Shows
Hot+BraveS5E13 - Should You Offer Sliding Scale? Let’s Talk About ItSend us a textShould you offer sliding scale pricing in your doula business? This solo episode of Hot + Brave dives into the heart of that question with honesty, nuance, and strategy. We’re unpacking the roots of sliding scale, how race and gender shape expectations around care work, and what it actually takes to build an accessible and sustainable birth business.We’ll look at:The origins of sliding scale as a tool for justiceWhy guilt is not a business strategyWhat to include in your sliding scale policyHow to avoid burnout while still cent...2025-06-0321 minHot+BraveS5E12 - Global Wisdom, Local Roots: How Bobette Returned to Ghana to Transform Birth CareSend us a textWhat does birth look like in Ghana today? In this powerful episode, Bianca sits down with Bobette, founder of Uzuri Birth, to explore how ancestral knowledge, global education, and personal experience collide in modern Ghanaian birthwork.From her early life in Congo to training in Europe and Canada, and finally returning home to Ghana, Bobette shares her journey of becoming a birthworker rooted in tradition and liberation. We talk about hospital births in Ghana, the erasure of traditional birth practices, what it means to reclaim them, and the deep wisdom gained...2025-05-271h 05Hot+BraveS5 E11 - Breath as Medicine: A Doula’s Guide to Embodied Healing with Jillian MarchandSend us a textIn this tender and powerful episode of Hot + Brave, I’m joined by Jillian Marchand, founder of Exploring Embodiment, for a deep dive into breathwork, reproductive health, and the cultural disconnection so many of us carry in our womb space. We talk about how shame, trauma, and discomfort get stored in the body and how breath can be a gentle way home. Jillian shares accessible tools for shifting your relationship with your womb and honoring your body as sacred, even when it’s hard.Jillian is a trauma-informed breathwork facilitator, Reiki Mast...2025-05-2055 minHot+BraveS5E10 - How to Be a Great Backup Doula (and Choose Yours Wisely)Send us a textIn this episode of Hot + Brave, Bianca breaks down the essential (but often overlooked) topic of backup doulas: how to choose one, how to be one, and why this role is a vital part of building a sustainable, ethical doula practice.We’re covering:What makes a great backup doulaHow to prep your clients without fearSetting clear agreements, payment terms, and expectationsWhy having a backup isn’t flaky—it’s professional careHow to build trust inside your doula communityThis episode is perfect for birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and students...2025-05-1325 minHot+BraveS5E9 - The journey from maiden to mother with Anna LundqvistSend us a textIn this episode of Hot + Brave, we’re joined by Anna Lundqvist of Sacred Birth International (www.sacredbirthinternational.com) to explore one of the most profound and often overlooked shifts in a woman’s life: the transition from maiden to mother. Anna shares how birth can be reclaimed as a sacred rite of passage, what gets lost in our over-medicalized systems, and how we can honor the deep emotional, spiritual, and personal transformation that comes with becoming a mother.Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or walking alongside others as a birth worker...2025-05-0648 minHot+BraveS5E8 - The Best Doula Tools You Already Have (No Shopping Needed)Send us a textIn this episode of Hot + Brave, Bianca Sprague is busting a huge myth in the birth world... the myth that you need a bag full of fancy tools to be an effective doula. Spoiler: the best doula tools are already within you.From your hands and your breath to a rolled-up hospital towel and a sturdy chair, Bianca shares the free, practical ways you can support laboring clients with what’s already around you. No shopping sprees required.Whether you're just starting your doula training journey or al...2025-04-2924 minHot+BraveS5E7 - Talk Like a Doula: Understanding the Language of BirthSend us a textIn this episode of Hot + Brave, Bianca Sprague breaks down common birth terms you’ve probably heard, like effacement, dilation, VBAC, golden hour, and more... but maybe never fully understood.Whether you’re brand new to doula training, pregnant and preparing for birth, or a birth nerd who loves decoding medical lingo, this episode is a calm, clear, and judgment-free guide to the language of labor.Bianca explains each term in plain language, shares real-world context, and weaves in stats and tips for doulas and expecting parents alike. This is t...2025-04-2235 minHot+BraveS5E6 - I Didn’t Love the Newborn Stage...And That’s OkaySend us a textIn this episode of Hot + Brave, Bianca Sprague breaks the silence around one of parenthood’s biggest taboos: not loving the newborn stage.From hormonal crashes to sleep deprivation, from identity loss to emotional overload, this episode explores why the early weeks of postpartum feel so overwhelming for so