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Behind the Throne
By Helen Hope Kimbrough & Charlitta HatchSociety & Culture
Behind the Throne episodes
- 15. Sharing Our Birth Stories + What We Learned From Them | Black Maternal Health
You know we love to keep it light and fun on this show, but this episode is definitely a heavier topic. We are talking about Black maternal health in the U.S., as well as sharing our birth stories with each of our two children. Both of us had difficult and traumatic births, but we learned so much from these experiences that we want to pass on to our listeners. Even if you’re done having kids, there may be some parts of our stories that resonate with you and make you feel less alone.
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
According to the CDC, the maternal mortality rate in the U.S. in 2021 was 32.9 deaths per 100,000 live births. Among Black women, the maternal mortality rate is 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The goal of sharing our birth stories is not to scare anyone (especially first time moms!), but to educate people and let them know what can happen in labor and delivery and how to advocate for themselves.
It’s so important to have someone on your birth team that is going to advocate for you. Whether that’s your OB, a midwife, or a doula, get to know your options and choose someone you trust who will show up for you.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
28 min - 14. Navigating Career Changes & Identity Shifts in Motherhood + Work-Life Integration
Motherhood inspires so many identity shifts within us, and how we approach our careers and work is certainly one of them! In this episode, Charlitta shares how she talks to her kids about her career and contributions to the family, and Helen shares her decision to stay at home when her son was sick, and what it was like to return to the workforce later on. We also discuss the concept of “work-like integration” versus “work-life balance.”
Resources mentioned:
Become the CEO of You, Inc. by Susan Bulkeley Butler
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
If you work outside the home, sometimes you’ll have days where you killed it at work and didn’t feel like a great mom, and days where you were mom of the year with a tough day at work. That’s totally normal.
If you are a stay-at-home mom, you are absolutely still a working mom! Working inside the home is so challenging, and we want you to know that we see you and value you.
It can be difficult not to tie your identity and self-worth to your job or your role as a mother. Sometimes the decisions we make in motherhood feel so permanent and jarring, but remember you can make a change at any time as yours and your family’s needs change.
Release yourself of the impossible standards that are making you feel less than. If your family is fed, loved, and cared for, you are doing great.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
23 min - 13. Raising Multiple Children | Balancing Needs, Interests, and Quality Time with Multiple Kids
Raising multiple children is a huge gift, but it also comes with some unique challenges! In this episode, we’re sharing some parenting breakthroughs we’ve had about accommodating our childrens’ different needs, recognizing their different interests, and prioritizing quality time with each child.
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
It’s not only important to spend one-on-one quality time with each of your children, but also for both parents to spend time with one child as a party of three. This lets all the attention and connection be on one child for a bit so they feel seen.
Your kids are their own individual people. They will have different interests, needs, and preferences, and so they may need to be parented differently.
Don’t be afraid of giving your children different things. Helen’s mom gave her a journal to process her feelings, while encouraging her sister to use her analytical skills to work on electronics. It is important to acknowledge and talk about why you’re giving each child different things.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
23 min - 12. The Affirmative Action Ruling & Back-to-School Routines
At the beginning of the summer, we shared some initial thoughts on the SCOTUS ruling on affirmative action and promised to share more later. In this episode, we are diving into the ruling, how it’s harmful to our children and future job placement opportunities, and what it means for HBCUs. Plus, Charlitta shares how her littles are adjusting to school schedules and Helen talks about how she prepares her college-aged children for school as well.
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
Back to school time can be a big adjustment for both kids and parents. It’s important to get into a good routine, and stand firm in promoting accountability and responsibility for your kids. Those habits will stick with them long term.
Sometimes we need to anticipate our kids’ needs, and being proactive can help them be prepared. It’s a way to love on our babies and make them feel seen and cared for.
The affirmative action ruling has benefitted HBCUs (shoutout to Hampton University!) because they have made it clear that Black students will always have a place there.
The affirmative action ruling sets us back from building equitable systems, and the lack of affirmative action in colleges and universities will have an impact on the diversity of our future workforce and job placements.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
23 min - 11. Two Fish and Five Loaves of Bread | Getting Your Kids to Eat Healthy Foods
Getting your kids to eat healthy foods can be difficult, but we have some tried and true tips for raising healthy eaters that love eating fruits and veggies… even if we have to sneak them into dishes without them knowing! We hope these tips are helpful, and would love to hear your own tips in the comments on our YouTube channel!
Resources mentioned:
Yummy Healthy Tasties In My Tummy by Helen Hope Kimbrough & Cynthia Jackson
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
If you have littles that refuse to eat fruits and vegetables, sneak them in. Chop up vegetables and add them to pasta sauces, give them a smoothie packed with produce, and serve the fruits and veggies they do like, even if it feels repetitive.
Expose your kids to as many different flavors and foods as possible when they’re really young, and talk to them about why it’s important to eat healthy. Connect it to something they care about, like the sports or activities they like to do.
