and smile:

“What do I care?”

That line might sound flippant - until you hear the love and trust behind it. That’s Julie. Full of heart, wisdom, and the kind of clarity that only comes from really living motherhood.

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14: From Overwhelmed to Grounded - Rethinking Balance in Motherhood with Elizabeth Baron

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:37:00 -0000

Does balance in motherhood really exist? Are there enough hours in the day to get everything done without feeling like we’re constantly preoccupied? And what happens when the “ball” we drop is our child? Can we shift the reflexive “one second!” away from our kids and toward everything else instead? Is that even possible?

These are just some of the questions I explored with Elizabeth Baron, a psychotherapist specializing in supporting women at every stage of motherhood—from preconception and pregnancy to postpartum and parenting. As a mom of two and the founder of With Elizabeth, a digital platform dedicated to expert-led education, interactive group sessions, and building a strong community, Elizabeth offers invaluable insights into how we can redefine balance, set boundaries, and prioritize ourselves in a way that ultimately benefits our children.

In this conversation, we reflect on the struggles of modern motherhood, the expectations we place on ourselves (often shaped by how we were raised), and the guilt that comes with not always being present for every pickup, every activity, every moment. I share my own challenge of reconciling the picture-perfect availability of my mother with the realities of my own life, and Elizabeth helps reframe what secure attachment really looks like.

Key Takeaways:

Secure attachment isn’t about being constantly present—it’s about fostering confidence in both our children and ourselves, preparing them (and us) for the inevitable transitions of life, even when they one day leave for college.
Our kids can feel secure and supported even when we’re not there, as long as they have other loving, dependable people in their lives.
Talking openly with our children about our personal challenges and growth helps bridge the disconnect caused by modern distractions (phones, work, etc.).
The small moments matter—pausing to truly be present makes a difference.
The way we were parented shapes our expectations of motherhood—sometimes it stands in our way, but it can also be something we grow from and redefine for ourselves.
Guilt isn’t productive unless we recognize it as a sign of deeper patterns, like people-pleasing, that we need to address.

Creating boundaries, routines, and structures for ourselves as mothers takes time, and Elizabeth is a powerful resource for those looking to navigate that journey. I hope you find as much value in this conversation as I did.

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13: The Reality of "Respectful Parenting" with Daniella Rabbani

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 14:29:00 -0000

Have you ever wondered, Does this gentle parenting thing actually work? Am I being too passive? Is this really preparing my child for the real world? If so, you’re not alone. This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned what it means to parent “respectfully” in today’s world.

Daniella Rabbani is a dear friend I met in the world of respectful parenting. We were both deeply inspired by the RIE Educaring Approach to early childhood, but fast forward to now - Daniella shared that she’s wrestled with it and sometimes sees things a bit differently. For me, respectful parenting is the only way, even when it’s hard, and my belief in it has never wavered. So, we had to sit down and talk through all of it - where we align, where we differ, and how we each make it work in real life.

Daniella is the creator and host of the Mom Curious Podcast, an actor, filmmaker, and Yiddish songstress. But more than that, she’s real, playful, and brings a contagious energy into every room she enters. I couldn’t wait to dive into this conversation with her. By the end of our talk, we realized that respectful parenting isn’t about following a strict set of rules - it’s about the intention behind our approach, how we implement it, and most importantly, how we find the right balance for ourselves and our children.

Key Takeaways:

Respectful parenting looks different for everyone. It’s not about memorizing scripts or rigidly following a philosophy. Instead, it’s about using tools and frameworks that resonate with us - things that guide us rather than define us.
Forcing our kids into behaviors isn’t the answer. Yes, we want them to be functioning members of society, but there’s more power in modeling, connection, and meaningful conversations than in forcing a scripted “hello.”
Understanding our triggers matters. Daniella uncovered that she has sensory triggers, while her husband has triggers around lateness. Surprisingly, those two things are connected- she sometimes intentionally runs late to avoid overstimulating environments. (You’ll have to listen to hear how it all unfolds!)
We both embrace “musical beds.” Our kids still come into our beds at night, and while it can throw a wrench into alone time with our spouses, we also see a deep magic in this fleeting stage of parenthood.
Balance is everything. Whether it’s co-sleeping, discipline, or daily routines, what works for one family might not work for another. The key is finding an approach that feels right for you.

