In this heartfelt episode, Tara welcomes therapist, author, and podcast host Dr. Cassidy Freitas to share her personal journey through parenthood and her expert insights on navigating postpartum challenges. They dive into how childhood and cultural legacies shape modern parenting styles, often triggering cycles of stress and control. Dr. Cassidy explains how systemic issues, social media, and even AI impact modern motherhood, making it harder than ever to find balance.

Drawing from her book Mom Needs a Moment, Dr. Cassidy offers highly practical strategies for creating protected boundaries and margins amidst the daily chaos of digital-era lives. She explains how to identify personal triggers, regulate reactions, and cultivate deep self-compassion. The episode also highlights the significance of personal space, offering invaluable resources for both parents and therapists looking to foster authentic well-being. Whether you are navigating the vulnerable early days of a newborn or managing the complexities of the teenage years, tune in to discover how to unpack stressful cycles, embrace vulnerability, and build deeper, more meaningful connections with your children and yourself.

https://www.drcassidymft.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drcassidy/

https://amzn.to/3TaCu7S

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How do you turn life’s darkest, most chaotic moments into comedy? In this episode, internet sensation, comedian, and author Laura Clery joins the show for an incredibly candid conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of humor. Laura takes us behind the scenes of her journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, sharing how she found her unique voice through unapologetic storytelling and "over-sharing" on her rise to capturing over 26 million followers. Together, Tara and Laura dive into the unbelievable story of her miraculous survival after a refrigerator fell on her, exploring both the deep physical and mental toll of unexpected trauma and how comedy became her ultimate tool for processing pain and finding a path forward.

They also explore the creative process behind Laura’s new book "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Hotter" discussing how she successfully balanced raw, vulnerable writing with the signature humor her fans adore. Beyond the laughs, Laura opens up about the complex realities of navigating public life, setting essential boundaries as a mother and a survivor of addiction and abuse, and managing the intricate dynamics of co-parenting and divorce in the relentless spotlight. Laura offers a powerful, funny, and deeply human reminder of how resilience can shape our coping mechanisms, proving that when we find the courage to laugh through the chaos, we reclaim our power. This one is a must-listen!

Links:

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Motherhood is a wild ride, and honestly, sometimes you just have to laugh so you don't cry. This week, Tara sat down with comedian, actress, and podcast host of Funjelah, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes for a deeply relatable chat about marriage, babies, and everything in between.

Anjelah shared her incredible journey from NFL cheerleader to viral comedy sensation, but she also gets raw about the less glamorous side of things, like newborn survival mode and the pressure on modern moms. Together, she and Tara spoke about finding your village, surviving the social media noise, and keeping the spark alive in a long-term marriage. Anjelah also shared about the inspiration behind her new comedy special called Ugly Baby, now on YouTube.

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bvkoxZ6xcw

https://anjelah.com/

https://www.instagram.com/anjelahjohnson/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with media trailblazer Angela C. Santomero, the creator behind some of the most beloved educational children's programming, such as Blues Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, to discuss what kids really need to thrive in today's fast-paced, screen-filled world. Drawing from decades of experience in child development and storytelling, Angela shares how intentional media can help children build confidence, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills while offering parents practical strategies to navigate modern parenting with less pressure and more purpose. Both Jersey girls, Tara and Angela even discuss their time at Nickelodeon and their love of pizza!

Links:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it mean to build the family that's right for you, even when it doesn't fit society's expectations? In this episode, Tara sits down with Jacqueline Stein, founder of The Only Hearts Club, to explore the realities of raising an only child, navigating outside opinions, and finding confidence in your parenting decisions. Jacqueline shares how a simple Facebook group grew into a thriving global community for mothers of only children and why creating meaningful connections beyond traditional family structures matters more than ever.

Together, Tara (an only child with an only child) and Jackie unpack the myths surrounding only-child families, the pressure many moms feel from relatives, social media, and cultural expectations, and how self-awareness and authenticity can help moms tune out the noise. They discuss sibling dynamics, chosen family, mental health, and the evolving definition of family in modern motherhood.

Whether you're raising an only child, considering your family size, or simply looking for reassurance that there's no one "right" way to parent, this conversation is for you!

Links:

www.instagram.com/theonlyhearts

www.theonlyhearts.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when a joke about beige baby clothes turns into a cultural phenomenon?

