Having a baby is one of the biggest life changes you'll ever face, and when it comes to advice and opinions on parenthood, the noise never stops. Between caring for a new life and surviving the sleepless nights, it can be nearly impossible to know what decisions are actually right for your family. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with Dr. Carole Keim, board-certified pediatrician, author, and host of The Baby Manual podcast, to cut through the noise and talk about what first-time parents actually need to know. From safe sleep and sleep training to postpartum emotions and building your support system, Dr. Keim brings calm, evidence-based answers to the questions new parents are often too nervous to ask. Because when it comes to raising a baby, there really are no stupid questions.

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast do not constitute medical advice and are not necessarily the views of AAA Northeast, AAA and or its affiliates. 

The Baby Manual by Dr. Carole Keim 

Dr. Carole Keim's website: carolekeim.com

What does it actually mean to take a restful vacation when our phones come with us everywhere? In this episode of Merging Into Life, Sabrina sits down with Frank from StationeryAt4 to talk about analog living, digital burnout and how to plan a vacation that helps you truly disconnect. From journaling and vinyl records to phone boundaries, quiet mornings, and the myth that rest happens instantly, Frank shares how slower, more intentional routines can help us feel more present at home and away.

What if the pressure to find your “dream job” is actually what’s keeping you stuck? In this episode of Merging Into Life, Sabrina Pierotti sits down with career coach Sam DeMase to unpack the realities of career pivots, burnout, toxic work environments, and why modern careers no longer follow a straight line. Sam DeMase explains why today’s careers look more like mosaics than ladders, how Gen Z and millennials are redefining loyalty in the workplace, and why changing paths doesn’t mean starting over. Together, they dive into the emotional side of career transitions, from identity loss and fear to the guilt of leaving jobs that no longer fit. Whether you’re quietly questioning your current role, navigating burnout, or dreaming about something new, this conversation is a reminder that it’s never too late to pivot toward a career that actually supports your life.

Read Power Mood

Whether you’re dreaming of a Pinterest-worthy kitchen or just want to refresh your living room walls, home projects can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re doing it yourself. But it doesn’t have to be intimidating. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti talks with DIY creator Kat Sanders about how she transformed a former cow shed into her dream family home—and what she’s learned from ten years of renovating it one project at a time.

They talk about how to get started (even when you’re scared), how to create a space that feels like you, and how to stretch your budget with secondhand finds and hands-on work.

Connect with Kat: @thebarnrenovation

Whether it’s the sudden unraveling of a relationship, the loss of a job, or a lingering feeling of disconnection, the emotional  impacts don’t  always show up the way we expect. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti sits down with psychologist Vassia Sarantopoulou, founder of AntiLoneliness, to talk about how to recognize the signs of emotional burnout, how to take the first step in choosing a therapist, and all about how to move through those hard seasons with more resilience and less shame.

Connect with Vassia

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vassia.sar/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassia-sarantopoulou/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vassiasar

Website: www.antiloneliness.com / www.vassiasar.com 

Guide: 7 tips to Stop Overthinking 

Navigating the workplace isn't just about your resume- it's about knowing your worth and learning how to speak up for it. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Sabrina Pierotti is joined by career confidence coach and author Sam DeMase to break down the tools that help people feel more empowered at every stage of their career. From handling imposter syndrome to navigating interviews, setting boundaries, and asking for a raise, Sam shares tangible strategies for building confidence without burnout.

Read Power Mood

Trying to decide between leasing or buying your next car? You’re not alone—and there’s a lot more to consider than just the monthly payment. In this episode of Merging Into Life, Zack Klapman is joined by Chris Hardesty, Senior Advice Editor at Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader, to unpack the financial, lifestyle, and long-term factors that come with car ownership in today’s market.

From building equity and managing depreciation to understanding car loan lengths, leasing fees, and how interest rates impact your total cost, Chris shares smart, real-world advice to help you make the best decision for you.

Whether you’re curious about e-bikes, new to biking, or finding more eco-friendly ways to travel, micro-mobility is becoming an increasingly popular (and practical) way to get around. But with more people riding on the road, safety, confidence, and smart planning matter more than ever. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Zack Klapman talks with Tangier Barnes Wright, Deputy Director of Shared Micromobility at PeopleForBikes, about how cities can better support cyclists and how riders can better support themselves. They cover everything from choosing your first route to making yourself visible at night and practicing good etiquette on shared trails

Learn more: 

https://www.peopleforbikes.org/

You don’t have to be a mechanic to handle a roadside emergency with confidence, you just need a little know-how. In this episode of Merging Into Life, Zack Klapman is joined by Audra Fordin, founder of Women Auto Know, to walk listeners through the car safety basics that every driver should know. From how to change a flat tire to what to put in an emergency car kit, Audra shares simple DIY car skills that can help you stay calm, act smart, and avoid costly mistakes.

Connect With Audra 

www.driversautoknow.com  

www.womenautoknow.com  

Eco-friendly tourism doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing philosophy. In this episode of Merging Into Life, host Kim Rodrigues is joined by Claire Martin, an eco-conscious travel creator and founder of Claire’s Footsteps, to talk about how we can all make more mindful travel choices. It doesn't matter if it is in far-flung Sri Lanka or on spring break, the smallest effort can have a big impact. Especially if we all pitch in. From slow travel to over-tourism, supporting local businesses to spotting greenwashing, Claire offers practical, shame-free ways to reduce your impact and connect more deeply with the places you visit.