Freckled Foodie & Friends

In this solo episode, I share how I’ve been feeling with first trimester symptoms, our current house progress and setting timelines for ourselves, and how my recent Vampire Diaries obsession has been getting me through this pregnancy. I also share some wild pregnancy dreams I’ve had lately and answer listener questions on moving in with your partner, best advice for early pregnancy symptoms and discomfort, making friends in the suburbs as a mom, and how to handle mommy or daddy phases with your child. Key Takeaway / Points: On single host podcasts versus double hosts On turning a corner with first trimester symptoms Whether we feel ready for a new baby in our lives On house progress and setting ourselves timelines On my recent Vampire Diaries obsession On my crazy pregnancy dreams Liam’s reaction to becoming a big brother On valuing independence within Joe and my relationship and the timeline of when we moved in together Tips for moving in with your partner and implementing division of labor My best advice f

TW: The beginning of this episode contains details of fertility struggles and pregnancy losses — fast forward to 10:00.   In this episode, I sit down with Katrina Scott: entrepreneur, author, and the first visibly pregnant model to be in a Sports Illustrated publication. Katrina and I discuss her emotional fertility journey and the pregnancy losses she and her family have experienced in the past few years. She shares the balancing act of publicly sharing her fertility experiences, moving through grief while caring for her first child, and the transparency she practices with her daughter around pain and healing. We also talk about ways to speak to someone who has experienced pregnancy loss, the best thing the non-birthing partner can do during fertility struggles, and what it feels like to experience postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts.   Key Takeaway / Points: Katrina shares her fertility journey and the pregnancy losses she and her family have gone through On the balancing act of publicly sharing fert

In this episode, I sit down with human design coach, author, and mother Alexandra Cole. We discuss all things human design: what it is, how it works, and the five energy types that differentiate people. Alexandra explains how knowing your child’s energy type is so valuable in parenting, how to work based on your energy’s consistencies and inconsistencies, and how knowing your Ego, Identity, and Decision-Making Centers can help you further align with your true self. We also unpack a recent “good on paper” opportunity I passed on and why, how to navigate decision-making as an emotions-driven person, and how the way you see yourself can be very different from how others see you.   Key Takeaway / Points: Why the human design method resonated with Alexandra as a results-driven person What is human design? The five different energy types The value as a parent in knowing your child’s energy type How to work in relation to your energy’s consistencies and inconsistencies  On knowing your Ego Center, Identity Center,

TW: fertility discussion and pregnancy announcement   In this solo episode, I announce my shocking (or not) news that…I’m pregnant! Baby #2 is officially on the way, and I dive into all the details, from whether we planned this pregnancy; to how I instantly knew I was pregnant; to how the first trimester has been so far. I share how I’ve been feeling both mentally and physically, why I feel different about being pregnant than I did several months ago, and what I’m looking forward to in the second trimester and beyond.   Key Takeaway / Points: Was it planned? Whether we feel ready for baby #2 How I instantly knew I was pregnant How the first trimester has been so far How I’m feeling mentally and physically What I’ve been craving lately What I’m looking forward to in the second trimester and beyond   Check out Emily Oster’s book on pregnancy here     This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial intere

In this episode, I sit down with Tefi to discuss everything from the concept of struggle and “deserving” success; to how she knows so much about pop culture and how that became a shared language in her family; to how pop culture knowledge helped develop her empathy when she was young. We talk about being “known” by social media followers and selective vulnerability, Tefi’s best friend vibe and not always being a “nice” person, and the idea of feeling unlikable. Finally, Tefi shares how her mental health is right now and how she has dealt with the evolution of female friendships, from breakups to equally participating in toxic dynamics.   Key Takeaway / Points: On the concept of struggle and “deserving” success Tefi’s high school experience and growing up in Miami How Tefi knows so much about pop culture and how it became a shared language in her family How learning about pop culture developed Tefi’s empathy On being “known” by your social media followers and being selectively vulnerable Unpacking Tefi’s best

