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What does it mean to grow through fatherhood while navigating shame, rage, grief, and joy? In this week’s Quiet Connection, Chelsea sits down with Daniel, a musician, creative coach, and father of three, whose story is as lyrical as it is raw.

From becoming a dad at 18, to navigating rage and self-abandonment, to grieving his father’s death while welcoming a new baby, Daniel shares his journey of learning to surrender, to love himself, and to root deeply in order to rise higher. With vulnerability and poetic honesty, he reminds us that transformation often happens in the tension between love and sorrow.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Parenthood is transformation: From teen fatherhood to parenting three children, Daniel describes fatherhood as the “purifying fire” that shaped him.
   
   
2. Roots and branches: Healing requires rooting into messy truths (shame, grief, anger) in order to rise into wholeness.
   
   
3. The rage monster: Daniel once battled explosive anger and shame, but through honesty, humility, and his wife’s guidance, he’s learning new ways of being.
   
   
4. Love and sorrow are inseparable: The greater the grief we hold, the greater our capacity for joy.
   
   
5. Marriage as transformative fire: His wife’s honesty and insistence on change became a catalyst for his growth as a father and partner.
   
   
6. Self-love as legacy: Daniel hopes his children inherit not perfection, but the ability to love themselves fully — roots, branches, and all.

🎧 Soundbites

• “Parenthood is the purifying fire that smooths you like a river stone.”
  
  
• “My son’s willfulness either enrages my monster or brings out the best person in me — and that’s the gift.”
  
  
• “The roots are messy, but they’re what allow us to rise higher.”
  
  
• “Blessed are those who weep, for they will be comforted.”
  
  
• “There are no bad parts. Even rage and shame can be our allies when we bring them into the light.”
  
  
• “My hope for my children is that they love themselves fully — from their highest branches to their deepest roots.”

 To learn more about Daniel, visit his website or Instagram.

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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In this week’s Quiet Confession, Chelsea shares the real, unfiltered magic and chaos of their family’s recent trip to Disney. From the long drive down the East Coast to the unforgettable moments in the parks, they open up about the joys, challenges, and lessons learned along the way. 

Expect a mix of laughter, meltdowns, gratitude, and the gentle reminder that even the most magical experiences can still come with a few bumps.

To learn more about Laraine and Rainy's Magical Moments, visit her Link Tree!

🗝️ Key Takeaways

• Joy can exist even when things are messy.
• Family trips are a balance of chaos and connection.
• Flexibility and humor make the hard parts easier.
• Gratitude multiplies the magic, especially when community support makes dreams possible.
• Perfection is not the goal. Presence is.

💬Soundbites

• “Things do not have to be perfect and polished to be what they are.”
• “It was busier and more frantic during the Halloween party than it was during a regular day at Magic Kingdom, but once we slowed down, everything felt calmer.”
• “We saved every little penny, and this trip would not have been possible without our family and community.”
• “My three-year-old melted down every morning, and still, it was magical.”
• “When we finally drove under that big arch that says ‘Walt Disney World,’ we were all freaking out.”

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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In this episode of Quiet Connection, I’m connecting with Holly Frances, who shares the raw and emotional story of becoming a mother—just as her body was shutting down from Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

Diagnosed just weeks after giving birth, Holly spent nearly three months in the ICU, fighting for her life. She opens up about the physical toll of GBS, the guilt of not being able to care for her daughter, and the slow, determined climb toward healing.

Holly’s story is one of resilience, vulnerability, and quiet transformation—proof that even in our darkest seasons, there’s a way forward.

To learn more about Holly, visit her Instagram, Facebook, or Website. 

Takeaways

• Holly always dreamed of being a mother from a young age.
• The journey into motherhood was planned and exciting for Holly.
• Life doesn't always go as planned, as Holly learned through her illness.
• Holly was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome shortly after giving birth.
• Support from family and medical staff was crucial during her recovery.
• Holly found hope through connecting with other GBS survivors.
• The journey of recovery taught Holly to appreciate small moments of motherhood.
• Courage can manifest in quiet determination rather than loud declarations.
• Holly's bond with her daughter strengthened through their shared experiences.
• Holly's story serves as a beacon of hope for families dealing with GBS.

