Black History Month is about so much more than a page in a history book—it’s an opportunity to celebrate excellence, foster empathy, and build a foundation of conscious awareness in our children. But as parents, how do we move beyond the "checklist" and have truly meaningful conversations?In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Tristan Richardson, a conscious parenting coach and education consultant. Tristan helps us navigate the "how" and "why" behind celebrating Black History Month as a family. We dive into:

• The "Why": Why intentional celebration is vital for children of all backgrounds.
• The Conversation: Practical, age-appropriate ways to talk to your kids about history, struggle, and achievement.
• The Toolkit: A curated list of resources, books, and activities that make these discussions natural and impactful.
• The Mindset: How conscious parenting helps us show up authentically for these big (and important) topics.

Whether you’re looking for a place to start or want to deepen your family’s practice of inclusion, this episode is packed with the heart and wisdom you need to lead with love and education.

This week, I’m sitting down with my friend and fellow mom, Genevieve Stewart, for a conversation that most of us are terrified to have, but all of us need to hear. Genevieve isn't an "expert" with a PhD—she’s a mom of a teen and a pre-teen who decided that the "purity culture" many of us grew up with stops with her. We’re diving deep into the messy, awkward, and incredibly important world of introducing sex and body autonomy to our kids.In this episode, we cover:

• Breaking the Cycle: Moving away from shame-based "purity culture" and toward open, honest communication.
• The "One-Talk" Myth: Why sex ed is a series of 10,000 tiny conversations, not one big, scary event.
• Body Autonomy: How teaching kids they are the "boss of their body" starts way earlier than you think.
• The Resource Toolkit: Genevieve shares the exact books—from It’s Not the Stork to Boys & Sex—that helped her navigate these waters with her girls.

Whether you have a toddler asking where babies come from or a middle-schooler navigating social media, this episode is a judgment-free zone designed to help you feel a little less alone in the "juggling and struggling" of modern parenting.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• "The Happiest Kids in the World" by Rina Mae Acosta & Michele Hutchison
• "Beyond the Birds and the Bees" by Bonnie J. Rough
• "Girls & Sex" and "Boys & Sex" by Peggy Orenstein
• The "Family Library" Series by Robie H. Harris (It's Not the Stork!, It's So Amazing!, and It's Perfectly Normal)

Episode 4 is a walk down memory lane with a powerful destination. I sit down with childhood friend and conscious parenting coach Tristan Richardson. From our days as teenage pen pals to the reality of raising a Black son in 2025, we explore how shifting from "control" to "connection" changes everything. Plus, we bond over our mutual hate for trampoline parks and why building diverse communities is the future of parenting.

What happens when the joy of a new baby is met with the shock of a life-altering diagnosis? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Lauren Bygland, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when her son was just five months old. In Episode 3 of Breakroom Mom, Lauren shares her journey through treatment, the emotional impact of mastectomy and hysterectomy, and how she used her runner’s mindset to battle the disease. Join us for a vulnerable conversation about motherhood, identity, and the unrealistic pressures we face as parents today.

Parenting in 2026 feels like trying to hit a moving target, especially when it comes to our kids' health. To help us find some solid ground, I’m talking with Dr. Danielle Bliss. We’re diving into the "State of the Pediatrician’s Office" right now—discussing everything from changing requirements and controversial new health directives to the everyday products she keeps out of her house. Dr. Bliss helps us cut through the political and digital noise to focus on what really matters: keeping our kids safe and thriving in a rapidly changing world.

Welcome to the very first episode of Breakroom Mom. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at a job that was supposed to come "naturally," this episode is for you. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I started this podcast and tackling the big question: Why does parenting feel so much harder for us than it did for the generations before? We’re diving into the unique pressures Millennials and Gen Z face—from the digital overload of "perfect" parenting to the lack of a traditional village. Grab your coffee (even if it’s cold) and join me in the breakroom.