Whatcha Expecting?

This past weekend, Claire brought Rodney to a play cafe and an indoor playground. It was (mostly) super fun at the time, but reflecting on the experience, obviously, has sent her into an existential crisis. When you experience something as a parent that you enjoyed as a child, it can be really rewarding – and, surprise surprise, also anxiety inducing! What places are Kate and Claire excited to take their kids that they visited in their childhoods? And should Claire have said something to those 8 year olds who got in Rodney’s way at the indoor playground? Weekly Plugs:New York Botanical GardensTiny TotsAir fryersEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

This week, it’s an episode to sink your two tiny baby teeth into! Anthony’s got his first tooth and Rodney has…molars? Wisdom teeth? No, just two and a half teeth! Kate and Claire discuss soothing your child through this painful moment of growth, and both reflect on the foods their babies can eat even without teeth. With this new phase of development comes new facets of independence and that definitely doesn’t fill Kate or Claire with any feelings at all! Come for the thoughtful conversation, stay for the tooth fairy discourse.Weekly Plugs:CucumberSlinkies Five BelowEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

We’re back, baby! This week, Kate and Claire chat about morning routines. What do mornings look like these days with a baby? How has that changed with childcare in the mix? What weekend morning rituals have Kate and Claire picked up? Claire recounts childhood memories of “big breakfast”, a cherished tradition she wants to continue on with Rodney — and which Kate may or may not steal. And they return to the most important tradition of all — making fun of each other, of course.Weekly Plugs:Old NavyBaby GapChallah French toast Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

Well, it’s the end of season two, and this time Claire and Kate have actually planned for their season finale instead of just going right up until a baby is born! Kate and Claire take the occasion to revisit this season’s topics and update us on where their babies are now. What milestones have they both reached? Is Rodney saying mama yet? Has Anthony been sleep trained? And what might be next in store for both babies (and also their parents) when we return for season three? Get these answers, and maybe one or two more if they’re feeling generous!Weekly Plugs:Solid StartsThe CatchyGoing outside Our podcast!Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

This is the week that Claire has finally sleep trained her baby…sorry, toddler. What method did she use? Were earplugs required? Claire talks through how being competitive with Kate helped drive her to sleep train (you’re welcome), and the benefits it’s had for her and her family. Meanwhile, Kate shares her own plans for upcoming sleep training, and the considerations she’s weighing in managing night feeds. They chat with Joe about the sleep regressions to expect in the future — there will be none, of course, right? Right?Weekly Plugs:Stand up popcorn machine Jiffy PopBlackout film for windows Tension curtain rods Pop CornersEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

This week we’re talking…about talking! While Kate’s baby is babbling up a storm, Claire’s toddler is starting to use all kinds of words. Just one problem; the one word he won’t say, is mama! The two discuss the different methods Claire’s tried for getting him to say her name, and the two marvel at how babies understand our identities as mothers at the most primal level. Will Rodney say “Claire” before he ever says “mama”? What sorts of things are they both excited to hear their babies talk (or gossip) about? Tune in to hear all the non-mama words!Weekly Plugs:Legislation BabyQuip Baby carrots Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

Maternity leave is over! As Kate returns to work, she discusses what it’s been like to slowly ease her way into a new routine. Claire recounts what it was like when her maternity leave ended, and how surprised she was to find herself suddenly rusty at skills that used to be second nature. They both consider what it’s like to come back when who you are has so fundamentally changed, and how to manage and embrace those changes. Come for the life lessons, stay for the tangent on the cost of daycare!Weekly Plugs:Changing your default meeting time to 25 and 50 minutes — give yourself buffer time!Hot cocoa Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

It’s official: Claire’s son Rodney is finally a toddler! As we celebrate the anniversary of Claire’s C-section, also known as Rodney’s birthday, Claire reflects on what it feels like for her baby to be growing up. Will they throw a party? Who is a party really even for? After a year of being a parent (or 5 months in Kate’s case), what skills have they both gained? Joe offers his advice on navigating the toddler years, and the three get into very tense arguments — oh well, their friendships were fun while they lasted!Weekly Plugs:Our podcast (rate and review us!)Goodnight MoonWatching your kids while they sleep Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

We’re breaking up your regularly scheduled ice storm programming with a little fun in the sun! Back from a recent trip to Florida, Kate shares her travel tips for navigating airports as a breastfeeding MAMA! Claire recalls an early trip she took with Rodney to California, and shares how she’s approaching a family beach vacation a little bit differently. They consider the balance of work and travel preparations vs. relaxing and having fun when vacationing with a baby, and what it’s like to see familiar destinations through their eyes.Weekly Plugs:Our podcast!Mamava AppSarah WellsTakedowns:NYC Kindergarten application process Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

