Today’s Guests: Dr. Zachary Rubin & Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Shane McAnally.

Some of the most meaningful parenting moments happen during mealtime - from those quiet early feedings of formula or breastmilk to the hilarious (and often messy) introduction of solid foods. But alongside those memories comes a steady stream of questions: What should my baby be eating? When is the right time to introduce new foods? How do I handle allergies?

In the final episode of our three-part feeding series, StrollerCoaster zooms out to explore the full journey of nutrition across your baby’s first 1,000 days - a critical window that plays a powerful role in growth and development.

Host Lynn Smith is joined by Dr. Zachary Rubin, a double board-certified pediatrician, who walks us through each stage of feeding. From breastmilk and formula to introducing allergens and transitioning to solids, he offers clear, practical guidance to help parents navigate every milestone with confidence.

Then, in our Parenting Story of the Day, four-time Grammy Award winner Shane McAnally shares what it’s really like raising three kids while balancing life in the music industry. His stories about feeding on the road and bonding with his babies bring humor, honesty, and a fresh perspective on modern parenting.

Special thanks to Target for sponsoring this episode.

Dr. Zachary Rubin TikTok / IG / FB / Threads / YouTube / Bluesky  

Dr. Zachary Rubin is a double board-certified pediatrician specializing in allergy and immunology, with a focus on pediatric food allergies. A nationally recognized medical educator and public health advocate, he shares evidence-based, accessible information on allergies, asthma, and public health with over four million followers under the handle @rubin_allergy. 

He recently authored the best-selling book All About Allergies, offering a clear, compassionate guide to managing allergic diseases.

Shane McAnally IG / FB / TikTok

Shane McAnally is a four-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer with more than 50 No. 1 hits across country and pop music. He has been nominated for more CMA Awards than any other songwriter in history and has worked with renowned artists including Kacey Musgraves, Sam Hunt, Kenny Chesney, and Blake Shelton. Shane is the founder of SMACKSongs, a leading music publishing and artist development company that manages singer/songwriter Walker Hayes, who shot to superstardom with his smash hit “Fancy Like,” produced by McAnally. 

Shane is the founder of SMACKSongs, a leading music publishing and artist development company that manages singer/songwriter Walker Hayes, who shot to superstardom with his smash hit “Fancy Like,” produced by McAnally. 

On screen, he starred in NBC’s Songland, and on stage, he co-wrote the music and lyrics of the Tony-award winning Broadway musical Shucked. Across every project, McAnally continues to champion storytelling, country music, and underrepresented voices in the industry.

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world.

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products, including our new infant formula Nurture 10 Blend at https://www.munchkin.com 

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All information presented on this program is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; nor should it replace the medical judgment of a licensed healthcare provider. It is the responsibility of a guardian to seek appropriate medical attention when they are concerned about their child. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Munchkin Inc., Munchkin Inc. affiliates or the production company.

When it comes to feeding your newborn, the hardest thing to find isn’t opinions…it’s facts.

In Part 2 of our special three-part series on feeding, StrollerCoaster goes deeper into the science and data behind infant formula, cutting through the noise to give parents real, evidence-based information they can trust.

Host Lynn Smith is joined by two experts with complementary perspectives. Dr. Cynthia Barber, a biochemist and leader in infant nutrition innovation, breaks down what formula actually is, how it’s developed, and what parents should understand about safety, regulation, and the evolving formula landscape.

And Emily Oster, CEO ParentData.org, brings her signature data-driven approach to parenting decisions, helping families navigate feeding choices with confidence, clarity, and far less guilt.

In our “Parenting Story of the Day” Jill, a mom from Atlanta, who made a choice about how she wanted to feed her baby and the surprising challenges that almost got in her way.

Special thanks to Target for sponsoring this episode.

Dr. Cynthia Barber

Dr. Barber is a biochemist and infant nutrition expert with decades of experience developing and bringing formula products to market. Over her career, she has helped clear an average of 26 infant formula products per year through FDA regulatory processes and played a key role in launching the first store-brand infant formulas in the United States.

She has worked with a wide range of companies, including organic formula brands, and is deeply committed to improving access to safe, high-quality infant nutrition. Today, she focuses on addressing the North American infant formula crisis and helping companies navigate FDA and international regulations to bring products to families who need them.

