Breakroom Mom

(00:00:00) Episode 13: Why "Doing It All" is a Lie - Redefining Childcare with Alison Rogers (The Coven Cary) (00:00:05) Welcome to Break Room with Mom (00:01:25) The Pollen and Parking Tantrums (00:04:29) From Struggle to Solution: The Birth of Blush Co-Working Space (00:08:02) The Coven Partnership: Expanding Horizons (00:14:12) Childcare: More Than Just Babysitting (00:18:40) A Community-Driven Co-Working Space (00:33:27) The Childcare Dilemma: A Systemic Issue (00:38:44) The Power of Community for Solopreneurs (00:39:07) The Power of Community for Solopreneurs (00:41:07) Decision Fatigue and the Value of Collaboration Does the "work-from-home" dream feel more like a constant juggle you're losing?In this episode of Breakroom Mom, Julie sits down with Alison Rogers, the visionary behind The Coven Cary (formerly Blush Cowork). Alison didn't just build a coworking space; she built a sanctuary for women and parents that integrates high-quality, Montessori-inspired childcare with professional ambition.We’re pulling back the curtain on:The Psychology of Proximity: How having your child just 10 feet away—instead of across town—transforms a mother’s mental state and productivity.Solving the Broken Model: Why childcare shouldn't just be "babysitting" and how Alison’s partnership with Hopscotch Labs provides an enriching environment for kids.Ditching the Guilt: A direct message to the moms who feel like they "should" be able to do it all alone because they work from home.🔗 Resources & Links:Visit The Coven Cary: https://www.thecoven.com/caryFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoven.cary/Member Note: Interested in a membership? Alison breaks down the pricing and the different ways The Coven makes community support accessible for every parent.

(00:00:00) Episode 12: Navigating Neurodiversity & The "Mom Gut" with Dr. Kelly O'Laughlin (00:00:05) Welcome to Breakroom Mom with Dr. Kelly (00:00:21) Dr. Kelly's Background and Expertise (00:01:59) Navigating Suspicions of Neurodevelopmental Issues (00:03:53) Key Terms in Autism and Neurodiversity (00:05:53) The Neuroaffirming Approach to Neurodiversity (00:07:32) Social Media and Self-Diagnosis in Neurodiversity (00:12:05) Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment at Home (00:16:40) Managing Executive Dysfunction in Daily Life (00:32:55) Understanding and Responding to Meltdowns vs. Tantrums (00:40:17) Balancing Discipline and Affirmation for Neurodiverse Children (00:42:10) The "Permission Slip" every burnt-out mom needs Does your gut tell you that your child sees the world differently? In this episode, we’re joined by licensed pediatric psychologist Dr. Kelly O’Laughlin to bridge the gap between a mother’s intuition and a formal clinical diagnosis.With 15 years of experience in autism assessments, Dr. Kelly breaks down the "neuro-affirming" approach, helps us distinguish between sensory meltdowns and boundary-testing tantrums, and gives us permission to stop fighting the "neurotypical" script. If you are a high-performing mom trying to navigate the school system while protecting your own mental health, this "breakroom" session is for you.

(00:00:00) Episode 11: Permission to Pivot, Reclaiming Your Health with Steph, MPH RDN (00:00:05) Welcome to Breakroom Mom with Steph (00:00:28) Meet Steph: Nutrition Expert and Wellness Coach (00:01:07) The Struggle of Healthy Eating as a Mom (00:02:05) Tantrum Time: Challenging Wellness Narratives (00:04:05) Tantrum Time: The Parking Lot Incident (00:06:50) Steph's Journey: From Yo-Yo Dieting to Mindful Eating (00:20:36) Navigating the Pressure of Perfection in Health and Wellness (00:30:47) The Nourished Method: A Holistic Approach to Nutrition (00:33:14) Redefining Exercise for Busy Moms (00:37:04) Rapid Fire Q&A: Nutrition and Wellness Tips (00:40:25) Managing Sugar Cravings without Deprivation (00:46:40) Honest Thoughts on GLP-1s (Ozempic/Wegovy) From Cold Nuggets to "The Nourished Method": Ending the Survival Eating Cycle.In this episode of Breakroom Mom, host Julie sits down with Steph, a Registered Dietitian and the founder of Fit & Fed. If your current diet consists of your kids’ leftovers and your "workout" feels non-existent because you can't find 45 minutes for the gym, this conversation is your permission slip to do things differently.Julie and Stephanie tackle the "wellness noise" head-on—from the pressure of 80s diet culture to the "bounce back" expectations of today's fitness influencers. Stephanie shares her "Nourished Method," explaining why there are no "good" or "bad" foods and how to model a healthy relationship with food for your children without the shame or the stress of cooking multiple meals.In this episode, we dive into:Moving Past Survival Eating: How to transition from "cold chicken nugget" lunches to feeling truly fed without adding more to your to-do list.Filtering the Wellness Noise: Stephanie’s take on seed oils, keto, and why you don’t need to follow every trend to be healthy.Redefining Movement: Why a 45-minute gym session isn't the only way to "count" exercise during the busy toddler and baby years.The "Almond Mom" Legacy: How Zillennial parents can heal from 80s diet culture and protect their kids’ relationship with food.Rapid Fire Truths: Stephanie’s honest thoughts on GLP-1s, the "healthy eating is too expensive" myth, and advice for the 38-year-old struggling to lose the last 10 pounds.The Shame Spiral: How to move past a "terrible day of eating" and balance that chocolate chip cookie with ease.Stop viewing health as a chore and start viewing it as a cheat code for a better life. Tune in for a refreshing, shame-free look at modern motherhood and nutrition.Connect with Stephanie Greunke:Instagram: @fitandfedbystephWork with Steph: The Nourished Method & 30-Day Meal Plan (Link in her bio!)Stay Tuned: Keep an eye out for her upcoming wellness app!