In this episode, I sit down with Madison Utendahl, Founder of Utendahl Creative, to discuss recovering from burnout in an accolades-driven society. Madison shares her history with overachievement and excellence over the years, how her burnout manifested throughout several periods in her life, and the tools and practices she uses now to prioritize her mental health. We discuss learning to love not being “the best,” what Madison’s experience with making 30 Under 30 was actually like, and why “the why” in what you do is everything. Finally, Madison tells us how she structures her mornings to protect her peace, and how she built an anti-burnout culture within Utendahl Creative for herself and her employees.     Key Takeaway / Points: Madison’s history with overachievement and burnout How institutions shape our work mindsets through the years On generational trauma and our parents’ resistance to vulnerability On learning to love not being “the best” What Madison experienced during her periods of burnout Madison’s

In this episode, I sit down with Alli Schaper, co-founder of Super Mush, Into the Multiverse, and the Microdosing Collective, and an encyclopedia for all things functional and psychedelic mushrooms. We discuss everything from the distinction between mushrooms and fungi; to our human connection and long history with mushrooms; to how the mycelium network connects every living organism. Alli explains how she came to use functional mushrooms for her health, what is happening legally right now in the U.S. with psychedelics, and how psilocybin-assisted therapy is being used for treating PTSD, mental health, and more. We also discuss how psilocybin creates new neural pathways in the brain, microdosing vs. tripping, and the work Alli is doing to promote industry regulation, accessibility, and transparency within both psychedelics and functional mushrooms.   Key Takeaway / Points: On fungi, mushrooms, and the mycelium network Our human connection and history with mushrooms How Alli came to using functional mushrooms

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle, Freckled Foodie Family member, mother, and brave and beautiful human being, to discuss her experience with postpartum depression and psychosis. We discuss how Michelle came to be on the podcast, Michelle’s early postpartum experience in the few days after her daughter’s birth, and the confusion and shame that so often permeate the postpartum experience. Michelle shares how her postpartum depression developed upon returning to work, how her psychosis manifested and what that felt like, and what helped pull her out of her darkest days. If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression, psychosis, or simply needs community and support after birthing a child, please know you are never alone and help is available. See links below for support.   Key Takeaway / Points: How Michelle came to be on the podcast Michelle’s early postpartum experience in the few days after her daughter’s birth On mothers not feeling instantly connected with their baby

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Austin: fitness expert, health coach, creator, and so much more, to discuss everything from our fitness journeys to our attachments to certain identities. We talk about our intense experiences as Division I athletes, our relationships with movement now, and how Katie’s upbringing was influenced by her parents, who are both athletes. We also discuss losing our competitiveness as we get older, Katie’s perspective on her mother’s success, and what it was like sharing 2022’s Sports Illustrated Rookie of the Year with her best friend.   Key Takeaway / Points: Reflecting on our intense experiences as Division I college athletes Our relationships with exercise and movement now Katie’s morning routine, from stretching to setting intentions On meditation, the resistance we feel towards it, and making it work for you On growing up with parents who were athletes and how that influenced Katie’s relationship with fitness How we talk to children about their bodies and being mind

In this solo episode, I share where I’m at emotionally, what I’ve been loving, and what I miss about NYC two and a half weeks into suburban living. I talk about how our basement and backyard have truly been game changers for our family, how I did *not* get my shit together with furniture for the new house, and how I feel generally calmer in the suburbs versus the city. I also discuss the features in the house that I love (hello double vanity), things I’m still getting used to (hidden homeownership costs), and things I truly miss about the city (visiting friends and yes, the convenience of trash rooms.)     Key Takeaway / Points: How the basement and backyard have been game changers for our family On not getting my shit together with furniture On feeling generally calmer in the suburbs vs. the city On the joy of the double vanity in the bathroom Things I’m still getting used to around the house The hidden costs of homeownership Liam’s recent sleep regression Things I miss: the ease of seeing city friends and…

