Freckled Foodie & Friends

In this episode, I sit down with Lizzy Mathis, Founder of The Cool Mom Co. and Co-host of Honest Renovations, to discuss the transition from non-motherhood to motherhood and how mothers can lose themselves when caring for others; to the importance of finding yourself again after having children; to how filling our cups as mothers should be a joyful process. Lizzy also shares her experiences as a black woman in society, the complexities of raising black children in today’s world, and how we can all have conversations about race at home. Finally, we talk about Lizzy’s new home renovation project with Jessica Alba, Honest Renovations, and why everyone can connect to home renovation shows.Key Takeaway / Points:On the transition from not having children to motherhoodOn finding yourself again after becoming a motherHow Lizzy fills her cup and practices self love nowLizzy’s experience as a black woman in societyOn what inspired Lizzy to create The Cool Mom Co. On raising black children in today’s worldHow we ca

In this solo episode, I reflect on what turning thirty-two means to me, and how I’ve been feeling more like myself lately. I also share the top things I learned and wish I knew in my twenties, from letting go of comparison and instead celebrating that we all are on different timelines; to learning how to be kinder to yourself in every way; to putting the energy out into the world that you’d like to receive. Finally, I share some lessons that FF Fam Members have submitted, like following your intuition and investing in your relationship with yourself.Key Takeaway / Points:On feeling more like myself latelyTop lessons learned in my twenties, including:On cultivating purpose and perspectiveEverything is temporaryComparison is uselessTrying things is invaluableNo one else knows what they’re doing eitherAdmit it when you don’t know somethingLearn how to be kinder to yourselfPut the energy out into the world that you’d like to receiveLessons shared from FF Fam MembersThis episode may contain paid endorsements and a

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Ben-Ishay, founder of Baked by Melissa, to discuss everything from how the famed cupcake company got its name to how Melissa still finds joy in what she does, over ten years later. Melissa shares how being fired in her early twenties kick started Baked by Melissa, how she developed her business from scratch, and why she believes attitude above all else shapes your trajectory. She also discusses the differences between her first maternity leave as a founder and her second, how she conceptualizes social media for her business, and how she remains authentic to her voice while continuing to build a brand.Key Takeaway / Points:The origin story of the “Baked by Melissa” nameHow being fired kick started Melissa’s baking businessHow the bite-sized cupcake developedOn how attitude shapes your trajectoryOn being the founder of a business and taking maternity leaveOn the difference between your first maternity leave and secondHow Melissa conceptualizes social media for her busine

In this solo episode, I share how I’ve been feeling depressed and lonely lately, why I just haven’t had the energy or motivation to socialize at this stage of my pregnancy, and the ways in which I’ve experienced loneliness in the past. I unpack my recent impulse to share my emotions with strangers, feeling jealous of my husband’s ease with socializing right now, and missing the “old” version of myself. Finally, I share how having my son attend summer camp has been going so far, how I haven’t quite processed that we’re having a second child yet, and what my vision board for business and life looks like right now.Key Takeaway / Points:A pregnancy mental health updateOn feeling lonely right nowMy past experiences with lonelinessOn having nothing left in the tank for socializing right nowOn the impulse to share and process emotions with strangersOn feeling jealous of my husband right nowOn missing the old version of meOn having my son attend summer camp and how that’s been goingOn processing that we’re having a s

In this episode, I sit down with one of my best friends, Deanna DiCroce, to talk about all things adult friendships and how she and I have stayed close through the years. We compare communication styles, how we have navigated staying in touch despite being in different places in our lives, and why it’s useful to think of friendships as seesaws. She also shares how open and honest communication is most helpful when trying to support a friend in postpartum, why pressure and expectations can sink a friendship, and why letting friendships go is also okay. Finally, we discuss the importance of checking our egos and needs for external validation, and why working through conflict benefits all relationships.Key Takeaway / Points:How we have stayed close over the past twelve years despite being in very different places in our livesOn knowing your friend’s communication styles and navigating around those to keep in touchOn thinking of friendships as seesaws with ebbs and flowsOn being open about how friends can support

