The Millennial Sandwich

Grief doesn't always follow the five stages that have become a fixture in cultural conversations about loss. The reality? Grief can show up in a costume...and it doesn't always begin when someone dies. Claire Bidwell Smith , therapist, author, and grief expert joins Anita and Zara for a conversation about the elements of grief we rarely discuss. It's a perspective-shifting conversat...

One of the hallmarks of millennial parenting? Knowing so much (maybe...too much?) about raising kids, yet constantly feeling undermined by the people who raised you.  Even the experts are experiencing this. See: Dr. Mona Amin, a pediatrician, content creator and podcaster who shares parenting advice with over 2 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, yet has stumbled through the complexitie...

As a content creator and author of Honest Motherhood: Losing My Mind and Finding Myself , Libby Ward built her platform on radical honesty. In this conversation, she delivers just that. Come for Libby's story, which includes a lifetime of caregiving responsibility, and stay for Libby's sharp, unfiltered opinions about the state of motherhood today. Libby speaks to Anita and Zara about: H...

There's no formal introduction to the sandwich generation. Chances are, you've been in it for longer than you realize — at least if your sandwich generation story is anything like our experiences. Anita and Zara, hosts of The Millennial Sandwich, get deeply personal in this episode (yes, there were tears!). From how they each discovered they were officially in the sandwich generation, to...

Having kids is going to change your relationship — that's inevitable. But that doesn't mean your partnership is doomed after you have kids. Eli Weinstein, LCSW therapist, host of The Dude Therapist and author of From I Do to We Do is here to break down our most pressing questions about partnership as parents. Think... Is marriage supposed to feel hard? Will we be okay without date nights...

It's not in your head: Millennials really are fighting an uphill battle when it comes to finances.  We're navigating astronomical childcare costs, an unstable job market, inflation, and more...and while still paying back our student loans. Meanwhile, we're being told the reason we're financially strapped is because we overspend on lattes and avocado toast. On this episode, fina...

Anita and Zara discuss the evolution of media representation of caregiving. From 'Leave it Beaver' and other depictions of 1950's suburbia, to the social media-driven landscape we're currently navigating, representation of caregiving has evolved...but has it really changed all that much? The hosts dig into their opinions, share thoughts on the buzzy tradwife novel Yesteryear ,...

Leah Ruppanner , a sociologist and the author of Drained , joins Anita and Zara to discUss the complexities of mental load. In this conversation, Leah debunks common misconceptions and explains how emotional thinking work impacts burnout and gender norms. This conversation offers research-backed insights and practical advice for understanding and managing mental load in everyday life. In this epis...

What happens when a journalist who covers parenting and a physician who cares for older adults enter the sandwich generation? If Zara Hanawalt and Dr. Anita Chandra's experiences are any indication, no amount of expertise can truly prepare you for what it's really like to be in the sandwich generation.  Join longtime friends Anita and Zara they explore the complexities of the millennial...

Saumya Dave , psychiatrist, author, and mental health advocate joins Anita and Zara to discuss the complex emotions of guilt, the importance of authentic friendships, and the societal expectations placed on women and mothers. She shares personal stories, insights from research, and practical advice on navigating mental health and relationships in modern life. Key Topics The different types of guil...

Dr. Allison Alford, PhD, a researcher and the author of Good Daughtering , joins Anita and Zara to discuss the concept of daughtering, its emotional labor, and its significance across generations. Discover how recognizing and valuing daughtering can transform relationships, foster resilience, and expand our understanding of womanhood. Key Topics The concept of daughtering and its origins Emotional...