Drumroll, please; Kate’s baby has been cleared to start solids! But what goes into baby meal prep? What will be on the menu? Kate and Claire discuss what it’s been like for Claire as she and her husband introduced Rodney to solids, how they’ve shared in the responsibilities and joys, and what anxieties still arise as he eats more solids than…uh, liquids. Joe shares more about his family’s journey with allergens, and they consider the fears and opportunities for growth that arise as your baby navigates new foods.Weekly Plugs:Solid Starts Manhattan Valley PediatricsSleepwise Consulting Claire’s algorithmEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher MorucciFollow @whatchaexpecting.

CW: Body image, Self image, Weight lossFresh from a personal training session, Claire shares a bit about her workout plan and current goals targeting one highly specific part of her body. Kate and Claire reflect on how their body images have shifted during pregnancy and postpartum, how their relationships to their bodies continue to evolve in unexpected ways, and what features they have come to appreciate as mothers. Come for the complex conversation, stay for Kate’s anecdote about a problematic dermatologist.Weekly Plugs:Sydney Cummings Houdyshell Morning pages Getting heart rate monitor to 100 bpm Fitbod app Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci

This week, Kate and Claire check in on how feeding their babies has been going. Last season they discussed breast is best vs. fed is best; now that Kate is a MAMA, how has her breastfeeding journey actually gone? Claire reflects on nearly a year of formula feeding, and considers what it will be like as the balance shifts away from formula and towards solid foods and cow’s milk. What would they do differently in their feeding journeys next time? And has there ever been a less relatable anxiety than Kate’s this week?Weekly Plugs:Tomato soup and grilled cheese Hobonichi Techo plannerBanana and peanut butter on toast Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci

Happy new year! This week, Kate and Claire are chatting New Year’s resolutions. What practices do they want to adopt in the new year? What are they really proud of accomplishing this past year? They discuss a few anti-resolutions (a concept Kate made up that Joe may or may not have qualms with), and make some controversial predictions for the new year. What will Anthony’s first word be? What bonkers trends will MomTok influencers come up with next? Celebrate the new year with your favorite MAMAS!Weekly Plugs:Honeycrisp applesMutsu applesSasha Eastham at Mizu Louis Licari SalonRecording interviews with your kids Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci

Happy holidays! This week, Kate and Claire discuss their plans for the winter holidays with their families as new moms, and consider the role religion will play in their sons’ lives. Has Rodney been baptized? What kind of synagogue might Anthony be raised in? How do you negotiate the role of religion for your kids when two partners have different relationships to religion? You know, just some light, fun, simple topics! Come for the holiday cheer, stay for Claire’s Catholic school anecdotes. Weekly Plugs:Our Lady of the Presentation Dreidel Planned ParenthoodEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

The doctor is in! This week, Kate and Claire chat with family medicine doctor, Dr. Rachel Tatz. They learn more about how to make the most of your doctor’s visit, and bring her their list of burning questions. What’s a medically riskier time, pregnancy or postpartum? What should new parents be more (or less) anxious about? What even IS family medicine? We’ll discuss these topics and more, including a few listener questions! Please note: Dr. Rachel’s commentary on this episode is not medical advice. For medical advice, please speak to your healthcare provider. Weekly Plugs:Getting your car seat inspectedHannukahA nice pair of shoes   Aunt Lynn!Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Ouch! This week, Claire and Kate discuss the ever important topic of boo boos. From head bonks to little finger cuts, they talk about the minor everyday injuries their sons are facing as they grow. They reflect on how physical danger was treated in their own childhoods, and how fragile they did or didn’t feel as a result. They consider what it’ll be like to have their kids out in the world as they get older, and how to manage risk without instilling too much of your own fear in your kids. Plus, tune in for Claire’s hot takes on gentle parenting (not so gentle)!Weekly Plugs:LexaproErgo Baby Embrace CarrierThe BreatherHarmonicasFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

