No One Told Us

By Rachael Shepard-Ohta

No One Told Us the truth about parenthood. WHY?!

Welcome to No One Told Us, the podcast where we uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about parenthood. I'm your host, Rachael Shepard-Ohta, mom of three ... more

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FAQs about No One Told Us:

How many episodes does No One Told Us have?

The podcast currently has 130 episodes available.

No One Told Us episodes:

September 17, 2026Episode 114: Rethinking the Mental Load & Teaching Kids to “Notice and Do” with Sam Kelly
What if we stopped waiting to be asked and started teaching our kids to notice what needs to be done? In this episode, Rachael sits down with therapist-turned-feminist coach Sam Kelly to talk about the mental load, gender norms, family dynamics, and her “notice and do” philosophy for creating more equitable homes.
Together, they unpack why the mental load is a whole-family issue and how parents can teach children to recognize needs and take action without constantly being reminded. Sam also shares practical strategies for building independence through routines, visual cues, and scripts, including ways to adapt these ideas for neurodivergent children and adults.
Inside this episode:
What “notice and do” means and where the idea came from

Why the mental load is a whole-family issue

How gender norms and cultural conditioning shape household responsibilities

Teaching kids to notice what needs to be done without being asked

Practical strategies for building independence through routines, visual cues, and scripts

Creating a more equitable division of household responsibilities

Adapting “notice and do” for neurodivergent children and adults

Helping kids navigate multi-step tasks and attention challenges

How sharing the mental load can reduce burnout

Why teaching kids to contribute is about more than chores

How “notice and do” can build confidence and independence

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Preorder: Sam Kelly’s “Notice and Do”

Follow Sam on instagram: @samkelly_world
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
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46min
September 10, 2026Episode 113: Rethinking Picky Eating & Building a Healthy Relationship with Food with Jennifer Anderson
What does it actually mean to be a “picky eater,” and how can we help our kids develop a healthy relationship with food without pressure, shame, or anxiety? In this episode, Rachael sits down with registered dietitian and author Jennifer Anderson to talk about picky eating, childhood nutrition, feeding routines, food boundaries, and the many ways our parenting practices can shape our children’s relationship with food.
Together, they unpack what picky eating really means, how to create structure and boundaries around food while still honoring a child’s autonomy, and how diet culture and social media can influence the way we approach feeding our kids. Jennifer also shares practical strategies for navigating snacks, Halloween candy, food labels, and helping children develop embodied independence and trust in their own bodies.
Inside this episode:
What picky eating really means and why it’s so common

How parenting practices can influence children’s relationships with food

How to create structure and boundaries around meals without shame or pressure

The role of snacks and routines in children’s eating habits

How diet culture and social media can impact the way we feed our kids

Strategies for navigating Halloween candy and other treats

Why black-and-white thinking about food can be harmful

How to model healthy behaviors without creating shame around food

Understanding sensory and developmental factors that can contribute to picky eating

The importance of embodied independence and helping kids trust their bodies

How parental language can influence body image and food relationships

How to talk to kids about food choices without labeling foods as “good” or “bad”

Resources and support for families dealing with extreme picky eating

How to foster healthy independence around food as kids grow

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Jennifer’s book, Feed Them Well: Pre-order here

Pediatric Screener for ARFID and Extreme Picky Eating (PSA-Eat): Take the screener

BetterBites: Learn more
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website

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47min
September 03, 2026Episode 112: Postpartum OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Learning to Trust Yourself with Jenna Overbaugh
What happens when the thoughts that scare you most become the thoughts you can’t stop thinking about? In this episode, Rachael sits down with licensed professional counselor Jenna Overbaugh to talk about postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and the ways sleep deprivation, perfectionism, and the need for control can fuel OCD symptoms.
Together, they unpack what separates common intrusive thoughts from OCD, why OCD often latches onto the things we care about most, and how parents can begin breaking the cycle of reassurance seeking, avoidance, and compulsions. Jenna also explains how exposure and response prevention (ERP) can help parents build confidence and learn to trust themselves again.

