Haven!

In this episode, I get to sit down with two of my favorite voices in the parenting space, Sissy Goff and David Thomas. Sissy wrote The Worry-Free Parent and Raising Worry-Free Girls, and David wrote Raising Emotionally Strong Boys. Their books have been such a gift to me in my own friend circle / mom book club, and this conversation felt like talking to two friends. Instead of piling on more “fix your kid” advice, it reminds us that the best gift we can give our kids is our own emotional health. We talk about how our regulation becomes their regulation, how to stop worry loops before they spill over, and how to resist that urge to swoop in and rescue (so hard, right?). They share so many practical tools for caring for our own minds and hearts so we can model resilience for our kids. We also get into what it looks like to notice our child’s unique temperament without projecting our fears, and simple ways to coach kids through big feelings - naming emotions, breathing, coping strategies, and even letting them do the “scary thing” without overstepping. Faith threads through the conversation too, reminding us that God equips us for the hard things He’s writing into our family’s story. Plus, I brought in your questions - everything from bedtime battles and grandparent POV to school drop off resiliency. And at the very end, I asked them something I think every overwhelmed parent needs to hear: if you’re maxed out and running on empty, what’s one small, doable thing you can try today to move toward being a little more worry-free? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We may think we know who we are marrying - but do we really KNOW the family they come from? In-laws can be one of the most layered and unspoken dynamics in marriage. When two people say “I do,” they aren’t just joining lives, they’re also stepping into entire family ecosystems with their own histories, expectations, rhythms, and quirks. Sometimes that looks like open arms and instant belonging, and other times it feels more like walking on eggshells, navigating conflict, or figuring out how to honor your family of origin without dishonoring your partner. In this episode I’m joined by my friend Brittany, who I gained as a friend in-law since I have known her husband Josh since childhood! She also joined her husband’s family long before their wedding day and had years to “date” her in-laws before becoming their daughter-in-law. Her story contrasts with my own, where engagement was met with tension, boundaries had to be redefined, and later healing came through honest late-night conversations on the couch. Threaded through our convo are bigger questions every couple faces: How do you set healthy boundaries without burning bridges? How do you make peace with what may never change? And how do you stay grounded in love when the dynamics feel complicated? Whether your story looks more like Brittany’s, mine, or somewhere in between, this episode is an honest look at the beauty and the challenges of “marrying the family too.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In part two of my conversation with my friend Albert, we go deeper into what being a “good dad” truly means to him as shares the small but powerful & super intentional ways he stays connected to his family throughout each season. In this episode we talk about: 💬 How you can define a “good dad” 🤗 Why he never lets go first in a hug with his daughter 📸 The meaning behind taking a photo when his son holds his hand 💍 How respecting his wife shapes his fatherhood 🪞 Modeling the kind of relationships he hopes his kids will seek This part of the conversation was extended into a two-parter on the spot because we just kept talking so long on the topic!! By the end, I had cornered him into committing to come back for another round, because I know we’ve only scratched the surface of his wisdom here. ENJOY! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are You A Good Dad? This one’s been sitting with me for a while. I often hear moms wondering aloud, “Am I a good mom?” And what the parenting experts say is that the moms who even ask that question are usually the ones who care enough to be doing a pretty great job. But when it comes to dads... it’s different. I don’t hear that same level of wondering or reflection as often. With fatherhood - how can you tell if you’re a good dad?  And are you even able to label yourself as that or do you have to wait until your kids are adults and they’re ultimately the ones to answer that question? I’m joined by someone I’ve wanted to bring on the podcast for over a year - Albert Aquino. He’s an intentional father, a steady husband, and one of the men I genuinely believe makes the world better just by the way he lives. Albert and I talk about what shapes men into fathers. Where do dads today get their blueprint for parenting? Are they drawing from strong role models, or starting from scratch? We both reflect on the examples in our own families - my dad and Albert’s experience growing up - and how those legacies influence the way we parent now. In this episode we talk about : 👨‍👧 What it really means to be a “good dad"? 🧠 Where men get their wisdom about fatherhood 💼 Recognizing the “provider mode” trap ❤️ Cultivating emotional closeness at home We actually yapped so much that we went way overtime and had to make it a two-parter... So, for this week - enjoy Part 1 of this conversation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we explore the emotional complexity of sustaining friendship from girlhood into adulthood. What happens when life pulls you and your closest childhood friends in different directions? From cross-country moves to evolving values, distance, and even unspoken grief over friendships that fade without a fight. I’m joined by my lifelong friend Rachel Clark (technically Passantino but in my heart she's always a Clark girl!!) and we talk about our 30+ year friendship, including moments of drifting apart, reconnecting, and learning to recognize the difference between a seasonal friend and a soul-deep one. We also respond to listener questions covering everything from ghosting after a baby, jealousy between life stages, dating someone your friends hate, how to grieve a quiet friendship breakup, and what to do when you're always the one reaching out. This episode is for anyone wondering: Can a friendship evolve without ending? How do you know when to hold on or when to let go? What does it take to disagree and still stay close? You’ll also get to watch us stretch and fold my sourdough mid-convo, because I recently found this hobby and it's taken over my personality. I hope this conversation is as fresh and nourishing as the delicious bread rising on my counter. ENJOY! