In this episode, Rachel Shepard-Ohta interviews Joanne, a pediatric speech language pathologist and early childhood development expert. Joanne shares her journey into speech therapy and discusses her child-led play-based approach to therapy. Joanne emphasizes the importance of reading books, talking to children, and using music to facilitate language. She also provides tips for choosing age-appropriate toys and books! Here’s more of what you’ll hear in this episode: Representation in speech lang...
Dec 05, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Birth trauma is something we may not even realize we experience in the moments during and after birth, and can really cause lasting effects on both the birthing person and their partner. That's why this week, Rachael has a great discussion with Rachel Somerstein, author and associate professor, all about cesarean sections, birth trauma, finding the right care during birth, and postpartum support. Inside this episode: Rachel shares her personal experience of having an unplanned C-section and the ...
Nov 21, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 66
Episode 65: Inclusive Ways to Feed and Parent Your Baby with Victoria Facelli @victoria.facelli.ibclc This week Rachael speaks with Victoria Facelli, an IBCLC and author of the book 'Feed the Baby', to discuss the inclusive approach to feeding and parenting. She emphasizes the need to change our mindset and be open to different feeding methods, rather than getting caught up in the breast milk vs. formula debate. Inside this episode: How to use a risk-benefit analysis for each parenting decision,...
Nov 14, 2024•53 min•Season 1Ep. 65
Welcome back to the pod for this very special bonus episode- Caitlin Wilder of @wilderbeginnings and the On We Go Podcast! For Part 1 of our conversation all about friendships, head over here! In this Part of our live chat we take listener questions including: how to handle if a friend has different political views than you how husband/ partner friendships differ what to do if a friend disciplines your child maintaining friendships with people who are parenting differently the importance of "mic...
Nov 12, 2024•52 min
Episode 64: How to Self Regulate as a Parent with Dr. Amber Thornton @dramberthornton Ever totally lose your cool on your kids and feel SO guilty afterwards? You’re NOT alone! That’s why this week, Rachael speaks with Dr. Amber Thornton, a licensed clinical psychologist and strong advocate for parental mental health, all about self-regulation, overwhelm, and reparenting! Inside this episode: Find out a practical framework for breaking the cycle of dysregulation. Learn how you can practice emotio...
Nov 07, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 64
Episode 63: Creating Safe Spaces for Trans Kids with Ben Greene @psuedo.bro Ben Green, a transgender advocate and author, joins the podcast this week to discuss the important topic of transgender inclusion and support for trans kids! Ben encourages a joy-centered approach to supporting trans kids in your own life and the broader community, and celebrates the resilience and strength of the trans community. Inside this episode: Hear Ben’s personal experience of coming out at a young age and the ch...
Oct 31, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 63
Episode 62: Advocacy after Loss with Ashley Spivey @ashleyspivey Join Rachael this week as she chats with Ashley Spivey, a former contestant on The Bachelor, turned advocate and online content creator! Ashley has used her platform to advocate for various causes, including stillbirth prevention and paid family leave for stillbirth families. Since October is Infant Loss and Awareness month, Ashley shares her own personal journey of infertility and loss openly on social media and talks about how sh...
Oct 24, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 62
Episode 61: In-Laws and Tricky Relationship Changes After Baby with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish @drtracyd Have you ever found yourself navigating a tricky situation with your in-laws? In this conversation, Rachael interviews Dr. Tracy, a psychologist and couples therapist, all about the topic of in-laws and how they can affect relationships with significant others. Dr. Tracy provides lots of tips for communication and speaking up in uncomfortable situations and how to handle challenging family dynamics ...
Oct 17, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 61
Episode 60: Work-Family Balance: What Can We Learn from Policies Around the World? with Caitlyn Collins In this conversation, Rachael interviews Caitlyn Collins, an associate professor of sociology and author, about work-family life and how policies affect families in different countries. They discuss the differences between the United States, Sweden, Germany, Italy, and other countries in terms of parental leave, childcare, and work-life balance. Inside this episode: The importance of collectiv...
Oct 10, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 60
Episode 59: Surviving Postpartum Psychosis with Ayana Lage @ayanagabriellelage In this episode, Rachael has a candid chat with Ayana Lage, writer, influencer and mental health advocate, who shares her experience with postpartum psychosis. Ayana details the devastating toll postpartum psychosis took on her and her family, as well as how it impacted future family planning. She discusses the symptoms she experienced, the hospitalization process, and the support she received in the aftermath. Ayana ...