You’ll hear it yourself - Daniella is the kind of person you could talk to for hours, the kind of mom who infuses her family’s life with magic every day. You can connect with Daniella through her podcast, Mom Curious, on her instagram and watch her shine in her acting endeavors. Fun Fact: She used to be an educator at Union Square Play! And lastly, she’s just the absolute best.

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12: Beyond the Glam with Stephanie and Brett Gottlieb

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 12:20:00 -0000

The first First couple on We Didn’t Turn Out Ok and I learned so much!

In this episode I sit down with my close friends Stephanie and Brett Gottlieb. Stephanie is a jewelry designer and entrepreneur known for her jewelry brand, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry which she founded and is now the Creative Director of. You may know Stephanie for her social media presence, where she showcases her designs and gives a behind-the-scenes look at her business and personal life all while balancing it all with motherhood. It’s safe to say she’s the definition of a mom boss. Brett, her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, is a real estate mogul who didn’t hold back when it came to discussing the realities of parenting. Together, they opened up about the challenges and unexpected lessons of raising their two children - pulling back the curtain on the parts of parenting that many, especially those with public platforms, often keep private.

They got real about everything: the differences in parenting their son versus their daughter, the never-ending juggle of work and family, and how their own upbringings influence their approach to parenting today.

What this conversation drove home for me? That no matter who you are, parenting is a constant learning process. We all struggle, we all grow, and we all have to find ways to accept what we can’t control - while working to connect with and support our kids in the best way we can.

Key Takeaways:

Pushing kids to participate isn’t the answer. Honoring their readiness and process - no matter how hard it is - is key.
Attention-seeking is often a deeper need for connection. In Steph and Brett’s case, their son’s behavior sometimes demands attention, but they realize that what he really needs is the right balance of boundaries and connection.
Parenting alongside other parents is hard. Differences in approach can make you feel like the “bad cop.”
Even when you delegate, the mental load often defaults to moms. Steph shared how, despite leaning on Brett, she still feels the need to control and “own” a lot of parenting decisions.
Mom guilt is real, but setting clear expectations helps. When kids understand and accept boundaries, the guilt shifts into acceptance for everyone.

If you’re going to listen to any episode, let it be this one - a real reminder that parenting struggles and growth don’t discriminate. Even when you’re the mastermind behind the necklace Taylor Swift wore to the Super Bowl.

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11: From Strollers to Social Media - Parenting Teens and Pre Teens with Brianne Manz

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 10:55:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with Brianne Manz, founder of the mom and lifestyle blog, Stroller in the City, to discuss the nuances of parenting three children in their pre-teen and teenage years. Brianne, a former fashion showroom owner turned full-time mom and content creator, shares her insights on navigating the emotional and mental challenges that come with raising kids as they get older..

I was particularly interested in finding out from Brianne her thoughts on “bigger kids, bigger problems.” She shared that while the physical demands may lessen as children grow, the emotional and mental complexities increase. We delve into topics like social media influence, FOMO, and the feelings of exclusion that adolescents often face. Brianne emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and fostering open communication to support her children’s mental well-being.

We talked about the difficulty in our kids opening up when they are vulnerable. Both Brianne and I share experiences about the difficulty children, especially those who feel deeply, may have in opening up. We discuss the significance of being present and assuring our kids that we are there to support them through their emotional journeys.

Key Takeaways:

It’s crucial to approach negative comments with curiosity about their origin rather than internalizing them, teaching our children resilience and self-assurance.
Forming alliances with other parents can be key in navigating social dynamics and setting appropriate boundaries around our children’s activities.
Assuring our kids that they don’t need to participate in every event or trend to feel fulfilled can help prevent feelings of inadequacy or being left out.
Brianne shares how her own upbringing influences her parenting style, striving to provide her children with opportunities she lacked while maintaining a balance to avoid overindulgence.

