This week, I'm chatting it up with Dr. Jenny Yip. Together we delve into the often-overlooked topic of postpartum mental health, particularly focusing on postpartum anxiety and OCD. Because let's keep it real being a mama—a good one—ain't for the weak of heart. This is why we discuss the stigma surrounding maternal mental health, the societal pressures on mothers, and the importance of support systems. It truly takes a village to raise these babies.

Y'all don't want to miss this episode! Dr. Yip was dropping gem after gem.

Dr. Jenny Yip, PsyD, ABPP, is a Board Certified Clinical Psychologist, author, and speaker with over two decades of experience in treating severe OCD and anxiety disorders. Inspired by her personal struggles with OCD, Dr. Yip has dedicated her career to helping individuals and families overcome mental health challenges. A nationally recognized expert, Dr. Yip developed the Family Systems Based Strategic CBT and has been featured in various media outlets. She co-hosts the Stress Less Life Podcast and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Yip is also a Board Certified Behavioral & Cognitive Psychologist who actively participates in numerous professional boards and committees to improve mental wellness.

Dr. Yip’s pioneering work includes founding the Renewed Freedom Center in Los Angeles in 2008, which offers advanced treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders, and establishing the Little Thinkers Center in 2016, which helps children develop critical and creative thinking skills to overcome academic challenges. Her previous book, “Productive, Successful," has been widely acclaimed for its practical approach to managing anxiety.

Learn more about Dr. Yip here.

Don't forget to sign up for my Substack here.

And lets get social over here and here.

This week, I got to sit down with an actual registered dietician to talk about all things perimenopause. Mamas, help me welcome Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian, to the show. In this episode, she shares her journey and expertise in nutrition, mainly focusing on gut health and its critical role in women's health during perimenopause.

We discussed the importance of understanding hormonal changes, tracking symptoms, and optimizing digestion to improve overall well-being. Ashley emphasizes the need for personalized approaches to health and nutrition, advocating for awareness of one's body and the significance of nutrient sufficiency.

Ashley dropped so many gems in this episode! I promise you don't want to miss this one.

Ashley is a personalized nutrition practitioner, expert, speaker, advisor, and author with over 25 years of helping people identify and make better nutrition choices for better health.

Today, she helms a team of practitioners and coaches at The Better Nutrition Program, serving people nationwide. She was awarded as among CNN's top 100 Health Makers, Hollywood's Top Nutritionist by InStyle magazine, and Top 100 Dietitians by Today's Dietitian. Connect with her on social media at @ashleykoffapproved @thebetternutritionprogram (@betternutritionprogram on TikTok)

Make sure to take your digestive evaluation here. If you are ready for a change, Ashley has graciously offered us $20 off any plans. Use code teemoore20 to get your discount.

Chile, I'm late posting this episode because of #MomLife and #AuthorLife. However, I had to share my robust conversation on healing motherhood wounds.

In this conversation, Brittney Scott—a licensed therapist—and I delve into the complexities of motherhood, healing from childhood trauma, and the importance of creating safe spaces for children. We discuss the generational impact of parenting styles, the significance of emotional support, and practical steps for healing. These steps include journaling and regulating the nervous system. But listen Sis; patience is the name of the game when it comes to the healing process and the importance of breaking cycles of trauma to foster healthier relationships with our babies.

Brittney Scott is a licensed therapist and mother-daughter coach with a master's in clinical mental health counseling. Using her expertise and experience as a licensed therapist, she helps women heal their relationships with their mothers or heal from painful dynamics in their mother-daughter relationships. As the eldest daughter and mother of a daughter, taking her lived experience and knowledge of how women relate to each other to help them break cycles unique to their lineage. When women know how to use their voices, they can meet their needs healthily and successfully.

Find Brittany here and here.

Grab the shirt I'm wearing from here.

Sign up for your Tee Mail here.

And don't forget to get your copy of my new book here.

I'm back, y'all! I know it's been a while since we last connected. But season four is here!

Today, I am sharing some personal life updates—like my new book coming out on 10/15!—and how my writing journey has been going so far.

I also discuss my healing journey so far. I've been putting in the work, Friend! But I hope that this episode leaves you feeling affirmed to take big risks and dream bigger. It's time we redefine what failure looks like for us and discover our purpose beyond the babies. Progress over perfection will win out every time!

As always, let's stay connected.

Grab your Tee Mail here.

Follow me here and here.

And, of course, you can grab the shirt I'm wearing at MomTings.

Enjoy, Sis!

Whew, Chile. Y'all have to forgive my delay in getting this episode up. May is such a busy month in my household because of birthdays and other milestone events—I see you on Mother's Day!

