This week we unpack self sabotaging doom-loops that seem to appear every time packing for a vacation is on the horizon... running for 20+years straight without fail. (Hint: it's always baking & staying up way too late.) In this new season of life we are reaching for understanding why the brain reacts this way when overwhelmed, instead of slipping into deeper frustration. Breaking the cycle starts with you and when we identify what systems are broken, we are able to focus energy on what needs tweaking.

I also give a glimpse into The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin and share how understanding your personal ability to meet inner and outer expectations can be the most helpful revealing guide to living a fulfilling life. Where my fellow Rebel & Obligers at??

In this continued episode we share how we found realistic rhythms with fitness, balancing household roles, & how the gift of marriage has made the journey of parenthood even more special. We share why choosing your spouse wisely matters, the blessing in leaning into hard conversations, how they are essential for lifelong connection, & how self worth isn’t just about you- it’s about family legacy.

Whether you’re a new parent, navigating marriage, or working on becoming more honest with yourself; this episode is a reminder that growth comes from leaning into hard things, choosing wisely, and that not everyone deserves a seat at your table.

6months in and someone's teeth finally broke through! But not after the wildest string of all nighters and a sleep regression that made us rethink becoming parents. I ended my pumping journey and a mastopexy just got added to my neverending to-do list! We also share what inspired us to make it a point to have Noli (& all our future kids) grow up loving movement. Hiking, surfing, skiing, and every adventure in between starts with taking care of yourself and we’re excited to nurture a positive relationship with health from the beginning.

This week’s episode is packed with life updates from Volkie’s second and third emergency surgeries, Noli’s gnarly sleep regression, and surviving what felt like 100 days of rain. We chat about what’s playing in our world, why we’re pressing pause on our business Coast to Cabin (for the meantime), and how we're learning to honor the season of life that we're in—even when it means letting go of something we love. Plus, this week’s win: Noli’s sleeping on her tummy, and I put on real clothes. Progress!

In this episode, we're sharing the wild behind-the-scenes of our dog, Volk’s emergency surgery after swallowing a golfball-sized rock (yes, really) and how post-op recovery took us by total surprise. From customized baby-to-doggy diaper hacks and dressing him in Walmart tights, to two weeks of medicating him with a conveyor belt of medication—we're so glad it's over! We also share some takes how our marriage has been affected since becoming parents: open communication, sharing the load, and choosing not to take things personally when things come off bold. We're continuing to lean-in because at the end of the day - we’re on the same team and rooting for our family.

In this episode we have a special guest, my sweet friend Val, who happens to be a reality tv show aficionado! Join us as we dive into the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 2 Reunion Show! We promised not to voice-note/text/or chat about the reunion until we filmed this episode - so this conversation is raw, unfiltered, and full of first reactions. Take a walk through SLOMW memory lane with us as we discuss everything from the casts dynamics, Mormon faith, moms doing it all with the help of their village, and everyone in Utah getting work done. BUT most importantly, we need to know: are you, or aren't you: Team Taylor & Dakota???

From Volkies medical scare to dating apps and potential catfishing- We share the story of how our dog Volkie went from playful wrestlemania to emergency, life saving surgery in 24 hours, why we swear by pet insurance, and how modern dating culture is missing the mark. Plus, 12 years in, did we catfish each other?

Summary: We dive into the raw and real of what the last four months have looked like as first-time parents. From missing parts of our old life to adjusting to a brand new reality, we open up about where our hearts and minds are now—on the other side of pregnancy. We also talk honestly about how husbands and wives often experience this season differently, and what that’s looked like for us.

What We Talk About:

– Top concerns and adjustments from first-time parents

– Are we ready for another? (Spoiler: TBD)

– The biggest blindside wasn’t birth—it was nursing and pumping

– How our perspectives have shifted since pregnancy

– The emotional tug between our “before” and our “after”

Why It Matters: Because sometimes the fear of the unknown is so loud, it convinces you to play it safe and avoid it altogether. We're sharing our story to help strip away some of that fear—and to remind you that it’s okay to feel it all as you step into something new.

*DISCLAIMER: Everyone's birth story and experience is different*

Summary: In this episode of The Anastasiya Podcast, I share my full birth story—every intense, beautiful, painful, and unforgettable moment. From naturally inducing labor, to an unexpected prolonged delay in the ER, to finally being admitted, getting an epidural, and welcoming our baby girl into the world (when we thought we were having a boy!)—this is the unfiltered experience of bringing life into the world.

Whats Covered:

– How we naturally kickstarted labor

– Breath work, meditations, and bruising Matt’s wrists

– The kindness of the labor & delivery staff

– The moment we met our daughter (surprise!)

Why It Matters: Because the hardest parts of birth can shape the most magical memories—and remind you that you are powerful, capable, and made for this.

Summary: Join us (Matt & Ana) as we share the nitty gritty and raw behind finding out we’re pregnant, along with all the behind-the-scenes thoughts that came with this life-changing news. This episode is especially for our late-20s and early-30s peers who haven’t yet taken the leap into parenthood—and might still be wrestling with the “Do we? Don’t we?” questions.

What We Talk About:

– Feeling like we weren’t “ready”

– Not reaching enough of our goals/dreams before bringing a baby into the world

– The very real feeling of “time’s up!”

– Where our minds are now, almost halfway through pregnancy

Why It Matters: Because behind every pregnancy announcement is a quiet, tender journey of processing what this all really means.