In this episode, I sit down with mortgage advisor and my old high school friend, Tyler Howe, to discuss the financial must-knows of the home buying process, the basics of mortgages and loans, how pre-approvals work, and much more. Tyler walks us through the steps of a hypothetical home buying situation from pre-approvals to closing and explains typical down-payment amounts, common red flags with realtors, and how taxes come into play. He also discusses what sellers look for in offers, how to use the market to your advantage as a buyer, and what you can do now to best position yourself for a loan and to successfully make mortgage payments.   Key Takeaway / Points: Catching up on our high school history, including when Tyler was my mom’s assistant Why the mortgage and home buying process is confusing and overwhelming for so many The basics of what a mortgage is Tyler walks us through a hypothetical home buying process and gives his advice on essential first steps The pre-approval process and the basics of gett

In this episode, I talk about my journey with food, from my childhood of thoroughly loving and enjoying it; to using it as fuel for my Division I college sport; to the shift that occurred post-college to an orthorexic mindset. I get into my nutrition-obsessive behavior that arose from digestive issues, the feelings of anxiety and isolation around food that permeated my early twenties, and how working with a therapist immensely helped me recover. I discuss how I backed away from perfectionism, the tug of war I still feel over my past orthorexic content, and how I feel and think about food now.   Key Takeaway / Points: My positive relationship with food as a child My college experience as an athlete and using food primarily as fuel My digestive issues that arose post college Shifting into an orthorexic mindset, from severe restriction to anxiety-laden thoughts around food How I became consumed with controlling my food intake, exercise, and overall health How my orthorexia affected my relationships The exposure

In this episode, I sit down with Anicia Anya, founder and CEO of Kid’s Table: New York City’s meal delivery service for kids. Anicia and I discuss her journey from working in corporate tech to nannying for high profile families, how she became a private chef, and why and how she built Kid’s Table. We talk about the importance of treating children as human beings first, children second, how asking for help and putting aside your ego is a beautiful thing, and what Anicia envisions for Kid’s Table’s future. Finally, we discuss Anicia’s recent revelation that celebrating yourself is essential, and how the little wins are just as significant as the big ones.     Key Takeaway / Points: Why Anicia created Kid’s Table On parenting and treating children as human beings first, children second How food is a pathway to exposing children to different cultures Anicia’s journey from working in corporate tech to nannying for high profile families How she became a private chef On the universe supporting you when you’re doing

In this solo episode, I dive into how we have navigated sex as parents both during pregnancy and postpartum. I discuss why it’s completely normal not to feel ready for sex after the six week postpartum check-up, how my relationship with my post-baby body affected my sensuality, and why it’s so challenging shifting from mom mode to sexual mode. I also get into why communication between partners is crucial during post-baby sex, which tools have been useful for reclaiming my sexuality post-baby, and the importance of making sex a priority when it feels right. Finally, I share listener experiences about sex as parents, and how some of you are having the best sex of your lives as parents now.     Key Takeaway / Points: Our sex lives pre-baby, during the pregnancy trimesters, and post baby On not feeling ready postpartum to have sex, and why that’s completely normal On regaining the feeling and mentality of sexuality postpartum On the challenge of shifting from mom mode to sexual mode On navigating your changi

In this episode, I sit down with Kelsey Kreppel to discuss her path from preschool teacher to creator, what she took away from her experiences as a nanny and a teacher, and the value of not changing who you are around children. We get into Kelsey’s journey with imposter syndrome in her work and why she prefers that over complacency, the joy she felt as a teacher engaging in childlike wonder, and how she has structured her podcast around the inner child experience. Finally, we dive into how Kelsey creates a healthy boundary between her content and her relationships and how she has learned to quiet brain chatter and listen to her intuition.     Key Takeaway / Points: Kelsey’s path from preschool teacher to influencer and podcast host On not changing who you are around children On observing parenting as a nanny and teacher How communication is essential for both nannying and teaching Kelsey’s journey with imposter syndrome On wanting to push herself in her work and avoid complacency The joy she felt as a teache