Sound Bites

• "I was diagnosed with a rare disease."
• "I could no longer walk."
• "I was put into ICU on a ventilator."
• "I wanted to give up."
• "I felt very alone."
• "You just gotta keep trying."
• "Courage doesn't always roar."

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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In this Quiet Confession, Chelsea reflects on a conversation with an old friend that led to a realization — Disney isn’t just a destination, it’s a feeling. It’s the space where “little me” exhales, where play and magic return, and where identity exists outside of motherhood, partnership, and responsibility.

Through this story, Chelsea invites listeners to rediscover their version of “Disney” — the place, activity, or ritual that reconnects them to who they are underneath all the roles they play. Because joy isn’t selfish. It’s sacred.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Everyone has a version of “Disney” — something that reconnects them to who they truly are.
  
  
• Joy and rest don’t need to be earned or justified; they’re essential forms of self-care.
  
  
• Reconnecting with ourselves models wholeness and authenticity for our children.
  
  
• Small, intentional moments of self-kindness add up to deep personal restoration.

💬 Soundbites

• “It’s about the moment when you can drop everything you’ve been carrying and see yourself underneath all of it.”
  
  
• “Somewhere along the way, we were taught that joy had to be earned. But what if it’s not selfish? What if it’s sacred?”
  
  
• “When we reconnect with the parts of ourselves that existed before we became parents, we show our kids what wholeness looks like.”
  
  
• “Whatever your version of Disney is, I hope you find time for it this week.”

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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What actually is a doula—and why do so many parents say they’d never give birth without one again?

This week I’m joined by Kristin from Gold Coast Doulas, who’s on a mission to transform the way we support birthing individuals from conception through the chaos of early parenting. Kristin shares how her own birth experiences sparked a passion for advocacy and led her to create the kind of business she wishes existed when she became a mom.

We dive into the misunderstood role of doulas, bust myths around who they serve (hint: it's not just for home births), and explore how emotional and physical support can completely change the postpartum game. From navigating insurance coverage to trusting your gut in a system full of managed care, this conversation is packed with insights for anyone navigating pregnancy, birth, or the foggy fourth trimester.

Whether you’re expecting, postpartum, or simply passionate about maternal health—this episode is your permission slip to seek support, ask questions, and reclaim your power.

Takeaways

• Kristen's journey into doula work was influenced by her own birth experiences.
• Gold Coast Doulas offers comprehensive support from conception to age five.
• Doulas provide non-medical support and advocacy during pregnancy and postpartum.
• The role of a doula is often misunderstood, with many believing they only assist with home births.
• Judgment-free support is crucial for empowering birthing individuals.
• Doulas help clients navigate their birth experiences and make informed decisions.
• Collaboration with healthcare providers is essential for effective doula support.
• Every birthing person deserves access to doula care and support.

Sound Bites

• "I fell in love with advocating for women."
• "I created the business that I wish existed."
• "I felt alone even with a nurse midwife."
• "There is a lot of managed patient care."
• "There is a doula for everyone."
• Todayas can impact prenatal health and support."
• "I would never do it without a doula."
• "Moms get things done."
• "Trust that little nagging feeling or your gut."
• "Everybody should look into doulas."

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
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In this Quiet Confession, Chelsea opens up about the lifelong belief that saying “no” equals failure, and how motherhood has challenged that mindset. Between constant illness in their household, navigating hormone replacement therapy, and juggling an endless list of commitments, they're learning that saying “no” isn’t selfish. It’s survival.

This episode dives into the messy, emotional practice of setting boundaries, rejecting burnout, and redefining love as something that includes yourself, too.