It’s a pizza party! This week, Kate and Claire recount recent adventures taking their babies out dining with them on (separate) outings for pizza. They chat about what makes a restaurant “baby-friendly”. When deciding whether to bring a baby with you out to dine, what do you owe to the other diners, to the staff, to your baby and to yourself? How do you divvy up the childcare duties when dining out with your partner? Hear all this and more — ahem — food for thought. Get it? We know you do, you brilliant listeners!Weekly Plugs:Solid StartsBlooming Hill FarmSandra BoyntonAmerican Revolution Follow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Season Two Episode Seven: The Thanksgiving EpisodeHappy Thanksgiving! This week, Claire, Kate and Joe share heartwarming, mundane and/or capitalist anecdotes from Thanksgivings past. They reflect on the things they’re grateful for this year, and the ways in which gratitude seeps into life in a new way. They discuss strategies for attempting to be more mindful of the things they’re thankful for on a daily basis, and close out with a special list of gratitude plugs. Did Joe do his plugs wrong, or is he maybe the only one who did them right? You be the judge!Gratitude Plugs:Leaning on familyCleverly deployed screen time Having moments for yourself Supportive partner Mom friends Pediatricians(Honorable Mention) Protein bars Getting to re-live and shape childhood Loving unconditionally Laughing at farting Follow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Claire and Kate are talking about everyone’s favorite time – naptime! They reflect on the unique challenges of putting a baby down to sleep for a nap vs. letting them fall asleep on you for a contact nap. “Should” you cherish all the contact naps you can, or “should” you make sure you put your baby down so they don’t come to rely on you to fall asleep? Joe shares his trick to help stay in the present for these fleeting moments, and no one’s surprised that it may or may not make everyone cry. Weekly Plugs:Butterfly kisses (the song and the act)Central Park in fallHarlem MeerRichard KindContact napsFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire reflect on the developmental milestones their babies are expected to have reached by their respective ages. Fresh off a doctor’s appointment with a questionnaire that felt like a pop quiz, Claire wonders what it says about her as a mom that she didn’t know the answer to every question. They talk through the pros and cons of various apps and books that walk you through the different developmental stages, and how easy it is to obsess over one milestone or another (spoiler alert: it’s very easy). Weekly Plugs:VerdelloBaby SparksYour Baby’s First YearReese’s Pumpkins Burt’s Bees Burp Cloths Contact Naps Cold Mist HumidifierFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Season Two Episode Four: Social SmilesThis week, Kate and Claire are seeing their sons’ personalities emerge. What makes them smile? How early on did they smile? What parts of Kate and Claire (for better or for worse) are they seeing in their sons? And how much of all this are they actually just projecting while their babies are just…being babies? With kids aged nine months old and two months old, Kate and Claire are both taking joy in the details of who their sons are in this moment. Joe reflects on his kids’ personalities and shares which elements existed from the early days. Listen to the end for some unexpected (mis)information about Vaseline!Saline DropsVaselineAquaphorMetal baby keysFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire talk about the early days of caring for their babies — how they structure routines, scheduled feeds vs. feed on demand, and when sleep may (or may not) happen. They dive into the concept of the newborn “trenches” and whether or not this controversial term fits this unique stage. They brainstorm a few alternate terms and debate which subway tunnels may be a better descriptor of the experience. Claire talks about what life looks like now that she’s out of that tunnel, and Kate says some profound stuff, as always!Gap BabySleepea Baby SwaddleSarah & DuckHow to be a Saint by Kate SidleyFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

It’s Whatcha Expecting’s first guest episode — featuring writer, performer, and C-Section extraordinaire, Molly O. Kemper! Kate, Claire and Molly discuss what it was like for their birth experiences to be via C-section in a world that mainly talks about vaginal birth. Molly shares her experiences with having both unplanned and planned C-sections, giving birth during COVID, postpartum depression, and more fun stuff! Kate shares a surprising indicator of health that was celebrated in the O.R., and all three marvel at what they could or couldn’t feel during the procedure. * Molly's article. Weekly Plugs:The Dead Ladies ShowWeekly HumoristBoogieManja Sketch Comedy at Second CityManhattan Valley PediatricsTribeca PediatricsPlastic water bottles and cardboard (for entertaining babies, obviously)Coffee sauce Follow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

After what felt like forever, the wait is finally over…we’re back for season two! Oh, and also Kate had her baby. Claire reveals Kate’s baby’s name (thanks Claire!), and Kate walks us through her baby’s birth story, obviously without a single interruption from Claire or Joe. Claire shares more about how it’s been to start to transition to life in Kansas City, and whether or not it’s been…ahem…what she was expecting?!Weekly Plugs:Aloha BarsMyliconStore closing sales Strider bikesFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Surprise! Kate had a baby, which means that Season 1 of Whatcha Expecting? has drawn to a close, but don't worry! We recorded one last episode to tide you over until Season 2.We suspect that the pain we feel in pausing our weekly chats is similar or equal to the pain of being pregnant, the pain of labor, and the pain of being newly postpartum. Kate waddles us through what it feels like (felt like) being 37 weeks pregnant while Claire reflects on struggling to feel connected in the early days of motherhood. Weekly Plugs:WalmartCostcoPhysical TherapyPelvic Floor Physical TherapyFollow @whatchaexpecting.Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire talk about sleep. Kate walks through the foolproof system she had before she was pregnant vs. the challenges she has sleeping while pregnant. Claire reflects on Rodney’s sleep patterns and how sleep has changed for her as a mom. They consider the debate of whether sleep is worse in pregnancy or with a newborn. Joe shares his surprisingly controversial tip for falling asleep, as the three discuss the roles of anxiety, vigilance, and being needed by another human being that make sleep in pregnancy and parenthood such a doozy. Weekly Plugs:Lawrence, KansasNew York CityMamdani CampaignSeatbelts Meditation Mindful AstoriaEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Claire’s moving! This week, Claire’s packing for her imminent move to Kansas. She considers the things she’ll miss about living in New York, while being excited for her new home (which has TWO bathrooms?!). Kate’s world is getting narrower as it gets physically harder to move through the world while being, medically speaking, super duper pregnant. Claire discusses what it was like to see Kate’s baby nook in her apartment, and Kate shares the shocking revelation that Claire’s clever use of space in her own one bedroom apartment inspired Kate in her own nesting, too. Weekly Plugs:Whatcha Expecting? - our new Instagram page!Lambs and Ivy Wall DecalsStone fruit season NYC FerryEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

As Claire prepares for her move home to where her and her husband’s parents both live, Claire and Kate reflect on the roles of grandparents in memorable visits, childcare, and instilling ties between generations. Kate breaks down the differences between the coasts of Southern Florida where her future son’s grandparents live. Claire shares a controversial “bit” and/or social experiment she has in mind for her divorced parents’ role in her son’s life. Kate thinks about how she might honor her mother’s memory for her child, as both imagine the bonds they hope their children build with their grandparents.Weekly Plugs:Homemade Baby PureeLittle Hearts CPRPlayground Swing SetsFollow us at @whatchaexpecting!Editing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Kate’s got a cold! Oh no! Kate examines why she seems surprisingly chill about this situation. Kate and Claire talk about their sick day routines as kids, and Kate talks about which traditions she’s taken forward as an adult (hint: not the Robitussin with codeine). They chat about Claire’s bout with mastitis, Joe’s worries around being too sick to care for his kids, and Claire’s early motherhood vigilance in taking Rodney’s temperature all the time. Kate gives Joe and Claire shockingly nice compliments, which means it’s time for her to take a sick day nap.Weekly Plugs:Pack and PlayThree-Tiered Woven CartFast Food Apps e.g. McDonald’s and Wendy’sKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

It’s go-bag week! As Kate preps her hospital bag, she solicits advice from Claire and Joe on the essentials they put in theirs, and what they brought that they didn’t need. They then look at what they bring with them in their diaper bags, with an unexpected turn into diaper bag ASMR content. They consider the balance of carrying what helps you feel empowered to navigate the world as a parent with freeing yourself of what weighs you down — exclusively from a capitalist, products-you-can-buy perspective, of course. (Speaking of which, don’t worry — Kate has in fact bought diapers since recording this episode.)Weekly Plugs:Beis diaper bagPlaya BowlsSleep masks Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire talk about their approach and/or aversion to birth plans. Claire recalls all the TikToks she used to see marketing anti-science birth plans, and Kate talks about some of the options she saw on MyChart that surprised her. Claire reflects on her birth experience and wishes she’d went in more prepared for different possibilities. Did you know that if you avoid reading up on something, that doesn't prevent it from happening? But also neither will preparing for every scenario? These revelations and more on this week’s episode!Weekly Plugs:Tomato SeasonMandarin OrangesShorty One-Pieces (Gap doesn’t sponsor us, YET!)Banana Orange Smoothie (add ice for a slushie vibe)Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Recorded the week of Kate’s cancerversary, this week’s episode examines what genes Kate and Claire are passing onto their kids. After a highly scientific lesson on Punnett Squares, Claire notes that Rodney has her eyes, and Kate suspects her son will have her judgmentalness. They discuss their experiences surrounding genetic tests, and Kate reflects on her experience with cancer. Kate considers her fears about passing it along to a child, and looks back proudly on her younger self who drew firm boundaries and asserted her emotional needs.Weekly Plugs:Frozen teething rings Baby Tylenol (Always consult a doctor before use, obviously)Bear-shaped Wicker Hamper Plums Infant Motrin (Always consult a doctor before use, obviously — also not for use before six months but again we’re not doctors OK thanks!)Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, Kate and Claire chat about the ways they’re perceived in the world, both in pregnancy and in new motherhood. In both cases, they’ve noticed women who acknowledge them with a knowing “welcome to the club” look — a look Joe will sadly never understand. Claire reflects on whether or not she wants people to think she’s a mom, or whether she prefers that it be a fun, shocking little surprise. Kate thinks about both wanting and not wanting to have people treat her differently as a visibly pregnant person. CW: Body image, weight changes Weekly Plugs:Ice waterThe Courage to be DislikedSupportive sneakers  --Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

