EP:149 In this powerful episode of Thrive Like a Parent Podcast, I sit down with my incredible friend Lauren Buongiorno, founder of Risely Health and a type one diabetes warrior. Lauren shares her transformative journey from struggling with diabetes to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment for thousands living with this condition. We dive deep into her personal story - from being diagnosed at seven to navigating collegiate sports, motherhood, and building a revolutionary health coaching comp...
Jul 11, 2025•47 min•Ep. 149
EP:148 Hey there! In this episode, I'm getting real about the challenges of being a mom, managing family expectations, and learning to prioritize myself. My son Eli's baseball journey threw me into a whirlwind of decisions this summer. I had to choose between a family vacation and supporting his All-Stars team, which wasn't easy. I'm sharing my raw experience of feeling pulled between family demands, my children's needs, and my own mental health. Those moments of people-pleasing? I've been there...
Jul 04, 2025•18 min•Ep. 148
EP:147 Hey there! In this episode, I'm diving deep into something that changed my life completely - the difference between external and internal regulation. Let me tell you, for years I was that person constantly seeking validation from everyone around me, putting myself last, and feeling frustrated when no one could read my mind. I'm sharing my personal journey of how I transformed from constantly seeking external permission to becoming my own biggest supporter. We'll explore how external regul...
Jun 27, 2025•29 min•Ep. 147
EP146: Hey there, Thrive Like a Parent community! In this raw and emotional episode, I'm opening up about my journey through grief, resilience, and unexpected joy. Year four since Jonathan's passing has been transformative - I won two incredible awards (Austin Under 40 and Austin Women's Magazine), discovered the power of community, and realized I'm the happiest I've ever been as a parent. I'll share intimate moments of my healing process, from struggling through the first three years of widowho...
Jun 20, 2025•23 min•Ep. 146
EP:145 Hey Thrive Like a Parent Podcast Fam! 🚢✨ In this INCREDIBLE episode, I sat down with Brandon and Amber from Everyday Saturday, and let me tell you - their life is NOTHING like the traditional parenting journey we're all used to! Quick Highlights: Ditched the suburban life with a minivan Sold almost everything to live on a 46-foot sailing catamaran Traveled 15,000 nautical miles across 21 countries Raised 4 kids in the most EPIC unconventional lifestyle Key Takeaways: Family time is preci...
Jun 13, 2025•49 min•Ep. 145
EP:144 Hey Thrive Community! In this month's Q&A episode, I'm diving deep into YOUR most pressing questions about nervous system regulation, parenting struggles, healing from trauma, and personal growth. I'm getting real and raw about everything from managing anxiety without medication to navigating complex relationship dynamics. We'll explore: How to truly understand your unique brain Strategies for emotional regulation My personal journey through grief and healing Practical tips for suppor...
Jun 06, 2025•24 min•Ep. 144
EP:143 Hey there, amazing community! I'm beyond excited to bring you an incredible episode with my friend Dr. Sara Reardon, aka the "Vagina Whisperer" 🌟 We dive deep into something NO ONE talks about - pelvic floor health! In this episode, Sarah shares her groundbreaking new book "Floored" that's basically an encyclopedia of female anatomy. We discuss everything from understanding your body as a young teen to navigating changes through pregnancy, sports, and menopause. Trust me, this conversati...
May 30, 2025•26 min•Ep. 143
EP142: Hey there, Thrive Like a Parent community! In this powerful episode, I sit down with my dear friend Brittany, a former professional dancer turned fitness entrepreneur who's redefining what it means to be a strong, balanced mom. We dive deep into her incredible journey from New York City's dance world to creating Britsbarre Virtual Studio, sharing raw, vulnerable moments about nervous system regulation, motherhood challenges, and how she built a fitness platform that truly understands what...
May 23, 2025•52 min•Season 1Ep. 142
EP:141 Hey THRIVE Community! It’s been four years since Jonathan passed. And in this episode, I’m bringing you into what healing has really looked like—not the polished version, but the real one. From turning my home into a space that finally feels calm… to raising two kids alone… to building a business while still navigating grief—I’ve done a lot of rebuilding. And it hasn’t been linear. I’m sharing: What it felt like to film a vlog on the anniversary of Jonathan’s death Why my Austin Under 40 ...
May 16, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 141
EP:140 Hey everyone! In this week's episode of Thrive Like a Parent, I sat down with the incredible Stephanie, and OH. MY. GOODNESS. Her story about her micro-preemie son ZEV will absolutely blow your mind! We dive deep into her journey of having a 23-week baby who weighed just ONE POUND, and how she and her husband turned their most challenging moment into an incredible mission of hope through their nonprofit, Four Those. You'll hear about: The night they were told ZEV might not survive How "Te...
