The Thoughtful Advocate

What does turning 30 really feel like? Does life get better after 30? How do you balance motherhood, friendship, healing, and building your dreams? In this honest life update, I’m sharing what turning 30 taught me, how motherhood has changed me, what my birthday looked like as a mom of two, and the small moments that reminded me what really matters. From Facebook Marketplace wins and budget parent...

Turning 30 felt different than I expected. In this episode of The Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, Elizabeth Teo shares the truth about leaving survival mode behind, healing from a difficult twenties, becoming a mother of two, and stepping into a new chapter of life. From a family trip to Niagara Falls to navigating postpartum recovery, road tripping with babies, protecting kids online, and reflecting...

Did you know that 94% of your brain's gray matter changes during pregnancy? In this episode, Elizabeth Teo breaks down the real science behind what happens to your mind, body, and identity when you become a mother. This is not just a role — it is a complete biological and emotional transformation called matrescence, and almost no one is talking about it. Elizabeth explores why so many mothers feel...

In this heartfelt life update, host Elizabeth Teo opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of welcoming baby Jack while navigating life with two under two. From tearful minivan moments to surviving the newborn phase on zero sleep, Elizabeth reflects on childhood nostalgia, a hard-won second C-section recovery, unexpected generosity from strangers, and the profound realization that the family she...

Most people think codependency only happens in toxic relationships. Mine was the opposite. In this episode, I'm sharing my personal experience with codependency inside a genuinely loving, healthy relationship, where the real wounds were coming from inside me all along. I cover what codependency actually is, why it develops from childhood trauma and anxious attachment, the signs most people search...

At 38 weeks pregnant, exhausted, and running on no sleep, the last thing I needed was last minute cancellations and early departures from childcare I had planned and paid for. But that is exactly what happened. And instead of speaking up, old Elizabeth just said it was fine. In this episode I am getting honest about what it cost me to be too nice for too long, and what finally pushed me to hold my...

We are officially one week away from meeting our second baby and I am sharing all the life updates in this one! From my very first attempt at cutting my toddler's hair (spoiler: the bangs did not go as planned) to everything that actually happens leading up to a planned c-section that nobody really talks about: weekly OB appointments, the hospital pre-call, bloodwork, the antibacterial wash prep,...

Everyone told you your twenties would be the best years of your life but what if they were wrong? In this episode, Elizabeth breaks down why your thirties might actually be when life finally clicks. From emotional stability and stronger boundaries to deeper relationships and a growing income, the data points to one surprising truth: 36 is the happiest age for most people, and most wouldn't trade t...

Mental health support for moms isn't optional, it's essential. In this episode of Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, I'm getting real about why finding a therapist BEFORE baby arrives is one of the most important things you can do as an expecting mom. With 1 in 5 women experiencing postpartum depression and mental health issues responsible for nearly 20% of pregnancy related deaths, this conversation is...

Having a baby is hard. Having two under two? A whole different level. In this episode of the Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, Elizabeth Teo gets real about what to actually expect from labor and delivery nurses, how to build a support system before your baby arrives, and her honest fears about navigating life with two little ones. She breaks down the Doers, Listeners, and Resources framework her thera...

Planning a baby shower in 2026? Discover why small, intimate baby showers are trending and get sustainable party favor ideas that guests actually use! In this episode of Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, I share our second baby shower experience including popular games like diaper pong, Kahoot baby trivia, and baby food guessing. Learn why bear themed parties are hot right now, how to do a successful d...

Thrived in high school but struggling in your 20s? You're not alone. Real stories about career anxiety, comparison, and finding your path after university. Welcome to the Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, hosted by Elizabeth Teo. If you graduated with honors but can't find a job, if you're watching everyone else succeed while you feel stuck, or if you're questioning every decision you've made, this pod...

Join me for an honest 35 week pregnancy update as I share my experience preparing for a scheduled c-section, the relief of finally being on maternity leave, and how we tackled our chaotic bedroom. I'm discussing the differences between spinal blocks vs epidurals, the science behind third trimester fatigue (your blood volume increases 50%!), why multitasking while pregnant is so draining, and how v...

