No One Told Us

What if more women actually knew what to expect from perimenopause before they were in the middle of it? In this episode, Rachael sits down with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch to talk about perimenopause, PMDD, menopause, and the hormonal changes that can impact both physical and mental health during this stage of life. Together, they break down what’s actually happening to our hormo...

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 ca...

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 re...

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 th...

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 pa...

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 importan...

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, chi...

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...

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 i...

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 emotio...

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...

What if "mom brain" isn't something to laugh off, but evidence that your brain is undergoing one of the biggest transformations of your life? In this episode, Rachael sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Nikki Pensak to explore the science behind the postpartum brain, why anxiety is so common after having a baby, and what every mother deserves to know about her mental health. Togeth...

What if raising your kids didn't have to look like everyone else's? In this episode, Rachael sits down with entrepreneur and Boundless Life founder Elodie Ferchaud for a conversation about choosing a different path, raising resilient kids, and creating a family life that feels aligned with your values…not someone else's expectations. From leaving the corporate world to raising four children while...

In this episode, Rachael sits down with child safety educator and founder of Safe Beginnings, Holly Choi, to talk about one of the biggest challenges of parenting: keeping our kids safe without feeling like we have to bubble-wrap them. If you've ever worried about baby-proofing your home, questioned whether your car seat is installed correctly, wondered which safety recommendations actually matter...

We're BACK for Season 2! In this kick-off episode, Rachael sits down with therapist, author, and attachment expert Eli Harwood (aka Attachment Nerd) to separate fact from fiction when it comes to attachment. If you've ever worried that one parenting decision could ruin your child's attachment, wondered if sleep training permanently damages connection, or felt pressure to parent perfectly, this con...

Have you ever found yourself navigating a tricky situation with your in-laws? In this conversation, Rachael interviews Dr. Tracy, a psychologist and couples therapist, all about the topic of in-laws and how they can affect relationships with significant others. Dr. Tracy provides lots of tips for communication and speaking up in uncomfortable situations and how to handle challenging family dynamic...

What does it mean to raise boys in a world where masculinity feels impossible to get right? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by author and cultural critic Ruth Whippman to talk about her powerful new book, BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity. We’re digging deep into the unspoken challenges of parenting boys today—gendered expectations that begin before bi...

Did you feel totally unprepared for just how angry you might feel after becoming a mom? You’re not alone. In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychologist Yara Heary to unpack why anger shows up so often in early motherhood and why it’s not something to feel ashamed of. Together, they explore the identity shifts that happen postpartum, the strain on relationships, and the nervous system challe...

In this episode, Rachael sits down with attorney and women’s rights advocate Daphne Delvaux to uncover what every working parent needs to know about their rights in the workplace. Known as The Mamattorney, Daphne has built her career fighting for fair treatment, equal pay, and family-friendly policies and she’s here to share the essential tools you need to advocate for yourself at work. Together,...

Rachael chats with birth-to-five mental health specialist Michelle Charriere about what it really takes to build (and repair) a secure attachment with your child. They cover the four attachment styles, why repair matters more than perfection, and how to choose childcare that supports connection...plus real talk on daycare and sleep training without the internet drama. And because they couldn’t res...

Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa & Xander Marin Parenthood changes a lot, including your relationship. In this episode, Rachael sits down with New York Times bestselling authors (and real-life couple) Vanessa and Xander Marin to talk about keeping intimacy alive after kids, the infamous “roommate phase,” and why honest conversations about sex matter more than you think. Vanessa, a sex...

Bridging Separation at Bedtime with Dr. Gordon Neufeld ⁠@neufeldinstitute⁠ This week Rachael has a very special guest, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, to discuss the importance of attachment and the challenges parents face when it comes to bedtime and sleep. Dr. Neufeld is a renowned authority on child development and you will learn so much in this powerful episode! Here’s what they discuss inside this import...

Challenging Our Individualistic Culture with Erin Spahr ⁠@feminist.mom.therapist⁠ In this episode, Rachael interviews Erin Spahr, a licensed therapist, mother, and maternal mental health advocate. They discuss the intersection of feminism and motherhood, the lack of support and systemic oppression faced by women and parents, and the harmful effects of comparison and external validation on social m...

Feeding Toddlers: Finding Joy in Family Meals with Nita and Jessica of ⁠@happyhealthyeaters⁠ Have you ever struggled with picky eating or stressful mealtimes? This is so common- feeding toddlers can be very challenging! In this episode, Rachael speaks with Jessica and Nita, co-founders of Happy Healthy Eaters, ALL about feeding toddlers to make mealtimes more enjoyable! Here’s what they discuss in...

Disclaimer: This episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek immediate care from your physician if you have any concerns about your health. This week, Rachael sits down with occupational therapist Larissa Geleris of @steadyparents to explore a topic that hits home for so many parents: sensory overwhelm. Picture this: you're cooking...