This episode feels like a candid conversation about the realities of parenting older children, with valuable nuggets on how to maintain healthy, open relationships with our kids as they navigate more complex stages of life.

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10: Breaking the Silence: Postpartum Depression, Psychedelic Healing, and the Future of Mental Health with Melissa Lavasani

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 12:09:00 -0000

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Melissa Lavasani to hear her powerful journey through severe postpartum depression (PPD)—a journey that nearly ended her own life.

Struggling with relentless despair and thoughts of ending her life, Melissa discovered something that not only saved her but changed the course of her life: psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in mushrooms.

Through her own healing, Melissa went on to found the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, advocating for safe and equitable access to these transformative treatments.

We also talk about the illusion of motherhood on social media—how it often glorifies the experience, leaving struggling mothers to wonder, What’s wrong with me? I open up about my own postpartum experience and my personal journey with psilocybin—something I’ve wanted to share for years but never found the right way to talk about, until now.

Melissa brings the science, the research, and the advocacy, shedding light on how psychedelic medicine is finally gaining recognition in the medical and political landscape.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:

• Psychedelics have a long history, but politics and stigma have overshadowed their

proven therapeutic benefits.

• Major universities and government agencies are now prioritizing psychedelic research,

including studies on postpartum depression.

• A new clinical trial is recruiting participants to test a groundbreaking postpartum

depression

treatment based on psychedelic compounds.

• Melissa’s advocacy led to Initiative 81, which passed with a record-breaking 76%

approval in Washington, D.C., pushing forward the movement for safe and legal

psychedelic medicine.

Melissa has dedicated her career to ensuring that Americans have the right to access life-changing treatments through education, advocacy, and policy reform.This episode means a lot to me—not just personally, but for every mother who has ever questioned why motherhood doesn’t look the way it does on Instagram.

You are not alone. 1 in 4. There is hope, even when you can’t see it yet. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Learn more and find resources here.

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9: Go With Your Gut with Robyn Youkilis

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 07:41:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with Robyn Youkilis—speaker, bestselling author, and wellness expert for 16 years. Robyn is the founder and CEO of Your Healthiest You, a mom to two daughters (Navy, 9, and Dover, 3.5), and a new puppy.

We dive into some of the less spoken about topics—like purposely waiting until her early 40s to have a second child (creating a 5+ year age gap), making herself a priority always, and fully embracing what lights her up. Robyn calls these her “Big F” experiences (referring to the most fun) and how she makes sure to make them happen even when she has to move mountains to make them happen .

Robyn, author of Thin from Within and Go With Your Gut, was a pioneer in the wellness space before Whole Foods was on every corner. She shares how gut health isn’t just about physical well-being—it’s about clearing the noise we hold inside so we can hear our most authentic voice.

We also get real about the challenges of parenting, like those moments when your kids are driving you nuts, and you catch yourself thinking you’d rather be anywhere else. We talk about the guilt, the internal tug-of-war, and how to ride that wave to reconnect.

Key Takeaways:

• Repairing with our kids can be as simple as saying, “I don’t like how that felt before.”

• Problem-solving doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes just asking,

“What should we do?” is enough.

• And perhaps the most valuable lesson of all?

Ironically, not everything needs to have a lesson.

Robyn and this conversation are relatable, raw, refreshing, and packed with wisdom. Loved this episode and have found myself thinking about so much of what we discussed ever since!

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8: Rethinking Mealtimes: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food with Ali Bandier

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 13:01:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Ali Bandier, a child and family dietitian and founder of Senta Health. Ali and I first connected during COVID in a virtual moms’ group, bonding over our shared philosophies on working with children. With an extensive background in pediatric nutrition, Ali has worked at some of the world’s most renowned clinics, including the feeding clinic at LA Children’s Hospital. Her firsthand experience has given her deep insight into how we can support children in developing healthy, happy relationships with food.