(00:00:00) Episode 10: The Truth About Childbirth - Everything You Need to Know with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln (00:00:05) Welcome Dr. Jennifer Lincoln (00:00:19) The Importance of "The Birth Book" (00:05:53) Debunking Birth Myths: The Dangers of Unassisted Births (00:09:35) The Crucial Role of Partners in the Birth Process (00:13:22) Unexpected Challenges in the Birth Experience (00:16:38) The Importance of Choosing the Right OB and Birth Setting (00:20:40) Catholic Hospitals and Birth Control Restrictions (00:23:56) The Truth About Eating During Labor (00:26:30) Postpartum Sex: Breaking the Silence (00:29:29) Dealing with Stillbirth: A Provider's Perspective (00:37:26) Rapid Fire: Hospital Bag "Waste of Space" & Common Patient Questions (00:42:54) What is a Lotus Birth? (And Why Dr. Lincoln Isn't a Fan) (00:47:13) Being a "Difficult Patient": How to Advocate Without Fear (00:53:01) Parent "Cheat Codes" for an Independent Household Is your birth plan a "wish list" or a communication tool? 🤰In this episode of Breakroom Mom, we sit down with board-certified OBGYN and best-selling author Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to pull back the curtain on the modern birthing experience. Known for her "no-nonsense" approach and viral evidence-based advice, Dr. Lincoln joins us to discuss her latest work, The Birth Book, and to help expectant parents navigate the noise of internet myths and TikTok trends.Whether you are preparing for your first baby or your fourth, this conversation is packed with the "insider" information they don't always tell you in the doctor’s office.We dive deep into:Myth-Busting: The truth about "free birth," eating during labor, and the 6-week sex rule.Patient Advocacy: How to speak up for yourself (and your body) without feeling like a "difficult patient."The Business of Birth: Why you need to check if your anesthesiologist is in-network before you're 5cm dilated.Empowered Decisions: Navigating different hospital models, state laws, and religious directives to get the care you deserve.Dr. Lincoln’s mission is to replace fear with facts. Grab a coffee, join us in the breakroom, and let's get you ready for the big day with confidence and clarity.Connect with Our Guest:Book: The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Empowered ChildbirthInstagram: @DrJenniferLincolnTikTok: @drjenniferlincoln

(00:00:00) Welcome to the Breakroom: Introducing Serial Entrepreneur Cheyenne Levinson In this episode of the Breakroom Mom Podcast, I’m sitting down with the ultimate "multi-hyphenate" entrepreneur, Cheyenne Levinson.Most know her as the creative force behind Triangle Families Explore, but Cheyenne’s journey started long before the digital grid. We dive deep into her experience as a serial entrepreneur—from founding beloved local brick-and-mortar shops like The Little Oak Collective and State of Thrift to her role as a powerhouse content creator.In this episode, we discuss:The Serial Entrepreneur Journey: The highs and lows of starting physical retail stores in the Triangle.The Pivot: How "failures" in previous ventures became the blueprint for her current success.Content Creation vs. Reality: Debunking the biggest misconceptions about what she actually does for a living.Mom-Life & Real Housewives: Laughing through the chaos and why a little reality TV is the perfect reset.Whether you are a fellow business owner, an aspiring creator, or a local mom looking for your next adventure, Cheyenne’s story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

