Freckled Foodie & Friends

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Fairhurst, a postpartum therapist and maternal mental health expert, to discuss the various challenges new parents can encounter with each other during the postpartum phase and ways to work through this overwhelming time. Melissa shares how her own postpartum experiences have informed her work, what the “roommate phase” is and why it feels so permanent when you’re in it, and how these unexpected moments of disconnect can arise with your partner. We also discuss the unspoken expectations we have about our partners before the baby arrives and how that can set us up for resentment, how it’s imperative to accept that the non-birthing partner can’t fully understand the birthing partner’s experience, and why it’s essential to normalize couple’s therapy. Melissa shares tips for communicating your needs to your partner, why it’s important not to let resentments fester, and why “I” statements are more effective than “you” statements. Finally, we discuss the importance of settin

In this episode, I sit down with my sister, Lucy, for an update on all things wedding planning and how she’s feeling five months post engagement. We discuss what she’s thinking for a bachelorette party, what her vision is for bridesmaids dresses, and each of our dynamics with our mom, Cindy, during wedding planning mode. Finally, we talk about our partners’ relationship with each other and how they’ve integrated into the family, comfortably talking about sex as sisters, Lucy’s psychotic calendar behavior, and more.Key Takeaway / Points:On wedding updates, from bridesmaids to bachelorette partiesOn the wedding dress process and why Lucy isn’t loving itOn the dynamic with our mom, Cindy, during wedding planningHow to be a great Maid of HonorOn our age gap and how our relationship has evolved through the yearsOn talking about sex as sisters and being raised in a sex positive houseOn Lucy’s psychotic calendar behaviorThis episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individu

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Scott Lyons, a holistic psychologist, author, and body-based trauma expert, to discuss why we are so drawn to drama as a culture and how fully honoring our stress responses can help us better adapt to stress. Dr. Lyons explains what he defines as “drama,” how trauma often takes us away from ourselves and others, and how overstimulation has become the cultural norm. He also talks about how media is designed to keep our attention away from ourselves, why we are so drawn to reality TV, and why stress is a social glue that bonds us. Finally, he shares how most of us aren’t completing our stress cycles, how he checks in with his nervous system during a stressful event, and how he gets out of his cortisol stimulus and brings himself back to center.Key Takeaway / Points:How Dr. Lyons defines “drama”How trauma takes us away from ourselves and othersOn the cultural norm of overstimulationOn the connection between seeking stillness and feeling safeHow media is designed to keep our a

In this solo episode, I share the exciting news that I’ve developed a “Quiet Your Mind and Busy Your Hands” journal and adult coloring affirmation book! I discuss how this project came together and how it implements some of the top elements that have fundamentally shifted my mental health. I also reflect on the past year with two children and how we’ve been trying to embrace the chaos instead of resisting it. I discuss my son’s birth a year ago and the initial overwhelm that came with juggling two kids, the guilt I felt over not being able to attend to both at once, and the emotional shift that happened during the 7-9 month postpartum mark. I also share how my kids’ relationship with each other has evolved over the past year, why I just don’t love the newborn phase, why the mom I was for my firstborn’s year one is vastly different from the mom I am today, and more.Key Takeaway / Points:On developing the “Quiet Your Mind and Busy Your Hands” journal and adult coloring affirmationsHow I prioritize my mental hea

In this episode, I sit down with Kitty Brandtner, founder and co-president of March Fourth, to discuss the organization’s push for gun reform in the U.S. and why federally banning assault weapons is their singular goal. Kitty shares the string of events that led her to founding March Fourth, why radical gun reform viewpoints aren’t moving the needle forward, and why a federal assault weapons ban is the simplest and most effective path. She explains the history of assault weapons bans in the U.S., how we arrived at our current mass shooting epidemic, and how the mental health impact from gun violence has a ripple effect throughout a community. We also talk about bringing children up in the era of lockdown drills, holding onto hope and the recent progress that March Fourth has made, actionable items we can all take to help March Fourth’s initiative, and more.Key Takeaway / Points:What led to Kitty founding March FourthOn March Fourth’s mission and tempered radicalism On the history of assault weapons bans