Our conversation starts with a breakdown of common phrases and approaches parents use to encourage eating—some of which can backfire. Ali explains why certain tactics may do more harm than good and how too much pressure around food can lead to long-term challenges, including disordered eating and a negative relationship with food in adulthood. Her advice is warm, judgment-free, and full of practical wisdom.

We also discuss some of our frustrations with school food policies and when we have (or haven’t) spoken up about issues that didn’t sit right with us. Ali shares her own experiences, reminding us that even the experts face struggles too.

Another key topic we cover is sibling dynamics at mealtimes. As a new mom of two, Ali opens up about the challenges she’s navigating with her son and how she’s handling tricky moments around food.

The two biggest takeaways from this episode:

1. Pressuring kids to eat—no matter the form—can be counterproductive.

2. A child’s eating behaviors are often a reflection of their internal emotions.

Due to a last-minute scheduling mix-up, we had to cut this episode short, but consider this a “Scratching the Surface” conversation with Ali. It’s an easy, insightful listen packed with valuable takeaways for any parent navigating mealtimes with their kids.

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7: Raising Kids on Real Food: Non-Toxic Living Without the Guilt with Sabrina Rudin

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:14:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Rudin—founder of Spring Cafe, mom to three boys, and a true expert in clean eating and healthy living. She’s the mom everyone thinks of when it comes to non-toxic living, but what sets her apart is how she makes it work for her family without making her kids feel deprived.

I was especially curious about how she approaches this lifestyle in a way that feels sustainable and positive for her children. We dive into the balance of sharing our passions with our kids while allowing space for conversation, pushback, and independence. Sabrina was raised this way herself, so I ask her to reflect: What made this lifestyle something she wanted to carry forward rather than leave behind?

We also talk about the challenges of advocating for her kids’ nutrition outside the home—at birthday parties, school, and camp. Does she ever worry about being “that” mom? And, of course, I had to ask one of my biggest questions: Does she ever drop the ball?

Key Takeaways:

Balance Over Restriction: Sabrina’s approach isn’t about strict rules; it’s about creating a home environment where healthy choices are the norm, so her family feels empowered rather than deprived.
Her Own Upbringing Shaped Her Perspective:Growing up with this lifestyle made her realize, especially as she got older, how much better she felt compared to those around her who consumed foods that left them sluggish or unwell.
Advocating Without Apology: As moms, we often feel guilty for asking others—schools, parties, camps—to accommodate our values. We discuss the importance of letting go of that guilt and standing firm in what feels right for our families.
Managing Passion-Driven Anxiety: When we care deeply about something, it can sometimes lead to unnecessary stress. We talk about working through anxious thoughts and embracing discomfort as part of the bigger picture.

This conversation is full of practical insights and honest reflections - I can’t wait for you to hear it!

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6: Parenting Without People-Pleasing: Boundaries, Confidence & Tough Conversations with Kristin McGee

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 12:01:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with fitness and mindfulness expert Kristin McGee—single mom of three boys and an endless source of inspiration. Kristin shares how single motherhood has reignited her passions, allowing her to focus on them in a new and meaningful way.

We dive deep into breaking the cycle of people-pleasing, exploring how we can support our kids in confidently saying no—even to friends—without unintentionally passing down our own struggles with setting boundaries.

We also discuss the delicate balance of setting boundaries with family, especially during holiday gatherings. How do we assert what’s best for our kids while preparing them for what to expect? How do we navigate screen time, solo time, and family dynamics with clarity and confidence?

Finally, we unpack how to create open, honest conversations with our kids about insecurities and self-doubt—without simply trying to talk them out of their feelings.

This conversation is full of insight, practical strategies, and real-life wisdom.

Key takeaways:

We have opportunities to model healthy boundary-setting for our kids, even when it feels uncomfortable for us.
Teaching kids to say no starts with allowing them to practice it in small ways—like turning down a playdate—without guilt.
Instead of trying to erase our kids’ insecurities, we can help them process those feelings by opening up conversations rather than offering quick fixes.
We also talk about the importance of creating space for boys (or any child) to express their emotions and raising them to feel seen and understood.