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Memory Monday!! Originally aired last season, I’m bringing back one of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had a two-part series with my very first and most formative relationship: my mom. After a short clip of me reading her parenting feedback went viral (over 4 million views!), so many of you reached out wanting to hear more from her - and this is that more. If you’re new here and haven’t explored past episodes yet, this one’s a meaningful place to start as we talk all about how the mother/child bond evolves over time. In Part 1, we reflect on the early years: toddlerhood through junior high, how her parenting style adapted, and the values she tried to instill. In Part 2, we dive into the trickier seasons - high school and beyond- where evolving your approach becomes crucial, and ultimately, the goal becomes not parenting at all, but learning how to walk alongside your adult children. Whether you're a mom yourself or reflecting on your own relationship with your mother, this two-part episode is full of warmth, honesty, and a little wisdom from someone I deeply admire. New episodes return next week, but for now, enjoy this Memory Monday replay of one of my favorite conversations to date. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We hear a lot about toxic masculinity — in viral clips, cultural commentary, and even our personal lives. But it got me wondering: Can femininity become toxic too? If masculinity becomes harmful when it’s distorted or out of balance, could the same be true for traits we associate with femininity? In this episode, I’m joined by Abby (whose recent take on Proverbs 31 made me revisit a chapter that reminded me of my AIM screen name I had at 11 years old @proverbs31rox) and my longtime friend Mariah, a wise voice and always a good hang. Together, we explore the concept of “toxic femininity”: What does it mean? Why is it hard to name? And where have we seen it play out — in our lives, our culture, and our relationships? From complicity with the male gaze to the passive-aggressive dynamics we sometimes chalk up to “girl drama,” we talk candidly about the behaviors that might reflect femininity gone off course. Plus, we share stories (yes, even about gossip), question cultural norms, and ask: What does healthy, grounded femininity actually look like? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this vulnerable and practical follow-up to our pregnancy episode, I’m joined again by Tess to unpack everything we wish we knew before entering the wild, beautiful, disorienting season of postpartum—also known as the 4th trimester. Postpartum isn’t just “after having a baby.” It’s its own stage of life. And it deserves its own conversation. We talk about what no one tells you about preparing for the hospital, what to pack (for you, your partner, and baby), setting boundaries around visitors, and how to emotionally prep for those first few foggy days. You’ll hear both our birth stories in full, plus: What a lactation consultant really helps with Intrusive thoughts Identity shifts and how long it actually took to feel like ourselves again We also get honest about relationships, friendship expectations after birth, and what it looked like to be mentally fragile while also doing something incredibly strong. If you're navigating new motherhood (or walking with someone who is), this episode is here to be a soft landing and a real talk resource. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know when you're actually ready to have kids? And once you are… why does no one tell you how complicated, emotional, vulnerable and confusing the road to pregnancy can be? In this episode we’re kicking off a two-part series starting with "What I Wish I Knew Before I Got Pregnant" and Part 1 is all about the season before baby. (Part 2 will be What I Wish I Knew Before I was Postpartum... an entirely different beast.) From ovulation apps and acupuncture, to the heartbreak of waiting—and the advice I got from a friend after it took me a long time to conceive —we’re talking through all the layers of trying to bring life into the world. We’ll dive into the shock of the first trimester (why are the appointments so far apart?!), baby gear overload, the emotional whiplash of gender disappointment, and the honest truth that even when you’re thrilled to be pregnant… you might still grieve the “just us” era of your relationship. Plus, we’re answering your questions: — How do you deal with first trimester anxiety? — How can partners help with your hormones? — What’s overrated on the baby registry? — And how do you emotionally and physically prepare for the birth part (😅)? Whether you're trying to conceive, newly pregnant, or just curious about what this season really feels like, we’re talking about the messy middle of hope, hormones, and holding space for all the feels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever been asked where the birthday candles are—or when your kid last went to the dentist—and realized YOU are the walking, talking family database?In this episode, we unpack the invisible, often unspoken labor of running a household and raising children: the mental load. We define what it actually is: not just doing the chores, but thinking about them, planning them, and carrying the responsibility if they don’t get done. From remembering what jackets the kids need based on the weather to wondering if anyone's had protein today, we shine a light on the constant hum of logistics many parents—especially moms—carry. But instead of just venting, we invited a fresh perspective. Our guest, Nick, is a father who shares how he shows up, takes initiative, and helps shoulder the load in meaningful ways. Together, we explore: Why moms often become the “default parent” What shared responsibility can actually look like in practice Why some dads struggle to take initiative—and how they can learn The unseen mental load men may also carry, from finances to emotional pressure to provide We ask the big questions: Can we talk about the load without resentment? Can we build true partnership? And what are we teaching our kids through our choices? The mental load might not vanish—but it can be seen, shared, and named.  Plus, we read submissions from listeners about their own mental load moments. Let’s get into it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices