the anastasiya podcast

In this episode of The Anastasiya Podcast, Matt and I reflect on what we would keep the same and what we would change if we were becoming first-time parents all over again.We talk about unrealistic expectations, nursing and pumping pressure, sleep deprivation, paternity leave, and the identity shift that comes with early parenthood. We also share how unmet expectations affected our mental health and what finally shifted when we gave ourselves permission to adjust instead of force.Year one humbled us. It stretched us. It forced us to adjust our expectations of ourselves and of our baby.The first baby is the teacher. And if we could do it again, we’d give ourselves more permission, more rest, and a little more grace.

In this week’s episode of The Anastasiya Podcast, I dive right back into peeling the layers of this new season of life: motherhood. Reaching for gratitude: daily, is once again at the top of the list. I share my thoughts on how not all motherhood is created equally, how wanting what we don’t have shows up even in this season, and how I want to remember these years of my life.“Surviving, not thriving” is a phrase often coined in motherhood, and I want to challenge it. When I look back on the season spent growing our family and pouring into our littles, I don’t want to remember these years in shades of grey because I was just “surviving.” There has to be a better way, and I’m in pursuit of finding it!

In this episode of The Anastasiya Podcast, I talk about my very complicated relationship with social media after taking the entire month of January off. Like every social media hiatus I’ve ever taken (because yes, I do this often), it felt amazing. I didn’t miss it. Not even a little. Life was quieter, clearer, and somehow I had so much more time… shocking.What’s interesting is that I’m not even consuming political or sensationalized content. I’m watching wholesome videos about families, kids, and funny moments that genuinely make me think, “Oh my gosh, I love people!” And yet, the second I put my phone down, I feel physically sick. Instant cyber sickness and real remorse over free time I somehow donated to the algorithm.I reflect on how much content we absorb in even one minute on social media and how quickly that multiplies without us noticing. Twenty minutes goes by, and we’re maxed out long before we realize it, smiling at our phones. I don’t have a perfect solution or a polished plan moving forward. I just know I still deeply love and hate social media... and for me, there truly is no in-between!

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a few real-life updates before diving into a topic that stopped me in my tracks. I started reading a book last week that referenced a study by Dr. Edward Wilson on the innate biological differences between men and women. Learning (or re-learning) that men produce new sperm for their entire lives, while women are born with every egg they will ever have, sent me down a deep rabbit hole - one that made me seriously reflect on my own fertility and biological timeline.That curiosity turned into a deep dive into what our fertility actually looks like after thirty, and the data around conception after 35–37 was a genuine jaw-dropper. And that’s assuming everything else is in optimal shape: hormones, sperm health, stress levels, nutrition & overall wellness. It became very clear why so many women and couples in their 30s and 40s are facing fertility struggles, and why this conversation matters more than ever.This episode isn’t meant to scare or pressure anyone. For me, it was about giving myself permission to sit with the facts, absorb the data, and re-evaluate what I want for our family. And once I did that, I knew I wanted to share this information with my female listeners so we can make honest, empowered, informed choices instead of relying on narratives that may not tell the full truth.

In this episode, Matt and I sit down together to share our experience with the miscarriage we recently walked through. We open up about what those days looked like for us, how we processed the loss individually and together, and why we felt called to share our story.Healing doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s rarely linear. While acceptance can come, emotional waves still follow, and we talk honestly about navigating those moments with grace and patience. Our hope is that if you’re walking a similar path, you feel less alone - and reminded that external processing can be part of healing.We trust God’s timing and His story for our lives and our family, and we hold hope close, knowing that beautiful things are still on the horizon.

This week’s episode is a cozy solo catch-up from my snowy corner of Rhode Island. We woke up to a full-on winter wonderland, all while still not sleeping over here: baby girls molars are very much molar-ing.Sharing a family update as my little brother headed off to his first training school after joining the armed forces, along with some lighter updates like why Costco will forever be my favorite warehouse club and my honest thoughts on Love Is Blind (Season 9... thankful for the fast-forward button).I also check in on the social media hiatus- it is still going strong, and I am still loving it! Stepping away gave me the time to finish up my 2026 vision board and to my surprise, sitting down to creating something was so therapeutic and enjoyable, it opened my eyes to wanting more slow, creative evenings once the day winds down, instead of defaulting to doom scrolling.

This episode is a laid-back catch up with a bunch of life updates from the start of the new year. Over in my corner of the world, we don’t really do New Year’s resolutions per se, we set goals. The kind that take time to fulfill. Whether that’s weeks, months, or the dreaded years, we do our best and just keep showing up.I share how quitting sugar is going (does hot chocolate have sugar in it?), why my social media hiatus has been one of my favorite decisions so far, and what’s been filling my time instead. We dabble in the beauty world, skipping nail appointments, new reality TV (hello Members Only: Palm Beach), and the very real realization that my goal of getting to bed earlier is somehow going in the opposite direction… which is actually very on brand for me.And while I haven’t started strength training yet, I did learn that hiking every day with Magnolia counts for something. Between carrying her, the Osprey backpack, and dressing in full winter gear, I’m hauling an extra 45 pounds. So… we’re calling that a win!!

Welcome to Season 2, Episode 1 of The Anastasiya Podcast. I rang in the New Year doing what I probably shouldn’t have been doing… doom scrolling, and I didn’t even notice the clock strike midnight...*eye roll*. That‘s exactly why I was excited to start a social media hiatus!This year, I’m not trying to become someone new, instead I am excited to free up time that has always technically been there, but I was too distracted to notice. I am starting off the new year focusing on my health and wellbeing while being the best mom and wife I can be. And this time around when things feel hard, instead of giving up I will aim to rest, reset, and pivot to keep going.I’m leaning into restructuring my free time, making the most of daily hikes with Volkie, cutting back on sugar (please send help), and maybe, just maybe, finally figuring out a decent bedtime routine. Nothing about this feels foolproof, but I’m giving myself permission to try, and that feels like a really good place to start.

I’m closing out 2025 the way I love to start a new year: by setting new goals. But this time, I had to pause and recalibrate. While riding the high of reaching one year of parenthood, I found myself getting ahead of my current season and dreaming a little too big about our business before it was truly time.This episode is a reflection on honoring the season I’m in, trusting Gods timing, and recognizing how full my cup already is. As my husband put it, from the moment our daughter wakes up to when she goes to sleep, her love tank is completely full- and that reminder shifted everything for me.Sometimes winning the life lottery looks like exactly where you are: quieter than expected, but richer than you ever imagined.When we set goals that align with our current season, growth still happens- just in the way it’s meant to.

This one is for the single person out there looking for their person.I’m talking about why it can feel so easy to be clear about what we want in our careers, yet so hard to admit we want love - real love. Not just dating, but a spouse, a family, the whole picture. I share how self-protection can slowly harden your heart and why pretending that you’re “happy being single right now” often feels safer than being honest.This conversation is about giving yourself permission to actually want what you want - and then living in alignment with it. You can’t say you want commitment while living a double life or playing games with others and then expect clarity.If you’re feeling tired of dating, here’s the reminder:It’s not supposed to work out with everyone because you’re looking for the one.Even the bad dates matter because they get you one step closer to not ending up with the wrong person. When your actions line up with your prayers, things start to change!

I’m sharing a holiday-season mindset shift that surprised me: doing less so I could actually do more. As someone who loves going all out for the holidays, I’m learning what it looks like to lower my standards (on purpose) and live in the season of life I’m in right now.I talk about simplifying Thanksgiving, choosing just two dishes (instead of six), and how that decision freed up the time and energy I needed to focus on a big design project for the salon. This episode is a reminder that you can’t do it all - and that’s not a failure. Sometimes letting one thing be “good enough” is exactly what allows another area of life to thrive.If you’re feeling stretched thin this season, this one’s for you.

In my continued conversation with Sam, she shares what it felt like to hit the ceiling in her career and crave more. She opens up about spotting a massive gap in the extension market- not just in quality products, but truly masterful installation- and how that realization pushed her to invest in education, shift her schedule, and take bold leaps long before she knew what would come of them.We dive into the real side of beauty: the highs, lows, growth, and grit. Sam explains why whether you rent your chair or work commission, you're running a business from that stylist seat, and you alone determine your ceiling. She believes every stylist can become a leader, but only if they truly want it and are willing to do the work.Sam shares the risks she chose over the comfort zone, how she built deep trust with clients, and why consistency in those early years created loyalty and momentum. Her story will remind you that you’ll only go as far as you allow yourself to dream - and that staying committed to your vision brings the right people, opportunities, and success straight to your door.