This episode is packed with real-life wisdom and actionable strategies to help you set healthier boundaries—for yourself and your kids—while fostering confidence, independence, and open communication.

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5: Raising Resilience with Tovah Klein

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 09:39:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with one of the most respected experts in early childhood, Tovah Klein. I’ve admired Tovah since I first read How Toddlers Thrive at the start of my career, and I’ve had the privilege of knowing her firsthand over the years. Now, with her latest book, Raising Resilience, I knew I had to have her on to discuss a topic that has been central to both my work and my parenting: resilience.

While I’ve studied and shared insights about resilience for years, I still struggle to find the right balance between supporting my children and preparing them for the real world. In this conversation, I get to turn the tables and ask Tovah for guidance in my own parenting—particularly with my older daughter. We dive into real-life challenges, from handling friendship rejection to navigating morning routines, and explore how to build the kind of parent-child relationship that encourages openness rather than secrecy as kids grow.

What I Took Away From This Episode:

Resilience isn’t something we can instill with a quick tip or hack—it’s built through authentic relationships.
If we feel like we’re doing too much for our kids, we probably are.
The kids who always seem “good” may be the ones we need to check in on the most.
Trusting our kids to come to us—rather than constantly rescuing them—is key.
Parenting isn’t just about our kids; it’s also about understanding what we bring to the relationship—our own fears, projections, and patterns. (Which, at its core, is what this podcast is all about!)

This might be my favorite episode yet—I haven’t stopped thinking about it since we recorded. Tovah is the mentor and expert we all wish we could have coffee with. I feel lucky I got to sip my Culture Pop soda with her while soaking in her wisdom.

*All links are affiliate links supporting both this podcast and each guest.

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4: Sore Loser Energy, Triggers and Growing Through Discomfort with My Husband Matty Mo

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:02:00 -0000

In this episode, I sat down (okay, maybe dragged) my husband, Matt Monness—aka Matty Mo—to chat about the things in our kids that remind us of ourselves, and where those traits might come from. Unlike me, Matt isn’t exactly a talker when it comes to himself, so this episode is short but full of "gems."

Here’s what we uncovered:

Matt doesn’t like losing—and he’s here to remind us that being competitive isn’t a bad thing, as long as it doesn’t come at the expense of good sportsmanship.
Letting our kids lose sometimes, instead of "head starts" can help them in their long future of not always being the "winner."
The things that trigger us most in our kids often reflect parts of ourselves, even if we’re not aware of it.
Connecting the dots between our struggles and their roots isn’t always easy, but it’s a chance to learn and grow (yes, even Matt agrees).
Self-reflection isn’t necessarily fun—at least not for Matt—but it’s an opportunity worth taking.

Takeaway: While Matt insists he’s never doing this again, he’s officially opened the door for more Dads on the show. What did you think of this episode? Should we bring on more Dads?

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3: Discussing Bodies, Boundaries and Bedtimes with My Close Mom Friend

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 03:46:00 -0000

This was the very first episode I recorded!

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Blake Dembling, a close mom friend, to tackle the topics that many of us find daunting—or even cringe-worthy—when it comes to discussing them with our kids. Blake and I each have two daughters around the same age, and she’s one of the few people I know who can talk openly and honestly about everything. That’s why I invited her to join me for this conversation.

We dive into setting boundaries around nudity in the home—when is it time to stop showering or bathing with our kids? How do we approach those conversations in a way that respects their curiosity without shaming them? We also touch on the big, inevitable questions like: What is sex? What is a period? Who is God? Along the way, we reflect on our own childhoods and how those experiences shape the way we parent today.

Blake shares her struggles with her daughter’s bedtime challenges, and we unpack the guilt that often comes with not always being able to give our kids the attention we know they need in the moment. We also talk about those parenting spirals—when our kids’ behavior or reactions (think: school photos or performances) don’t match what we had hoped—and how to differentiate between being “slow to warm” and “difficult.”