Emily Oster  In / FB / IG / X

Emily Oster is the CEO of ParentData, a professor of economics at Brown University, and a best-selling author known for her evidence-based approach to parenting. She earned her PhD in economics from Harvard and is the author of Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm, and The Unexpected, with more than one million copies sold. Through her work, Emily helps parents make informed decisions about pregnancy, parenting, and health by translating complex data into clear, practical insights.

Jill B 

Jill B develops award-winning advertising campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands. Outside of work and her obsession with sports, she’s the proud mom of two incredible boys, Ryder and Hudson. You’ll usually find her serving as team mom, class parent and overextending herself in just about every volunteer position possible because she has a hard time saying no. All while balancing a full-time career and a growing side business. 

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world.

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products, including our new infant formula Nurture 10 Blend at https://www.munchkin.com  

Follow Munchkin on Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / TikTok 

Trees for the Future  

All information presented on this program is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; nor should it replace the medical judgment of a licensed healthcare provider.  It is the responsibility of a guardian to seek appropriate medical attention when they are concerned about their child. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Munchkin Inc., Munchkin Inc. affiliates or the production company.

You just had a baby. You’ve got a million things running through your mind. But there’s one thing you have to do right away: feed your baby.

No matter how much you planned, it can feel stressful and overwhelming. That’s where StrollerCoaster comes in, with a special three-part series devoted to feeding.

In our first episode we start at the very beginning: Formula? Breastmilk? Both? While breastmilk is often recognized as the gold standard, we know every family’s journey is different - and we’re here to explore and support all feeding choices.

We’re joined by Dr. Christie del Castillo-Hegyi, an emergency physician, infant feeding expert, and co-founder of the “Fed Is Best” Foundation who shares evidence-based insights on newborn nutrition, the risks of insufficient feeding, and why flexibility and informed choice are critical for families.

Then, in our Parenting Story of the Day, Nona Willis Aronowitz, author of a New York Times opinion piece titled “The Secret to Marriage Equality is Formula,” explains how feeding choices can impact not just your baby, but your relationship with your partner as well.

Special thanks to Target for sponsoring this episode.

Dr. Christie del Castillo-Hegyi / FB / IG / YT / In  

Dr. Christie del Castillo-Hegyi is a board-certified emergency physician, infant feeding researcher, and Co-Founder of The Fed is Best Foundation which advocates for safe, informed newborn nutrition. After her own child experienced complications from insufficient breastfeeding, she dedicated her work to studying feeding-related risks such as jaundice, dehydration, and hypoglycemia.

She is a member of the Global Development Disability Research Collaborators and co-author of Fed Is Best: The Unintended Harms of the "Breast Is Best" Message and How to Find the Right Approach for You and Your Baby, which promotes a balanced, judgment-free, and evidence-based approach to feeding.

Nona Willis Aronowitz IG / X

Nona Willis Aronowitz is an author, editor, and speaker whose work explores gender, culture, and modern relationships. Her widely discussed New York Times opinion piece, “The Secret to Marriage Equality is Formula,” offers a fresh and personal perspective on how infant feeding choices can influence partnership dynamics and shared parenting responsibilities.

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world.

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products, including our new infant formula Nurture 10 Blend at https://www.munchkin.com

Follow Munchkin on Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / TikTok 

Trees for the Future - www.trees.org 

All information presented on this program is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment; nor should it replace the medical judgment of a licensed healthcare provider. It is the responsibility of a guardian to seek appropriate medical attention when they are concerned about their child. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not represent the views of Munchkin Inc., Munchkin Inc. affiliates or the production company.

“Feeding my baby” is one of the top search topics on Google. On this special bonus episode, we cover the milestone stages of feeding - from baby’s first moments to the toddler years - with Dr. Mona Amin, pediatrician, board certified lactation consultant and the founder of of PedsDocTalk.

Whether it’s breastfeeding, introducing solids or food allergies…it seems like every stage of feeding our kids comes with challenges and stress. Tune in as we explore all the common difficulties of each stage and offer great solutions! 

Dr. Mona Amin / YouTube / FB / IG / TikTok

Dr. Mona is a pediatrician, board certified lactation consultant, and the founder of PedsDocTalk, a global  platform with almost a million followers. A mom of two, her no-nonsense, “evidence-based” approach to child health has been featured in the New York Times, Parents Magazine and more.  

Dr. Mona has been a practicing pediatrician since 2015 and an IBCLC (Certified Lactation Consultant) since 2021. She attended UCLA for undergraduate training, attended ATSU-SOMA medical school to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, and completed pediatric residency training at the Bernard and Millie Duker Children's Hospital in Albany, New York.

