Motherhood, Mayhem, & Medical Mysteries

This week, the Gal Pals are pairing two very unexpected topics into one weirdly entertaining and informative episode. First, listen in as Mel unpacks the medical mysteries of syphilis, a terrible disease which, unfortunately, is on the rise again in the United States after nearly being eradicated over twenty years ago. Then, Miranda will take us into a completely unrelated discussion of her 10 Com...

Do you smell that?? Things are getting stinky this week as Miranda plunges head-first into the dumpster of confusion that is bathing regimens. Some parents bathe their kiddo every day, while others give them a bath once a week whether they need one or not... but what does the science say about how often kids should soap up and scrub down? Also, Mel de-mystifies candida yeast-- a fungus that's amon...

This week, we're tackling the Big D-- Depression! Yeah, we know it's not exactly the sunny-side-up topic we'd prefer, but hey, we're all about shining a light on those dark corners of motherhood! Mel will share some tips and tricks for tackling those blues without losing your sanity... or your chocolate stash. And speaking of uncomfortable feelings, Miranda uncovers a magic formula for helping kid...

In this week's episode, we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind of hormones and tears that accompany the "magical" journey of childbirth. Miranda tells us about the 4 hormones that play an important role in labor and delivery, from the highs of oxytocin-induced euphoria to the lows of...well, let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. Mel will share about something 90% of women who deliver...

Let's face it, we all struggle with anxiety from time to time, but did you know that the rates of anxiety among kiddos is higher than it has been in years?? Mel peels back the layers of the current pediatric mental health crisis and provides insights from recent studies about the current trends of this sobering topic. We certainly have our work cut out for us, but Miranda shares some tips to help...

Ouch! If you're a parent, there will surely come a day when your child injures herself. How you respond in the moment is important! Tune in to hear some tips from Miranda about keeping your kiddos (and maybe yourself) calm in the heat of a *painful* moment. And, speaking of painful moments, Mel shares about how a beer chicken gave her a full-on Zombie arm... weird right?? But the weirdness doesn't...

In this hilarious and informational episode, Miranda explores the phenomenon of "parentification," where kids seem to take on the role of mini-adults before their time. Unrelated but not really... Did you know that puberty is actually trending younger than ever before? You won't want to miss Mel unpacking this fascinating medical mystery! And, in true 4M fashion, hear Miranda recount a recent Vale...

Ever had a nightmare that left you in a cold sweat, or heard your child screaming bloody murder in the middle of the night from a night terror? Miranda unpacks nightmares and night terrors, so you can sleep more soundly. But then, things take a strange turn when Mel discusses the jaw-dropping realities of organ transplants – from the miraculous to the disastrous. And just when you thought things c...

We're back!! Can you believe it?? And we have so many amazing surprises in store this season, including a new Mayhem Momma whom you'll meet in this episode! Also, Miranda shares about the completely unrealistic expectations put on moms these days, and Mel discusses how Botox actually works, and why we started poking it in our foreheads to begin with. You won't want to miss the fun!! Spotlight: www...

🎉 Calling all Mayhem Mommas! 🎉 Guess who's back for round two of chaos, laughs, and everything in between? That's right—Mel & Miranda are bringing you another season of the 4M Podcast! 🎙️👶 Grab your diaper bag, toss in some extra wipes (trust us, you'll need 'em), and don't forget to pour yourself a mimosa in your Stanley cup, because we're about to dive into the wild world of motherhood on...

We all need a friend to go bra shopping with us, Miranda gives us tips on how to find her. But not until after she tells us of her misadventures in holiday photos. Add to that CHAT GPT’s description of the 4M podcast and Mel’s overview of burnout and the weight of mental health concerns on modern mothers, and you’ve got one hell of a season one finale!!  Sources -  Mel -   http...

Have you ever gone on autopilot trying to get everything done only for it to result in a #momfail? Miranda is right there with you. In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Mayhem Mommas revisit a topic that is important for us all-- breast cancer and prevention. Mel shares some encouraging findings from a very recent study and Miranda discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy...

Mel and Miranda recall a past Mom Getaway plan that didn't go exactly as intended, but was still filled with unexpected fun & surprises, as only the Gal Pals know it! Mel educates us about the absolute wonder that are HeLa cells and Miranda encourages us to take a new perspective on discipline with our kiddos. Sources -  Mel-  https://www.britannica.com/science/HeLa-cell https://osp....