I sit down with my friend and boss, Samantha, to talk about her journey from being a young girl obsessed with hair and all things beauty to becoming the owner of Salon Stella, and most recently a brand creator of her very own hair extension line, The Mane Collection™. Sam shares where her passion began and how each chapter of her career unfolded. From starting out in a corporatized salon, to stepping into the safety-net of a commission-based environment, to eventually taking the leap into chair rental, she walks us through the lessons learned in every season.It’s funny how just when the chaos of life finally starts to settle, the next door of opportunity swings wide open. Ready or not, she took the biggest leap of faith and purchased her own salon. Unfortunately, it wasn’t all roses and butterflies, and smooth sailing from there. No matter how hard you try to be the perfect boss who gets it right every time, business ownership has a way of sharpening you. As a female, it will harden you, & that’s just a fact. In Part 2, we dive into what that hardness really looks like behind the scenes.

I’m coming to you solo and catching you up on all things Life Lately- starting with big news: we officially have a walker! Someone woke up on the morning of her 11-month birthday and decided she’s not a little-bitty baby anymore. I share how I audit my calendar and routines to figure out what’s working, what’s just wishful thinking, and which expectations I need to let go of. Momming is more than a full-time job- it’s not 9–5 or even 6–6. It’s 24/7, 365.I also wonder: if I had gone back to a corporate job, would my baby have by default become a better sleeper because she wouldn’t have had a choice? Wake up, daycare drop-off, scheduled naps, pick-up, dinner, bedtime, repeat... I’ll never know!And last but not least, I’m highlighting the ever-controversial Candace Owens this week. Love her or hate her, there’s no denying she has grit & grind- all while being a mom to four littles.

Matt and I break down our very first trip without the baby- the nerves, the freedom, and everything in between. The baby stayed with Grandparents and we headed off to a 3-day wedding retreat… and honestly? It was just what the Dr. ordered! We shared where we stayed, the good times, the beautiful scenery, and the questionable cleanliness of our hotel. Turns out bringing Volk turned the whole trip into a mini hiking adventure!Being surrounded by vows, speeches, and that infectious wedding energy had me wanting to marry Matt all over again. The simplicity and boldness of true love reminded me that life gets richer when you build it with someone. You will go further together- and to all my friends waiting until they accomplish XYZ goals before pursuing love: you don’t need the perfect bank account, investment strategy, or portfolio to be worthy of meeting your person.The whole weekend felt like one long fairytale date with my husband- a reset, a reminder, and a chance to dream all over again!

Anastasiya sits down with her friend Vera to share a story of courage, growth, and finding the love you truly deserve. What happens when you reach the end of your 20s, step into your 30s, and love doesn’t look the way you always imagined it would?Once stuck in a long-term relationship that seemed picture-perfect on paper- a shared home, pets, and big plans for the future, Vera knew deep down it wasn’t her forever. When things took a turn for the worse, leaving didn’t feel possible… until she found the courage to listen to her gut.Now, one year into marriage with the love of her life, she reflects on how timing, honesty, and self-awareness changed everything. Vera shares the honest truth about staying too long, losing herself in the process, and how finding herself again made finding real love possible.

Matt and I dive into what it really looks like to be both doers and dreamers in marriage and business. We talk about which of us leans more toward dreaming big and which one keeps things grounded- and how we’ve learned to find balance when those two worlds collide. From the early days of running our business together to how becoming parents (even when we were just dog parents!) shifted our rhythm. We share the lessons, challenges, and growth that have come with chasing goals side by side. Whether you’re building a business, a dream, or your family’s future, we hope this reminds you that the best things grow where communication & connection never stop.

This week we dive right back into the messy middle of becoming “mom.” The journey into motherhood hasn’t been linear - especially since I was never the girl who “dreamed of being a mom.” I knew I would be a mom (one day), but I didn’t think about it much more than that- which I feel made my transition into motherhood a little more complex. BUT like any challenge in life, that is where faith steps in. When I lift it all up in prayer, the weight lightens even if the circumstances don’t. I am also learning that accepting AND asking for help is its own kind of strength. It’s not easy, but it’s a season of becoming stronger and more grounded- one day at a time.

I’m opening up about how the enemy doesn’t go after you where you’re strong, he targets the areas where we’re most vulnerable. For me, that’s been the transition into motherhood. After nine months of sleepless nights and constant change, it honestly felt easier to go back to work and feel “useful” than to sit still and face the storm of becoming “mom.” But this season has reminded me, once again, that our mindset is everything. When we fill our hearts and minds with truth from above, even the hardest days begin to shift.You are called into motherhood, you are capable, and you are worthy of this new identity coexisting with your previous one. The time for your dreams will come again- but for now, your greatest calling might just be right where you are. What’s meant for you will never pass by you, so take heart in that while you’re in the thick of a different season.