Oct 03, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 59
Episode 58: Gentle Parenting like a Teacher with Arielle Fodor aka @mrs.frazzled In this episode, Rachael Shepard-Ohta interviews Ariel Fodor, also known as Mrs. Frazzled, about her experience as a teacher and a parent. They discuss why many teachers are leaving the profession, the misconceptions about gentle parenting, and the importance of representation and social justice issues. Ariel also shares her journey with mental health challenges and how she navigates them as a mom. The conversation ...
Sep 26, 2024•37 min•Season 1Ep. 58
Episode 57: Mental Health in the Journey to Motherhood with Dr. Sarah Oreck @sarahoreckmd In this episode, Rachael has a great discussion with Dr. Sarah Oreck, a reproductive psychiatrist and founder of Mavita Health. They talk about the importance of mental health care support during the sometimes long, difficult journey to parenthood. Dr. Sarah highlights the different experiences and challenges that individuals face during pregnancy and postpartum, including pregnancy loss and infertility. In...
Sep 19, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 57
Episode 56: Unwinding, Easing Anxiety and Falling Asleep using Mindfulness Stories with Goldminds founder, Cynthia Arscott In this episode, Rachael interviews Cynthia Arscott, a certified meditation teacher and the creator of the new GoldMinds app! Rachael and Cynthia talk all about childhood anxiety around sleep, using mindfulness, and how they used both of their knowledge on the topics to inspire this amazing app. Inside this episode: Cynthia shares her personal journey with anxiety in childho...
Sep 12, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Episode 55: The Emotional Journey of Childhood Cancer with Danielle & Portia September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. This week, Rachael speaks with two mothers who have faced the unimaginable. In this emotional episode, Rachael interviews Portia, mom of Leo, who was diagnosed with Cancer as a young child. Portia discusses the initial diagnosis (and the importance of listening to your “mom gut!”), the emotional journey through treatments, and the challenges faced by both Leo and his si...
Sep 05, 2024•55 min•Season 1Ep. 55
Episode 54: Challenging Our Individualistic Culture with Erin Spahr @feminist.mom.therapist In this episode, Rachael interviews Erin Spahr, a licensed therapist, mother, and maternal mental health advocate. They discuss the intersection of feminism and motherhood, the lack of support and systemic oppression faced by women and parents, and the harmful effects of comparison and external validation on social media. Here’s what they discuss in this episode: The importance of self-compassion and self...
Aug 29, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 54
Episode 53: Simplifying Your Routine & Managing the Chaos of Back-to-School with Beth Rosenbleeth @dayswithgrey It’s back-to-school for many of our children and that can come with a lot of big feelings, routine changes, and chaos! In this episode, Rachael chats with Beth, educator and creator of Days with Grey, all about simplifying routines, promoting play-based learning for young children, and how to cope with the change that is “back-to-school” (or just starting school!). Here’s what they...
Aug 22, 2024•41 min•Season 1Ep. 53
Episode 52: Burn Out, the Invisible Load and Maternal Mental Health with Erica Djossa @momwell This week Rachael speaks with Erica Djossa- a registered psychotherapist, founder of Momwell and author of new book Releasing the Motherload- all about the challenges of postpartum and beyond, including burn out and the “invisible load” of motherhood. Here’s what they discuss inside this episode: Erica shares her personal journey with postpartum depression How Erica’s postpartum journey led her to crea...
Aug 15, 2024•38 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Episode 51: Men’s Health: Male Fertility, Vasectomies and Family Planning with Dr. Justin Dubin & Dr. Kevin Chu @themanuppodcast We often speak so much about women and fertility but it is important that we also begin destigmatizing conversations around men's health! Rachael kicks off this episode with a conversation with her husband Marley about his decision to get a vasectomy several months ago and what that process was like. Next, Rachael has on doctors Justin Dubin and Kevin Chu to discus...
Aug 08, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 51
Episode 50: Feeding Toddlers: Finding Joy in Family Meals with Nita and Jessica of @happyhealthyeaters Have you ever struggled with picky eating or stressful mealtimes? This is so common- feeding toddlers can be very challenging! In this episode, Rachael speaks with Jessica and Nita, co-founders of Happy Healthy Eaters, ALL about feeding toddlers to make mealtimes more enjoyable! Here’s what they discuss inside this episode: The different challenges of feeding toddlers including “picky” eating o...
Aug 01, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Episode 49: Creating a Business and a Brand from Home with Tori Sprankel Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a mom who works outside the home, all moms are working hard! This week Rachael and friend Tori Sprankel, a brand expert and business owner, chat all about building a business while taking care of young children at home. They discuss the challenges and gray areas of being a working mom or a stay-at-home mom, and how the lines are blurred for so many of us in a post-pandemic world. Here’s...