May 09, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 140
EP:139 Hey Thrive Family! Today's episode was FIRE! I sat down with the incredible Rachel Rodgers, and let me tell you, this conversation was packed with entrepreneurial gold! As a fellow business owner and mom, I was totally vibing with Rachel's journey from law school debt to building an eight-figure business. We dove deep into the power of understanding your strengths, showing up authentically on social media, and why having a supportive squad is crucial for success. Rachel's new book "Future...
May 02, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 139
EP:138 Hey there! I just finished watching the Netflix series "Adolescence" and WOW, do I have some thoughts to share! In this episode, I'm breaking down why this series is creating such a buzz and why I believe we're facing a PARENTING crisis, not just a boy crisis. I'm getting real about the importance of practical parenting - balancing boundaries with love and connection. Key Takeaways: Devices and unlimited freedom are NOT the answer Your kids NEED structure (they actually want it!) Boundari...
Apr 25, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 138
EP:137 In this special Q&A episode with my team member Brittany, I opened up about some of the most personal and profound aspects of my journey. We discussed everything from my approach to motherhood, relationships, and building my business to the deeper emotional work of healing and supporting others. Key Highlights: Shared vulnerable moments about losing my first husband and navigating family challenges Discussed the importance of understanding our nervous system and mental health Explored...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 137
EP:136 Hey Thrive Community! Today's episode is a game-changing conversation with Libby from Diary of an Honest Mom that you DO NOT want to miss! We dive deep into the messy, beautiful reality of motherhood, mental health, and personal growth. Libby shares her incredible journey from feeling isolated during the pandemic to becoming a powerful voice for moms everywhere. We talk about the real struggles - overstimulation, burnout, and the impossible societal expectations that make us feel like we'...
Apr 11, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 136
EP:135 Hey Thrive Like a Parent Podcast Fam! Today's episode is INCREDIBLE! I sat down with the amazing Laura Day, an intuitive powerhouse who just released her seventh book, "The Prism". Let me tell you, this conversation blew my mind! Laura shared her profound journey of overcoming childhood trauma, developing intuition, and creating a life of purpose. As someone who's walked through my own challenges, her insights about healing and personal transformation resonated deeply with me. The biggest...
Apr 04, 2025•45 min•Season 1Ep. 135
EP:134 Hey there, amazing humans! In this raw and real podcast episode, I'm diving deep into something that's been brewing in my heart - the battle between supporting everyone else and supporting YOURSELF. I'm sharing my personal journey from being a people-pleaser to becoming the most authentic version of Brooke possible. Trust me, it wasn't easy! I've lived both sides - sacrificing myself for others and then finally choosing ME. And let me tell you, the liberation is REAL. Putting others first...
Mar 28, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 134
EP:132 Hey there! Let me get real with you about something I've struggled with my entire life - living in chaos without losing myself. Whether you're a high-performer who loves last-minute adrenaline or a parent feeling constantly overwhelmed, I've been there! I used to think thriving meant constant hustle and pushing myself to the limit. But what I've learned is that true thriving is about balance, self-care, and listening to your body. Key Takeaways: ✨ Recognize your energy patterns ✨ Set boun...
Mar 21, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 133
EP:132 As a former "raging people pleaser", I know firsthand how exhausting it can be to constantly put others' needs before your own. I used to do everything for everyone, to the point where I was absolutely drowning. I'd say yes to things I had no time or energy for, shy away from difficult conversations, and never accept help - all in the pursuit of being the "perfect" mom, wife, friend, and professional. But I've learned that your purpose in life isn't to serve others - it's to live and enjo...
Mar 15, 2025•26 min•Ep. 132
As a parent, I know how easy it is to get so caught up in the demands of work, home, and family that you have nothing left to give your partner. I've been there - feeling lonely, resentful, and disconnected from the person I love the most. But I've also learned that it doesn't have to be that way. It takes effort to keep that love muscle strong, but it's so worth it. Make date nights a non-negotiable, even if it's just a simple activity together. And don't be afraid to plan a kid-free getaway - ...
Mar 07, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 131
EP:130 As a parent, I know how triggering mess and clutter can be. It's like my brain just snaps! But I've learned some tricks to manage it. First, I made my bedroom a peaceful sanctuary - no TV, just calm vibes. It's my Hail Mary when the rest of the house is a disaster zone. I grew up in a super tidy home, but now I've had to release that perfectionism. My house isn't Pinterest-perfect, but good enough is good enough. I also get the kids involved - one new chore at a time so it doesn't overwhe...