This week it’s just me, coming to you solo with my sights set on the long game for The Anastasiya Podcast. I’m sharing where I see this podcast heading, the kinds of stories I can’t wait to share- entrepreneurial journeys, soul-mate love stories, and marriages that thrive through different seasons. The deeper purpose behind it all? I want this podcast to be a constant place of encouragement and real connection. We’re all in this thing called life together, and I want every listener to walk away reminded that God’s plans for you are good- so take heart in that. I also open up about my social media fast for the month of October and what I’m hoping this reset brings me. Plus, some thoughts on why I wish maternity leave lasted a full year and what that could mean for mothers emotionally and mentally. And finally, I’m talking about my goal to read the entire Bible in a year, and why I’m craving truth that isn’t watered down. I don’t want surface-level faith- I want the real deal, even if it challenges me.

When life feels impossibly hard: sleepless nights, endless weeks, and the same struggles on repeat, it’s easy to think that you’re failing. In this episode, we talk about giving yourself grace, lowering the bar when you need to (especially while trekking through uncharted territory), and the little things we cling to that help us stay grounded in blurred hard seasons. Because no matter how heavy it feels right now, it ALWAYS gets better. PS: We have entered the phase where the baby gives kisses. So, nine months straight of no sleep has been forgiven!

We’re back from our first extended family vacation and sharing all the details: what we loved, what challenged us, and what we’d redo if we had the chance. Our cozy beachside rental was the perfect backdrop for lifelong memories, and we all (Volkie included!) felt the post-ocean blues as soon as we got home. We’re especially grateful that we adjusted our expectations ahead of time for how this vacation would go. It made a huge difference.We’re thankful to have made it through the “hard” infant stage, but teething has taken over our lives and no one has slept through the night in over a month- send help! Even with the exhaustion, we know we want more babies (in due time, of course) because Noli needs a sibling. Maybe even siblings, who knows! And hey, where are those angel investors when you need them? We’re dying to renovate a beach house!

We pause our usual podcasting style to sit with some heartbreak unfolding behind the scenes and across the world. While we don’t claim to have all the answers, I felt called to speak honestly about the weight many of us are carrying. Even when the divide feels impossibly wide, I believe most hearts, on each political side desire the same thing: safety & security for the people we love, and for humanity as a whole.We reflect on guarding our hearts against overwhelming despair, leaning on your faith (especially) when the heartbreak of the world feels too great, remembering that future generations depend on us to work through turmoil and trauma, and embracing the truth that there’s no age limit on “figuring it out.” Every day that you show up, try again, and move forward with a pure heart: you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

This week we lean into the less than glamorous feeling of living groundhog day in motherhood. How solo parenting can quickly take its toll on your attitude and how perspective, gratitude and the G-man are always there to not only turn things around, but remind you how blessed you truly are. I ponder why we try to run from a God given calling when it feels heavy and hard, but we stick it out at corporate jobs we loathe way longer? How do we navigate exhaustion while remembering that this season, while our babies are itty-bitty, will be over before we know it? We give a shout out to girlfriends who are the real ones: who lovingly call you out before you spiral into grinch mode.. All so we can be reminded that taking ownership of our attitude allows us to be the type of wife, mom, and friend we want to be.

This week we unpack self sabotaging doom-loops that seem to appear every time packing for a vacation is on the horizon... running for 20+years straight without fail. (Hint: it's always baking & staying up way too late.) In this new season of life we are reaching for understanding why the brain reacts this way when overwhelmed, instead of slipping into deeper frustration. Breaking the cycle starts with you and when we identify what systems are broken, we are able to focus energy on what needs tweaking.I also give a glimpse into The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin and share how understanding your personal ability to meet inner and outer expectations can be the most helpful revealing guide to living a fulfilling life. Where my fellow Rebel & Obligers at??

In this continued episode we share how we found realistic rhythms with fitness, balancing household roles, & how the gift of marriage has made the journey of parenthood even more special. We share why choosing your spouse wisely matters, the blessing in leaning into hard conversations, how they are essential for lifelong connection, & how self worth isn’t just about you- it’s about family legacy.Whether you’re a new parent, navigating marriage, or working on becoming more honest with yourself; this episode is a reminder that growth comes from leaning into hard things, choosing wisely, and that not everyone deserves a seat at your table.