In this episode, I sit down with Cat and Nat – podcast hosts, co-authors, and best friends – to talk about blending families and what it’s like raising seven kids between the two of them and their spouses. We discuss how they came to such an integrated way of living and why non-judgment made it all possible, how our culture isn’t set up for communal support, and why it truly takes a village to raise children. They share the most exciting part about parenting teenagers versus the hardest part, how they navigate social media with teens, and why they’re developing a course on parenting and social media. Finally, they talk about the advice they’d give their younger selves with young children, why we often forget to embrace who we are as mothers and put so much pressure on ourselves to change, and how they do (or don’t) maintain sex lives with kids in the house.Key Takeaway / Points:How they’ve blended their families and why non-judgment made it possibleHow our culture isn’t set up for communal supportWhy it takes

In this solo episode, I share what I wish I knew before having a baby, from never being able to have the “perfect” timeline for having kids; to how friendships and relationships might evolve once you become a parent. I talk about the intensity of having your priorities completely shift to another person and away from yourself, why it’s so important to find what makes you feel like “you,” and why giving yourself a window of transition time during your days, especially during postpartum, can be a lifesaver. I also discuss the unpredictability of what works one day with your child versus what might not work the next day, the confidence that comes from being a parent, how important choosing your village is — from your partner, to your friendships — aand more.Key Takeaway / Points:On never having the perfect timelineOn your priorities shifting away from yourselfOn finding what makes you feel like yourselfGiving yourself a window of time to transition into different parts of your dayOn the energy it takes to feed a

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Sarah Oreck, co-founder and CEO of Mavida Health, to discuss the importance of maternal mental health care and, specifically, all things ADHD. Dr. Sarah shares what Mavida Health does and why they are filling a gap in the mental health space, why ADHD is a big part of their support platform, and how ADHD is often misunderstood, starting in childhood. She shares lifestyle techniques to help work with ADHD symptoms, why it seems like so many mothers are struggling with ADHD right now, and why it’s so important to know how your hormones affect both your physical and mental health. We talk about executive functioning and why it’s so important, how to communicate your mental health needs to your partner, and why task paralysis happens. Finally, she discusses the relationship between ADHD and overstimulation, and the struggle of being jealous of people we perceive as “making it work” better than we are.Key Takeaway / Points:What is Mavida Health and what do they do for maternal

In this episode, I sit down with Hilary Hoffman, founder of The Soto Method, to discuss the journey behind developing her business, why intention is behind everything she does, and how she forged her path towards entrepreneurship. Hilary talks about the relentlessness of self-promotion and not knowing when your message is going to resonate with people, how she designed The Soto Method structure, and where the method transcends into a deeper meaning. She also shares how her former career in finance instilled strengths that serve her to this day, and how building intentional awareness and encouraging her coworkers to exercise inspired her to pursue The Soto Method. We discuss the value of creating a product in your own time and gathering constructive criticism, the inevitable sacrifices that come with building something, and why validation isn’t what we should be searching for. Finally, Hilary shares her current experience being pregnant with twins, her intention behind giving her children what they need versus

In this episode, I sit down with Wendy Lopez, Registered Dietician/Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Educator, to discuss all things blood glucose health and diabetes. She talks about starting Food Heaven, an inclusive nutrition platform, with her best friend and fellow R.D. Jess and why they decided to pivot once it started to feel like too much. She also explains why diabetes is so prevalent in black and brown communities, why she and Jess founded their nutrition tech platform Diabetes Digital, and how you can influence blood sugar and insulin with lifestyle and nutrition choices. Finally, Wendy answers listener questions on reducing your risk of diabetes if you have a family history, how you can manage gestational diabetes during pregnancy, how LADA (diabetes 1.5) works, and more.Key Takeaway / Points:On starting Food Heaven with her best friend and fellow RD, JessOn transparency around burnout and how it felt to pivot away from the Food Heaven platformHow and why Wendy and Jess founded Diabetes Digital,