Jul 25, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 49
Episode 48: Sleep Training: What we Know (and what we DON’T KNOW) from the Research with Amanda Ruggeri This week Rachael and Amanda Ruggeri, a journalist specializing in psychology, parenting, and child development, discuss the ever controversial topic: sleep training. Amanda speaks about her articles on baby sleep and sleep training and the research behind them. Here’s what they discuss inside this episode: Understanding biologically normal, healthy baby sleep The problematic messaging around ...
Jul 18, 2024•43 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Episode 47: Parenting Children with Disabilities with Kelley Coleman @hellokelleycoleman This week Rachael and Kelley Coleman, author and mother, discuss parenting children with disabilities. Here’s what they discuss inside this powerful episode: Hear Kelley’s personal journey with parenting two kids: one with multiple disabilities and one with typical development Kelley shares her story about her son’s diagnosis and how it changed her as a parent Suggestions for parents who just received a diag...
Jul 11, 2024•44 min•Season 1Ep. 47
Episode 46: “I Feel Like My Life has Changed and Yours Hasn’t” with Erin & Stephen Mitchell @couples.counseling.for.parents Having kids changes your relationship. If you have ever felt misunderstood, disconnected, exhausted, and resentful towards your partner- you’re not alone- and this episode is for you! Join Rachael and Erin & Stephen Mitchell, husband and wife duo & authors of the new book Too Tired to Fight, as they talk all about relationships, specifically relationships AFTER ...
Jul 04, 2024•57 min•Season 1Ep. 46
Episode 45: Bridging Separation at Bedtime with Dr. Gordon Neufeld @neufeldinstitute This week Rachael has a very special guest, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, to discuss the importance of attachment and the challenges parents face when it comes to bedtime and sleep. Dr. Neufeld is a renowned authority on child development and you will learn so much in this powerful episode! Here’s what they discuss inside this important episode: How attachment is a fundamental aspect of child development Learn all about D...
Jun 27, 2024•42 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Episode 44: Q&A with Rachael and her husband, Marley Join Rachael and her husband Marley as they answer some of YOUR most asked questions this week, share a glimpse into their life at home, and more! Here is what they discuss In this fun episode: Marley gives an update on his recent stay-at-home dad life transition Rachael and Marley share how they decided to have a third baby How Marley handles Rachael’s trips away when he is solo with kids overnight How to gain confidence taking kids out s...
Jun 20, 2024•35 min•Season 1Ep. 44
Episode 43: Food Allergies and Sensitivities in Babies and Toddlers with Dr. Trillitye Paullin If you have ever had a baby with food allergies, chances are you experienced many challenges with feeding your baby. This week Rachael is joined by Dr. Trillitye Paullin, a molecular biologist and mother of two. Rachael and Dr. Trill discuss food allergies and sensitivities in babies and children. Here’s what they discuss inside this informative episode: Dr. Trill’s personal experience with infant food...
Jun 13, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 43
Episode 42: Motherhood: Finding Joy and Authenticity with Caitlin Wilder @wilderbeginnings Motherhood can feel so exhausting, isolating, and divisive! It’s also portrayed on social media as just… not fun. Enter Caitlin Wilder. This week, Rachael is joined by Caitlin, a certified doula and mom of two turned social media “mom influencer” to have an open and honest conversation all about motherhood and postpartum realities. Caitlin created her following through sharing her journey of postpartum rea...
Jun 06, 2024•52 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Episode 41: Highly Sensitive Children: Tips for Parenting, Nurturing and Co-Regulation with Natalie Brunswick @highlysensitivefamily We hear the term “highly sensitive” a lot these days- but what does being highly sensitive or having a highly sensitive child really mean? This week Rachael and Natalie Brunswick, a psychotherapist OT and parenting educator, dive deep into the characteristics of highly sensitive children (and parents!). You’ll learn all about the importance of understanding and sup...
May 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Episode 40: Independent Play: Practical Strategies for Simplifying Play with Lizzie Assa @theworkspaceforchildren Should parents play with their children? Or should children only play independently? Independent Play is such a polarizing topic! That’s why this week, Rachael and Lizzie Assa, founder of the Workspace for Children, talk all about the importance of play for children and how parents can foster the desire for a healthy balance between playing with children and encouraging independent p...
May 23, 2024•45 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Episode 39: From One to Two: Rediscovering Yourself, Managing Expectations, and Splitting the Load with Cameron Oaks Rogers @cameronoaksrogers This week Rachael has on guest Cameron Rogers, a content creator, podcaster and mother of two! Cameron shares her journey to motherhood, including her transition from a career on Wall Street to full-time content creation. Recently a mom of 2, she discusses the challenges and surprises of transitioning from one to two children. Cameron also talks about the...
May 16, 2024•49 min•Season 1Ep. 39
