Freckled Foodie & Friends

In this episode, I talk to author and podcast host, Nora McInerny, about the many aspects of grief. Nora shares the loss of her father, husband and pregnancy, and how she handled those obstacles to reach her current career, life, and family. We discuss the automated response to the question “how are you?” and ways to best support those who are grieving. We talk about boundary-setting on our platforms and the importance of acknowledging and accepting our emotions, even when they are conflicting.

In this episode, I talk to the founder of The Ocho System, Joe Holder. We discuss the unnecessary complexities in the health and wellness space, reframing your mindset around exercise, and Joe’s concept of “exercise snacks”. We discuss our experiences transitioning from college athletics into the real world, the desire to overachieve, and developing dissonance between your identity and sport. We also talk about the importance of challenging yourself, practicing resilience, and the concept of recovery.

In this episode, I talk to plus-size model and podcast host Hunter McGrady. We discuss the ups and downs of motherhood and what we wish we knew beforehand. We talk about our breastfeeding journeys, anxieties as new moms, and values we want to instill in our children. We also dive into body image, our relationships with our bodies pre and post-pregnancy, and practicing affirmations. Hunter shares her frustrations around the lack of representation of plus-sized women, especially during pregnancy.

In this episode, I talk to recipe developer and cookbook author Samah Dada (@dadaeats). Samah talks about her transition from a Production Assistant at The Today Show to the host of the network’s original digital series #Cooking. We discuss the mental health aspects of the food industry, the non-glamorous truths of turning our hobbies into careers, imposter syndrome and the dangers of comparison. We also dive into cultural appropriation in the wellness industry and lack of minorities in the space.

In this episode, I sit down with the Founder and CEO of The Sculpt Society, Megan Roup. Megan and I discuss mental health struggles throughout pregnancy, adjusting expectations of ourselves postpartum, and navigating work-life balance as a new mom. We talk about the most enjoyable aspects of motherhood and learning to accept help and support from people in our lives. We also dive into appreciating and practicing gratitude towards our bodies and trying to let go of the constant need to achieve.

In this episode, I chat with the founder and CEO of Hill House, Nell Diamond. Nell talks about her career journey that started on Wall Street and included time at Yale SOM, the story behind Hill House, and the community formed around the Nap Dress. We discuss the lessons we’ve learned while working in finance, the anxiety within entrepreneurship, and the importance of setting boundaries when working for ourselves. We dive into life as a new mom and finding balance while caring for our children and working

I sit down with certified sex educator, Shan Boodram (@shanboody), to discuss all things sexuality, desires, wants, and education. We discuss how to tap into your sexuality, how to express your needs to your partner and get specific on your wants, and how to follow your passion - both in and out of the bedroom.

On this episode, I sit down with recipe developer, cookbook author, wellness influencer and podcast host Liz Moody. Liz and I discuss her journey with anxiety, agoraphobia, and anorexia and she shares the ripple effect family trauma had on her life. Liz speaks on her contemplation over whether or not to have children and what she has learned from asking others about their experiences. Liz talks about her nomadic lifestyle and the importance of letting go of things that are out of our control.

On this episode, I am joined by fellow Lafayette alumni Simmone Taitt, founder and CEO of Poppy Seed Health. Simmone shares the premise behind her company, why she founded it and the core of its business model. We discuss the differences between doulas and doctors, the importance of having a support system when pregnant and the scarce education around miscarriages. We discuss the lack of focus on mental health throughout pregnancy and privilege in medical care depending on the color of your skin.

In this episode, I sit down with influencer Hayden Cohen (@hayderz). We discuss his love for reality television, the nature of his platform, and poking fun at influencers. He talks about coming out as gay at age 12 and gives advice on how to best support those in your life who have come out. Hayden talks about his full-time job as a talent manager at an influencer marketing company and the irony that comes with it. We also discuss anxiety, therapy, and being upfront about the type of people we are.

In this episode, I talk to relationship expert Tennesha Wood. We talk all things dating, matchmaking and love. Tennesha shares the best things to do on dating apps, displaying yourself in the best light and figuring out what you’re looking for. She also shares her own dating history and what she learned on her two-month solo trip. We talk about our journeys towards letting go of the need to plan, becoming less controlling in all aspects of life, and encouraging your partner to grow alongside you.

Sharing a teaser of the Patreon exclusive Freckled Foodie & Friends September episode. In this episode I sit down with one of my best friends, Jess Nash, to discuss all things postpartum, early motherhood, being a first-time mom, and our conception journeys. I want to include a trigger warning for pregnancy loss as Jess shares her story of miscarrying. If you want the full episode or the monthly exclusive episodes (released every 3rd Wednesday of the month) come join the FF Patreon Fam!!

In this episode, I sit down to discuss all things postpartum and my parenting journey thus far. I do a quick recap of the labor and delivery, chat about the emotional roller coaster that is the fourth trimester, and dive into the laundry list of things I feel we need to catch up on because it has been so long. I’m then joined by Joe to discuss all things parenting.

On this episode, I sit down with two members of the Freckled Foodie Family and registered nurses at John Hopkins hospital in Baltimore, MD, to discuss what it was like to be a healthcare worker and on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss how their roles adapted with the onset of the pandemic, their reflections on the past fourteen plus months, and the emotional and physical impact it had on them. To all of our healthcare and frontline workers - THANK YOU!!

In this episode I sit down with curve model and TikTok influencer, Remi Bader. We discuss how she came to start her “realistic haul” videos after feelings of frustration while shopping and trying to find flattering outfits for her body. We dive into the not-so-fun aspects of sharing your life (and body) on the internet and how her content brings humor to the otherwise frustrating and overwhelming process that shopping for new clothes can be.