Dounii Talks

Bridget and Marco share their journey from loss to hope, reflecting on the challenges, lessons, and love that shaped their path to starting a family. From navigating heartbreak to celebrating a new pregnancy, they open up about the highs, lows, and everything in between — and how awareness, connection, and resilience brought them here. 🎵 Music by Ethan Lotenero 👉 Find Ethan on TikTok: @avodeae,...

Naomi and Micky, a same-sex couple, about their journey to becoming parents. We talk about everything—from choosing sperm and doing IUI, to the surprise of having twins, and all the highs and lows that came with it. Naomi gets really real about postpartum depression and living with bipolar, and how having Micky’s support made all the difference. We also dig into what it’s like to navigate parentin...

This episode has two big updates to share: First, what’s new with Dounii Talks — why the podcast looks a little different now, what’s changing, and where we’re headed next. Second, a personal share: my trying-to-conceive journey so far. I open up about the emotional ups and downs, what I’ve learned along the way, and how I’m navigating this season. 🎵 Music byEthan Lotenero 👉 Find Ethan on TikTok...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re joined by Annie for a raw and insightful conversation about navigating fertility in an unpredictable world. Annie walks us through her decision to freeze her eggs after being laid off, what it meant to take control of her timeline, and the unexpected emotional and ethical complexities that followed. We talk about everything from hormone injections and the...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re joined by the thoughtful and deeply honest Ale, who shares what it was like to be laid off, move cross-country, and find out she was pregnant — all at the same time. We talk about what happens when the excitement you're “supposed” to feel… just isn't there. Ale opens up about feeling disconnected from her baby during pregnancy, the guilt that came with it,...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re joined by the incredible Ariel Amarkarian, full-spectrum doula, reproductive health educator, and lifelong advocate—for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to support people through birth. We dive into Ariella’s journey from community organizing and ethnic studies to birthwork, and how a transformative experience in Armenia led her to her callin...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! In this episode, we sit down with Lorena and Emmanuel to talk about their experience with two miscarriages, the decision to stop trying, and the unexpected arrival of their son, August. We get into what it’s like to navigate grief as a couple, how fear shaped their next pregnancy, and the pressure to feel joy when you're still carrying loss. Lorena shares how the commu...

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of suicidal thoughts and children self-harming in the context of autism and caregiving. Please listen with care. Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks ! Today, we’re joined by the incredible Bonyue for a deeply raw and honest conversation about raising her non-verbal autistic daughter, Ava. Bonyue opens up about the early days of navigating Ava’s diagnos...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re joined by Tico—a first-time dad and psychologist. We discussed everything from feeling guilty about missing moments with your baby to the pressure of meeting societal expectations and the unspoken challenges of balancing work, identity, and family life. Tico also opened up about the impact of cultural background on parenting, the myths of social media “exp...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks ! Today, we talk with Chelsea Wood , a prenatal and postnatal personal trainer.  We dive into how fitness can support you through pregnancy and postpartum. In this episode of Dounii Talks , personal trainer Chelsea Wood joins Darian and Audrey to share practical advice and bust common myths around exercise before, during, and after pregnancy. We cover: Safe ways to move...

Hi, welcome to  Dounii Talks.  In this episode, we sit down with Cass, a nurse and mom, to talk about her transition into parenthood. She shares what it’s been like moving from full-time pediatric nursing to being home with her son, how she and her partner prepared for parenting, and what community support looks like for her now. We also get into pregnancy anxiety, shifting identity, and the small...

In this episode of Dounii Talks , Haley and Trevor open up about the real and raw transition into parenthood. We talk about the emotional side of childbirth, how their relationship has evolved, and why sleep training was a game-changer for their family. They also reflect on the importance of community and how parenting has helped them learn more about themselves and each other. It’s an honest, war...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re joined by the hilarious and inspiring Julia for a conversation about what happens when motherhood completely reshapes your career. We talk about her shift from comedy writing to parent coaching, launching creative writing classes for new moms, and how her pregnancy didn’t slow her down — it sparked a new chapter. Julia shares what it’s like to stay creativ...

In this episode, we are talking about something we never really understood until recently—hormones. We used to think hormones were just about “being hormonal,” but didn’t fully get what they were or how many different types there are. We dive into the basics: what hormones do, how they affect our mood, energy, stress, and overall health. Darian will shat share her knowledge about hormones - about...

In this episode of Dounii Talks, Jon and Danielle have an honest conversation about building a family, growing up together, and navigating the complexities of blended parenthood. They open up about the early days of their relationship, the emotional and financial challenges they faced raising three boys, and what it really means to show up for your partner and your kids—even when life is uncertain...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re diving deep into the world of doulas—who they are, what they do, and why their support is so powerful. As Dounii’s in-house doula, Darian shares her journey into birth work, unpacks common misconceptions, and reveals how doulas provide emotional, physical, and advocacy support throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Whether you’re expecting, supportin...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re talking with Darian and Matt about the timing of parenthood—how they’re navigating the question of when to have kids, not just if . They share how their upbringings shape their views on family, the pressures they feel, and how mental health plays into their decision. We also understand what preparing for kids looks like and why there’s no perfect timeline....

🚨 Trigger Warning: This episode discusses miscarriage. Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks ! Today, we’re joined by Sam for a deep conversation about letting go, trusting the journey, and navigating the unexpected. We talk about the pressure to plan, the emotions of trying to conceive, and the reality that healing isn’t linear. Sam shares her experience with surrendering control, finding support, and emb...

Hi, welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re joined by our amazing guest, Anna, for an insightful conversation all about embracing the uncertainty of big life choices. We touched on everything from shifting perspectives on motherhood, the pressures society places on women to decide, and the privilege of even being able to have the conversation. We also dove into childhood influences, the role of part...

Welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we sit down with Yuni as she shares her powerful journey through motherhood, identity, and transformation. As a mom of three, she opens up about the unexpected twists of growing her family and how each child reshaped her sense of self. We explore the challenges of balancing personal identity with motherhood, the unique dynamics of sibling relationships, and the unex...

Welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re joined by Ary’s conversation about stepping into fatherhood. He opens up about what it’s like to support a partner through pregnancy, the shock and joy of birth, and the struggles of bonding with a newborn. We dive into cultural views on family, when birth plans don’t go as expected, and the raw emotions of those first days as a dad. It’s honest, heartfelt, an...

Welcome to Dounii Talks ! In this episode, we’re sharing why we created this space and what Dounii Talks is all about. From the power of real stories to building a community where you’re never alone, we dive into our mission to support you through life’s transitions—whether that’s navigating parenthood, redefining your identity, or finding a deeper purpose. Tune in to hear how we’re creating a spa...

Welcome to Dounii Talks! Today, we’re joined by our amazing guest, Susan , for an insightful conversation all about advocating for yourself. We touched on everything from speaking up at the hospital, navigating the highs and lows of breastfeeding, and the wild reality of maternity leave. We also dove into what it feels like to lose your independence as a mom, how friends can show up for you, and w...