Love is Weird

Grace Ragsdale: From Postpartum Darkness to Helping Other Mothers Heal

In this deeply honest and powerful episode, I sit down with Grace Ragsdale, BSN, RN, to talk about a postpartum experience that nearly cost her everything.

After becoming a mother, Grace entered a season of overwhelming sadness, crushing exhaustion, chronic doubt, and emotional pain that eventually led to inpatient care. At her lowest point, she struggled to find the will to keep going. But one thought cut through the darkness: her daughter only has one mom. No one else could replace Grace as her mama, love her in exactly the same way, or walk beside her through this life.

That realization helped Grace make one of the bravest decisions of her life: to ask for help.

Her story didn't end in that hospital. It became the beginning of a completely different life.

Grace fought her way toward recovery, rebuilt her relationship with herself and her family, and eventually turned what she learned into a mission to help other women navigate the postpartum years with more support, preparation, connection, and hope.

Today, Grace is a postpartum recovery coach and the creator of a 12-week postpartum recovery program designed for women who are pregnant or anywhere from 0–4 years postpartum. Her work is rooted not only in her professional background as a nurse, but in the lived experience of knowing how frightening and isolating postpartum mental and emotional struggles can become.

In this conversation, we talk about the realities of postpartum mental health, inpatient treatment, motherhood, identity, asking for help, rebuilding your life, movement and yoga, community, nutrition, networking, and the resources Grace discovered along the way.

This episode is especially important for mothers, expecting mothers, partners, family members, and anyone who wants to better understand what postpartum recovery can really look like.

Connect with Grace Ragsdale
Richmond, Virginia
Instagram: @megangrace.ragsdale.bsn.rn
https://www.instagram.com/megangrace.ragsdale.bsn.rn

Resources mentioned in the episode:

• A Brighter Birth Collective — A great resource for moms!
  https://www.abrighterbirth.com/

• 3S Yoga — where Grace practiced yoga during her recovery:
  https://www.3syoga.com/

• CoFlow RVA — another Richmond community and wellness space Grace loved:
  https://www.coflowrva.com/

• Julia Bedulia — Richmond yoga instructor offering community yoga, including free yoga events at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts:
  https://www.instagram.com/juliabeduliaa/

• Vegan Club RVA / Lauren Z. Ray — a Richmond vegan community Grace has been involved with:
  https://www.laurenzray.com/vegan-club-rva

• Two Twelve Referrals — a business networking resource mentioned during our conversation:
  https://www.twotwelvereferrals.com/

• RVA Baddiez — a Richmond community known for bringing women together through free group walks and social events:
  https://www.instagram.com/rvabaddiez/

Content note: This episode includes an open discussion of postpartum depression, suicidal thoughts, inpatient mental-health treatment, and severe emotional distress. Please listen with care.

If you are struggling after having a baby, you do not have to wait until things become unbearable to reach out for professional support. Asking for help can be the first chapter of an entirely different story.

Grace also offers FREE 45-minute phone consultations for women who want to talk through what they’re experiencing, learn more about her postpartum recovery approach, or see whether her 12-week program is the right fit. There’s no need to have everything figured out before reaching out — this is simply a chance to connect, ask questions, and explore what support could look like for you.

You can schedule your free 45-minute consultation with Grace today here:
https://calendly.com/megangraceragsdale/strategy-call?utm_id=97760_v0_s00_e0_tv3&month=2026-08

Online dating apps are pretty much shit and people (mostly men IMO) have forgotten the art of dating.

I had a Hinge date on as the guest for a new segment called "Straight Talk" when I have on straight men to chat about things that we as women WANT to know.

We had a date, I thought it was okay, he thought I essentially hated him. Listen in!

Email me your questions to ask on the segment to [email protected]

Are you SOLO Poly? What even is SOLO Poly?

I would bet you align more with SOLO Poly than you might think!

In this conversation, the hosts explore the concept of solo polyamory, discussing its definition, dynamics, and the importance of communication and consent in relationships. They delve into personal experiences, the role of therapy in self-discovery, and the impact of societal norms on relationship expectations. The discussion highlights the significance of emotional connections, boundaries, and prioritizing oneself in the context of polyamory. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of relationships and the importance of community building

Key takeaways

• Solo polyamory emphasizes the importance of self-relationship.
• Communication and transparency are crucial in polyamorous relationships.
• Compersion is the joy felt when seeing others happy in their relationships.
• Jealousy can stem from insecurity in relationships.
• Consent is fundamental in navigating multiple relationships.
• Therapy can aid in understanding one's desires and boundaries.
• Prioritizing oneself is essential in any relationship.
• Emotional connections can exist without physical intimacy.
• Societal norms often dictate relationship structures and expectations.
• Building a supportive community is vital for personal growth.

• Exploring Solo Polyamory: A New Perspective
• The Dynamics of Non-Monogamous Relationships

• "Consent is a big thing."
• "I want to prioritize myself."
• "Friendships last a lifetime."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Solo Polyamory06:01The Myths and Realities of Polyamory11:57The Role of Communication in Polyamory18:03Navigating New Relationships23:45Authentic Connections in Relationships29:46Conclusion and Reflections on Polyamory36:04Navigating Love and Honesty44:05Boundaries and Emotional Safety53:44Communication in Relationships01:00:46Societal Views on Sexuality01:08:32Closing Thoughts on Relationships

Summary

In this conversation, Brittney Howard shares her candid thoughts on the challenges of modern dating, particularly the frustrations associated with dating apps and the emotional clutter that often accompanies them. She emphasizes the importance of self-love and personal growth before entering into relationships, advocating for a focus on individual happiness and independence. Brittney reflects on her experiences and the cyclical nature of dating, ultimately expressing a desire to embrace her independence and pursue personal interests rather than conforming to societal expectations of relationships.