Inside this episode:
What postpartum OCD really looks like

The difference between intrusive thoughts and OCD

How sleep deprivation and anxiety can feed each other

Why OCD often latches onto what we care about most

How perfectionism and the need for control can fuel OCD

The role of reassurance seeking and why it can reinforce OCD

How social media can contribute to anxiety and compulsive behaviors

What exposure and response prevention (ERP) is and how it works

How compulsions and safety behaviors keep the OCD cycle going

Understanding ego-dystonic thoughts and fears of harming your baby

What research tells us about the risk of harm in parents with OCD

When postpartum OCD requires specialized or intensive treatment

How parents can reduce avoidance and step outside their comfort zones

Why learning to tolerate uncertainty is such an important part of recovery

How to find specialized support for postpartum OCD

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Jenna Overbaugh’s resources: https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/resources

Jenna’s book, Making Peace with a Noisy Mind, coming February 2027

Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna.overbaugh

Jenna’s Substack: https://www.thenoisymind.substack.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
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56min
August 27, 2026Episode 111: Too Sensitive? Understanding Emotional Sensitivity, ADHD & Regulation with Dr. Sasha Hamdani
What does it really mean to be “too sensitive”? In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychiatrist, author, and ADHD expert Dr. Sasha Hamdani to unpack emotional sensitivity, ADHD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and the ways our understanding of ourselves can shape how we parent.Inside this episode:
What emotional sensitivity really means and how it exists on a spectrum

Why labels can become part of our internal narrative

Understanding rejection sensitive dysphoria and intense emotional responses

How ADHD can impact emotional regulation…not just attention

Why ADHD is often diagnosed later in women, especially after becoming parents

How ADHD and emotional sensitivity can show up differently in girls and women

The role social media plays in ADHD awareness, education, and misinformation

How parenthood can reveal previously unrecognized neurodivergent traits

Practical tools for managing big emotional responses and building regulation skills

How we can help emotionally sensitive children develop resilience

Why emotional regulation should be taught early….and even in schools

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Too Sensitive by Dr. Sasha Hamdani

Dr. Sasha Hamdani on Instagram

Dr. Sasha Hamdani on TikTok
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website

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52min
August 20, 2026Episode 110: Parenting the Spicy Kid with Mary Van Geffen
What does it really mean to parent a “spicy” kid? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting expert and author Mary Van Geffen to talk about strong-willed, sensitive, and neurodivergent children and what parents can do when everyday parenting feels especially challenging.
Together, they discuss emotional regulation, parenting shame, boundaries, meltdowns, bedtime struggles, and the importance of doing our own inner work. Mary shares practical tools and compassionate strategies for staying connected to your child while also learning how to regulate yourself, repair after hard moments, and parent with more confidence.

Inside this episode:
What makes a child “spicy” and how to understand their unique temperament

Why parental self-regulation is one of the most important parenting tools

How childhood experiences can shape the way we parent

Navigating neurodivergence, diagnosis, and finding the right support

Practical strategies for managing meltdowns, tantrums, and big emotions

How routine, predictability, and connection can help sensitive kids thrive

Setting firm boundaries while staying kind and connect

The role of self-compassion, repair, and doing your own inner work

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Parenting a Spicy One by Mary Van Geffen

Mary Van Geffen on Instagram

Mary Van Geffen on TikTok
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website

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49min
August 13, 2026Episode 109: Parenting Wisdom from Around the World with Michaeleen Doucleff
What if many of the things we believe about parenting aren't actually universal? In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to explore what different cultures around the world can teach us about raising children, building strong family relationships, and rethinking some of our most deeply held parenting beliefs.
Together, they discuss parenting myths, child development, autonomy, screen time, dopamine, sleep, and what it can look like to approach family life with more respect, connection, and trust.
Inside this episode:
Why so many common parenting practices aren't universal

What different cultures can teach us about raising children

The importance of respect, autonomy, and contribution in child development

How dopamine actually affects motivation and screen time

Rethinking the way we approach sleep and separation

How to build stronger, more connected parent-child relationships

Practical ways to encourage independence and healthy motivation

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

Dopamine Kids by Michaeleen Doucleff

Michaeleen Doucleff's website
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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53min
August 06, 2026Episode 108: The Power of Hobbying for Parents and Adults with Marina Cooley
What if making time for a hobby wasn't selfish but one of the best things you could do for yourself and your family? In this episode, Rachael sits down with writer and researcher Marina Cooley to explore why hobbies matter, how Danish culture approaches work-life balance, and what we can learn about slowing down, finding joy, and supporting our mental health.
Together, they discuss how hobbies can reduce screen time, ease mom guilt, strengthen community, and help parents reconnect with themselves, even in the busiest seasons of life.
Inside this episode:
Why hobbies are essential for parents' well-being