Does having a baby change your marriage? YES, and we need to talk about it more. In this episode, I share our real experience of how our relationship changed after having our first child, backed by psychology research on marriage after kids. What You'll Learn: ✨ Why your first child is the hardest (and why no one can prepare you) ✨ The science behind marriage satisfaction drops after babies (67%...

Welcome to the Thoughtful Advocate Podcast. I'm Elizabeth Teo, and today I need to tell you something that took me years to admit: being "too nice" almost destroyed me. For most of my life, I was the person everyone could count on. The friend who dropped everything, who never said no, who was available 24/7. I thought I was being a good person. Turns out, I was just being a doormat, and people too...

Baby number two is coming and I'm sharing everything I'm thinking and feeling before our lives change forever. If you're pregnant with your second baby, wondering what it's really like having two kids under two, or preparing for a toddler and newborn at the same time, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: 🤱 Second Baby Reality Check What it's really like preparing mentally f...

After months of searching, we finally found our ideal nanny through NannyServices.ca! You can use my referral link here: https://nannyservices.ca/refs/814547  In this episode, I share our complete nanny search experience, including why we decided to pay for a service and how it paid off immediately. Our new nanny lives just 10 minutes away and connected instantly with Ace, even handling diaper cha...

This isn't your typical New Year reflection. Join me for an unfiltered look at 2025, the year that shattered my expectations and rebuilt me from the ground up. I'm sharing: The first four months of motherhood nobody talks about (spoiler: it wasn't Instagram-worthy) How becoming a mom exposed every toxic pattern I learned in childhood Why I finally changed my brand name after years of hesitation Th...

Discover why doing nothing might be the most important thing you do today. In this honest episode of The Thoughtful Advocate, host Elizabeth Teo shares her powerful realization about rest, productivity, and motherhood after both her 11 month old son Ace and herself fell ill. Learn how to recognize when your baby is sick (even without a fever), navigate the challenges of caring for a sick infant un...

Parenting an 11 month old taught me that preparation saves you from midnight pharmacy runs. In this episode, I share the baby essentials that genuinely saved us when my son got his first real fever, including medications to stock ahead, thermometer tips, and safe sleep strategies. Learn what actually works for sick babies under 1 year old, how to handle fevers without panicking, and why having mul...

Discover how to save hundreds on baby clothes with Facebook Marketplace finds! In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible $10 baby bundle haul and reveals the best frugal parenting tips for dressing your little one without breaking the bank. Plus, get practical advice for traveling with an 11 month old, including what to pack (and what to skip), airport survival strategies, and making family...

Learn how to save thousands on baby clothes, toys, and gear using Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and baby swaps. Practical tips from a real parent who spent under $60 on 100+ outfits. Expecting a baby or already drowning in baby expenses? The baby industry wants you to believe you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on designer cribs, brand new strollers, and perfectly decorated nurse...

Raw, honest talk about returning to work as a new mom. When your nanny quits with 2 days notice, your 10 month old has separation anxiety, and you feel like you're failing at everything. In this deeply vulnerable episode, I share one of the hardest weekends of my life as a new mom. Just 12 days after returning to work, our nanny quit with only 2 days notice, leaving me feeling like I'm failing bot...

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the hardest transitions parents face. In this raw and honest episode, I share my emotional first week back at work after 10 months with my baby, and why it was so much harder than I expected. If you're a parent dreading going back to work, currently struggling with the transition, or trying to decide between daycare vs. nanny care, this episode is...

Discover the dramatic shift in fatherhood from Boomer dads spending just 2.6 hours weekly with kids to modern fathers tripling their involvement. This episode explores how Millennial and Gen Z dads are revolutionizing parenting by attending pediatric appointments, handling night feedings, sharing mental load, and becoming true co-parents. Learn how increased father involvement reduces maternal dep...