✨ Key Takeaways

• Saying “no” isn’t failure—it’s a form of self-preservation.
  
  
• Boundaries teach our children that love includes self-respect.
  
  
• You don’t have to do it all to be enough.
  
  
• Rest and recovery are acts of resistance against burnout culture.
  
  
• Protecting your energy allows you to show up as your best self.

💬 Soundbites

1. “If I say yes to one more thing, then I’m saying no to myself.”
   
   
2. “Maybe saying no is an act of love.”
   
   
3. “My limits are not weakness. They’re survival.”
   
   
4. “If our kids see us running ourselves into the ground, what are we teaching them?”
   
   
5. “Saying no doesn’t make me a bad mom. It means I’m protecting the version of me my kids need.”

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
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Motherhood is rarely what we expect—and sometimes it’s life-threatening. In this episode of Quiet Connection, Lisa, a mom of three, shares her powerful story of an unexpected pregnancy, a dangerous case of preeclampsia, and the challenges of NICU life. She opens up about navigating postpartum depression, anxiety, and rage, and how listening to her inner voice and reaching out for support became lifelines.

Lisa’s story is a reminder that maternal health matters, prenatal and postpartum visits can be life-saving, and advocating for yourself—even when it feels hard—is an act of love. Whether you’re a new parent, a seasoned one, or walking alongside someone on this journey, this conversation reminds us all: you are not alone.

 Connect with Lisa on Instagram. 

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Trusting your instincts matters. Lisa’s story shows how listening to that inner voice during pregnancy and postpartum can be life-saving.
   
   
2. Preeclampsia is serious and often misunderstood. Routine prenatal visits caught Lisa’s life-threatening condition before it became fatal.
   
   
3. NICU life is overwhelming and emotional. Balancing fear for her baby’s health with her own recovery was a defining part of Lisa’s journey.
   
   
4. Postpartum rage is real. It’s not just “being irritable”—it’s a form of postpartum mood disorder that deserves recognition and treatment.
   
   
5. Advocacy saves lives. Speaking up, asking questions, and insisting on care are critical in both pregnancy and postpartum.
   
   
6. Support is essential. Lisa’s healing has come from community, therapy, and openly sharing her story to help others feel less alone.

🎤 Soundbites

1. “One routine appointment changed everything — preeclampsia nearly killed me.”
   
   
2. “NICU life teaches you how strong and fragile we can be all at once.”
   
   
3. “Postpartum rage isn’t just being cranky. It’s a real, serious symptom of postpartum mental health.”
   
   
4. “Advocating for yourself in pregnancy isn’t optional. It can save your life.”
   
   
5. “Moms are told to be grateful, but we also need space to be real about our trauma.”
   
   
6. “Maternal health doesn’t end when the baby arrives — that’s when so much of it begins.”
   
   
7. “Every mother deserves to know she’s not alone in this.”
   
   
8. “I thought it was just me losing it. It wasn’t — it was postpartum rage.”

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
Send Chelsea a message on PodMatch

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In this week’s Quiet Confessions, Chelsea gets real about marriage in survival mode. With sick kids, nonstop appointments, and the relentless weight of the world, they share how love can sometimes look less like date nights and more like passing the baton at bedtime.

From the honesty of being “sleep divorced” with twin Tempur-Pedics and CPAP machines, to the reminder that relationships ebb and flow, Chelsea offers reassurance that quiet love is still love. This episode is for every parent who’s ever felt too tired for romance but certain in their commitment.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Relationships ebb and flow. Love doesn’t need to look fiery and passionate all the time to be strong.
   
   
2. Quiet love matters. Acts of teamwork and small gestures — like switching off kid duty or making tea — still count.
   
   
3. Survival mode is not failure. Sometimes marriage looks like keeping kids alive and collapsing into bed, and that’s okay.
   
   
4. Naming the season helps. Calling it what it is makes it feel less like failure and more like reality.
   
   
5. This season isn’t permanent. With time and intention, couples can return to rituals of closeness, laughter, and connection. 