This episode is a candid, heartfelt conversation about navigating the complexities of parenting with grace and honesty, while giving ourselves permission to not have all the answers.

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2: Rethinking Expectations, Extracurricular Resistance, Talking About Death and Hiring a Caregiver with Neeti Narula.

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 03:14:00 -0000

In this episode, I sit down with Neeti Narula, a yoga and meditation teacher and creator at Melissa Wood Health. Neeti is also a mom to son Lokan (5) and daughter Rooni (2).

Together, we explore the common struggles parents face when their expectations for their children clash with where their kids are emotionally or developmentally—especially around topics like separation and trying new things. For example, how do we respond when we’re eager to see our child join friends in an activity, but they resist? When do we honor their hesitation, and when is it helpful to encourage them to push through? What’s really behind our own triggers in these moments?

We also dive into the sensitive topic of talking to our kids about death and personal loss, sharing thoughts on how to approach difficult conversations without feeling the pressure to have all the answers.

We end the episode with Neeti seeking guidance on what to consider when hiring a caregiver for her children.

Key Takeaways:

When we understand our own discomfort around our children’s readiness, we become better equipped to support them through challenges rather than simply pushing them forward.
It’s often less about the activity itself and more about giving our kids opportunities for growth and exploration.
Sometimes, our default mode is to rush—but leaning into natural consequences, like the simple experience of being late, can be a more effective motivator than we realize.
Talking about death often feels scarier for us than for our kids. We don’t need perfect answers; it’s okay to say, “I’m not ready to talk about that yet.”

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1: Getting Stuck on the "Little Things" and Raising a "Slow to Warm Up" Child with Neha Ruch

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 21:10:00 -0000

In this episode I sit down with Neha Ruch, the founder of Mother Untitled, the first platform dedicated to discussing women taking career pauses and leaning into family life.

Neha has two kids: Lyla, age 6 and Bodie age 9.

Neha and I talk about getting stuck on the "little things" that don’t feel so little in the moment—like when our kids insist on wearing certain clothing—and how we can project our own feelings around their self expression. For example, the thought “People will judge me as a parent if my child wears this again!” We also discuss how our kids' expressions of discomfort, such as not wanting attention on their birthdays, can get under our skin. Lastly, we explore the experience of raising "slow-to-warm" kids.

What we learned in this episode:

Our children’s assertiveness can be empowering when we move past our own hang-ups.
Honoring who our kids are—especially when they express such a clear sense of self—is challenging but crucial.
There’s a real difference between shaming/guilting a child and helping them become more aware of others.
Our kids' behavior does not define our success as parents—we have to trust the long game.
When we’re so fixated on “fixing" our child, we miss the opportunity for our own personal growth.

Neha’s book, The Power Pause, is a guide to career breaks after having kids, rebranding stay-at-home parenthood for a new generation of women and families. The Power Pause comes out January 14th, 2025.

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We Didn't Turn Out Ok Trailer

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 16:30:00 -0000

For the last two decades, I've worked closely with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents—listening, guiding and supporting families and their young children. I've connected with so many parents through my social media account, texts, calls, and leading moms' groups. When we have open, honest and vulnerable conversations—no matter who you are as a parent—that's how we connect, learn and grow. We also discover so much about ourselves and how that plays into our parenting. That's why I created We Didn't Turn Out Ok—a podcast where you'll hear real conversations about challenges we face in parenting, hear how we uncover the roadblocks, often from our own stuff, and listen to how we work through what's often keeping us stuck. There will be professionals in the field, noteworthy guests and everyone in between.

Using my own parenting journey and approach—combined with research-backed best practices—I am determined to help us all move forward from our areas of where we "didn't turn out ok." Every guest will be sharing openly and honestly knowing that it will help them grow as a parent but will also help all of you listening.

Welcome to We Didn't Turn Out Ok.

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