No One Told Us

Episode 55: The Emotional Journey of Childhood Cancer with Danielle & Portia September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. This week, Rachael speaks with two mothers who have faced the unimaginable. In this emotional episode, Rachael interviews Portia, mom of Leo, who was diagnosed with Cancer as a young child. Portia discusses the initial diagnosis (and the importance of listening to your “mom g...

Episode 54: 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 o...

Episode 53: Simplifying Your Routine & Managing the Chaos of Back-to-School with Beth Rosenbleeth @dayswithgrey It’s back-to-school for many of our children and that can come with a lot of big feelings, routine changes, and chaos! In this episode, Rachael chats with Beth, educator and creator of Days with Grey, all about simplifying routines, promoting play-based learning for young children, and h...

Episode 52: Burn Out, the Invisible Load and Maternal Mental Health with Erica Djossa @momwell This week Rachael speaks with Erica Djossa- a registered psychotherapist, founder of Momwell and author of new book Releasing the Motherload- all about the challenges of postpartum and beyond, including burn out and the “invisible load” of motherhood. Here’s what they discuss inside this episode: Erica s...

Episode 51: Men’s Health: Male Fertility, Vasectomies and Family Planning with Dr. Justin Dubin & Dr. Kevin Chu @themanuppodcast We often speak so much about women and fertility but it is important that we also begin destigmatizing conversations around men's health! Rachael kicks off this episode with a conversation with her husband Marley about his decision to get a vasectomy several months ago a...

Episode 50: 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...

Episode 49: Creating a Business and a Brand from Home with Tori Sprankel Whether you are a stay-at-home mom or a mom who works outside the home, all moms are working hard! This week Rachael and friend Tori Sprankel, a brand expert and business owner, chat all about building a business while taking care of young children at home. They discuss the challenges and gray areas of being a working mom or...

Episode 48: Sleep Training: What we Know (and what we DON’T KNOW) from the Research with Amanda Ruggeri This week Rachael and Amanda Ruggeri, a journalist specializing in psychology, parenting, and child development, discuss the ever controversial topic: sleep training. Amanda speaks about her articles on baby sleep and sleep training and the research behind them. Here’s what they discuss inside t...

Episode 47: Parenting Children with Disabilities with Kelley Coleman @hellokelleycoleman This week Rachael and Kelley Coleman, author and mother, discuss parenting children with disabilities.  Here’s what they discuss inside this powerful episode: Hear Kelley’s personal journey with parenting two kids: one with multiple disabilities and one with typical development Kelley shares her story about he...

Episode 46: “I Feel Like My Life has Changed and Yours Hasn’t” with Erin & Stephen Mitchell @couples.counseling.for.parents Having kids changes your relationship. If you have ever felt misunderstood, disconnected, exhausted, and resentful towards your partner- you’re not alone- and this episode is for you! Join Rachael and Erin & Stephen Mitchell, husband and wife duo & authors of the new book Too...

Episode 45: 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 t...

Episode 44: Q&A with Rachael and her husband, Marley Join Rachael and her husband Marley as they answer some of YOUR most asked questions this week, share a glimpse into their life at home, and more!  Here is what they discuss In this fun episode: Marley gives an update on his recent stay-at-home dad life transition Rachael and Marley share how they decided to have a third baby How Marley handles...

Episode 43: Food Allergies and Sensitivities in Babies and Toddlers with Dr. Trillitye Paullin If you have ever had a baby with food allergies, chances are you experienced many challenges with feeding your baby. This week Rachael is joined by Dr. Trillitye Paullin, a molecular biologist and mother of two. Rachael and Dr. Trill discuss food allergies and sensitivities in babies and children. Here’s...

Episode 42: Motherhood: Finding Joy and Authenticity with Caitlin Wilder @wilderbeginnings  Motherhood can feel so exhausting, isolating, and divisive! It’s also portrayed on social media as just… not fun. Enter Caitlin Wilder. This week, Rachael is joined by Caitlin, a certified doula and mom of two turned social media “mom influencer” to have an open and honest conversation all about motherhood...