🎧 Soundbites

• “It’s like having a full bank account but the ATM is closed — the love is there, the access just isn’t.”
  
  
• “Sometimes love looks like switching off kid duty and making sure there’s a clean cup for evening tea.”
  
  
• “Right now we’re best friends who live together and share a bedroom — and that’s still love.”
  
  
• “Nothing’s wrong. We’re just really freaking tired.”
  
  
• “Naming it feels less like failure and more like reality.”

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
Send Chelsea a message on PodMatch

Send us a text

In this week’s Quiet Confessions, Chelsea reflects on the small, everyday moments of parenting that are equal parts exhausting and heart-melting — the duality we don’t always recognize until it’s gone.

From preschool mispronunciations like “B-member” and “preschoo,” to bedtime bathroom excuses, to popcorn-for-dinner movie nights, Chelsea shares the sweetness hidden beneath the chaos. This episode is a gentle reminder to notice what we’ll miss one day — not because we have to savor every second, but because love is often tucked into the most overwhelming parts of parenting.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Parenting is full of duality. The same moments that feel overwhelming now are the ones we’ll one day miss.
   
   
2. Mispronunciations are fleeting magic. Words like “B-member” or “Lightning the Queen” capture a child’s unique stage of life.
   
   
3. Bedtime routines hold hidden sweetness. What feels like stalling now may one day feel like a gift of connection.
   
   
4. Simple joys matter. Popcorn-and-movie dinners are proof that small rituals become treasured memories.
   
   
5. Sibling bonds shine through. Even amid bickering, moments of laughter and connection remind us how strong sibling relationships are.
   
   
6. Presence over perfection. It’s not about savoring every moment, but noticing love inside the chaos. 

🎧 Soundbites

• “The duality of parenting is that the things that drive us crazy now will break our hearts when they’re gone.”
  
  
• “One day she won’t come downstairs for that extra hug — and I’ll miss it.”
  
  
• “B-member and preschoo are uniquely hers right now — and I know I’ll miss it when the words are gone.”
  
  
• “Popcorn-and-movie night feels like survival to us, but to them, it feels like a party.”
  
  
• “Love is tucked into the chaos — and that’s what we’ll miss one day.”

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
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In this week’s Quiet Confessions, Chelsea gets vulnerable about the mom guilt that comes with trying to balance parenting and personal growth. With both kids now in school, they share the challenges of juggling preschool pick-ups, three-hour Zoom trainings, and the ever-present temptation of screen time for their toddler.

From Paw Patrol marathons to the sweetness of a preschooler “working” on their lap, Chelsea opens up about the tension between logic and guilt, passion and parenting. This episode is for every parent who’s ever felt stretched thin, questioned if they were doing enough, and needed the reminder: you are not failing.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Logic doesn’t erase guilt. Even when kids are safe, cared for, and entertained, parents can still feel guilt about relying on screens.
   
   
2. Independent play has value. Letting kids entertain themselves builds resilience, creativity, and problem-solving.
   
   
3. Passion projects matter. Pursuing opportunities like trainings, studies, or work benefits both parent and family long-term.
   
   
4. Grace makes a difference. Being surrounded by other moms who understand the chaos of parenting helps ease guilt.
   
   
5. Balance is messy. Parenting and personal growth don’t line up perfectly — and that doesn’t mean failure.
   
   
6. Small glimmers count. Sweet moments, like a toddler pretending to work alongside you, can transform guilt into gratitude.

🎧 Soundbites

• “Guilt does not care about logic, does it?”
  
  
• “Independent play has value — but guilt says I should be doing more.”
  
  
• “I know I’m not choosing between my kids and something meaningless — this matters.”
  
  
• “Sometimes balance looks like Paw Patrol and a preschooler on my lap during Zoom calls.”
  
  
• “We’re not failing. We’re juggling. And that has to be enough.”

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health?
Send Chelsea a message on PodMatch