You can also watch this podcast on YouTube / @munchkin and reach us at [email protected]. 

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products, including the new Flow Nipple Shield +, at https://www.munchkin.com. 

Follow Munchkin on Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / TikTok 

Trees for the Future  

Samantha is having a great time at the beach building sandcastles with the shovels and seashells other kids have shared with her. But when they ask to borrow her shiny new red bucket, sharing doesn’t seem so fun. With the help of her mom, Samantha turns it around and discovers how a small act of kindness can have big rewards.

StoryTime is a refreshingly fun take on everyday moments from the lives of kids (and parents) told with humor and heart. Written in consultation with a leading childhood development expert, each story illustrates healthy ways to handle tricky situations. 

Watch the animated version of this and other Season 4 episodes on the @Munchkin YouTube Channel / StoryTime Podcast  

StrollerCoaster StoryTime is created by Munchkin Inc, the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products at Munchkin.com.  

Follow Munchkin / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / TikTok

Breastfeeding can be a loving and bonding experience for a new mom. It can also be an emotional journey fraught with misinformation, tons of questions, frustration and guilt. One thing’s for sure - it’s not talked about enough. 

In this SPECIAL episode, we normalize the conversation, and separate fact from fiction with Emily Johnston, a board-certified lactation consultant and doula, who has helped hundreds of moms successfully navigate the physical and emotional journey of breastfeeding. 

We’ll also tell you about Munchkin’s new Flow Nipple Shield + which lets moms see their milk flow while nursing for the first time in history!

Then for our Parenting Stories of the Day, Mirlo McAllister, a nurse and lactation consultant, introduces us to three moms who share their emotional and inspiring stories through this important stage of motherhood. 

Special thanks to Target for sponsoring this episode! https://www.target.com/c/nursing-feeding-baby/-/N-5xtl0   

You can also watch this podcast on YouTube Subscribe @munchkin & Reach us at [email protected].  

Emily Johnston

Emily Johnston is a high-risk perinatal registered nurse, an experienced postpartum and birth doula, an international board certified lactation consultant, but most importantly a mother. She works at a busy Los Angeles hospital and runs her own private practice serving families in the comfort of their own homes.

Mirlo McAlister

Mirlo McAlister is an experienced public health nurse and lactation consultant with a demonstrated history of working in the hospital & health care industry. Mirlo founded MGM Lactation to provide personal breastfeeding education and support to new mothers. 

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products - including the new FLOW Nipple Shield - at https://www.munchkin.com. Use the code STROLLERCOASTER15 for 15% off regular-price items! (expires 4/13/25)

Follow Munchkin on Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / TikTok 

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) 

SPECIAL GUEST! Dr. Laurie Santos, Yale professor and host of The Happiness Lab, gives us her sought-after advice for finding more joy in our lives. Parents will love her fresh take and practical insights for “finding the good” even in the most challenging parenting moments.

Then in our Parenting Story of the Day, you will hear from a mom of two who was searching for happiness – until she realized it was right in front of her. 

Special thanks to Walmart for sponsoring this episode! www.walmart.com 

Dr. Laurie Santos / FB / IG / X / YT

Dr. Santos is the Chandrika and Ranjan Tandon Professor of Psychology and Head of Silliman College at Yale University. Her course, Psychology and the Good Life, became Yale’s most popular course in its over 300 year history, and the online version – The Science of Well-Being on Coursera.org – has attracted more than 4 million learners.

A winner of numerous awards both for her science and teaching, Dr. Santos was recently voted as one of Popular Science Magazine’s “Brilliant 10” young minds and Time Magazine named her a “Leading Campus Celebrity.” Her podcast, The Happiness Lab, is a top-3 Apple podcast with over 100 million downloads since its launch.

Heather Osterman-Davis / FB / IG / X / LI  

A mother of two and writer, Heather’s work has appeared in various publications including, The New York Times, Washington Post, Time Magazine, Slate, Parents, Literary Mama, Brain Child, Filter Free Parents, and more. She is the author of an award winning short film titled Tell-By Date and winner of Austin Film Festival’s Best Comedy TV Pilot for 2024.  