How Danish culture approaches happiness and balance

Reducing screen time through meaningful hobbies

Reframing productivity, self-care, and mom guilt

The role of community in happier family life

Practical ways to make hobbies fit into a busy schedule

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
The Geography of Bliss
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website

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47min
July 30, 2026Episode 107: The Parenting Advice We Need to Unlearn with Fiona Weaver
What if the hardest part of parenting isn't your child's sleep, but the pressure to do everything "right"? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting educator and maternal mental health advocate Fiona Weaver for an honest conversation about the parenting advice we may need to unlearn.
Together, they discuss the myths surrounding sleep training and independence, why "good enough" parenting is actually the goal, and how societal expectations can fuel mom guilt and self-doubt. Fiona also shares her experience parenting three children, navigating toddler sleep challenges, and embracing a more flexible, compassionate approach that supports both children and their parents.
Whether you're questioning the parenting advice you've been given or simply looking for reassurance that you're doing enough, this episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and a refreshing perspective on modern motherhood.

Inside this episode:
Why "good enough" parenting is the gold standard

Common myths about sleep training and infant independence

The emotional and developmental needs of children

How societal expectations contribute to mom guilt and shame

Why you can't hang your mood on your baby's sleep

The connection between infant sleep and maternal mental health

Letting go of rigid sleep tracking and unrealistic expectations

Building stronger family relationships through flexibility and connection

How community and support can transform the parenting experience

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Mama Matters website

Fiona Weaver on Instagram
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
50min
July 23, 2026Episode 106: Rethinking Baby Sleep: A Holistic Approach with Dr. Pamela Douglas
What if your baby's sleep challenges weren't something to fix but a clue to better understanding their unique needs? In this episode, Rachael sits down with physician, researcher, and founder of the Possums Program, Dr. Pamela Douglas, to explore a holistic, evidence-based approach to infant sleep, feeding, and development.
Together, they discuss why sleep, feeding, sensory development, and emotional well-being are deeply connected, how societal pressures can increase stress for parents, and why responsive, flexible caregiving often leads to better outcomes for the whole family. Whether you're navigating an unsettled baby or simply looking for a gentler approach to infant sleep, this episode offers practical, reassuring guidance.
Inside this episode:
Why sleep, feeding, and sensory development are all connected

The philosophy behind the Possums approach to infant care

The five domains that can contribute to an unsettled baby

Common myths about overstimulation and baby sleep

Why outdoor play and sensory experiences support healthy development

How parental stress can impact the parenting experience

Practical ways to respond to your baby's unique cues

Why flexibility…not rigid routines…helps families thrive

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
The Discontented Little Baby Book by Dr. Pamela Douglas

Possums Program
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website

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...more
47min
July 16, 2026Episode 105: Dad Brain Explained: The Science of Fatherhood with Dr. Darby Saxbe
What if becoming a dad changes the brain just as much as becoming a mom? In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychologist, researcher, and author Dr. Darby Saxbe to explore the science behind "dad brain," how fatherhood reshapes the brain, and why great parenting is built through experience, not instinct.
Together, they discuss the neurological changes fathers experience during the transition to parenthood, the importance of paternity leave and hands-on caregiving, and how supporting dads benefits the entire family. Whether you're a new parent or expecting a baby, this conversation will change the way you think about fatherhood.
Inside this episode:
What "dad brain" really is and how fatherhood changes the brain

Why great parents are made…not born

The truth about maternal and paternal instinct

How paternity leave supports dads, babies, and families

Why hands-on parenting builds confidence and stronger attachment

The role of maternal gatekeeping and working as a team

The importance of supporting dads' mental health

How couples can better navigate the postpartum transition

And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Dad Brain by Dr. Darby Saxbe

Natal Gazing on Substack

@Darbysaxbe
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
...more
50min

FAQs about No One Told Us:

How many episodes does No One Told Us have?

The podcast currently has 130 episodes available.

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