Mom Genes The Podcast

The Real Deal Series: Postpartum Mental Health “Medication Saved My Life”This season is called “The Real Deal Series: Where Real Bodies, Real Parenting, and Real Talk Collide!” The reality of this episode is that medication saved our lives….and still is. In this deeply personal and unfiltered episode, Rachel and Tina pull back the curtain on the realities of postpartum mental health. We discuss their own journeys through depression, anxiety, miscarriage, medication, overstimulation, motherhood rage, and learning to ask for help.You’ll hear about the real statistics (and the gaps) on perinatal mood disorders, the impact of medication—and how it saved both of us, and the crushing stigma that keeps many parents from getting help. We discuss the systemic obstacles in our society that doesn’t set up birthing people to succeed and the reality of maternity care deserts and limited access to support. We also offer hope, tools, and share moments that actually helped during the darkest timesIf you're struggling, please reach out for help. If you need support finding resources in Texas or California, send us an email. We want to be part of your village.Trigger Warning: this episode includes discussion of miscarriage, pregnancy loss, depression, and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening, and skip this episode if needed.To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram: @momgenesthepodcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at ⁠momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com⁠The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Bite Sized Education” Series In part two of this week’s topic about postpartum depression, we interview Stephanie Asher of @selflovelegacy about the most common warning signs of perinatal mood disorders. We openly share about which symptoms we all personally experienced and normalize the physical and emotional challenges of the fourth trimester. Stephanie shares her process of increasing self love and self care through her personal and parenting journey as well as how she helps others in their healing process. We share resources for additional support and offer encouragement to listeners who may be experiencing dark times. Connect with Stephanie Asher: IG @selflovelegacy http://www.selflovelegacy.com Podcast: Self Love with Stephanie For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Bite Sized Education” Series This week we are chatting about life after chronic dieting. When we let go of the routine, rules, and structure that diet culture offers as a safety net for eating, we are often faced with the unknown of how to be a mindful eater. We know that diet culture is toxic and the rules ignored our body attunement, but how do we switch gears? Especially when dieting has offered us reliability in an unreliable life. We share tips for mindful eating, offer journal prompts to explore the fears of letting go of dieting, and how to let go of control over our bodies to find body trust. Our amazing listeners also wrote in and in this episode we will answer the following question: Dear Mom Genes, I am over it! I have dieted for, literally, my entire life. I was put on a diet by my parents as a kid and have just continued that cycle throughout my entire adult hood. Now that I have given up on dieting I feel lost and very scared about the unknown as well as what my future holds. Am I capable of doing life without dieting? One of the main reasons that I am rejecting dieting is for my kids, because I don’t want them to grow up with the same lifestyle that I had, but I feel pretty lost. What is next? HELP! Wandering Parent For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Bite Sized Education” Series Did you know there is more than just one simple “hunger” that we experience? In this episode we explore three types of hunger: physical, logical, and emotional. We explain each type, give examples of how this may appear, and give you tips on how to be more in attunement with the type of hunger you may be experiencing. We encourage curiosity and mindfulness as you navigate understanding your bodies cues and give education on how to increase your non judgemental stance towards your hunger. Our amazing listeners also wrote in and in this episode we will answer the following question: Dear Mom Genes, I am learning so much about how to listen to my body’s signals to finally break the diet cycle. I’m more in touch with my hunger cues, learning to understand when I feel full, and even aware when I’m wanting a snack when I’m feeling bored or sad instead of hungry. But I still have times when I get a little confused if what I’m feeling is physical hunger, if I’m just in the mood for a certain food, or if it’s emotional eating. Can you give more details on the types of hunger so I can keep learning to differentiate? Love, Hungry Parent For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Bite Sized Education” Series In part one of this week’s episodes, we are covering the multiple layers of health, nutrition, and the privilege that defines health in our society. We discuss how health is physical and includes nutrition elements but if mental health is suffering because of strict rules about healthy eating, then it is not true health. We chat about the mental health component of enjoying food and finding a relationship with food that works for our bodies and our livelihood. Our amazing listeners also wrote in and in this episode we will answer the following question: Dear Mom Genes, Thank you for all you are doing and for providing the information and education you have thus far. Though I feel inspired by your mom bod messaging I am conflicted about some of the food information you are providing. I do believe in ‘providing variety for my family’ and having ‘everything in moderation’ however; I do want to eat healthy and take care of my body. That being said, the information that is available out there about healthy eating is so confusing. I’m worried that if I follow what the internet is saying my family will be super limited. But I also don’t always trust what is in all foods. Can you provide some insight into what healthy eating actually is? Thanks for your help! Mama Greenie For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Bite Sized Education” Series In part two of our episode series on gut health we interview the fabulous Tammy Beasley, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, CSSD on how she explains a healthy gut to her clients. Tammy discusses the importance of a nourished gut first and foremost and gives a powerful analogy, famously referred to in her professional circle as the “sponge analogy,” that we hope helps our listeners understand how the gut works most effectively! Tammy answers questions about myths around gut health and the importance of the psychological component of finding peace in one’s relationship with food in order to maintain a healthy digestive system. Tammy is generous enough to verbally explain her sponge analogy on this episode and give you amazing listeners a VIDEO demonstration, which is linked in the show notes on our website, so check it out! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1knTIDg7ygmlOXvfb3DcvG3by6GI4VfuA/view?usp=sharing For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Bite Sized Education” Series In part 2 of “Does My Child Have an Eating Disorder?” we interviewed Dr Maria Monge, MD, a pediatric eating disorder specialist, who offers our listeners a medical perspective on signs and symptoms of eating patterns in children and teens that could be worrisome for the child’s health and development. Dr Monge identifies what is concerning vs average weight changes, appetite fluctuations, and body image in growing children. Dr Monge gives concrete examples of concerning behavioral changes around food for parents to be aware of as they navigate the challenges of raising children in a culture that is hyper focused on health and bodies. We share our favorite resources for parents who want to learn more and need to connect with professionals in their area for additional support. LINKS: www.neda.com IG link for ED related books and resources on our highlights page: https://www.instagram.com/momgenesthepodcast/ AED Medical Standards Guide: https://www.aedweb.org/publications/medical-care-standards FEAST: https://www.feast-ed.org/register-now-for-our-30-day-educational-service/ For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Bite Sized Education” Series Sugar is a commonly feared, and confusing, nutrient. In this episode, we dive into how you can develop a neutral, intuitive relationship with sugar by debunking diet culture messages and increasing body attunement. We explore how to manage sugar in your house and with your kids according to the various feeding models and give practical examples of how to implement these models when dessert time rolls around. Our amazing listeners also wrote in and in this episode we will answer the following question: Dear Mom Genes, My kid came home with a handout that says “sugar is bad” and I kind of believe it. I think the sugar in foods does impact people’s health and body size, so I don’t believe that limiting it and teaching how much hidden sugar is in items is harmful. But I don’t want my child to become obsessed or develop an ED, so what do I do? Love, Sugar Dada For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Bite Sized Education” Series In this week’s part 1 episode of “What is Picky Eating,” we explore the multiple complex layers of developing a trusting feeding relationship in our children and between parents and children. We define what the difference is between “picky eating” vs average “childhood preferences” and how parents can realistically navigate these feeding challenges while still modeling intuitive eating and practicing the Ellyn Satter Institute model of Division of Responsibility. Our amazing listeners also wrote in and in this episode we will answer the following question: Dear Mom Genes, I am writing, because my kid REFUSES to eat their fruits and veggies and I am going crazy! I am worried that I am creating a person that is not going to be able to eat a salad when they are older, but also am exhausted and cannot fight with my child anymore. I am tired of watching my friend’s kids chow down on all the fruits and veggies and my kid is only eating goldfish and chips. Please help!!! Yours truly, Goldfish Mama For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Myth Busters” Series In this week’s episode we are switching gears from busting myths about adult bodies and chatting about kids bodies by busting the myth...that “kids today aren’t healthy!” This myth is one that most parents are so confused by: are their kids healthy? Is the food we are feeding our kids nourishing them? Are kids today too sedentary? Should parents be DOING something about their kids health? This is obviously a complicated myth to completely pull apart with multiple layers about the food industry, weight and BMI, and the overarching concept of health, so we touch on all of these but focus on how this myth has narrowed pediatric health to just diet and exercise. We are going to give you a brief history of this myth’s origins and then we are interviewing a passionate myth buster on kids health: Virginia Sole-Smith, author of The Eating Instinct and the newsletter Burnt Toast. A healthy child is more than the number on the scale: it is a child who can be in their body with confidence and self-respect, regardless of their abilities, size, race, or