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products at https://www.munchkin.com. Use the code STROLLERCOASTER15 for 15% off regular-price items! (expires 4/13/25) 

Follow Munchkin on Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / TikTok

Trees for the Future https://trees.org/

Aaron loves going to the grocery store with his Dad. There are so many fun things to look at on the shelves… and TOUCH. On a recent trip something peculiar happens: While at checkout, Dad discovers 5 candy bars in the bottom of their shopping cart. WHO could have put them there? Can you help solve the mystery?

StoryTime is a refreshingly fun take on everyday moments from the lives of kids (and parents) told with humor and heart. Written in consultation with a leading childhood development expert, each story illustrates healthy ways to handle tricky situations. 

Watch the animated version of this and other Season 4 episodes on the @Munchkin YouTube Channel / StoryTime Podcast  

StrollerCoaster StoryTime is created by Munchkin Inc, the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

Subscribe now and never miss an episode!

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products at Munchkin.com.  

Follow Munchkin / Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / TikTok

Ever wonder what a professional chef gives his kids for snacks? Chef Duff, the Ace of Cakes himself, is spilling the beans. From chicken nuggets to strawberries, he talks about the foods his 3-year-old loves, and tricks to get her to try something new.

Plus, Jennifer Anderson, dietician and founder of Kids Eat In Color, gives us tips for helping our kids eat better and making snack time less stressful! 

Special thanks to Walmart for sponsoring this episode! https://www.walmart.com/

You can also watch this podcast on YouTube and reach us at [email protected]. 

Duff Goldman / No Kid Hungry / FB / IG / YouTube

Duff Goldman is a chef and artist known for his dazzling, creative approach to food and his awesome stories describing the simple science of baking. On the hit Food Network show Ace of Cakes, Duff welcomed viewers into his innovative cake shop, Charm City Cakes, where his team of pastry chefs and artists create spectacular custom cakes. You can watch Duff mentor the next generation of bakers on Food Network's Kids Baking Championship. On his new cooking show, Ace of Taste, Duff shows off his culinary skills as a classically trained chef with new twists on recipes for the whole family.

Jennifer Anderson / IG / FB / TikTok

Jennifer Anderson is a registered dietitian who has a masters of science in public health from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. In 2019, she founded Kids Eat in Color, an authoritative resource that helps families feed their children from their first bite of solid food through picky eating and elementary-aged nutrition needs. 

Prior to starting Kids Eat in Color, she coordinated youth nutrition programs at a food bank, performed research in inner-city food deserts, and consulted for the USDA national office SNAP-Ed program. Her academic background is in public health nutrition, cultural anthropology, and economics.

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products, including WildLove products, at https://www.munchkin.com. Use the code STROLLERCOASTER15 for 15% off regular-price items! (expires 4/13/25)

Follow Munchkin on Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest  / TikTok

International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) 

There’s a new parenting style in town. Not too hard, not too soft. It’s just right! It’s called “Respectful Parenting!” It’s designed to make children feel respected, loved, heard, and valued as individuals. 

Janet Rotter, child development expert, psychoanalyst and head of The Studio School in New York City, talks with Lynn and Justin about fostering emotional connections with our children, based on the belief that all humans - no matter the age - deserve to be treated with empathy and compassion.

In our Parenting Story of the Day, we hear from Sarah Savage who was having trouble with her spirited daughter - until she tried a new approach. It changed everything for the better. 

You can also watch this podcast on YouTube @munchkin channel and reach us at [email protected]. 

Janet Rotter / The Studio School / IG / FB 

Janet Rotter is a leading child development expert, educator, and psychoanalyst. She is also the Head of School and Co-President of the Board of Trustees at The Studio School in New York City, an independent not-for-profit day school serving children from preschool through eighth grade.

The Studio School innovated an interdisciplinary curriculum, as well as the techniques for teaching it, and is at the forefront of children’s education. Janet’s affiliation with the Studio School began in 1975, and she has made it her mission to promote and extend the unique educational philosophy developed there to value intellectual and creative ideas, and take pleasure in the process of discovery. 

Sarah Savage

Sarah, a mother of two, has a degree in Psychology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She writes for the parenting website Auburn-Opelika Moms.

StrollerCoaster: A Parenting Podcast is created by Munchkin Inc., the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. 

You can find all your favorite Munchkin products – including Munchkin’s New Wagon featured in this  episode – at https://www.munchkin.com. Use the code STROLLERCOASTER15 for 15% off regular-price items! (expires 4/13/25)

Follow Munchkin on Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest  

Trees for the Future