Golden Hour

Infertility is deeply personal—and often deeply misunderstood. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Brian Levine, board-certified reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist, founding partner of CCRM New York, and founder of Nodal, a healthcare startup revolutionizing gestational surrogacy in America. Dr. Levine has spent his career helping families grow. Now, through Nodal, he’s tacklin...

Is “sleeping like a baby” a myth? Let’s talk about it. In this episode of Golden Hour , we’re diving into the sleep struggles that every parent faces—but rarely talks about—with Certified Gentle Sleep Coach Tracie Kesatie. With over a decade of experience, plus advanced degrees in psychology and counseling, Tracie brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to helping families get the rest the...

Pregnancy and infant loss are some of the most profound—and too often, silenced—experiences in parenthood. In this deeply moving episode of Golden Hour, I’m joined by Eileen Santos Rosete: postpartum doula, grief educator, trauma-informed yoga teacher, and author of the powerful new book To Tend and To Hold. Eileen shares how her work is sparking a cultural shift in how we acknowledge and support...

Why is postpartum care still an afterthought in American healthcare? The U.S. has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among developed nations—and much of that comes down to how we neglect postpartum health. In this episode of Golden Hour, I speak with Meghan Doyle, CEO and co-founder of Partum Health, a maternal and family care startup based in Chicago that’s redefining what postpartum sup...

There’s no one “right” way to parent—just the way that works best for you. Few understand this better than postpartum doula, baby sleep coach, and parenting expert Devon Clement. As the founder and CEO of Happy Family After, she’s spent 25 years guiding hundreds of families through the raw, messy, and beautiful postpartum journey. In this episode of Golden Hour , Devon shares her wisdom on everyth...

Breastfeeding is a natural and powerful connection between mom and baby—yet modern pressures, from “pump culture” to social media, have set unrealistic expectations around milk supply. Add to that outdated advice on common challenges like nipple pain and the over-diagnosis of tongue-tie, and it’s no wonder so many moms feel overwhelmed. Enter Dr. Rachel Yang, a board-certified breast surgeon and l...

After eight grueling IVF cycles and multiple heartbreaking losses, Abbe Feder transformed her frustration with the fertility process into a mission to help others. As the founder of InCircle Fertility, she provides invaluable support to individuals and couples navigating the complexities of infertility—bridging the gap between clinics, doctors, therapists, and patients with a unique, empathetic ap...

There are many reasons a couple might turn to surrogacy—whether due to medical conditions, fertility challenges, or same-sex parenthood, every journey is unique and deeply personal. No journey is as heartwarming as Emma’s. From an early childhood diagnosis to the trials of an unsuccessful surrogacy in New Zealand to an epic twist that led to a successful surrogacy in the U.S., Emma’s story is one...

Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative experiences, and your body undergoes many changes—none more important than the support of your pelvic floor. In this episode, we dive deep into everything you need to know about preparing and protecting this crucial muscle group throughout pregnancy, as well as expert tips on minimizing tearing during delivery. Joining us is Dr. Eileen Johnson, a leading...

From heartwarming labor stories to triumphant birth victories—and even the harrowing experience of a newborn overcoming a life-threatening respiratory illness—children’s book author Caroline Kusin Pritchard masterfully weaves the highs and lows of motherhood into unforgettable narratives. But her story goes beyond motherhood. Caroline shares the beauty of blending two rich cultures—honoring her Je...

Pregnancy and birth can be unpredictable, and no one understands this better than Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialist Dr. Arianna Cassidy. In this episode of the Golden Hour Podcast , we dive into the complexities of high-risk pregnancies, the emotional toll of unexpected complications, and the power of compassionate, patient-centered care. Dr. Cassidy shares her expertise on what it means to truly...

This week on the Golden Hour Podcast , we’re joined by the incredible Dr. Joyce Park, a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Skin Refinery—a cutting-edge teledermatology clinic—and the force behind Tea With MD , where she educates over 900,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As a sought-after skincare expert, she’s been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Forbes, Good Morn...