In this episode, I sit down with Camila Alves McConaughey to discuss everything from her journey as a model early in her career; to her relationship with motherhood and family; to her ventures in community-building and entrepreneurship. Camila shares her story of moving from Brazil to the U.S. at age 15 without speaking English, how she didn’t let herself get lost in the modeling world, and how being a young model helped her understand her own patterns and how to begin honoring herself. We also discuss the challenges that come from moving around so much as a family, what it takes for a new location to feel like a home, and how relationships can achieve a sustainable, long-term balance. Finally, Camila shares why boundaries are essential for her, what it was like working with her husband Matthew on their tequila brand, which achievement she is most proud of in her life, and more.Key Takeaway / Points:Camila’s story of moving from Brazil to the U.S. at the age of 15 without speaking EnglishOn her journey to mod

In this episode with excerpts from ESPN Media Day 2024, I interview former and beloved Philadelphia Eagles player and current NFL analyst Jason Kelce, Sports Center host Elle Duncan, and NFL Live host Laura Rutledge. I recap my incredible experience at Media Day, explain how I got the invite to live out my dreams, and share how I’ve always wanted to be a sports broadcaster since I was young. In my conversation with Jason, we discuss how he was raised to be an emotionally available man, how he’s feeling entering his first season of retirement, and what he’ll miss most and won’t miss about playing. He also shares his favorite characteristics about his wife, Kylie, and what he predicts for the Eagles in this upcoming season. In my conversation with Elle, we discuss how she came to sports broadcasting, how she brings her best self to work and perseveres in a male-dominated industry, and how she covers so many sports while making her voice stand out among the numbers. In my conversation with Laura, she shares how

In this episode with my mom, Cindy, we talk about all things parenting vs. grandparenting, the best parts about being a grandparent versus the hardest parts, and how my mom and dad prioritized having a close-knit family when we were growing up. We discuss how my parents approached transparency around alcohol in our house, why my decision to stop drinking scared her at first, and how she passed down the “that’s my sister” dynamic to my sisters and me. She also shares what the transition was like from being very career-driven to being a stay-at-home mom, where her style and fashion sensibility comes from, and how her fashion brain works when she’s putting together an outfit. Finally, we talk about my own evolving fashion journey, my wanting to dress a certain way to appease her, and why she feels so grateful for where she is in her life right now.Key Takeaway / Points:On our recent experience wedding dress shopping for my sister, LucyOn my mom being receptive to feedback and changeOn the differences between fee

In this solo episode, I dive into my recent work in manifesting and how it has helped shift a lot of stagnation, frustration, and confusion in my life. I share how I came to the To Be Magnetic course and what I was looking for going into the course, how it helped me prioritize being present, and how I have felt aligned and reaped the benefits of manifesting throughout the course. I also talk about what I discovered during my unblocking session, how societal and inherited blinders can make us feel less-than, and how freeing it is to tap into who you are and find your authentic joy again. Finally, I answer two listener voicemails on dealing with friends’ judgment over career paths and bachelorette party location ideas.Key Takeaway / Points:On feeling stuck and wanting to tap back into spiritualityOn regressing back into my need for controlOn manifesting from within the subconsciousMy experience in the To Be Magnetic courseOn prioritizing being presentOn feeling aligned and reaping the benefits of manifestingWha

In this episode, I sit down with SHE MD’s Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney to discuss all things fertility, PCOS, and endometriosis and why knowing your own body is essential, wherever you are on your fertility journey. We talk about how Mary Alice and Dr A first met and why starting the SHE MD podcast felt like kismet, and Dr. A explains what PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) is and why it’s so prevalent right now. Dr. A discusses steps you can take to reverse PCOS, the emotional catharsis that comes with a diagnosis, and the non-negotiables for preparing your body for optimal fertility at any stage. We also talk about endometriosis, which symptoms to look for, and various methods for suppressing it. Finally, we discuss the option of VBACs (Vaginal Birth After C-Section) and why women’s symptoms so often get dismissed in medicine.Key Takeaway / Points:How Mary Alice and Dr. A met and started the SHE MD podcastWhat is PCOS and why is it so prevalent right now?On the three criterion for diagnosing PCOS

