In this episode, I sit down with the founder of Megababe and body acceptance advocate, Katie Sturino. Katie opens up about the history of her relationship with her body and being treated differently because of her size. We dive into the role the media has played in our body image and eating patterns and the freedom that comes with accepting your body. Katie talks about her series “supersize my look” and shares brands she believes in and brands she believes should be more size-inclusive. Key Take...
Feb 23, 2022•42 min•Ep. 131
In today’s solo episode I discuss the moments where I just don’t want to “mom”. I discuss the mental load that is 24/7 once becoming a mom, the times when I miss my old life, the fact that two conflicting emotions can coexist at once, and how we need to stop pushing this narrative on women that you have to enjoy every single second of motherhood. Throughout this episode, I also share open, honest, and vulnerable submissions from the FF Family on this topic to remind you all that you are not alon...
Feb 16, 2022•38 min•Ep. 131
In this episode, I am joined by my OB/GYN, Dr. Nerissa Guballa, from NewYork-Presbyterian Alexandra Cohen Hospital for Women and Newborns & Weill Cornell Medicine, to chat about how she became interested in her field, questions to ask your doctor when trying to conceive, the birthing experience and the changes our bodies go through, postpartum care, and much more. Plus, we answer questions submitted by the Freckled Foodie family and candidly chat about my birthing experience. Key Takeaway / ...
Feb 11, 2022•47 min•Ep. 130
In this episode, we are joined by co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Betches, Sami Sage. We discuss Sami’s decision to freeze her eggs, discoveries about her fertility, experience going off birth control, thoughts around having children and her journey with PCOS and the privilege required to access such preventative healthcare. Sami talks about forming a healthy relationship with her body and food and her ultimate decision to no longer co-host her podcast Diet Starts Tomorrow. Key Takeaway...
Feb 04, 2022•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 129
In today’s episode, we are joined by Lisa Mayer, founder of My Social Canvas and Boss Beauties NFT. As promised, this episode shares an intro into NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and gives a bit of a 101 lesson on what the hell they are. We also dive into the community aspect of NFTs, which is why I’m super interested in the space, and where we think the space is headed. Of course, we also discuss Boss Beauties NFT, which is the project Lisa has founded and an NFT that I hold and fully believe in. Re...
Jan 28, 2022•51 min•Ep. 128
In this solo episode, I get a tad (okay, more than a tad) emotional discussing my experience parenting in a pandemic. This has been a frequent topic of conversation with Joe, my friends, my family, and many of you in my DMs so I am glad I finally sat down to express all of my emotions and speak my experience. As I mention in the episode, we all have different experiences both in the pandemic and parenting and I am solely able to speak on my lived experience, which is what I am doing. I share the...
Jan 21, 2022•44 min•Ep. 127
In this episode I talk to Sam Eason, mom of three, on life as a single parent, finding balance, and being present with her kids. Sam opens up about her dad’s passing from alcoholism and lessons learned from her parents that she implements when raising her own kids. Sam talks about the role of alcohol and drugs in her adolescence, touches on her ongoing divorce, and dives into some postpartum struggles. We also discuss Sam’s willingness to discuss dark and heavy topics on her platform. Key Takeaw...
Jan 14, 2022•56 min•Ep. 126
In today’s episode, I am joined by the legendary Katie Couric (I know, I’m freaking out too!!). Katie Couric is one of the most notable journalists in history, having worked for all three major TV networks (NBC, ABC, and CBS) and is now the co-founder of Katie Couric Media. She is most notably famous for her long-time career as the co-anchor of The Today Show. In this episode we discuss her decision to write her memoir, Going There , and why sharing her truth is so important. We discuss our inna...
Jan 07, 2022•47 min•Ep. 125
In this episode I sit down with nonbinary actor and business owner, Chloe Freeman. Chloe tells us why they founded their company ForThem, an inclusive and accessible wellness company providing products and services for the nonbinary community. We discuss our stances and outlook on the wellness industry, sexuality, identity, ingrained behaviors and habitual thinking. Chloe talks about their experience as a nonbinary actor and the struggles involved when casting for roles with intention. Key Takea...
Dec 17, 2021•55 min•Ep. 124
In this episode, positive parenting coach Destini Ann and I reflect on our upbringings and how they have influenced our parenting styles. We discuss the concepts of respectful parenting, emotional intelligence and communication styles and dive into the philosophy of intentional parenting. We talk about rewarding our children, understanding their values, directing them while also respecting their interests and fostering and enabling the environment we want them to be raised in. Key Takeaway / Poi...