You know that feeling when you're checking out at the store and everyone behind you is giving you the stink eye?? Not a great feeling! You know what else doesn't feel great? The flu. Mel shares about influenza and busts some myths about the flu vaccine. And, after a long hard look at Piaget's stages of development, Miranda wraps up with the final shebang, the formal operational stage. Spotlight: N...

Mel recalls a traumatic dental experience for her son. Miranda shares about the concrete operational stage and typical brain development for 7-12 year-olds. Mel demystifies adrenarche, or the "awakening of the adrenal glands," and all the fun things that come along with it!! SPOTLIGHT  Alex's Lemonade Stand  -  Foundation for Childhood Cancer To change the lives of children with can...

The 4M gals are all about throwing traditional gender roles out the window! But, also, you probably shouldn't send your husband to buy you a specific cosmetic product...let Miranda tell you why. Mel will educate us all about eczema and Miranda continues her deep dive into Piget's stages of development with the Pre-Operational stage. Spotlight -  The National Eczema Association  https://n...

Have you ever panicked and unnecessarily called Poison Control when your baby eats or drinks something they shouldn't? You're not alone, Mel has too! Hear the full story on this itty-bitty baby episode!! Miranda teaches us about our old friend Piaget's Sensorimotor phase (birth to 2 years), and Mel shares some interesting information she found while researching RSV.  Spotlight -  America...

Miranda's accidental absenteeism at a parent teacher conference did NOT make a good first impression on her son's kindergarten teacher. Mel unpacks the common, lifelong illnesses of first responders and volunteers at 9/11, and shares ways we can get involved and give back to those who sacrificed everything in rescue and recovery efforts. Miranda discusses some strategies to have a successful paren...

You know how people always say kids get sick a lot during their first year of daycare? Well, Mel's here to tell you that the same is true about for some parents! Also, Miranda gives us tips to help our kids become more self-reliant and Mel educates us on Strep Throat.  Spotlight -  Children's Health Fund https://www.childrenshealthfund.org/   Our Vision All children receive the heal...

Ever inadvertently model a behavior for your child and then have it blow up in your face? Miranda sure has, and she learned some valuable discipline strategies in the process. Also, Mel educates us all on the mysterious illness Hand, Foot, & Mouth disease.  Spotlight -  https://capacares.org/   To prevent and treat all forms of child abuse by creating changes in individuals, fam...

Episode 25 -  Years ago Mel got yelled at by a well known rapper, it's a wild story! Miranda tries her best to help us get our picky eaters to eat better. Mel does her best to help us understand what the heck the pancreas does, it's complicated!  Spotlight -  Pancreatic Cancer Action Network http://www.pancan.org  PanCAN's mission is to take bold action to improve the lives of...

Have you ever paid WAY too much for a TERRIBLE kid's haircut at a trendy kid's salon? You're not alone. The gal pals-- for some reason-- discuss their favorite cereals. Also, Miranda shares some tips for better bedtime routines for our kids, and Mel demystifies the most common skin infection in children: impetigo.  Spotlight : https://pajamaprogram.org   Pajama Program is a national...

Episode 23 -  Mel's fancy new car leads to some insanely anxious moments at the airport drop-off. Miranda's adorable family plans backfire...again. Isn't life so fun? Also, Mel teaches all about ADHD, and Miranda gives us tips on how to help our ADHD kids succeed in school. This is definitely an episode worth paying attention to! Spotlight -  CHADD www.chadd.org Children and Adults with...

Family vacations never go *quite* as planned, but at least we always get a funny story or two when go wrong! Mel gives us the rundown on what we need to do about head lice. And Miranda takes a departure from her usual content to talk about the fascinating topic of feral children.  Spotlight -  Feral Cat Helpers https://www.feralcathelpers.com/   ​ We are a non-profit cat rescue orga...

Ever take a fun family trip with ALL the kids? Have trouble just getting everyone and everything into the hotel? Mel sure did. Tune in to learn of the heroism of Chip Man and Pool Boy! Also, the gals will also discuss tips to get your kids to "chore more," and talk all about the mysterious thyroid!  Spotlight -  American Thyroid Association www.thyroid.org The American Thyroid Assoc...