Smashed Oranges

In this episode, we chat with Jess about what it’s like parenting three kids in high-level athletics. She shares how their family has cultivated a strong culture of sibling support, encouraged open conversations around body image and nutrition—focusing on strength over appearance—and taught their kids not to quit on the hard days. Jess also opens up about managing her own chronic health challenges...

In this reflective and energizing episode of Smashed Oranges, co-hosts Maddie and Sarah dive into the messy, magical space between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming. They open up about the transitions they’re both navigating—Sarah prepares for baby number two and a potential relocation, while Maddie feels the magnetic pull of a new career path in Pilates and wellness. Together, they explore...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Smashed Oranges, Maddie invites her own mom, Maureen, to reflect on over three decades of motherhood. From the early chaos of parenting three kids with wildly different personalities to the quiet joys of being a grandma, this conversation is filled with honesty, humor, and timeless wisdom. Together, they explore what it means to build a safe, loving home, th...

The term body positivity didn’t start as an Instagram trend—it began as a movement advocating for marginalized bodies and systemic change. In this conversation, we explore how that origin story often gets lost when we talk about “loving your body” as moms. We contrast it with body neutrality, a gentler approach focused on function over appearance, and reflect on how both frameworks can help—or hur...

This week on Smashed Oranges, it’s a family affair! We sit down with our husbands to get their perspective on the transition into parenthood — the highs, the lows, and whether dads deserve a little more credit than they get. We also dive into the differences (and surprises) of raising girls versus boys, what our own childhoods taught us about parenting, and how we’re working to build strong relati...

In today’s episode, we sit down for a heartfelt conversation about the unexpected journey into NICU parenthood. Special guest, Whit Carrigan, shares her story of being faced with the possibility of a premature birth—recounting the moment hospital staff prepared her and her partner for what could come, the emotional weight of hearing those words, and the whirlwind that followed. We dive into how th...

What really changes when you go from one kid to two? And how do you juggle motherhood and running a business when no one is sleeping? In this episode of Smashed Oranges, we sit down with Rachel Friesen—also known as @almostffamous on Instagram—for a raw, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about navigating life as a mom of two under three. Rachel is a content copywriter and marketing strategi...

In this honest and deeply personal episode of Smashed Oranges, we open up about the unexpected and often taboo experience of gender disappointment. When Sarah found out her second baby was boy, she was surprised by a wave of grief—mourning the future she had envisioned of another little girl playing side by side with her older sister. Today we explore what gender disappointment really is, why it’s...

In this episode of Smashed Oranges, we dive into the raw and real side of intimacy after having a baby. From shifting body image and hormone-driven libido changes to the mental load of motherhood and the challenges of reconnecting with your partner—we’re talking about it all. We share our personal experiences of navigating intimacy postpartum, the guilt that can creep in, and how love languages pl...

Motherhood comes with a lot of noise—opinions, advice, and endless product recommendations. But what about trusting yourself, even when you have no idea what you’re doing? In this episode of Smashed Oranges, we dive into the real, unfiltered lessons we’ve learned along the way. From figuring out what “intuition” even means to discovering the best diaper brands, baby bottles, ways to save money, an...

Motherhood isn’t just about raising little ones—it’s about the transformation we go through as women. Motherhood shifts everything—your body, your priorities, and even your sense of identity. In this episode, we open up about what it feels like to lose yourself in early motherhood, the struggle of reconnecting with old passions, and the journey of rebuilding a life that includes both the old you a...

Feeding your baby—whether through breastfeeding, bottle feeding, pumping, or a combination—comes with challenges and questions. In this episode of Smashed Oranges, we sit down with Leanne Rzepa, a internationally board-certified lactation consultant and founder of Nourish Lactation Consulting, to discuss the realities of infant feeding and the importance of support. With over 24 years of experienc...

**Trigger Warning - Some viewers may find contents triggeringIn this powerful episode of Smashed Oranges, we sit down with Brittany, a mother who faced unimaginable challenges throughout her pregnancy and beyond. From an unexpected pregnancy to a devastating prenatal diagnosis that doctors deemed "incompatible with life," Brittany takes us through the emotional rollercoaster of navigating medical...

How to Find Your Life Partner: The Truth About Love, Commitment & MarriageIs marriage the ultimate sign of commitment, or is there more to a lasting relationship than a ring? In this episode of Smashed Oranges, we dive into the real meaning of partnership, love, and building a strong foundation with your significant other—whether marriage is in the picture or not. We explore:✅ Marriage and co...

In this episode of Smashed Oranges, Sarah drops a big announcement—baby number two is on the way! She and Maddie dive into the highs and lows of an unexpected pregnancy, from the excitement to the self-doubt and everything in between. Sarah opens up about her struggles with prenatal depression, the pressure to "do it all" as a stay-at-home mom, and the emotional rollercoaster of preparin...

In this episode, we sit down with Kaitlyn, a 22-year-old single mom who is redefining what motherhood looks like on her own terms. While balancing the demands of raising her young daughter, Kaitlyn is also pursuing her education and stepping into the world of entrepreneurship. She’s challenging the traditional expectations of motherhood, proving to herself that young single moms can chase their dr...

In this episode of Smashed Oranges, we sit down with Nikkie Ruud Ripka, a pioneer in early childhood arts education and the founder of Fine Arts Express. With over 30 years of experience in early childhood instruction, Nikkie shares her passion for integrating music, dance, drama, art, and yoga into learning experiences designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers. She discusses how the fin...

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about emergency childbirth and may be triggering for some viewers. In this episode, Maddie and Omari share their deeply personal birth story, detailing their experience with an emergency C-section and preterm delivery. At 36 weeks and 4 days, their son was born healthy, but the journey was not without its challenges. They candidly discuss the trau...

In this heartfelt episode of Smashed Oranges, we explore the profound duality of life—welcoming new life while saying goodbye to family members. Join us as we open up about navigating the loss of loved ones to terminal illness the same year a baby is born. We dive into the passing of generations and how the experience of death brings a new appreciation and vibrancy to life. From learning to stay p...

Navigating Friendship and Motherhood: Changes, Challenges, and Connection In this heartfelt episode, we dive into the evolving dynamics of friendship after becoming a mom. From juggling coffee chats with toddlers in tow to forming new bonds with fellow moms, we unpack it all. Join us as we share personal stories, discuss the unspoken realities of limited capacity, and offer tips for finding meanin...

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into some spicy, thought-provoking, and totally relatable opinions about motherhood that don’t always make it into mainstream conversations. From balancing personal ambitions with parenting to questioning traditional roles and debunking myths about “perfect parenting,” we’re sharing it all—raw and real. Here’s what we discuss: Why motherhood doesn’t have to...

From embracing the scars that tell our stories to redefining beauty in the chaos of motherhood, this conversation is a heartfelt blend of honesty, encouragement, and empowerment. We dive into the raw reality of postpartum body image and the emotional and physical challenges of c-section recovery. Tune in for real talk, relatable moments, and a reminder that you’re never alone in this journey. Albe...

Sleepless nights are a rite of passage for every new mom, and in this episode, we’re getting real about it. From the first-year challenges of newborn sleep to our experiences with sleep training, we share how those exhausting nights impacted us physically and emotionally. We’ll also dive into the coping skills we learned, the strategies that worked for us, and the little things that helped us navi...

Welcome to Smashed Oranges! In our very first episode, we dive into the heart of why Smashed Oranges was born. Join us as we discuss our mission to build a community that embraces the unfiltered realities of motherhood while exploring what it means to rediscover and redefine ourselves. From maintaining our personal identities to navigating the complexities of being a mom, we’re here to connect, sh...