If you can make it fun, kids will be excited to try new things. Try adding veggies as a topping for pizza, explore colorful variations of carrots and tomatoes, and have your kids help prep and cook the veggies so they’re invested in the process.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
19 min - 10. Season Two Kick-Off | Recapping Our Summer Adventures
We are back and better than ever!! In our kick-off to season two of Behind the Throne, we are sharing our summer adventures, from Charlitta seeing Beyoncé perform in Paris to Helen crossing more U.S. states off her bucket list. Grab a cup of coffee and join us for our catch-up session! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss any of season two!!
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
You need to take time to do the things you love! Go on the girls trip, buy the concert tickets, and leave the kids at home. It makes you a better mom when you prioritize yourself and pour into yourself.
If you can, take a trip with one of your children at a time. As you grow your family, it’s still important to spend one-on-one time with each child to keep that bond strong.
When your kids are little and with you all the time, you’re always looking for a break from them to recharge. When they’re older and out of the house, you’re hopeful that they invite you to things and want to spend time with you.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
21 min - 9. If Only I Knew… | Our Advice to Our Younger Selves
In our final episode of the season, we are sharing the advice we would give to our younger selves. From body image to friendships to faith, we touch on a lot of universal truths that we feel will resonate with everyone, no matter how old you are now!
P.S. That’s a wrap on season one, so make sure you subscribe to our show so you don’t miss the kick-off of season two this fall!
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
Embrace your body just as it is. We get caught up in comparing our bodies to others and learn what “beauty” is from media that is not diverse, inclusive, or realistic! You are beautiful just as you are.
It’s not the end of the world. When you face challenges and difficulties, know that that season is temporary. Feel your feelings, but don’t allow yourself to be paralyzed by those emotions.
You are never alone. You have family and friends who love you, so lean on your community when you need support. Of course we can do things on our own, but it’s so much easier and more fun with others.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
16 min - 8. How Do You Talk to Your Child About Race?
Some of the most difficult conversations we can have end up being the most impactful, and in this episode, we’re unpacking a conversation that many parents are unsure how to address with their children: race. This week, we’re sharing our own experiences of the people and events that shaped our own perceptions of race, and how you can approach the topic with your kids, no matter their age.
Some key takeaways from this episode include:
Reflect on your views of your own race and when you started noticing race. How old were you? Who was influencing those perceptions? Think about how your teachers, family, and friends influenced you.
Make sure you provide a strong foundation and preparation at home and empower your kids with the language they need to tell you what they’re observing and feeling.
Your kids are never too young to talk about race! A lot of families are scared to approach this subject with their children, but approaching these conversations directly lets them know you’re open to their questions.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
21 min - 7. Staying Connected to Yourself and Your Partner
Staying connected to your partner through your parenthood journey is so important, but staying connected to yourself should be your priority too! In this episode, we’re sharing our tips for getting back in touch with yourself as you go through life transitions, and how to keep that spark and connection alive with your partner through it all.
Some key takeaways from this conversation include:
We tend to put ourselves last, but we need to put our own oxygen masks on first. Finding your identity and what makes you you is crucial for staying connected to yourself and your loved ones.
Set and be firm with your boundaries. Your family may pout about it and may not always understand, but give them some space and let them see the results of you holding space for yourself.
Your needs as a mom and as a woman will change in different seasons of life. When you’re connected to yourself, you’re better at recognizing and communicating those needs so your loved ones can support you.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
21 min - 6. The Challenges, Joys, and Misconceptions of Fatherhood feat. Marcus Kimbrough & Mark Hatch
This is such a special episode because we are joined by our husbands - Marcus Kimbrough and Mark Hatch! Father’s Day is just around the corner, so we are talking about our relationships with our own fathers, the challenges and great joys of fatherhood, and what we wish the media knew about Black fathers.
Resources mentioned:
Episode 1: The Mothers That Shaped Our Own Motherhood Journeys
Some of the key takeaways from this episode include:
Fathers who instill confidence in their children (especially daughters!) and validate their feelings and strengths, raise children who don’t seek that validation in others.
Mark’s intention as a father is to be present with his kids. He loves when his kids are excited to be around him and play with him because they know he’s going to show up fully for them and with them.
Marcus shares that one of the challenges of fatherhood is being a parent more than a friend. There’s nothing wrong with being a friend to your children, but at the end of the day you have to make the tough decisions to make sure you’re raising your kids to become strong adults.
In our experience, we’ve seen Black fathers showing up for their families and being present in their homes and their communities. We wish people knew how engaged Black fathers really are and the example they’re setting for their children.
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!
Connect with Us!:
Podcast Instagram
YouTube
Charlitta’s Instagram
Helen’s Instagram
29 min
About Behind the Throne
From the publisher's feed
Mothers are the queens of the castle, but let’s be real: it’s not all ball gowns and glass slippers. On this podcast, we’re giving you a peek Behind the Throne at the privilege and responsibility of…
wearing the crown. Hosted by Helen Hope Kimbrough - a proud wife and mom of two adult sons - and Charlitta Hatch, a proud wife, married to her high school sweetheart, and a proud mom of two little ones. Get ready as we share jewels with each other and you around all things connected to motherhood!