Reproductively Speaking

Send us Fan MailI’m honored to welcome Lisa Vawter to the podcast today!Dr. Lisa Vawter is a mother of two and a dedicated women's health chiropractor specializing in prenatal, postpartum and pediatric care. With a Master’s in nutrition and certifications in the Webster Technique, Spinning Babies, and Birthfit, along with 100 hours of acupuncture training, her practice offers comprehensive and holistic support for expectant and new mothers and their kiddos. Inspired by her own transformative experience with chiropractic care during pregnancy, she’s committed to providing compassionate and personalized care using movement as medicine, and to help navigate the physical changes of motherhood.We talk a lot about pregnancy like it’s a checklist of physical changes…but what if that’s only part of the story? In today’s conversation, I sat down with Dr. Lisa to unpack the metaphysical experience of motherhood, and what it actually feels like to live in a body that’s constantly changing, stretching, and becoming. The truth is - your physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual experiences during this season are NOT separate. They’re deeply intertwined!Something that needs to be said louder: pregnancy does NOT have to equal pain. Yes, your body is changing in big ways, but movement, basic body awareness, and simple daily habits can make a massive difference during this time!Motherhood is a full-body, whole-person transformation. You DESERVE care that reflects that, and you should never feel like you’re meant to do this journey alone!Episode Recap:Why motherhood isn’t just physicalHow Lisa’s personal journey shaped how she supports women todayLisa’s 2 birth experiences + how they were completely differentWhy letting go of control + accepting support mattersHow pregnancy changes your identity (not just your body)Pregnancy ≠ pain (even if we’ve normalized it)How simple movement can reduce discomfort + build confidenceHow mobility supports baby positioning + smoother laborWhy you don’t have to wait until you’re in pain to get supportHow the system often overlooks the physical experience of pregnancyWhy there IS hope w/more education + support shifting maternal careFocusing on the basics like eating, moving, resting & staying connected during pregnancy**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Follow Lisa on Instagram @lisavawterchiroCheck out Lisa’s websiteFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailFor the past few years, I’ve challenged myself to do Dry January. But…this year became something much bigger. What started as “just seeing if I could do it” turned into 100 days sober. Honestly? The biggest thing I’ve gained hasn’t been about alcohol at all! It’s been about self-trust, and proving to myself that I CAN do hard things, sit with uncomfortable feelings, and stay present (even when I want to check out).Believe me, I totally understand the many “quiet” ways that so many moms cope. Whether it’s alcohol, scrolling, overworking, or staying constantly busy, sooo many of us are just trying to find relief from #allthethings that come with motherhood. More than anything, this episode is about learning how to STAY. Stay with yourself, your body, your hard emotions, and your life…even when it feels uncomfortable. Self-trust is not built in huge, dramatic moments -it’s built in small, quiet choices over and over again. This is your reminder that you do not have to be “perfect” to rebuild that trust - you just need to keep staying!Episode Recap:How doing Dry January turned into 100 days sober + a deeper journey of self-trustLearning to stay with hard emotions instead of immediately checking outWhy self-trust matters just as much as confidence or disciplineHow ADHD can impact follow-through, emotional regulation & identityThe connection between ADHD, overwhelm, and substance useWhy many moms use alcohol (or other coping tools) to regulate an overwhelmed nervous systemRealizing alcohol was often about seeking relief, not the drink itselfHow stopping drinking changed relationships, socializing & identityThe unexpected benefits that came with cutting alcohol What really builds self-trust over time**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Follow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailI’m excited to welcome Danielle Wallace to the podcast today!Danielle Wallace is a former competitive volleyball player, corporate professional, and business owner. She knows firsthand the pressure of performing at a high level, whether on the court, in the boardroom, or running your own business. As a therapist, she helps athletes, entrepreneurs, and their families build mental and emotional resilience to thrive under pressure (and beyond). Danielle understands firsthand what it feels like to perform, push, and carry expectations, both from within and from the outside.In today’s conversation, we talk about youth sports and how parents can navigate that, but honestly, it’s sooo much more than that. The pressure, identity, perfectionism, and ways our kids begin to tie their worth to performance can show up in any area of life! These patterns don’t just start on the field. They start in families, nervous systems, and the subtle ways we respond to our kids’ emotions, struggles, and mistakes.At the heart of this conversation is a simple but powerful reminder: our kids don’t need us to perfect the experience - they need us to be a safe place within it. Whether your child plays sports or