In this week’s episode, Kate comes fresh off a breastfeeding class awash with a slew of lessons and/or propaganda to unpack. Claire shares her experience with switching to formula and the shaming attitudes she encountered along the way. Kate prepares for a feeding journey that embraces the grey areas, and Claire and Joe discuss their experiences with lactation consultants. Kate commits to exclusively pump if a certain breast pump wants to sponsor her — to find out which one, listen to the pod!Weekly Plugs: Claire on Lactation ConsultantsGolden KiwifruitOwlet Dream SockKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Claire shamefully confesses to being apart from her baby for nearly two weeks and shares what it felt like to be baby-less for 12 days. The highs, the lows, the SEPARATION ANXIETY and, of course, the reunion. Kate talks about the physical reassurance of baby kicks as well as the acrobats she suspects her baby is doing en utero. She also reflects on how that intimate physical reassurance ends with pregnancy as she and Claire look ahead to other milestones where separation anxiety may come into play -- daycare, moving out, going to jail, etc. Weekly Plugs:Peacharines Color-changing baby spoonsCoconut WaterIced WaterKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, we’re talking about how — and where we build our nests, and what kinds of trees we’ve chosen to root our families’ lives in (while taking the metaphor further than we should). Claire shares big news about where she’ll be living, and Kate discusses her hopes and anxieties for raising kids in New York. They discuss the different factors that go into these decisions, with Joe sharing insights on schools, economic realities, and surprising takes on Bill de Blasio. Weekly plugs:Spending quality time with your partner before baby’s arrival in the third trimester (very specific plug)Our podcast! Ever heard of it? Rate us, review us, give us a social shout outNew York City Department of Education Bill de Blasio (why? Listen to the end to find out!)Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, we’d like to wish our heavily male audience a Happy FATHER’S DAY! Claire shares a sweet surprise she gave Cody in honor of his first Father’s Day, Kate ponders the importance of the holiday, and both co-hosts discuss the roles their own dads have played in their lives. After a couple of poorly-delivered Oedipus complex jokes, the two also share the qualities they admire the most in their partners and how they hope to parent together in the future. Weekly Plugs:Splurging on an apartment/house cleaningFreshly cut pineappleGet tickets for Kate's BoogieManja show on June 18th at The PIT in New York @ 7:30.Catch Bibs--Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, we’re talking about PLAY DATES. What’s it like for Claire to see her baby interact with other kids? How have both Kate’s and Claire’s relationships with socializing changed? We discuss friendship and the role communities play in your life (or not) as pregnancy and parenthood progress. For those wanting to hang out with Kate and Claire, an abundance of PSA’s await you.Weekly Plugs:Cometeer Coffee Capsules - Use code "clairetadokoro" for $20 off your first subscription order. Cancel anytime. Get tickets for Kate's BoogieManja show on June 18th at The PIT in New York @ 7:30.MangoesSleep Sacks--Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, we’re chatting about BABY NAMES. What goes into deciding on one? Do you share the name before they’re born? Do you invite opinions? The stakes feel very high for this early parenting decision, and we all go about it in slightly different ways -- pulling from relatives both dead and alive, childhood crushes, mere vibes, etc. Weekly Plugs:Tummy TimeWind MachinesEmily Herzlin and MalkhutStrawberriesKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, we’re talking about TIME MANAGEMENT. We discuss the differences in the day during maternity leave and in going back to work, the work day while pregnant, and whether or not you control your time. How does Kate feel about how time is moving during each trimester, and how does Claire feel about how quickly Rodney is changing? And what tool does Joe recommend (or maybe not) for managing time?Weekly Plugs:Opal ApplesBedtimePassion PlannerKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week, we’re traveling back in time to Kate’s BIRTHDAY (a week and a half ago). We discuss birthday traditions, birthday memories, and we of course bring it back to the most important birthday of all, our actual BIRTH DATES and the birth dates of babies worldwide. Did everything go according to plan? How did we cruise into the world? And what do we remember from our very first day of existence? Weekly Plugs:BabymoonsFrozen PineappleUniversal Bassinet / Stroller Sun Shade and Mosquito NetBubblesKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week on Whatcha Expecting? Kate and Claire discuss MOTHER’S DAY. They chat about their memories of Mother’s Day growing up – flower sales, divorced parents, and the quest for the perfect gift. They discuss fraught connections to the holiday, from childhood experiences to their relationships to it now. They imagine what Mother’s Day might hold for them in the future, and stumble upon a particular New York food insight that Claire discovers her (apparently profound) ignorance of. They share this week’s Highly Original Anxieties, and close out by plugging their own podcast – truly the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day.Weekly Plugs:BananasWhatcha Expecting?Adult Children of Emotionally Immature ParentsJoe Leonardo - Audio EngineerKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Kate and Claire commiserate over the stress of crafting one's BABY SHOWER REGISTRY. When should you create one? What should you add to your registry? What should you skip? It's information overload between articles, well-intentioned aunties and TikToks – all offering up competing opinions. Then they zoom out to share who they go to for motherhood advice beyond just baby registry goodies!Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