6months in and someone's teeth finally broke through! But not after the wildest string of all nighters and a sleep regression that made us rethink becoming parents. I ended my pumping journey and a mastopexy just got added to my neverending to-do list! We also share what inspired us to make it a point to have Noli (& all our future kids) grow up loving movement. Hiking, surfing, skiing, and every adventure in between starts with taking care of yourself and we’re excited to nurture a positive relationship with health from the beginning.

This week’s episode is packed with life updates from Volkie’s second and third emergency surgeries, Noli’s gnarly sleep regression, and surviving what felt like 100 days of rain. We chat about what’s playing in our world, why we’re pressing pause on our business Coast to Cabin (for the meantime), and how we're learning to honor the season of life that we're in—even when it means letting go of something we love. Plus, this week’s win: Noli’s sleeping on her tummy, and I put on real clothes. Progress!

In this episode, we're sharing the wild behind-the-scenes of our dog, Volk’s emergency surgery after swallowing a golfball-sized rock (yes, really) and how post-op recovery took us by total surprise. From customized baby-to-doggy diaper hacks and dressing him in Walmart tights, to two weeks of medicating him with a conveyor belt of medication—we're so glad it's over! We also share some takes how our marriage has been affected since becoming parents: open communication, sharing the load, and choosing not to take things personally when things come off bold. We're continuing to lean-in because at the end of the day - we’re on the same team and rooting for our family.

In this episode we have a special guest, my sweet friend Val, who happens to be a reality tv show aficionado! Join us as we dive into the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives Season 2 Reunion Show! We promised not to voice-note/text/or chat about the reunion until we filmed this episode - so this conversation is raw, unfiltered, and full of first reactions. Take a walk through SLOMW memory lane with us as we discuss everything from the casts dynamics, Mormon faith, moms doing it all with the help of their village, and everyone in Utah getting work done. BUT most importantly, we need to know: are you, or aren't you: Team Taylor & Dakota???

From Volkies medical scare to dating apps and potential catfishing- We share the story of how our dog Volkie went from playful wrestlemania to emergency, life saving surgery in 24 hours, why we swear by pet insurance, and how modern dating culture is missing the mark. Plus, 12 years in, did we catfish each other?

Summary: We dive into the raw and real of what the last four months have looked like as first-time parents. From missing parts of our old life to adjusting to a brand new reality, we open up about where our hearts and minds are now—on the other side of pregnancy. We also talk honestly about how husbands and wives often experience this season differently, and what that’s looked like for us.What We Talk About: – Top concerns and adjustments from first-time parents – Are we ready for another? (Spoiler: TBD) – The biggest blindside wasn’t birth—it was nursing and pumping – How our perspectives have shifted since pregnancy – The emotional tug between our “before” and our “after”Why It Matters: Because sometimes the fear of the unknown is so loud, it convinces you to play it safe and avoid it altogether. We're sharing our story to help strip away some of that fear—and to remind you that it’s okay to feel it all as you step into something new.

*DISCLAIMER: Everyone's birth story and experience is different*Summary: In this episode of The Anastasiya Podcast, I share my full birth story—every intense, beautiful, painful, and unforgettable moment. From naturally inducing labor, to an unexpected prolonged delay in the ER, to finally being admitted, getting an epidural, and welcoming our baby girl into the world (when we thought we were having a boy!)—this is the unfiltered experience of bringing life into the world.Whats Covered: – How we naturally kickstarted labor – Breath work, meditations, and bruising Matt’s wrists – The kindness of the labor & delivery staff – The moment we met our daughter (surprise!)Why It Matters: Because the hardest parts of birth can shape the most magical memories—and remind you that you are powerful, capable, and made for this.

Summary: Join us (Matt & Ana) as we share the nitty gritty and raw behind finding out we’re pregnant, along with all the behind-the-scenes thoughts that came with this life-changing news. This episode is especially for our late-20s and early-30s peers who haven’t yet taken the leap into parenthood—and might still be wrestling with the “Do we? Don’t we?” questions.What We Talk About: – Feeling like we weren’t “ready” – Not reaching enough of our goals/dreams before bringing a baby into the world – The very real feeling of “time’s up!” – Where our minds are now, almost halfway through pregnancyWhy It Matters: Because behind every pregnancy announcement is a quiet, tender journey of processing what this all really means.

Sharing a quick little recap of why “The Anastasiya Podcast” was born, the things I am most passionate about, and why I will be taking you along for the ride!