not, this episode is really about raising humans in a high-pressure world, and helping them build resilience, emotional safety, and a sense of self that isn’t dependent on performance!Episode Recap:Why performance pressure doesn’t start on the fieldWhy many parents feel stuck between supporting their child & unintentionally adding pressureWhy kids may tie their identity to performanceHow social pressure is often stronger than parent pressure for youth athletesHow well-intentioned phrases from parents can increase pressure in kidsThe importance of connection after gamesHow kids and parents often protect each other emotionally + what this can lead toHow burnout can typically show up in kidsWhy resilience is built by allowing kids to feel disappointment & work through it**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Mental Toughness for Young Athletes Good Inside by Dr. Becky KennedyFollow Danielle on Instagram @coretherapyksCheck out Danielle’s websiteFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailFatherhood is something we don’t talk about nearly enough….but it’s time to change that.In this episode, I want to broaden the conversation on fatherhood. I recently gathered responses from over 100 fathers in my community, and explored fatherhood through three lenses: my husband’s experience, what other dads shared, and what we know clinically about paternal mental health. What stood out most? Fathers are deeply involved, deeply committed, and often carry a quiet weight (even though they’re super unsure and overwhelmed themselves).Many fathers shared that they feel pressure to handle everything on their own, believing that asking for help is a sign of weakness. Yeah…that belief didn’t come out of thin air! It’s rooted in long-standing expectations about what society deems to “be a man”.At the end of the day, what stood out most from these fathers was their love, effort, and desire to get it right. Dads are “just trying to figure it out, too”. Supporting fathers, strengthening relationships, and caring for parental mental health aren’t separate conversations. They’re how we build healthier families, together!Episode Recap:Why fatherhood is a conversation we need to be having more openlyThe hardest transitions into fatherhoodKey themes from 100+ fathers who took an anonymous surveyReal thoughts from my husband regarding fatherhoodThe very real mental load fathers carry + how societal expectations have shaped thisHow paternal mental health is impacted by maternal mental healthThe evolving role of fathers & shift toward deeper emotional connection w/their kidsHow parenthood truly changes relationshipsThe importance of preparing your relationship (not just your home) for a babyWhy supporting fathers, strengthening relationships, and prioritizing mental health are vital for building healthier families**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Take the Fatherhood SurveyFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailI’m honored to welcome Sierra Fair to the podcast today!Sierra Fair is an LSCSW who has worked in private practice for 4 years. She’s originally from Kansas, but now lives in Arkansas with her husband and son. They experienced delayed fertility when trying for their son, which opened her eyes to the world of fertility issues. Sierra dealt with PMADs after having her son, which later led her to pursue additional training through Postpartum Support International to better serve her clients (and help herself). She and her husband are now trying for baby #2, and in the waiting season again!As a social worker, Sierra works as a mental health therapist, providing virtual therapy to her clients. Outside of work, she leads a faith-based support group for women struggling to grow their families, called Moms in the Making.In this conversation, Sierra shares openly about the grief, isolation, and pressure that can come with delayed fertility. From navigating the heartbreak of an early pregnancy loss, to sitting with the constant question of “when will it be my turn?”, she speaks candidly about the emotional toll of fertility struggles (especially in a culture that often minimizes these experiences).One of the most powerful parts of Sierra’s story is the role that community played in her healing. Through the faith-based support group, Moms in the Making, she found a space where women could be honest about the complexity of fertility journeys (grief, hope, jealousy, and everything in between). Sierra’s story is a POWERFUL reminder that no one is immune to perinatal mood struggles, and fertility journeys are rarely linear. If this episode resonates, please know you are NOT alone, and you deserve support, validation, and compassion every step of the way!Episode Recap:Sierra’s personal experience with delayed fertility + PCOS diagnosisThe VERY real emotional toll of fertility strugglesSierra’s early pregnancy loss + how “at least..” statements can unintentionally minimize griefHow finding community through Moms in the Making truly became a lifelineSupportive ways women can honor & process fertility or pregnancy lossSierra’s journey of conceiving with the help of Clomid & welcoming their sonUnderstanding you’re NOT alone, and your experience deserves support & validation**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Follow Sierra on Instagram @sierra_irene13Learn more about working with SierraCheck out Moms in the MakingFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailRecently, I came across a 1963 