In this episode, I sit down with Kion founder, Angelo Keely, to discuss all things amino acids and how his passion for wellness and personal development unfolded over the years. Angelo shares how his unconventional upbringing and several traumatic events at young ages shaped him, how his trauma recovery inspired an exploration into wellness, and how he continues to develop his health knowledge today. We also discuss what amino acids are and why they’re essential for our bodies, how amino acids affect focus and brain health, and the difference between amino acids and protein. Finally, Angelo shares how he built Kion and why he chooses people over ideas, and what his experience has been like as a working father.Key Takeaway / Points:On pivotal life moments and “chapters”Angelo’s upbringing and how his childhood shaped himHow Angelo’s traumatic experience at sixteen kickstarted his journey into personal developmentHow a secondary traumatic event furthered his searchOn the “suffering Olympics” and the notion of g

In this episode, I sit down with Shira Barlow, registered dietician, food therapist, and host of the Good Instincts podcast, to discuss all things nutrition and creating a healthy relationship with food in today’s world. Shira shares how her relationship with food has evolved from childhood to present day, how she became a food therapist, and what she has consistently observed that her clients struggle with across the board. We talk about the issue with moral licensing and labeling food, why self-compassion is essential for overcoming food obsession and restriction, how understanding willpower and taking out decision fatigue can set you up for success with making healthy, positive food choices, and much more.Key Takeaway / Points:How Shira’s relationship with food has evolved from childhood to present dayShira’s path to becoming a food therapist, from her first job in the entertainment industry to her current nutrition practiceWhat balancing blood sugar actually meansOn the issue with moral licensing and labe

In this solo episode, I share how my body is feeling at 25 weeks pregnant, and how I’m doing mentally and physically. I discuss my morning routine as it looks right now, from waking up and meditating to reading a few pages of nonfiction. I also dive into what our days as predominantly work-from-home parens look like, how we manage childcare and implement schedules into our lives, and why I operate so well on routines. Finally, I discuss how we pivot with last-minute scheduling changes and childcare, and how I’m planning for maternity leave and baby number two in the future.Key Takeaway / Points:How my body feels at 25 weeks pregnantOn the fulfillment of morning timeBreaking down my morning routine, from meditation to readingWhat our days as work-from-home parents look likeOn observing different parenting styles than your ownOn implementing routines and schedules with a young childWhy I thrive on routinesOn managing last-minute changes with schedules and childcareWhat our childcare looks like right now, and pl

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, co-founder of the Mount Sinai Parenting Center and the Seedlings Group, professor, and host of the Raising Good Humans podcast. We discuss how Dr. Aliza came to developmental psychology, how her work influences her parenting and vice versa, and her thoughts on parenting “best practices” versus what is actually realistic. She shares the “orchid and dandelion” theory about children, her top four pieces of advice for first-time parents, and the value of process over outcome. Finally, we discuss growth mindsets versus fixed mindsets in children, how to start potty training with your child, and what she finds both difficult and great about parenting teenagers right now.Key Takeaway / Points:What drew Dr. Aliza to developmental psychologyOn how her work shifted after becoming a parentOn “best practices” for parenting vs. what is actually realisticHow children can be “dandelions” or ”orchids” Dr. Aliza’s top four pieces of advice f

TW: This episode includes in-depth examples of intrusive thoughtsIn this solo episode, I discuss all things intrusive thoughts, from when my intrusive thoughts first began; to how intrusive thoughts contributed to my postpartum anxiety and depression; to how I have been experiencing them lately during this second pregnancy. I share specific examples of my intrusive thoughts and how certain events have triggered them in the past, the challenge of not wanting to be a helicopter parent during intense bouts of anxiety, things I’m currently trying to do to help, and more.Key Takeaway / Points:A recent overstimulating experience I had at the vetHow overstimulation sometimes feels like intrusive thoughtsWhen my intrusive thoughts beganIntrusive thoughts vs. impulsive thoughtsHow intrusive thoughts contributed to my postpartum anxiety and depressionExperiencing an uptick of intrusive thoughts during this second pregnancyOn not wanting to be a helicopter parent despite experiencing intense anxietyOn linking PTSD to my

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg – wellness leader and founder of Melissa Wood Health – to discuss everything from what went into her decision to stop drinking; to how she strengthened her intuition through meditation; to how she practices consistency over discipline with her mental and physical health. Melissa shares the value of knowing both your “hell yes’s” and “hell no’s,” how she parents with transparency, her best pieces of advice for developing confidence and a self of self, and much more.   Key Takeaway / Points: On both of our decisions to stop drinking On strengthening intuition through meditation On knowing your “hell yes’s” and “hell no’s” On parenting with transparency Melissa’s daily non-negotiables  On molding the version of yourself you want to create How Melissa’s childhood influenced the way she parents On developing confidence and a sense of self Melissa’s favorite part about being a mother How she makes decisions on where and how to grow her business On

In this solo episode, I talk about my incredible experience at the Eras Tour and seeing Taylor Swift live, my wild flight on the trip back from Chicago, and a recent trip to LA for an exciting opportunity. I also share the confusion I feel over prioritizing myself through work, how I’ve been struggling mentally throughout this pregnancy, and how I’ve been feeling lately in regards to my work. Finally, I discuss podcast updates and ask for listener feedback.   Key Takeaway / Points: My experience at Taylor Swift’s Eras tour My wild flight on the trip back from Chicago On my recent LA trip and an exciting opportunity coming up On the difficulty of prioritizing myself through work On struggling mentally while pregnant On feeling stagnant with work and unclear about the future On determining the podcast structure moving forward   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in prod

In this episode, I sit down with Emma Lovewell, beloved Peloton instructor and fitness leader, to discuss her experience of writing her new book Live, Learn, Love Well: Lessons from a Life of Progress, Not Perfection, and the non-linear journey she took to becoming a Peloton instructor. Emma shares what she’s learned about the value of saying yes to everything once, taking risks and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and why experience is more fruitful than reward. We discuss her non-competitive relationship with her fellow Peloton leaders, what it’s like being one of the few public-facing Asian American fitness instructors, how she creates her workouts and those sought-after playlists, and more.   Key Takeaway / Points: On writing her book, Live, Learn, Love Well: Lessons from a Life of Progress, Not Perfection On her non-linear journey to becoming a Peloton instructor The value of saying yes to everything at least once On taking risks and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone On the value o

In this solo episode, I dive into all things pregnancy and body image, from why this pregnancy feels different from the first; to the confusing concept of glamorizing my first pregnancy; to how I’ve been feeling in my pregnant body so far. I share details about the discomfort I currently feel in my body, not feeling confident in clothes or with my appearance, and the simultaneous guilt that comes with critiquing my body image. I also discuss mourning my past body confidence and acceptance, what I’m anxious about regarding the second half of my pregnancy and the unknowns ahead, and how I’m trying to practice gratitude for my body moving forward.   Key Takeaway / Points: Why this pregnancy feels different from the first On the confusion of glamorizing my first pregnancy My struggle with pregnancy body image so far On not feeling comfortable in clothes right now On the guilt I feel over critiquing my body while pregnant On the difficulty of giving up physical control  On mourning my past body confidence a

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Steele (aka The Corporate Mama) to talk about the myth of work-life balance and how Sarah strives for work-life fulfillment, the differences between being a working mom versus a working dad in the corporate world, and why a mandated parental leave across all workplaces would be a gamechanger. Sarah shares her best efficiency and self care advice for parents working from home, tools she implements to self-regulate intense emotions and manage ADHD as a parent, and the joy she still gets from cultivating her Corporate Mama community.     Key Takeaway / Points: On the myth of work-life balance and how Sarah strives for work-life fulfillment Sarah’s most challenging part of being a mother with a corporate job On the differences between being a working mom vs. working dad in the corporate world On the concept of a mandated parental leave Sarah’s advice for parents working from home and efficiency tips Sarah’s work with self-regulating intense emotions and ADHD as a parent How

