Memory Monday!!
Originally aired last season, I’m bringing back one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had a two-part series with my very first and most formative relationship: my mom.
After a short clip of me reading her parenting feedback went viral (over 4 million views!), so many of you reached out wanting to hear more from her - and this is that more. If you’re new here and haven’t explored past episodes yet, this one’s a meaningful place to start as we talk all about how the mother/child bond evolves over time.
In Part 1, we reflect on the early years: toddlerhood through junior high, how her parenting style adapted, and the values she tried to instill.
In Part 2, we dive into the trickier seasons - high school and beyond- where evolving your approach becomes crucial, and ultimately, the goal becomes not parenting at all, but learning how to walk alongside your adult children.
Whether you're a mom yourself or reflecting on your own relationship with your mother, this two-part episode is full of warmth, honesty, and a little wisdom from someone I deeply admire.
New episodes return next week, but for now, enjoy this Memory Monday replay of one of my favorite conversations to date.
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59:38
Toxic Femininity: Is That A Thing?
We hear a lot about toxic masculinity — in viral clips, cultural commentary, and even our personal lives. But it got me wondering: Can femininity become toxic too? If masculinity becomes harmful when it’s distorted or out of balance, could the same be true for traits we associate with femininity?
In this episode, I’m joined by Abby (whose recent take on Proverbs 31 made me revisit a chapter that reminded me of my AIM screen name I had at 11 years old @proverbs31rox) and my longtime friend Mariah, a wise voice and always a good hang. Together, we explore the concept of “toxic femininity”: What does it mean? Why is it hard to name? And where have we seen it play out — in our lives, our culture, and our relationships?
From complicity with the male gaze to the passive-aggressive dynamics we sometimes chalk up to “girl drama,” we talk candidly about the behaviors that might reflect femininity gone off course. Plus, we share stories (yes, even about gossip), question cultural norms, and ask: What does healthy, grounded femininity actually look like?
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54:37
What I Wish I Knew Before Postpartum
In this vulnerable and practical follow-up to our pregnancy episode, I’m joined again by Tess to unpack everything we wish we knew before entering the wild, beautiful, disorienting season of postpartum—also known as the 4th trimester.
Postpartum isn’t just “after having a baby.” It’s its own stage of life. And it deserves its own conversation.
We talk about what no one tells you about preparing for the hospital, what to pack (for you, your partner, and baby), setting boundaries around visitors, and how to emotionally prep for those first few foggy days.
You’ll hear both our birth stories in full, plus:
What a lactation consultant really helps with
Intrusive thoughts
Identity shifts and how long it actually took to feel like ourselves again
We also get honest about relationships, friendship expectations after birth, and what it looked like to be mentally fragile while also doing something incredibly strong.
If you're navigating new motherhood (or walking with someone who is), this episode is here to be a soft landing and a real talk resource.
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1:05:36
What I Wish I Knew Before Getting Pregnant
How do you know when you're actually ready to have kids? And once you are… why does no one tell you how complicated, emotional, vulnerable and confusing the road to pregnancy can be?
In this episode we’re kicking off a two-part series starting with "What I Wish I Knew Before I Got Pregnant" and Part 1 is all about the season before baby. (Part 2 will be What I Wish I Knew Before I was Postpartum... an entirely different beast.)
From ovulation apps and acupuncture, to the heartbreak of waiting—and the advice I got from a friend after it took me a long time to conceive —we’re talking through all the layers of trying to bring life into the world.
We’ll dive into the shock of the first trimester (why are the appointments so far apart?!), baby gear overload, the emotional whiplash of gender disappointment, and the honest truth that even when you’re thrilled to be pregnant… you might still grieve the “just us” era of your relationship.
Plus, we’re answering your questions:
— How do you deal with first trimester anxiety?
— How can partners help with your hormones?
— What’s overrated on the baby registry?
— And how do you emotionally and physically prepare for the birth part (😅)?
Whether you're trying to conceive, newly pregnant, or just curious about what this season really feels like, we’re talking about the messy middle of hope, hormones, and holding space for all the feels.
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1:40:18
Sharing the Mental Load
Ever been asked where the birthday candles are—or when your kid last went to the dentist—and realized YOU are the walking, talking family database?In this episode, we unpack the invisible, often unspoken labor of running a household and raising children: the mental load.
We define what it actually is: not just doing the chores, but thinking about them, planning them, and carrying the responsibility if they don’t get done. From remembering what jackets the kids need based on the weather to wondering if anyone's had protein today, we shine a light on the constant hum of logistics many parents—especially moms—carry.
But instead of just venting, we invited a fresh perspective. Our guest, Nick, is a father who shares how he shows up, takes initiative, and helps shoulder the load in meaningful ways. Together, we explore:
Why moms often become the “default parent”
What shared responsibility can actually look like in practice
Why some dads struggle to take initiative—and how they can learn
The unseen mental load men may also carry, from finances to emotional pressure to provide
We ask the big questions: Can we talk about the load without resentment? Can we build true partnership? And what are we teaching our kids through our choices?
The mental load might not vanish—but it can be seen, shared, and named.
Plus, we read submissions from listeners about their own mental load moments. Let’s get into it.
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