(00:00:00) Introduction: Meeting Psychologist Catherine Cheek (00:01:16) Our Turn for a Tantrum (00:04:30) Macro Trends: The Mental Health Crisis Since 2010 (00:05:50) Analyzing The Anxious Generation: Overprotection vs. The Virtual World (00:07:25) Red Flags: When to Seek Professional Help for Your Child (00:12:12) Experience Blockers: Why We Under-protect in the Virtual World (00:16:04) Discovery Mode vs. Defense Mode: Raising Resilient Kids (00:21:12) The Driver’s License Dilemma: Why Teens Are Staying Home (00:23:45) The 1990s Shift: Cable News and the Rise of "Stranger Danger" (00:27:50) The Comparison Trap: Social Media’s Impact on Moms (00:30:05) What We’re Doing Right: Destigmatizing Mental Health (00:32:55) Parenting "Schools": Gentle Parenting & Sturdy Leadership (00:41:08) Raising Grateful Kids: Building the "Gratitude Algorithm" (00:47:15) Micro-Habit: The Power of a 5-Minute Meditation (00:50:10) Advice from a "Launched" Mom: Letting Go of Self-Imposed Guilt (00:52:59) Listener Q&A: School Assessments vs. Private Evaluations (00:56:54) Cheat Codes: The Shared Family Calendar In this episode of Breakroom Mom, we go beyond the typical "mom guilt" conversation. I’m joined by psychologist Catherine Cheek to discuss the systemic and psychological pressures facing modern parents and their children. From the "invisible load" of the household to the rising tide of anxiety in today’s youth, we explore how to foster resilience in an increasingly digital and high-pressure world.Key Discussion Points:The Evolution of the Mental Load: Why modern parenting feels "heavier" than previous generations and how to identify the invisible labor that leads to burnout.The "Anxious Generation" Phenomenon: A look at the cultural and technological shifts contributing to the rise of anxiety in children and how parents can provide a buffer.Child Mental Health & Resilience: Catherine explains why protecting our kids doesn’t mean removing every obstacle, but rather teaching them how to navigate them.The Perfectionism Trap: How the pressure to be a "perfect parent" trickles down to our children and the power of modeling "good enough" behavior.Practical Boundaries: Strategies for protecting your family’s mental peace from the constant noise of social media and comparison culture.

(00:00:00) Introduction: Meeting Lisa Honold (00:03:52) The "Playground Without a Fence" Analogy (00:07:15) Why Technology is Different for the Developing Brain (00:10:48) The Science of Persuasive Design and Dopamine (00:13:28) The #1 Safety Rule: Tech-Free Bedrooms (00:13:35) Why "Just Put it Away" Doesn't Work for Kids (00:16:42) The Critical Rule: No Devices in the Bedroom (00:20:10) How to Handle the "Everyone Else Has One" Pressure (00:24:15) Setting Sustainable Boundaries for Different Ages (00:24:25) The Connection Between Social Media and Mental Health (00:28:12) Practical Steps for a "Digital Reset" (00:32:40) Managing Video Game Addiction and Online Gaming Safety (00:36:15) How to Rebuild Trust and Connection with Your Child (00:40:05) Resources from the Center for Online Safety (00:43:50) Lisa’s Final Message to Overwhelmed Parents (00:46:12) Closing Thoughts and Where to Listen Is your child’s digital world a “playground without a fence?” In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Honold, Director of the Center for Online Safety, to discuss the urgent need for a "Digital Reset." As social media platforms use persuasive design to keep kids hooked, many parents feel like they are losing the battle for their children's attention and mental health.In this episode, we dive into:The "Fence" Analogy: Why giving a child a smartphone without a plan is a high-risk move.The Science of Scrolling: How dopamine loops and persuasive design affect the developing brain.The #1 Safety Rule: Why moving devices out of the bedroom is the single most effective step for your family.Practical Boundaries: How to transition from tech-obsessed to tech-balanced without the constant power struggle.Whether you’re navigating the early years of screen time or dealing with a teenager who won't put the phone down, Lisa provides the tactical roadmap you need to reclaim your home.Learn more about Lisa Honold: https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/