But without further ado, here is my conversation with my friend, Jasminne Mendez, as we discuss the challenges of balancing success as a mother and a career woman. Together, we share our experiences as mamas and authors, navigating the demands of motherhood while pursuing our creative passions. We discuss the trade-offs and sacrifices that come with success and the need to make choices that align with our competing priorities.

Jasminne Mendez is a best-selling Dominican-American poet, translator, playwright, audiobook narrator, and award-winning author of several books for children and adults. Including the middle-grade novel in verse, Aniana del Mar Jumps In (Dial), which received the 2024 Pura Belpre Honor Award. Her other books have received prizes from the Texas Institute of Letters, the Writer’s League of Texas, and the International Latino Book Awards. She is an MFA graduate of the creative writing program at the Rainier Writing Workshop at Pacific Lutheran University and a University of Houston alumni. She is the Program Director for the literary arts non-profit Tintero Projects and she lives and works in Houston, TX.

Follow Jasmine on IG here. You can also learn more about her and her work through her website.

Happy listening, Friend!

In this conversation, I chat with Shaniqua Smith, my son's godmother and one of my best friends. We discuss the challenges and experiences of motherhood, specifically focusing on the fourth trimester—the postpartum period.

Because -ish gets real when the baby comes. There's much to be said about the transition of welcoming a new baby at home, the emotional and mental changes, and the importance of self-care and grace.

We also touch on the pressures of comparison and the impact of social media on perceptions of motherhood.

Shaniqua Smith is a dedicated stay-at-home wife and mother of four beautiful girls. With a passion for making a difference in people's lives, she pursued a career in social work. Shaniqua earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed her Master's degree in Social Work at Alabama A&M University. Throughout her career, Shaniqua has worked with various populations, including infants anolder peoplely. She has made a positive impact through her involvement in mentoring programs, hospice care, summer camps, and providing essential resources like food and clothing. In 2020, Shaniqua took a leap of faith boldly decidedsion to leave the social work field during the pandemic. She seized the opportunity to launch her own licensed home childcare program, the Leap of Faith Learning Academy, LLC. Despite the challenges, Shaniqua embraced the journey and created a nurturing and educational environment for the children under her care. Currently, Shaniqua is taking a break from the childcare profession to focus on her role as a stay-at-home mom. She uses this time to heal, explore new opportunities, and prepare to relaunch her childcare program as a center. Shaniqua's determination, compassion, and unwavering faito inspire those around her.

This week, I chatted it up with my girl, Alyssa Reynoso-Morris, and we discussed her journey as an author and the challenges she's faced in the publishing industry.

Alyssa is a true Bronx native and has found inspiration in her culture and heritage. Through our conversation, we realized that becoming moms helped us rediscover our dreams of becoming authors and that living out our dreams has brought deeper joy into our lives.

Listen, being a mom and a creative isn't for the faint of heart. But knowing that we have little humans watching us makes it all worth it.

Alyssa is a queer Afro-Latine/x Dominican and Puerto Rican award-winning storyteller. Her ability to weave compelling stories has opened many doors for her as an author and speaker. She is also a mother and community organizer. During the day, she works with community members, non-profit organizations, and government officials to improve the world. Then she puts her writer’s hat on to craft heartfelt stories about home, family, food, and the fun places she has been. Alyssa was born and raised in The Bronx, New York, and currently lives with her partner and daughter in Philadelphia, PA. She is the author of Plátanos Are Love, The Bronx Is My Home, and Gloriana Presente: A First Day of School Book. She hopes you enjoy her stories.

Connect with Alyssa on IG: @AReynosoMorris

And check her website out at: https://www.alyssaauthor.com/

Grab my shirt here!

In this conversation, my good sis, Ashley Franklin, and I discuss our experiences with ADHD as mothers. Together, we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with being neurodiverse and raising children who may also have ADHD.

We emphasize the importance of living an authentic life and taking a leap of faith to overcome fear and pain. The conversation highlights the need for routine, timers, and non-medicated strategies to manage ADHD symptoms. We also discuss the process of diagnosis and the importance of self-care for mothers with ADHD. The conversation covers various strategies for managing ADHD, anxiety, sleep issues, and overstimulation in mothers. It explores the benefits of exercise, meditation, visualization, and yoga as tools for relaxation and improving sleep. The importance of taking mommy time outs to recharge and fulfill personal needs is also emphasized.

Ashley Franklin is an Arkansas-based author whose work centers on characters with big hearts and even bigger imaginations. She believes everyone, especially kids, deserves to see themselves reflected within the pages of a book.

Some of her most popular works include the picture books Disney’s The Little Mermaid: Make a Splash and NOT QUITE SNOW WHITE and her middle-grade short story “Creative Fixes” from the anthology ONCE UPON AN EID. Learn more about Ashley here: https://ashleyfranklinwrites.com/

And, of course, follow her on IG at ashleyfranklinwrites