socioeconomic status. Connect with Virginia: https://virginiasolesmith.com Social media: @v_solesmith For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The “Myth Busters” Series In this episode we are going to be busting a myth surrounding the impact of racism on body liberation and healthism. There is no body liberation and acceptance without all bodies being free to exist without prejudice, so anti-racism, and acknowledging the privileges you hold, are crucial topics to always be centered in the body acceptance conversation. Today’s myth that we are busting is “there is no hierarchy of bodies,” or the thought that, even if there is, “I am colorblind and I accept all bodies.” Now, we are two white podcast host’s so we acknowledge that our white privilege and lack of lived experience of being on the receiving end of racism definitely does not render us able to cover this topic effectively. So we are honored and thrilled to have our guest, Christyna Johnson, RD @encouragingRD join us to bust this myth! We highlighted the concept of how colorblindness and denial of inherent racism have continued to allow people to ignore racial discrimination, which continues to harm and impact people experiencing both macro and microaggressions as a result of the color of their skin. We explored how this impacts the interpretations of health, nutrition, and beauty on systemic and individual levels as well as how providers in the medical and mental health fields can be improve their care through unlearning and listening. Connect with Christyna: https://encouragingdietitian.com Social media: @encouragingRD For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The "Myth Busters Series" In this episode we are busting a myth about how pervasive the beauty industry is and how it can impact our relationship with our bodies and our self worth. We do a lot of episodes on busting myths about diets or food rules, but what about all those fancy words like “wellness industry?” and “but it’s a lifestyle change?” as well as all the products we are constantly being sold to change our appearance. So this week we are busting the myth that “we are not selling beauty products, we are selling a lifestyle change!” While the diet industry can be easy to spot due to its primary focus being weight loss, the wellness or lifestyle industry is extremely varied: it includes lotions, face products, makeup, fitness clothes, vitamins, supplements, and the list goes on. As we navigate people’s MLM pitches, influencer’s product advertisements, or pop up ads on social media, with the underlying message that using their products will buy you a level of health and wellbeing, the difficult part to discern is what is true and what is not? What is fake advertising, what is new found science, and do we even need any of these products? Is the bottom line messaging of the wellness industry the same as the diet industry in that we live in a culture obsessed with beauty, bodies, sexuality, and appearance and whether it’s a diet or a face cream, they are all selling the same thing: change your body, feel better. We are excited to be taking a closer look at this entire industry with the host of the “Your Body, Your Brand” podcast Kai Prins and ponder whether or not the wellness and beauty industry are really all that different from the diet industry? LINKS: “(Not) Getting Paid to Do What You Love” by Brooke Erin Duffy https://www.brookeduffy.com/books Connect with Kai: www.kaiprins.com www.bodybrandpod.com Social media: @performingwoman For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.

The "Myth Busters" Series The impact of stigmatization and discrimination on one’s body trust and body attunement is significant, which is why continuing to dismantle body hierarchies in our society must be at the foundation of the body positive movement. When one is navigating our society in their gender identity or sexuality, a relationship with one’s body and food intake can be impacted. We are passionate about busting myths so that all bodies can be safe to exist in this world, so this week we are busting the myth that…. “cisgender is the gender norm and the typical family system is a heterosexual household.” Discrimination, confusion, shame placed on us by others, and bullying all impact our nervous system. As you will hear in our interview this episode with Neathery Falchuk, LCSW, CGP @ampleandrooted, this assault to the nervous system can impact one’s ability to be a mindful eater. Neathery discusses the importance of a sense of connectedness and belonging which helps calm our nervous systems, offers a safe space for our bodies to exist, and has a direct correlation on our relationship with food and movement. We encourage all of you listening to continue to receive education on what it means to be an LGBTQ+ ally, connect with organizations or communities that support the mental health and physical protection of this community, and make your home a safe space for ALL bodies. Connect with Neathery: www.ampleandrooted.com Social: @ampleandrooted For full episode information and links discussed in the episode, please go to www.momgenesthepodcast.com. To connect with the Mom Genes community, check out our Instagram @momgenesthepodcast or Facebook group: Mom Genes The Podcast. Please email us your questions or thoughts for future episodes at momgenesthepodcast@gmail.com If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to take a screenshot and share it out on Instagram and tag @momgenesthepodcast. We will be sure to share your comments and re-posts in our Instagram stories! In order to not miss a single episode, SUBSCRIBE and please give us a RATING and REVIEW on iTunes! The information presented in this podcast does not replace individual therapy or nutrition recommendations.