In this episode, I sit down with author, CEO, and founder of Your Rich BFF, Vivian Tu, to discuss all things money and how we can break down the mental barriers around finances that are holding us back. Vivian and I discuss shared experiences from when we worked on Wall Street and talk about the mind-blowing mentality around money we witnessed, and she shares the moment that made her decide to leave the industry for good. She then dives into actionable tips and advice for parents wanting to set up generational wealth for their children, how people with student debt can approach paying it off in a feasible way, and how we can reframe the mindset around budgeting and implement the 50-30-20 method. We also talk about lifestyle inflation, why social media is fueling the competition hamster wheel, why knowing your values around what you’ll spend more on versus what you won’t is incredibly important, and much more.Key Takeaway / Points:Trauma bonding about our time on Wall StreetOn the mind-blowing mentality around

In this solo episode, I share how I’ve been feeling nine months postpartum and why I’m much more free in mothering right now. I talk about why I believe we get what we can handle, the importance of celebrating growth moments as parents, and why my recent spontaneous trip to the beach while solo parenting was a big one for me. I also discuss my spiral anxiety around sleep, the struggle of my mouth keeping up with my ADHD brain, and finishing seasons 3-8 of Summer House. Finally, I talk about the upcoming AMA and voicemail episodes on the podcast and I respond to our first listener voicemail about timing, starting new careers, and having babies.Key Takeaway / Points:How I feel now nine months postpartumOn feeling much more free with mothering right nowOn getting what you can handleOn celebrating growth moments as a parentOn my spiral anxiety around sleepOn my mouth keeping up with my ADHD brainOn finishing seasons 3-8 of Summer HouseOn upcoming AMA and voicemail episodes Answering our first listener voicem

In this episode, I sit down with Connor Wood, aka Fibula, to talk about everything from how our ADHD brains feel on weed; to why this is a high-stakes podcast episode for Connor; to the hell of navigating ride shares at LAX. Connor talks about his flight anxiety and how his mental health moves in cycles, how he got into standup, and what it’s been like going on tour. We also talk about LA vs. New York culture and how he navigates both, the weirdness of celebrity and influencer culture, and why meeting your heroes can be humiliating sometimes. Finally, he answers the question we all have: wtf is the name “Fibula.”Key Takeaway / Points:How our ADHD brains feel on weedWhy this is a high-stakes podcast episode for ConnorThe hell of navigating ride shares at LAXOn Connor’s flight anxietyHow Connor’s mental health moves in cyclesOn getting into standup and what it’s been like to tourOn LA vs. New York cultureOn navigating celebrity and influencer cultureHumiliating celebrity encountersOn psychics, crystals, and pla

In this episode, I sit down with Whitney Port to talk about her journey to intuitive eating and how an uncomfortable conversation with her husband inspired her to look deeper into her relationship with food. Whitney shares how she has navigated setting boundaries around publicly discussing her fertility journey over the years, how her surrogacy journey has progressed, and where she and her husband are now in the process. She shares what helps mentally during a fertility journey and what does not, how she ended up on The Hills and how she feels about that phase in her life, and why it has felt challenging building an identity post reality TV. Finally, we chat about our love for The High Confectionary and who she is fangirling over right now.Key Takeaway / Points:On how Whitney came to intuitive eating and the tough conversation it took with her husband to start her journeyOn setting boundaries around publicly discussing her fertility journeyOn her surrogacy process and where she and her husband are nowOn what

In this episode, I sit down with Maxey Greene, fashion content creator and inclusivity advocate, to discuss all things style and how we can elevate our personal style in simple ways. Maxey shares why dressing in postpartum is so confusing, why every fashion issue we have is in our heads, and how we can be more conscious clothes shoppers. We also talk about the psychology of plus-size shopping and the complexity of shopping for your body type, how to actually pack for travel, and how we can make getting dressed easier on ourselves. Finally, Maxey shares how she began discovering her style and what she misses about those formative years, what her experience has been as a public-facing plus size woman, current fashion trends we love and hate, and more.Key Takeaway / Points:On dressing for postpartum and a different part of your lifeWhy every fashion issue we have is in our headsOn being a more conscious clothes shopperOn the psychology of plus-size shoppingHow to actually pack for travelTips for making getting d