Episode 41: Highly Sensitive Children: Tips for Parenting, Nurturing and Co-Regulation with Natalie Brunswick @highlysensitivefamily We hear the term “highly sensitive” a lot these days- but what does being highly sensitive or having a highly sensitive child really mean? This week Rachael and Natalie Brunswick, a psychotherapist OT and parenting educator, dive deep into the characteristics of high...

Episode 40: Independent Play: Practical Strategies for Simplifying Play with Lizzie Assa @theworkspaceforchildren Should parents play with their children? Or should children only play independently? Independent Play is such a polarizing topic! That’s why this week, Rachael and Lizzie Assa, founder of the Workspace for Children, talk all about the importance of play for children and how parents can...

Episode 39: From One to Two: Rediscovering Yourself, Managing Expectations, and Splitting the Load with Cameron Oaks Rogers  @cameronoaksrogers This week Rachael has on guest Cameron Rogers, a content creator, podcaster and mother of two! Cameron shares her journey to motherhood, including her transition from a career on Wall Street to full-time content creation. Recently a mom of 2, she discusses...

Episode 38: Advocating for Parental Leave in the US with Raena Boston @theworkingmomtras Parental leave, or lack thereof, can be such a stressful part of the postpartum journey for new parents. That’s why this week Rachael has guest Raena Boston, co-founder of the Chamber of Mothers, on to discuss the importance of parental leave! Raena tells us about the work her organization is doing to advocate...

Episode 37: Splitting the Parenting Load with Betsi Flint @betsiflint This week Rachael has on Professional beach volleyball player, Betsi Flint to talk about juggling motherhood and her demanding athletic career. Betsi discusses the challenges of balancing training and parenting, the importance of sleep for both her and her toddler, and the support she receives from her husband and family.  Find...

Episode 36: Supporting Your Child’s Speech & Language Development with Katie & Carly of Wee Talkers @weetalkers “Why isn’t my toddler talking yet?” “Should my child be saying more words?” “Is screen time OK for my baby?” If you have ever had these questions, you are NOT alone. Worrying about your child’s speech and language development is very common- and there is SO much scary info out there! Spe...

Episode 35: SIDS, Safe Sleep and Bed Sharing: Breaking Down the Stats with Shaelise Tor In this episode, Rachel speaks with Shaelise Tor, a pediatric researcher and clinician, about the data on SIDS, infant sleep and breastfeeding, and bed sharing. The conversation covers the difference between intentional and unintentional bed sharing and the fear of judgment for parents who bed share. They discu...

Episode 34: Starting Solids: Stress Free Baby-Led Weaning & Tackling Picky Eating with Jenny Best, Founder of @solidstarts Starting solids can be so exciting but also so nerve-wrecking as a new parent! Feeding can be just as divisive as sleep these days, and this week Rachael is joined by Jenny Best, the founder of Solid Starts, to talk about the “best” way to begin your little one on solid foods....

Episode 33: Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa and Xander Marin @vanessaandxander In this episode, Rachael Shepard-Ohta speaks with Vanessa and Xander Marin, authors and husband and wife duo, all about intimacy, relationships, and their new book, Sex Talks! They discuss the inspiration behind the book and the importance of open and honest communication about sex and relationships. They h...

Episode 32: NICU Awareness: The Unique Challenges and Support Needed for NICU Babies and Parents This week, we have our first TWO guest episode! Rachael has TWO amazing guests on to discuss all about the NICU. They offer unique perspectives from both professional and personal experiences.  First, Rachael starts with Dr. Frankie Harrison. Dr. Frankie, a clinical psychologist and mom who had a prema...

Episode 31: Fostering a Secure Attachment with Michelle Charriere @babiesandbrains This week Rachael and guest Michelle Charriere, a birth to five mental health specialist, have a lighthearted but important discussion around attachment theory and its importance in parent-child relationships. Michelle explains the different attachment styles and emphasizes the need for repair in maintaining a healt...