Dec 10, 2021•58 min•Ep. 123
In this solo episode, I discuss the evolution of my relationship with food and where I’m at right now: a much more “chill” version and one who is now comfortable relinquishing control. This has truly been the greatest mental shift I’ve experienced since giving birth. I also discuss the request to stop commenting on women’s bodies and how I’ve received more comments on my body during postpartum than I ever could have imagined. I get open and honest on why I’m currently struggling with these comme...
Dec 03, 2021•39 min•Ep. 122
In this episode, I talk to author and podcast host, Nora McInerny, about the many aspects of grief. Nora shares the loss of her father, husband and pregnancy, and how she handled those obstacles to reach her current career, life, and family. We discuss the automated response to the question “how are you?” and ways to best support those who are grieving. We talk about boundary-setting on our platforms and the importance of acknowledging and accepting our emotions, even when they are conflicting. ...
Nov 19, 2021•59 min•Ep. 121
In this episode, I talk to the founder of The Ocho System, Joe Holder. We discuss the unnecessary complexities in the health and wellness space, reframing your mindset around exercise, and Joe’s concept of “exercise snacks”. We discuss our experiences transitioning from college athletics into the real world, the desire to overachieve, and developing dissonance between your identity and sport. We also talk about the importance of challenging yourself, practicing resilience, and the concept of rec...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 120
In this episode, I talk to plus-size model and podcast host Hunter McGrady. We discuss the ups and downs of motherhood and what we wish we knew beforehand. We talk about our breastfeeding journeys, anxieties as new moms, and values we want to instill in our children. We also dive into body image, our relationships with our bodies pre and post-pregnancy, and practicing affirmations. Hunter shares her frustrations around the lack of representation of plus-sized women, especially during pregnancy. ...
Nov 05, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 119
In this episode, I talk to recipe developer and cookbook author Samah Dada (@dadaeats). Samah talks about her transition from a Production Assistant at The Today Show to the host of the network’s original digital series #Cooking. We discuss the mental health aspects of the food industry, the non-glamorous truths of turning our hobbies into careers, imposter syndrome and the dangers of comparison. We also dive into cultural appropriation in the wellness industry and the lack of minorities in the ...
Oct 29, 2021•57 min•Ep. 118
In this episode, I sit down with the Founder and CEO of The Sculpt Society, Megan Roup. Megan and I discuss mental health struggles throughout pregnancy, adjusting expectations of ourselves postpartum, and navigating work-life balance as a new mom. We talk about the most enjoyable aspects of motherhood and learning to accept help and support from people in our lives. We also dive into appreciating and practicing gratitude towards our bodies and trying to let go of the constant need to achieve. K...
Oct 22, 2021•54 min•Ep. 117
In this episode, I chat with the founder and CEO of Hill House, Nell Diamond. Nell talks about her career journey that started on Wall Street and included time at Yale SOM, the story behind Hill House, and the community formed around the Nap Dress. We discuss the lessons we’ve learned while working in finance, the anxiety within entrepreneurship, and the importance of setting boundaries when working for ourselves. We dive into life as a new mom and finding balance while caring for our children a...
Oct 15, 2021•57 min•Ep. 116
I sit down with certified sex educator, Shan Boodram (@shanboody), to discuss all things sexuality, desires, wants, and education. We discuss how to tap into your sexuality, how to express your needs to your partner and get specific on your wants, and how to follow your passion - both in and out of the bedroom. Key Talking Points: Getting comfortable with your sexuality How to express your needs to your partner Following your passion inside and outside of the bedroom Ways to get specific on your...
Oct 13, 2021•53 min•Ep. 115
On this episode, I sit down with recipe developer, cookbook author, wellness influencer and podcast host Liz Moody. Liz and I discuss her journey with anxiety, agoraphobia, and anorexia and she shares the ripple effect family trauma had on her life. Liz speaks on her contemplation over whether or not to have children and what she has learned from asking others about their experiences. Liz talks about her nomadic lifestyle and the importance of letting go of things that are out of our control. Ke...
Oct 08, 2021•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 114
TW for pregnancy loss and miscarrying. On this episode, I am joined by fellow Lafayette alumni Simmone Taitt, founder and CEO of Poppy Seed Health. Simmone shares the premise behind her company, why she founded it and the core of its business model. We discuss the differences between doulas and doctors, the importance of having a support system when pregnant and the scarce education around miscarriages. We discuss the lack of focus on mental health throughout pregnancy and privilege in medical c...