Starting a family is an exciting journey—but for same-sex couples, it can come with unique challenges and important considerations.  On this episode of the Golden Hour podcast, I sit down with my dear friend Dr. Sarah Isquick to explore the family planning process for LGBTQ+ couples. As both a physician and a parent, Dr. Isquick shares her personal experience and professional expertise to help nav...

Fertility can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This week on the Golden Hour podcast, I sat down with my friend and colleague Dr. Eduardo Hariton, a double board-certified expert in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility. With his compassionate approach and invaluable expertise, Dr. Hariton demystifies the fertility journey—from understanding when to s...

Every pregnancy tells a unique story, and certified nurse midwife Alyse Nikolao knows this better than anyone. In this heartfelt episode of the Golden Hour podcast, I’m joined by Alyse, a dear friend and practicing midwife, as she shares her incredible experiences—from her own long and challenging first delivery to the profound journey of being a gestational carrier for surrogacy. Alyse doesn’t ju...

Becoming a mother doesn’t just bring new life—it transforms you . This incredible transition, called “matrescence,” is the journey from who you were before birth to the person you become as a mother. But with transformation comes with emotional challenges and moments of self-discovery. Therapist Molly Nourmand, LMFT, and Clinical Director of Life After Birth®, joins us on the Golden Hour podcast t...

Motherhood and parenthood are a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with highs and lows. This week on the Golden Hour , we’re joined by Dawoon Kang, co-founder and Chief Dating Officer of Coffee Meets Bagel, as she opens up about her journey through a complicated labor and postpartum anxiety. Now thriving on the other side, Dawoon shares her story and offers powerful insights to help other mothers n...

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful way to connect with your newborn—but it’s not always easy. For many moms, it comes with its own set of challenges, stress, and questions. This week on the Golden Hour podcast, we sit down with Sarah Peck, an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, to discuss the realities of breastfeeding. From exclusive tips to navigating the pressures of “breast is be...

Motherhood rarely goes according to plan, and Nyssa’s birth stories are a testament to that. In this episode, we explore her journey through an unplanned cesarean and a challenging attempt at a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). With honesty and grace, Nyssa reflects on how these experiences taught her profound lessons in humility, patience, and embracing the unexpected. Tune in for a heartfelt...

In the United States, 1 in 10 babies are born preterm—a reality that touches countless families. While high-risk pregnancies face unique challenges, the advancements in care designed to support them can improve outcomes for every mother and baby 🌟. This week on The Golden Hour , high-risk OB specialist Dr. Martha Tesfalul joins us to explore how we can all access the comprehensive, compassionate...

Motherhood is a profound journey of selflessness and sacrifice. In this episode of the Golden Hour, corporate attorney Alana Walker shares her deeply personal story of overcoming postpartum anxiety and finding her way back to a renewed sense of self. Her journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of embracing life's challenges. Alana is a corporate lawyer for Waymo (formerly...

In last week’s episode of The Golden Hour, we delved into newborn feeding essentials. This week, we’re shifting the spotlight to you! Join us as we chat with Irene Liu, co-founder and CEO of Chiyo ( https://wearechiyo.com/ ), a meal delivery service dedicated to supporting moms through every stage—fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.  Together, we’ll explore how nourishing your body can empower y...

There is no right or wrong way to feed your baby. On this episode of the Golden Hour, Certified Nurse Midwife Kassie Donnels enlightens us with her best tips and tricks for breastfeeding, while creating space for self-love during the inevitably stressful months of postpartum.  Kassandra, Kassie, Donnels is originally from Sacramento, CA. She attended the University of Pennsylvania for her undergra...

This week on the Golden Hour podcast we return to another tale of motherhood through the lens of Shruti Challa. Like many of us, Shruti has skillfully channeled her Type-A energy to reinforce her priorities not only in pregnancy, but most importantly postpartum. In this episode Shruti gives us a thoughtful glimpse into the privilege and power of agency.  Shruti grew up in Kansas before moving out...

This week on the Golden Hour we continue a deeper dive into midwifery care. In this episode we speak with Certified Nurse Midwife Martina Chwascinska-Szarek and learn about the history of midwifery care and how its origin is foundational to reinforcing empowered, dignified births.   Martina is a Certified Nurse Midwife based in Berkeley, California. She completed her nurse midwifery and women’s he...