This week on Whatcha Expecting? Kate and Claire discuss MOM BRAIN. After reviewing some prime listener feedback, they chat about forgetfulness in pregnancy and new motherhood. They discuss what it means to inhabit a “mom brain” and when (or if) they’ve started to feel like a mom. They share this week’s Highly Original Anxieties, one of which is truly, well, highly original."The Mom Brain Phenomenon: Blasting the Myth of the Perfect Mom"Weekly Plugs:RaspberriesBaby BjornsJeep Travel StrollersKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

*CW: body image issues related to weight changes, eating disorders, hair loss.This week on Whatcha Expecting? Kate and Claire discuss GROWTH SPURTS. They chat about the fascinating body metrics of a 2 month old as well as the yoga position Kate’s fetus seems to be fond of. They’ll also talk about their own changing bodies – which they’re immensely proud of from a feminist perspective – but not always comfortable in! Weekly Plugs:Town Shop: in the Upper West Side for your bra needs! Ergo Baby 360 on the pricier side, but Claire chose this one since you can use it beginning at 7 pounds all the way up to 45 pounds. Licenders: Kate and Claire would like to specify that neither of them have lice. Gap Maternity ClothingOld Navy Maternity ClothingKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

In the second episode of Whatcha Expecting? Kate and Claire discuss CRAVINGS AND AVERSIONS. They share stories of the foods — and lives — they most dream of. They swap stories (and occasional judgments) of the foods and futures they fear for their children and for themselves. Finally, they exchange their Highly Original Anxieties of the week.Tickets here to Kate’s musical, Pages Behind, at The New Media Theatre in Media, PA on April 11th. NYC Motherhood & Family Photographer: @monaandcophotography BabySparks AppKate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.

Episode 1 is out now! When a notoriously unprepared new mom and her chronically overprepared pregnant friend love each other very much, they make a podcast! Each Thursday, longtime friends Kate Herzlin and Claire Tadokoro discuss various aspects of pregnancy and new parenthood. They’ll chat about cravings and aversions, they’ll grapple with their identities, and they’ll tell a joke or two to offset the terror of their existential fears!With a big sister/little sister dynamic, their philosophies (or lack thereof) may differ when it comes to this huge life chapter, but they’re in it to judge each other – they mean, in it together!Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoro

In the first episode of Whatcha Expecting? Kate and Claire introduce each other and then discuss CONCEPTION. What a concept! They swap conception journey stories, reminisce on announcing their pregnancies to each other and exchange their Highly Original Anxieties of the week.--Tickets here to Kate’s musical, Pages Behind, at The New Media Theatre in Media, PA on April 11th. Kate’s Instagram: @KateHerzlinClaire’s Instagram: @ClaireTadokoroEditing, recording, post production and dad insights by Joe Leonardo. Music by Christopher Morucci.