In this solo episode, I make a very exciting announcement...that we’re moving to New Jersey! I discuss the details of our housing search, on always knowing we’d make it back to New Jersey, and what we’re looking forward to most with life in the suburbs. I also get into the housing inspection journey and how it can be overwhelming for first-time homeowners, our future plans for organization and decorating, and an especially helpful exercise my therapist recommended for whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed.   Key Takeaway / Points: We’re moving to New Jersey! On always knowing we’d make it back to Jersey The joys of having a child in New York City What we’re looking forward to most in the suburbs Why I know we’ve found the right house for us What our housing non-negotiables were Our housing search journey and how we ended up with the right house On feeling overwhelmed and uneducated about housing knowledge On keeping this process private until now Future plans for home organization and decorating A new exercise my

In this episode, I sit down with stylist, closet therapist, and wardrobe specialist Allison Bornstein to talk about all things style and the emotional significance of what we wear. We discuss the identity shift that comes with motherhood and how style fits into that, Allison’s wild and experimental fashion sense as a child, and how both of our mothers have influenced our style journeys to this day. Allison takes us through her coined “three word method” and defines my three words, she explains why it’s okay to look and dress like you care, and we discuss how closet clean-outs and the kind of work she does is deeply therapeutic and personal.   Key Takeaway / Points: Why fashion and style are not frivolous  The identity shift that comes with motherhood and how style fits into that Allison’s wild and experimental style as a child The fear of other parents perceiving you and your children How our mothers’ relationships with fashion influenced us Allison’s trajectory in fashion school and how she grew her busines

In this solo episode, I discuss all things overstimulation, anger, and how to navigate the often-triggering holiday season in a mindful and healthy way. I unpack the confusing dichotomy of wanting to spend time with your family but not always being your best self when you’re with them, my recent overstimulated Thanksgiving and how I handled it, and where I believe my overstimulation comes from. I also discuss mourning the “childhood” holiday experience and adjusting to being an adult during the holidays, which tools have helped me the most with overstimulation, and how important it is to communicate your needs with your loved ones.     Key Takeaway / Points: On wanting to spend time with your family while not always being the best version of yourself when you’re with them My Thanksgiving experience with overstimulation and how I handled it Where my overstimulation comes from On reverting back to teenage selves while in our childhood homes On mourning the childhood holiday experience Tools that help me the mo

In this episode, I sit down with Ella Halikas to discuss how she has honed her confidence mindset, how she began her modeling career from taking photos on the beach, and why she hopes the term “curve model” will be irrelevant in the future. We dive into Ella’s storied and relentless pursuit of becoming a Sports Illustrated model, how timing is everything when it comes to your dreams coming true, and why failure excites her more than anything. We also get into what happened when she and a friend were recently rejected from a club for their sizes, how she began her “Thick Girls Can Rock This Fit Too” series, and how she doesn’t let negative comments dull her shine.     Key Takeaway / Points: Society’s notions of “curve model” vs. “model” How confidence is truly a mindset How Ella began modeling after taking photos on the beach in college Ella’s relentless pursuit of becoming a Sports Illustrated model On being ready for your dreams to come true Allowing ourselves to pause and savor our successes Why failure ex

In this solo episode, I share all of the raw and overwhelming feelings I’m experiencing right now while grieving my son’s baby stage at eighteen months. I explore the heartache and anxiety around the passage of time, the confusion of feeling nostalgic for the present, and explain why the newborn phase wasn’t exactly my thing. I also give my mother an impromptu call and get her perspective on embracing the simultaneous sadness and joy of time passing with children. Finally, I discuss still feeling like a child myself, and I remind myself and anyone who needs to hear it that every child’s stage is incredible and brings new things.   Key Takeaway / Points: Why I love Liam’s toddler phase right now at eighteen months On wanting to freeze time with your child as they are Why the newborn phase wasn’t my thing The heartbreak and anxiety around the passage of time On the fear of not remembering important moments in your child’s life On feeling nostalgic for the present On not feeling ready to go through another preg