In this episode, Tara sits down with content creator, satirist, and author Hayley DeRoche, the internet's beloved voice behind the viral "Sad Beige" commentary. What began as playful observations about muted nursery décor and monochromatic baby wardrobes quickly evolved into a deeper conversation about modern motherhood, social status, consumer culture, and the pressures parents face online.

Hayley shares the inspiration behind her book, Dress Your Baby in Sage and Taupe, and explains why the "Sad Beige" aesthetic resonated with millions of parents. Together, Tara and Hayley explore how social media algorithms shape parenting trends, the ways capitalism influences the choices we make for our families, and why certain parenting aesthetics can function as subtle markers of class and identity. With equal parts humor and insight, this conversation unpacks the performative nature of parenting in the digital age and challenges listeners to think critically about the messages they're consuming and buying into.

Links:

https://www.hayleyderoche.com/

https://amzn.to/3SaRvGa

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

https://www.instagram.com/officialsadbeige

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara welcomes OB-GYN and author, known as @theperioddoctor, Dr. Charis Chambers to explore how parents can revolutionize their approach to talking about puberty and menstruation, fostering respect, confidence, and health in adolescents. Dr. Charis shares powerful insights from her new book and experience, emphasizing early, honest, and ongoing conversations as the cornerstone of positive change.

Key topics:

Tune into this episode if you want to have a different (more empowering) conversation with your children than your mother had with you!

Links:

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt episode, Tara sits down with authors Liz Swenson and Alessa Martin to discuss the deeply personal journey behind Trying, a powerful book created to support those navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and the often-overlooked emotional challenges that accompany them. Liz and Alessa shares the inspiration behind the book, the importance of telling honest stories, and how creating space for these experiences can help individuals feel less isolated in their grief and uncertainty. They explore the emotional impact of fertility struggles and the need for greater compassion and understanding around these topics.

The conversation also offers valuable insight into how friends, family members, and communities can better support loved ones facing infertility and loss. Liz, Alessa and Tara discuss the healing power of connection, the role of emotional support in the journey to parenthood, and why destigmatizing these experiences is so important. Whether you're personally navigating fertility challenges or looking to better support someone who is, this episode provides encouragement, understanding, and hope.

Links:

https://clubtrying.com/

https://www.instagram.com/clubtrying/

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In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tara welcomes trauma-informed therapist and author of Lonely AF: A Therapist's No-BS Guide to Feeling Less Alone Dr. Sylvia Kalicinski discusses the growing loneliness epidemic impacting mothers, young adults, and families everywhere. Dr. Sylvia shares how modern life, social anxiety, postpartum struggles, and the pressure to “do it all” have left so many people feeling disconnected from themselves and others. Through personal stories and practical insights, she reframes loneliness not as a personal failure, but as an invitation to build deeper self-awareness and more meaningful relationships. Her reminder, “You are doing an amazing job, you weren’t meant to do it all,” deeply resonates with overwhelmed parents and caregivers.Throughout the conversation, Tara and Dr. Sylvia explore the emotional realities of early motherhood, the stigma surrounding postpartum rage, and the powerful role micro-social interactions play in emotional health. Dr. Sylvia also introduces her HEART method, a framework designed to help people regulate emotions, strengthen self-connection, and foster authentic community in an increasingly isolated world. From the lasting social effects of the pandemic to the invisible emotional wounds many people carry, this episode offers compassionate encouragement and actionable tools for anyone seeking deeper connection and healing.

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In this episode, Tara chats with Caitlin Wilder, a full-spectrum doula, lactation counselor, podcaster and founder of Wilder Beginnings, for an honest conversation about the realities of postpartum life that so many moms are experiencing, but few people openly talk about. Caitlin shares why managing expectations in motherhood can make such a difference during the postpartum season, especially in a world where social media often paints an unrealistic picture of what life with a new baby should look like. Tara and Caitlin talk about embracing imperfection, giving yourself permission to slow down, and how lowering your expectations during postpartum can actually reduce stress and support your mental health.

Caitlin also dives into the importance of trusting your maternal instincts and learning to respond confidently to your baby’s cues instead of outside noise. They discuss the impact technology and social media can have on new moms, why limiting social media use during postpartum may protect your peace, and practical advice for moms navigating life with multiple children. Whether you are preparing for your first baby or adjusting to motherhood all over again, this conversation is filled with reassuring reminders, grounded parenting tips, and encouragement to trust yourself through every stage of the motherhood journey.

Links:

https://www.wilderbeginnings.com/

https://www.wilderbeginnings.com/podcast

https://www.instagram.com/wilderbeginnings/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.