(00:00:00) Introduction to Eleanor Taylor An introduction to Eleanor’s background and her mission with the Vibrant Leader Academy. (00:02:43) The Journey to Portugal Eleanor explains her decision to relocate to Portugal and how a change in environment impacted h (00:07:12) Breaking the Corporate "Hustle" Cycle A deep dive into why high-achieving women often fall into burnout and the myth of (00:14:35) Understanding the Nervous System in Leadership Eleanor discusses the science of nervous system regulation and why it is (00:22:18) The Vibrant Leader Framework An overview of the core pillars Eleanor uses to help women reclaim their energy and authent (00:31:05) Female Biology and High Performance How acknowledging female-specific biological cycles can actually lead to better busi (00:39:50) Navigating Conflict and Communication Practical advice on how to have "vibrant" conversations and lead through challengi (00:48:12) The Role of Community for Women Leaders Why isolation is a "silent killer" in the C-suite and the importance of finding (00:54:10) Final Thoughts and How to Connect Eleanor shares her final piece of advice for aspiring leaders and where to find her wo True leadership starts from within. Join us as Eleanor Taylor (Vibrant Leader Academy) explores the psychological and biological shifts necessary for women to thrive in modern business. We dive deep into the importance of holistic well-being, breaking the glass ceiling without breaking yourself, and why Eleanor is an advocate for biology-aware leadership research.Key Topics:Bridging the gap between mental health and corporate success.Why traditional leadership models often fail women.Practical tips for high-performing women to stay grounded and energized.

Black History Month is about so much more than a page in a history book—it’s an opportunity to celebrate excellence, foster empathy, and build a foundation of conscious awareness in our children. But as parents, how do we move beyond the "checklist" and have truly meaningful conversations?In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Tristan Richardson, a conscious parenting coach and education consultant. Tristan helps us navigate the "how" and "why" behind celebrating Black History Month as a family. We dive into:The "Why": Why intentional celebration is vital for children of all backgrounds.The Conversation: Practical, age-appropriate ways to talk to your kids about history, struggle, and achievement.The Toolkit: A curated list of resources, books, and activities that make these discussions natural and impactful.The Mindset: How conscious parenting helps us show up authentically for these big (and important) topics.Whether you’re looking for a place to start or want to deepen your family’s practice of inclusion, this episode is packed with the heart and wisdom you need to lead with love and education.

This week, I’m sitting down with my friend and fellow mom, Genevieve Stewart, for a conversation that most of us are terrified to have, but all of us need to hear. Genevieve isn't an "expert" with a PhD—she’s a mom of a teen and a pre-teen who decided that the "purity culture" many of us grew up with stops with her. We’re diving deep into the messy, awkward, and incredibly important world of introducing sex and body autonomy to our kids.In this episode, we cover:Breaking the Cycle: Moving away from shame-based "purity culture" and toward open, honest communication.The "One-Talk" Myth: Why sex ed is a series of 10,000 tiny conversations, not one big, scary event.Body Autonomy: How teaching kids they are the "boss of their body" starts way earlier than you think.The Resource Toolkit: Genevieve shares the exact books—from It’s Not the Stork to Boys & Sex—that helped her navigate these waters with her girls.Whether you have a toddler asking where babies come from or a middle-schooler navigating social media, this episode is a judgment-free zone designed to help you feel a little less alone in the "juggling and struggling" of modern parenting.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:"The Happiest Kids in the World" by Rina Mae Acosta & Michele Hutchison"Beyond the Birds and the Bees" by Bonnie J. Rough"Girls & Sex" and "Boys & Sex" by Peggy OrensteinThe "Family Library" Series by Robie H. Harris (It's Not the Stork!, It's So Amazing!, and It's Perfectly Normal)

Episode 4 is a walk down memory lane with a powerful destination. I sit down with childhood friend and conscious parenting coach Tristan Richardson. From our days as teenage pen pals to the reality of raising a Black son in 2025, we explore how shifting from "control" to "connection" changes everything. Plus, we bond over our mutual hate for trampoline parks and why building diverse communities is the future of parenting.

What happens when the joy of a new baby is met with the shock of a life-altering diagnosis? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Lauren Bygland, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when her son was just five months old. In Episode 3 of Breakroom Mom, Lauren shares her journey through treatment, the emotional impact of mastectomy and hysterectomy, and how she used her runner’s mindset to battle the disease. Join us for a vulnerable conversation about motherhood, identity, and the unrealistic pressures we face as parents today.

Parenting in 2026 feels like trying to hit a moving target, especially when it comes to our kids' health. To help us find some solid ground, I’m talking with Dr. Danielle Bliss. We’re diving into the "State of the Pediatrician’s Office" right now—discussing everything from changing requirements and controversial new health directives to the everyday products she keeps out of her house. Dr. Bliss helps us cut through the political and digital noise to focus on what really matters: keeping our kids safe and thriving in a rapidly changing world.

Welcome to the very first episode of Breakroom Mom. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at a job that was supposed to come "naturally," this episode is for you. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I started this podcast and tackling the big question: Why does parenting feel so much harder for us than it did for the generations before? We’re diving into the unique pressures Millennials and Gen Z face—from the digital overload of "perfect" parenting to the lack of a traditional village. Grab your coffee (even if it’s cold) and join me in the breakroom.