University Of Iowa College Of Public Health

This week on Plugged In to Public Health, Lauren sits down with Dr. Erin Wissler Gerdes, recent PhD graduate from the University of Iowa College of Public Health, to discuss the mental and emotional realities of early parenthood, including anxiety, burnout, loneliness, and “parental rage.” Drawing from her dissertation research and personal experience as a parent of three young children, Erin explains what parental rage actually is, why it remains under-discussed, and what her research revealed about how common these experiences are among both moms and dads. The conversation explores the role of social support, mental load, overstimulation, and the structural pressures shaping modern parenting. The episode also examines broader public health and policy questions surrounding childcare, parental leave, social isolation, and what meaningful support for families could look like moving forward. In recognition of Mother’s Day weekend, this episode highlights the importance of supporting parents not just individu