Feb 28, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 130
EP:129 This week, I decided to try something I've always wanted to do - bring my kids on the podcast. My older son Charlie joined me, and I'm so proud of how he opened up and shared his perspective. As a child who lost his dad to suicide, Charlie has a unique understanding of grief and resilience. He talked about the difficulty of seeing other kids with their dads, and how it felt to have male role models like my partner Carter step in to fill that void. It's been a journey for all of us, but I'...
Feb 21, 2025•25 min•Ep. 129
EP:128 Our kids' head-banging, rocking, and constant movement aren't just concerning behaviors - they're natural ways they're trying to regulate their nervous systems. As a mom of preemies, I know how much deep pressure and sensory input my babies needed to soothe and settle. Things like pacifiers and thumb-sucking aren't just social norms, they're our kids' innate ways of calming their developing brains and bodies. Instead of stripping away these natural regulation methods, we need to observe t...
Feb 14, 2025•19 min•Ep. 128
EP:127 As I shared, feeling like you're "too much" is a core wound that affects so many of us. It leads us to create a performative reality, dampening our light and abandoning our true selves. Growing up, I learned to function according to societal norms, but I found my truest self could only shine when I was on stage, dancing. That freedom and authenticity was so liberating, yet so rare in my everyday life. Even in my relationships, I often became a mirror for others' issues, rather than honori...
Feb 07, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 127
EP:126 Hey friends! I just recorded a new episode of the Thrive Like a Parent podcast all about losing your temper with your kids. As a mom, I know how hard this can be - we all have those moments where we just feel like we're at the end of our rope. But I want you to know that it doesn't make you a bad parent. It just means you need to take care of yourself, whether that's taking a break, practicing self-care, or finding healthy ways to manage your emotions. In this episode, I get real about my...
Jan 31, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 126
EP:125 Hi Friends! I've noticed a pattern with my clients - many struggle with intimacy and sex within their marriages or partnerships. This is a topic that isn't openly discussed, but it's so important. Intimacy should be a deep, mutual connection - not a one-sided experience where one partner's needs are neglected. I've heard too many stories of intimacy feeling like a chore, rather than a pleasurable, regulating experience for both people. I want to empower you to advocate for your own needs ...
Jan 24, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 125
EP:124 Hi friends! this episode was a doozy, let me tell you. I dove headfirst into some major home renovations during my winter break, and let me just say - the dust, the fumes, the chaos, it was a lot to handle! But you know what, my amazing neighbor was so kind to let me and the family stay at her place for a week, which was a total lifesaver. It gave me the space I needed to recharge and reconnect with my partner, Carter. He's been such a rock for me through all of this. When I was really st...
Jan 17, 2025•23 min•Ep. 124
EP:123 Hi friends, I'm so excited to share a powerful insight with you today - the fastest way to regulate your nervous system is NOT control, fixing, or jumping into action. In fact, those strategies often backfire and perpetuate stress. Instead, I'll show you how to build a larger window of tolerance, so you can stay calm and present, even when life gets chaotic. No more meltdowns or irritability - just more peace, connection, and joy. This is life-changing stuff, and I can't wait to share it ...
Jan 10, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 123
EP:122 New Year's resolutions are total BS. I'm done with the pressure to completely overhaul my life overnight. Instead, I'm focusing on making small, sustainable changes that I can stick to all year long. No more crash diets or extreme makeovers - just gentle, consistent progress. This year, I'm embracing the Kaizen method - taking one small step at a time towards my goals. Whether it's saving a little more, eating a bit healthier, or improving my relationships, I know lasting change happens g...
Jan 03, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 122
EP:121 As we navigate the holidays, I want to talk about the power of authenticity. It can be so hard to show up as our true selves, especially around family. I know from my own experience that being authentic is scary - there’s fear of rejection, abandonment, and judgment. But when we don’t embrace who we really are, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of disconnection. I’ve had to work hard to break free from the patterns I learned growing up, where I played the “class clown” ...
Dec 27, 2024•22 min•Ep. 121
EP:120 This was a heavy topic, but an important one. Losing my husband Jonathan to suicide was devastating, and I know firsthand the confusion, anger and lack of closure that those left behind feel. Hearing Carter talk about losing multiple friends the same way was heartbreaking. The numbness he described is something I can relate to - it becomes almost expected, which is not normal. The most important thing is that you are not alone. There are people who want to listen and support you, even if ...
Dec 20, 2024•16 min•Season 1Ep. 120