Oct 01, 2021•59 min•Ep. 113
In this episode, I sit down with influencer Hayden Cohen (@hayderz). We discuss his love for reality television, the nature of his platform, and poking fun at influencers. He talks about coming out as gay at age 12 and gives advice on how to best support those in your life who have come out. Hayden talks about his full-time job as a talent manager at an influencer marketing company and the irony that comes with it. We also discuss anxiety, therapy, and being upfront about the type of people we a...
Sep 24, 2021•59 min•Ep. 112
In this episode, I talk to relationship expert Tennesha Wood. We talk all things dating, matchmaking and love. Tennesha shares the best things to do on dating apps, displaying yourself in the best light and figuring out what you’re looking for. She also shares her own dating history and what she learned on her two-month solo trip. We talk about our journeys towards letting go of the need to plan, becoming less controlling in all aspects of life, and encouraging your partner to grow alongside you...
Sep 16, 2021•59 min•Ep. 111
Sharing a teaser of the Patreon exclusive Freckled Foodie & Friends September episode. In this episode I sit down with one of my best friends, Jess Nash, to discuss all things postpartum, early motherhood, being a first-time mom, and our conception journeys. I want to include a trigger warning for pregnancy loss as Jess shares her story of miscarrying. If you want the full episode or the monthly exclusive episodes (released every 3rd Wednesday of the month) come join the FF Patreon Fam!! JOI...
Sep 15, 2021•9 min•Ep. 188
In this episode, I sit down to discuss all things postpartum and my parenting journey thus far. I do a quick recap of the labor and delivery, chat about the emotional roller coaster that is the fourth trimester, and dive into the laundry list of things I feel we need to catch up on because it has been so long. I’m then joined by Joe to discuss all things parenting. He answers the questions you all submitted on Instagram as his version of my IG Takeover push-present request. If you haven’t alread...
Sep 10, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 110
On this episode, I sit down with two members of the Freckled Foodie Family and registered nurses at John Hopkins hospital in Baltimore, MD, to discuss what it was like to be a healthcare worker and on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how their roles adapted with the onset of the pandemic, their reflections on the past fourteen plus months, and the emotional and physical impact it had on them. To all of our healthcare and frontline workers - THANK YOU!! Follow me: Instagram...
Jun 18, 2021•45 min•Ep. 109
In this episode I sit down with curve model and TikTok influencer, Remi Bader. We discuss how she came to start her “realistic haul” videos after feelings of frustration while shopping and trying to find flattering outfits for her body. We dive into the not-so-fun aspects of sharing your life (and body) on the internet and how her content brings humor to the otherwise frustrating and overwhelming process that shopping for new clothes can be. Follow Remi Bader: Instagram: @remibader TikTok: @remi...
May 14, 2021•54 min•Ep. 108
In this episode, I sit down with our doula, Ebonie Tudor. We discuss the very basics of what a doula is, the services they offer, how she became one, and why we decided to work with one during my pregnancy and for the birth of our child. She also answers a ton of the submitted questions by the Freckled Foodie community. Read my blog post on what we packed in our hospital bags here Read my blog post on why we decided to work with a doula here Follow Ebonie: Instagram: @karmatudor Website: karmatu...
May 07, 2021•39 min•Ep. 107
In this episode I sit down with Kate Norkeliunas (aka Kate from Tik Tok). Kate tells us how she got her start on the app, her growth, mission and future account plans. Kate also shares her history with eating disorders and we deliberate on dealing with comments on social media that emotionally impact us. We dive into the differences between being a consumer versus a creator on both Instagram and Tik Tok and getting wrapped up in follower counts and metrics. Follow Kate Norkeliunas: Instagram: @k...
Apr 30, 2021•49 min•Ep. 106
On this episode, body positivity advocate Mik Zazon and I discuss her journey with disordered eating, orthorexia, binge eating and bulimia. We talk about growing into intuitive eating, pregnancy’s impact on body image, frustrations with social media and developing emotional intelligence and vulnerability. Mik dives into her movement to normalize normal bodies and owning the things that make you unique. We also share tips on improving confidence and dealing with post-pandemic body anxiety. The NY...
Apr 23, 2021•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 105
On this episode Zahir and I discuss all things 3-on-3 basketball, training for the Olympics and dealing with its postponement. Zahir tells us how he maintains a “passion project” while also working in the corporate world and his appreciation towards his company for supporting his personal interests. We talk about the opinions and anxiety social media brings, and the reluctance to remain active online. We close with a discussion of Z's "ice cream wars" that took place on his Instagram stories. Fo...
Apr 16, 2021•44 min•Ep. 104