Takeaways

Brittney expresses her love for what dating should be, contrasting it with her frustrations with modern dating.

She highlights the cyclical nature of dating apps, where excitement quickly turns to disappointment.

Brittney believes that personal organization and mental clarity are essential for successful dating.

She emphasizes the importance of self-love as a prerequisite for loving others.

Brittney shares her decision to step back from dating to focus on her personal growth and hobbies.

She discusses the emotional toll of dating when one is not in the right headspace.

Brittney advocates for setting boundaries and being authentic in relationships.

She reflects on the need for compliments and emotional support in a relationship.

Brittney expresses a desire to explore life independently without the complications of dating.

She concludes with a commitment to personal interests and adventures over romantic pursuits.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Chaos: The Podcasting Experience

16:30 Decluttering Life: A Reflection on Space and Mind

19:45 Dating Dilemmas: The Impact of Personal Clutter

22:36 Self-Love and Relationships: The Foundation of Connection

23:56 The Power of Music and Emotion

23:56 Personal Journey and Artistic Growth

Email us!!

[email protected]

IG: @loveisweirdpod

FB: @loveisweirdpod

TT: @podloveisweird

In this episode "Thanks for Ghosting Me", we dive into the surprising silver linings of being ghosted. From how this podcast journey came to life to real talk about love, therapy, and dating, we’re sharing personal stories that hit close to home. We’ll chat about mental health, setting boundaries, and how generational views shape relationships. Plus, we tackle topics like domestic violence, the rollercoaster of dating apps, and finding love after being ghosted. It’s all about navigating relationships and personal growth with honesty and heart—don’t miss it!

In this episode, we’re exploring a tough but relatable topic: breaking up with a friend. My guest, Emily Vernon, founder of Vice Versa Strategy, shares her personal experiences with navigating friendship breakups, especially from the perspective of someone who tends to avoid conflict.

As an avoidant to conflict, Emily opens up about how she handles the emotional challenges of ending friendships, and how her approach contrasts with mine—where I’m more direct and confrontational. Together, we discuss the complexities of setting boundaries, knowing when it’s time to let go, and how to handle these situations with care and respect.

Later in the episode, Emily shares a bit about her work in digital marketing and how she helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through her agency, Vice Versa Strategy. Don’t miss this candid and insightful conversation on friendship, conflict, and personal growth.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote

00:52 The Importance of Aligning with Friends

02:30 Understanding Bids in Relationships/

04:31 Breaking Up with a Friend/

06:29 Guest Introduction: Emily Vernon/

13:08 Navigating Friendships and Difficult Conversations

21:11 Reflecting on Toxic Friendships

21:51 The Burden of Guilt-Tripping Friends

23:12 Friendship Etiquette and Pet Peeves

23:51 Money Matters in Friendships

25:54 The Final Straw: Breaking Up with a Friend

30:40 Moving On and Finding Happiness

33:21 Exciting Travel Plans and New Beginnings

34:18 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

John Gottman

https://www.gottman.com/product/the-seven-principles-for-making-marriage-work/

7 Principles for Making a Marriage Work

Emily Vernon 

About — Vice Versa

viceversastrategy.com

https://www.viceversastrategy.com › about

https://www.instagram.com/viceversastrategy/#

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-v-81627b5a

Sex has NEVER been a mindless jump in the sack, and were here to tell you why! Sex isn't always about spontaneity—it's about planning! Amy Rowan chats with us about sex and the complications of being in a long term relationship and keeping your regular sex life up to par! Amy also has a free E book on her site for some spicy tips to keep the sex alive! There is also a FREE discovery call for all of our LIW listeners to have a 1:1 call with Amy herself!

Enjoy a discount on intimacy products as well with code LIW50 https://suburbanintimacyshop.com/collections/bestsellers

You can reach Amy at any of the links below:

Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@amyrowanintimacycoach

Website

https://www.amy-rowan.com/

Linked In:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-rowan-coaching/

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/makeitayesnight/

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/amyrowanintimacycoach/

Unlock the truth behind why men lie in relationships in our latest episode! From white lies to bigger fibs, delve into the psychology and societal factors driving male dishonesty. Discover insightful perspectives on fear, leadership, and the impact on modern dating. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on navigating honesty and trust in relationships. Tune in now!

Love IS weird, let's talk about it!

Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@podcastloveisweird?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/podcastloveisweird/

Email

[email protected]

Richmond DV help line 800-838-8238

National DV help line 800-799-7233

In this deeply personal episode of Love Is Weird, host B takes listeners on an intimate journey through the highs and lows of her relationship experiences. With raw honesty and vulnerability, B shares pivotal moments that have shaped her path to self-discovery and empowerment.

From the euphoria of early love to the heartache of loss, B recounts the profound impact each relationship had on her growth and development. Along the way, she reflects on the invaluable lessons learned and the resilience gained through adversity.

One significant chapter of B's story involves navigating the challenging aftermath of a domestic violence situation. With courage and determination, B emerged from this harrowing experience with newfound strength and clarity. She delves into the process of setting healthy boundaries and reclaiming her sense of self-worth, offering inspiration and insight for listeners facing similar struggles.

Through poignant storytelling and candid reflections, B invites listeners to join her on a journey of self-discovery and healing. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, self-love, and the unwavering human spirit.

Tune in as B shares her story of love, loss, and ultimately, triumph, in this emotionally compelling episode of Love Is Weird.