magazine article titled “Mothers Without Joy.” As someone who LOVES thrifting and antiquing, I’ve always been drawn to old books and magazines. But…this one stopped me in my tracks. The language was for sure dated, but the themes? Unsettlingly familiar. It felt like reading something written about today.The article dove into "illegitimate babies”, and how pregnancy outside of marriage was viewed as a social and moral crisis. The burden of shame? It fell almost entirely on women.Motherhood itself wasn’t the issue - unapproved motherhood was. While our language has changed today, the scrutiny is still very present.History reveals what changing language can often conceal: women have long been evaluated on "mothering". What mothers needed in 1963, and what mothers need now, is NOT moral evaluation. We need support, autonomy, and compassion! I mean…how different would motherhood look like in our world today, if it was met with care, instead of judgment?Episode Recap:What a 1963 article titled “Mothers Without Joy” truly revealsHow the term “illegitimate” highlights how deeply motherhood was regulated by marriage, age, class &  raceHow the burden of shame & consequence historically fell almost ENTIRELY on womenWhy modern motherhood is still categorized into “acceptable” and “unacceptable” pathsWhy women continue to internalize cultural messages about motherhood & blame themselvesThe unfortunate common thread of motherhood today (regardless of your path there)Why the scrutiny of motherhood looks different now, but still carries so muchWhat mothers have needed decades ago (and need now, more than ever)**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Follow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailI’m excited to welcome Emma Hilger to the podcast today!Emma Hilger is a young stay-at-home mom of 3 kids under 4 and an amateur practicer of all things creative. She studied at the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University and is now putting her skills to use as an author/designer and self-publisher. "I'm a Good Mom: Positive Affirmations in Storybook Style" is the first of many books she hopes to write in a series of Good Mom Board Books that aim to make positive affirmations for moms accessible, realistic, and fun.What I love about Emma’s work is how honest it is. It doesn’t sugarcoat motherhood or pretend it’s *magical* all the time. Instead, it speaks directly to the moments most of us know well - the self-doubt spirals, exhaustion, overstimulation, and quiet questioning of whether we’re doing this “right.” In today’s conversation, we talk openly about bad-mom spirals, the massive identity shift that happens when external validation disappears, and why redefining what it means to be a “good mom” is SO necessary.We also talk about affirmations in a way that feels realistic and grounded - not as cheesy mantras, but as reminders. Repair matters, perfection was never the goal, and trying counts for more than we give ourselves credit for.Feeling like a bad mom doesn’t mean you are one - it usually means you care deeply, and you’re doing something incredibly demanding with very little support. Emma’s work reminds us that motherhood is about showing up, repairing when things go sideways, and offering ourselves the same compassion we give our children!Episode Recap:Emma’s journey as a stay-at-home momOne of the most exhausting parts of early motherhoodHow bad-mom spirals & self-doubt inspired Emma to create her bookWhy affirmations don’t need to be cheesy to workThe role of self-talk in repair after hard moments with your kidsWhy a “good mom” isn’t perfect, and keeps showing upWhy realistic expectations & self-forgiveness are essential for sustainable motherhood**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Ep. 7 | Why the Overstimulated Version of You in Motherhood Isn’t the Whole StoryFollow Emma on Instagram @goodmomboardbooksFollow on Facebook and TikTokOrder Emma’s book online or purchase from Watermark Books & CafeFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailI’m excited to welcome Jennifer Gunn back for a part 2 episode today!Jennifer Gunn is the founder of Not Your Typical Neuro, a wellness practice specializing in neurodiversity-affirming support for adults with ADHD, autism, and related neurodivergent profiles. Her work focuses on helping clients understand their cognitive patterns, reduce masking-related burnout, and develop sustainable strategies aligned with their neurotype. Jennifer combines lived experience with a strengths-based, client-centered approach to foster clarity, resilience, and self-advocacy. She is dedicated to providing accessible, validating support for adults who are newly identified or exploring late-discovered neurodivergence.In today’s conversation, we explore how SO many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. They’re often thriving through masking in familiar environments… until motherhood disrupts everything. Jennifer vulnerably shares her own postpartum experience, including her first panic attack, intrusive thoughts, and the intense sensory and emotional overwhelm that surfaced while caring for her infant (all while her husband was deployed).We also dive into sleep deprivation, overstimulation, mom rage, and overfunctioning - patterns so many millennial parents recognize.Many of us advocate fiercely for our children, yet struggle to offer ourselves the same compassion. Ultimately, we’re here to remind you that you’re NOT broken, you’re not