In this solo episode, I recap my son Liam’s second birthday and reflect on the past two years of being his mother. After a special appearance from Liam himself, I dive into the deep connection I feel with him, my postpartum experience and why I think it bonded us, and how Joe and I have increasingly loved each of his phases. I share my feelings on saying goodbye to Liam as my only child, explain our hosting philosophy on keeping joy the priority, and recap how his birthday party went, from ice cream trucks to rented equipment.   Key Takeaway / Points: A special appearance from Liam himself On the deep connection I feel with him Reflecting on my postpartum experience and why I think it bonded us On increasingly loving each of his phases On how different the second pregnancy feels from the first On preparing for a second baby and saying goodbye to Liam being my only child On our hosting philosophy on keeping joy the priority Recapping Liam’s second birthday party, from ice cream trucks to rented equipment On t

In this live show recording of my conversation with Katie Couric at City Winery, we discuss everything from Katie’s experience writing her memoir Going There; to what it was like being the first female anchor in evening news; to being labeled “America’s sweetheart” and the shortcomings of categorizing women with single adjectives. Katie shares how she juggled being a single mother and a full time news anchor, what it was like working with Matt Lauer and how she reacted to his #MeToo reckoning, how she chooses her projects with Katie Couric media, and so much more.     Key Takeaway / Points: On Katie’s memoir Going There, her experience writing it, and her favorite review about it On the value of taking educated risks On the experience of being the first female news anchor in evening news Katie’s reaction to being labeled “America’s sweetheart” On being a single mom and a full time news anchor The important conversations partners should have before lifelong commitment What it was like to experience Matt

In this solo episode, I dive into all things dog-related: how we decided it was the right time to get a dog, what the adoption and training process looked like, and how we introduced our dog, Charlie, to our newborn baby in a safe and controlled way. I discuss the importance of knowing when you’re ready to adopt a dog, how I came across our adoption shelter, and what the learning curve was like once we had our new puppy. I also discuss why dogs are a good test for having a child with your partner, how Charlie reacted to the baby at first and what their dynamic has been through the years, and how Charlie and my relationship shifted throughout my pregnancy and after having a child.    Key Takeaway / Points: On the timeline of feeling ready to adopt a dog How I came across Safe and Sound Satos, our adoption shelter  The learning curve that comes with raising a puppy Why dogs are a good test for having a child with your partner How Charlie’s socialization progressed with other dogs, how we handle it now, and whe

In this episode, I sit down with Katina Bajaj, the author of “On Adulting” and cofounder of Daydreamers: a wellbeing startup that utilizes creativity as a health modality. Katina and I discuss her trajectory from investment banking and why she left the corporate world, how she started the “On Adulting” blog which later became a book, and how motherhood can instill childlike wonder. We also discuss the baggage around the word “creativity,” actionable ways to create “transition times” in your day and prevent burnout, and the difference between pleasure and effortful enjoyment.   Key Takeaway / Points: Katina’s career change and why she left her job in investment banking How she started “On Adulting,” her blog about growing up in a mindful and joyful way How parenting styles have shifted throughout the generations Our societal obsession with productivity How motherhood has instilled a childlike wonder within me Katina’s wellbeing startup, Daydreamers, and how it opens up creativity as a wellbeing modality The b

In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Walters, CEO, entrepreneur, and self-made power woman whose story is as remarkable, resilient, and inspiring as she is. Nicole and I discuss her incredible experience of adopting her three daughters ten years ago, the overwhelming shift of going from mentor to mother of three in under 30 days, and how she frames parental commitment and healthy attachment. She shares how her poor upbringing shaped her relationship with humanity, what both poverty and wealth have taught her about happiness, and how our complex relationships with money are ever-evolving. Finally, we discuss the many aspects of privilege, how you can use privilege for good, and what it was like quitting her job live in front of 10,000 people to become an entrepreneur.   Key Takeaway / Points: Nicole’s incredible story of how she came to adopt her three children On the shift from going to mentor to mother of three in 30 days How Nicole frames commitment with parenting and healthy attachment On how Nicole’s