failing, and you’re not alone. You deserve support that honors who you truly are - not who you’ve been masking yourself to be!Episode Recap:Why neurodivergence in women often becomes more visible in the perinatal & postpartum periodWhy differential diagnosis mattersWhat PMDD is + how it shows up even more intensely for neurodivergent momsHow sleep deprivation disproportionately impacts neurodivergent parentsHow panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, overstimulation & mom rage are signs of unmet needsHow overfunctioning & constant masking often leads to burnout & emotional breaking pointsWhy neurodiversity-affirming care begins with validationRemembering you are NOT broken or alone in this season**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Ep. 8 | Neurodivergence, Motherhood, and Masking: An Honest Conversation with Jennifer Gunn (Part 1)Ep. 7 | Why the Overstimulated Version of You in Motherhood Isn’t the Whole StoryFollow Jennifer on Instagram @aboveaverageautistic_therapistLearn more about working with JenniferFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailI’m honored to welcome my very first guest, Jennifer Gunn, to the podcast!Jennifer Gunn is the founder of Not Your Typical Neuro, a wellness practice specializing in neurodiversity-affirming support for adults with ADHD, autism, and related neurodivergent profiles. Her work focuses on helping clients understand their cognitive patterns, reduce masking-related burnout, and develop sustainable strategies aligned with their neurotype. Jennifer combines lived experience with a strengths-based, client-centered approach to foster clarity, resilience, and self-advocacy. She is dedicated to providing accessible, validating support for adults who are newly identified or exploring late-discovered neurodivergence.A pivotal part of Jennifer’s story (and what ultimately led her into perinatal mental health) is her experience becoming a mother. We dive deeply into neurodivergence in motherhood, including Jennifer's own late-discovered autism and ADHD. We talk about giftedness, masking, burnout, overstimulation, and the emotional complexity that can come with diagnosis (or even just self-recognition). If you’re a parent, therapist, or simply someone curious about neurodivergence, you’re in the right place. A diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re broken - it can be an invitation to rebuild your life in a way that actually fits. Jennifer is one of my absolute FAVORITE humans, and such a wealth of knowledge. Stay tuned for part 2 with her very soon - you won’t want to miss it!!Episode Recap:Jennifer’s journey from military service to therapy, private practice & finding her professional identityHow becoming a mother was a huge turning point that impacted her career choiceRealizing the “village” often promised to parents is missing in our society todayJennifer’s lived experience with late-discovered neurodivergenceThe overlap between postpartum anxiety, ADHD & autismThe concept of masking + how it’s a learned survival strategy for many womenNavigating grief, resistance, and relief after diagnosis + allowing space to rebuild life with more self-trustHow Jennifer’s own late diagnosis shapes the way she supports her clients**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Follow Jennifer on Instagram @aboveaverageautistic_therapistLearn more about working with JenniferFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailToday’s episode is a little different. I wrote a poem that came out of one of my ugliest, hardest moments as a mom. Yep, I’m talking about those awful moments where overstimulation takes over…and I don’t recognize myself anymore. If you’re a mom who loves your kids fiercely, never wanting to be an “angry parent,” but…you find yourself overwhelmed, exhausted, and drowning in guilt afterward? You’re in the right place, because I'm right there with you!Overstimulation isn’t a character flaw - it’s a nervous system response. Your reactions like yelling, shutting down, or numbing by scrolling on your phone don’t mean you’re broken or unloving. They mean your body is overwhelmed AF!If you’re listening and feel tapped out, overstimulated, or like you’re barely holding it together, you’re NOT failing. Your nervous system deserves care, and you're allowed to ask for help before you hit empty, friend!Episode Recap:A real & raw poem I wrote during one of my most difficult motherhood momentsWhy overstimulation in motherhood isn’t a personal failureThe 3 categories our nervous system shifts into when we’re overstimulatedUnderstanding that lasting harm doesn’t come from being “imperfect”What repair really is + why it doesn’t have to be big or dramaticWhy cycles break when we do things differently (even if mistakes still happen)Why learning your early warning signs of overstimulation can help SO muchSimple regulation tools you can use to create space between feelings & reactionsHow parenting in isolation in today’s society makes overstimulation even heavierWhy asking for help isn’t indulgent, but survivalRealizing the version of you that shows up when you’re overstimulated is NOT the whole story **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Ep. 6 | How to Protect Your Peace As a Parent in the Age of Information OverwhelmCheck out Tiffany Harlan and Mvmt FitnessFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailEver found yourself awake at 10:47 p.m., the house finally quiet, doomscrolling your way through a spiral of “parenting tips” that somehow convince you you’re destroying your child’s future over a toothbrush? If so, HI, you’re in good company!I hear this all the time in sessions, and honestly, I’m in it too. We’re the first generation of parents who’ve been handed oceans of contradictory information at all hours of the day, on so many platforms.Instead of feeling empowered, most of us feel inadequate, anxious, and convinced we’re already behind. It’s not because we’re weak. It’s because our brains were NEVER meant to process parenting through a firehose!Our nervous system is experiencing overstimulation, and is desperately trying to protect us. It’s exhausting!If you feel like you’re drowning in parenting content, here’s your permission to slow down, unfollow accounts that spike your anxiety, and intentionally choose what you consume. After all, YOU are your child’s expert, and you’re already a “good mom”!Episode Recap:Why today’s parents are overwhelmed AFHow our nervous system interprets online “scary posts” as real threats + what this leads toThe REAL root of overwhelmThe pressure modern parents feel to raise flawless, emotionally perfect kidsThe power of repair in parent-child relationships + how simple, honest moments rebuild connectionA personal example of repair with my daughter5 ways to help yourself when you feel like you're drowning in parenting infoWhy you DON’T have to earn the title of “good mom”**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Good Inside by Dr. Becky KennedyFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailIf you’re already feeling stretched thin, overstimulated, or one minor inconvenience away from screaming into a pillow this holiday season…you’re in the right place.I personally love the holidays (especially Christmas), but once I became a parent, this “magical” season started feeling a whole lot more like a juggling act. Moms don’t “experience” the holidays - we project-manage the holidays. We’re the magic makers, tradition keepers, schedulers, gift trackers, the emotional barometers. Yeah...it's a LOT of labor to carry quietly.Unfortunately, that pressure can become too much, so many of us fall into the trap of trying to create the “perfect” holiday. Spoiler alert though - that doesn’t exist, and your kids don’t care about perfection.Sometimes, the most magical thing you can give your family is a slower moment and a calmer, less frazzled version of yourself. Presence over perfection, friend - take a breath, and keep it simple this holiday season!Episode Recap:Why the holidays feel heavier and more stressful once you become a parentThe emotional labor moms carry during the seasonHow perfection steals presenceThe power of choosing a “good enough” holiday over a “perfect” onePractical boundaries to protect your peaceWhy you’re NOT responsible for other people’s disappointment when you set boundariesUnderstanding overstimulation for parents + how to support your nervous systemSmall ways to support you + your kids during busy daysGiving yourself permission to simplify traditions OR create new ones that fit your seasonHow to communicate with your partner & share the holiday load before the chaos hitsLetting go of unnecessary pressure & realizing that your family needs YOU**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Follow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Who the hell let me be in charge of these tiny humans?!”, you’re NOT alone. In today’s episode, we’re talking about something that sooo many moms quietly carry, but rarely name out loud: imposter syndrome. It’s that voice that whispers you’re not doing enough, you’re not patient enough, and you’re not “good” enough.The truth is, most of us are just trying to keep it together, and honestly, we’re doing the best we can!Imposter syndrome often shows up during transitions. It thrives in the unknown and feeds off comparison - especially in our social-media-driven world. The thing about motherhood though? It’s NOT a performance review, and it’s not something you can “ace”. You grow through it, one imperfect day at a time!If you find yourself struggling with imposter syndrome, I want to encourage you to find evidence of your “enoughness” in the small (but very real) moments of your life. Ultimately, a present mom will always beat a perfect one, and you ARE enough as you are!Episode Recap:How imposter syndrome actually often shows up in motherhoodWhy imposter syndrome tends to hit hardest during big transitionsWhy motherhood isn’t a performance review or a test you can “ace”How overcompensating to prove yourself often leads to burnout &  the shame loopHow social media can both normalize motherhood struggles + also fuel comparison & self-doubtRealizing that the moms who seem to “have it all together” struggle tooWays to work through imposter syndrome & rewrite the narrative Why a present mom is always better than a perfect one**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Ep. 3 | What “The Mental Load” Really Looks Like (and Why It’s So Damn Heavy)Follow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailLet’s talk about something most of us are deeply familiar with, but have a hard time naming: the mental load of parenthood. It’s that constant “hum” in your brain - the never-ending to-do list of appointments, permission slips, groceries, school lunches, and sooo much more. It’s not just the physical tasks - it’s the THINKING about the tasks.You’re not imagining it - that invisible project management role is REAL, and it’s freaking exhausting!Over time, this load builds up from the decision fatigue, irritability, and rage that comes from the littlest things. It’s not that your partner doesn’t care - it’s that many of us were socialized to anticipate everyone’s needs, hold everything together, and never let anyone down.If you’re thinking “If I don’t do it, it won’t get done”, I get it. I’ve been there too. This invisible mental load you’re walking around and carrying isn’t something we should “just be grateful for” (sorry, society) - it’s a LOT. You’re human, so it’s okay to set it down for a bit, and take a well-deserved break!Episode Recap:What the mental load really means + how it shows up in everyday lifeWhy “helping” with tasks isn’t the same as sharing the mental loadHow this invisible weight builds up over time & leads to resentment or rageThe role of socialization + why many women become the “default parent”Practical ways to make the mental load visible AND redistribute itHelpful tools that can support your familyWhy rest isn’t a reward (it’s a necessity)Realizing that you’re NOT broken or lazy - you’re just carrying a lot**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Fair Play by Eve RodskyFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailMotherhood changes EVERYTHING, but not *just* in the obvious ways.It’s not only about the baby coming home, or the routines that shift. It’s about the invisible transitions that shake us up from the inside out. As women, we pour so much love into our babies, but somewhere along the way, we start to wonder, “Who the hell am I now?” That identity shift is sooo real, and it’s something so many moms experience, but rarely talk about. But you know what? We’re NOT broken - we’re becoming!Motherhood is painted as this blissful, picture-perfect season of joy. The truth though? It’s both beautiful AND incredibly hard. Everything shifts, and you’re continuing to figure out this new version of yourself in this messy “middle” stage.I hope this episode reminds you that you can adore motherhood and not enjoy every moment. After all, motherhood isn’t about erasing who you were - it’s about expanding who you are!Episode Recap:The many invisible transitions that happen when a woman becomes a momThe cultural myth of “perfect motherhood”What matrescence really means + why this messy, middle stage of motherhood mattersThe many layers of “change” that come with motherhoodWhy there’s no such thing as “bouncing back” + how to embrace moving forward insteadGiving yourself permission to grieve your old life AND love your new oneHow to reconnect with who you’re becoming + redefine what productivity & purpose look like nowSimple reflection questions to help you integrate this new version of yourselfA reminder that your baby isn’t the only one growing**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Postpartum Support InternationalFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailMotherhood was always something I looked forward to. I dreamed about it, romanticized it, and thought I knew exactly what to expect.But…when it actually happened, it was NOTHING like the picture I had in my head. I loved my baby so much, but I didn’t recognize myself anymore.I soon had two kids under two, and outwardly, I probably looked fine. On the inside though? I was drowning. As a licensed therapist, I knew the signs of anxiety and depression, yet no one ever asked how I was really doing. I wasn’t offered a screening or support, and I convinced myself I just needed to “try harder” or maybe I wasn’t really cut out for motherhood afterall.That experience cracked something open in me. It’s what led me to the work I do today - supporting women through the emotional earthquake that is motherhood. We deserve to talk honestly about what we’re feeling, and the messy, complicated emotions that come with being a parent.I created Reproductively Speaking so we DO have a space for the very real, unfiltered conversations about motherhood, identity, and mental health. I definitely don’t have it all figured out, but I’m here to walk with you. You’re NOT on this journey alone, friend!Episode Recap:The emotional “earthquake” that happens when motherhood looks nothing like you expectedMy raw story of navigating early motherhood with two babies just 13 months apartThe loneliness & guilt that so many moms quietly experience beneath the surfaceWhy mental-health professionals can struggle + how that inspired my missionThe vision behind Reproductively Speaking**Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone.Links/Resources:Follow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

Send us Fan MailParenthood changes everything - your routines, your relationships, your career, and even your sense of self.But…what if those changes could actually become a source of purpose and wellbeing?Hosted by Taryn Zweygardt, therapist and perinatal mental health specialist, Reproductively Speaking is a space for honest conversations about the parts of parenthood that don’t always make it into everyday talk (but, we’re going there)!Whether you’re up in the middle of the night, figuring out new routines, or just looking for a place where your journey feels seen and validated, you’re in the RIGHT place.Join Taryn each week (new episodes drop every Monday) as we navigate this season of life together, with honesty, compassion, and a little humor along the way!Connect with Taryn on Instagram @tztherapyLearn more about working with Taryn by visiting her website