many, and how toxic messages like “soak up every moment” and Instagram-perfect parenting are setting us up to feel like failures.Bianca shares the truth about postpartum ambivalence, touches on regret, rage, and delayed bonding, and unpacks the broken systems behind...2025-04-1538 minHot+BraveS5 S5 - The Epidural Debate Is Missing the PointSend us a textIn this episode of Hot + Brave, Bianca Sprague breaks down why the birth world’s obsession with “natural vs. medicated” is a distraction, and how the real issue isn’t the epidural itself, but the lack of choice, support, and honest information surrounding it.We’re talking about in this episode:The myth of the “better” birthWhat epidurals really do (and what they don’t)What’s not being disclosed during hospital birthsThe cascade of interventions and loss of autonomyWhy doulas are essential in protecting consent and power in birthWhether...2025-04-0833 minHot+BraveS5 E04 - The Myth of the “Perfect” Birth: Why We Need to Change the NarrativeSend us a textIn this powerful episode of Hot + Brave, Bianca Sprague unpacks the damaging myth of the “perfect” birth...and why it’s time to let it go.From unmedicated water births to curated Instagram stories, the fantasy of a flawless birth experience is leaving too many people feeling like they failed. Bianca breaks down where this narrative came from, who it leaves out, and how it fuels shame, birth trauma, and unrealistic expectations.She also shares how most birthing people think their doctor or nurse will help them have the birth...2025-04-0129 minHot+BraveS5 E03 - Birth Isn’t the Problem, The System Is: Birth in the Age of MisinformationSend us a textWhat if I told you most due dates are based on a formula from the 1800s? Or that you’re still being told not to eat during labor because of a study from 1946? Or that the system profits when you’re too scared to ask questions?In the latest episode of The Hot + Brave Podcast, I’m breaking down the top birth myths...and the actual truth behind them.👉🏽 Epidurals👉🏽 Big babies👉🏽 VBACs👉🏽 Hospital policies that aren’t based on science👉🏽 Why doulas are not just for home births2025-03-2551 minHot+BraveS5E2 - Giving Birth in a Foreign Country: What No One Tells You with Hannah PreilSend us a textGiving birth in a foreign country comes with surprises, challenges, and a whole lot of translation errors. Maternity mentor and expat mama Hannah Preil shares what it’s really like to navigate pregnancy, birth, and postpartum abroad. Plus, how to build a support system when family is an ocean away.Find our more about Hannah here: www.hannahlouisematernitymentor.com⭐️ We have some links for you which are mentioned in the episode!! ⭐️Beyond Anxiety book by Martha Beck, get it here (referral link)Grab your doula train...2025-03-181h 07Hot+BraveS5 E01 - Parenting, Mental Health & the Thief of Joy: A No-BS Chat with Nikki Steel OsborneSend us a textWe are talking all about mental health and talking about it in a way that is not happening in other places. This will shake you up and give you ideas to find joy. Want to find Nikki? Check her our here: https://www.thescottishsoulsister.com/Here is her course: www.thescottishsoulsister.com/online-course⭐️ We have some links for you which are mentioned in the episode!! ⭐️Grab your doula training spot here (heyyy there's payment plans) 📚USE THE CODE SHIRT for a huge discount...2025-03-111h 16Hot+BraveS4 E12 - Referrals Made Easy: How to Grow Your Doula Business FastSend us a textBuilding a referral program is a great way to have an awesome marketing machine made up of your community members! We will walk you through how to do this and we have done all the work for you with the free referral building kit.Get the FREE kit that goes with this episode by going here and commenting BOOSTWant to be in the secret squad for Black Friday - you will get the inside scoop on so many awesome events and freebies! Go here and comment 2024-11-2626 minHot+BraveS4 E11 - 10 Things NOT To Do With Loss Families with Vallen WebbSend us a textContent Note: We discuss loss, so please make sure you take care of yourself and step away if needed.Find out more about the 911 Kit go here: www.bebomia.com/911kitTo find out about Vallen's Loss Certification go here: www.evelynjamesandco.com/pregnancylosseducationcourse⭐️ We have some links for you which are mentioned in the episode!! ⭐️Grab your doula training spot here (heyyy there's payment plans) 📚USE THE CODE BIRTHBIRD for the early bird special!!NEW BIRTH DOULA COURSE - www.bebomia.com...2024-11-191h 02Hot+BraveS4 E10 - Pregnancy after 9 losses with Rachell Dumas of A Light After NineSend us a textContent Note: We discuss loss, so please make sure you take care of yourself and step away if needed.Find out more about Rachell and her incredible work at: www.alightafternine.orgwww.instagram.com/alightafternine⭐️ We have some links for you which are mentioned in the episode!! ⭐️Grab your doula training spot here (heyyy there's payment plans) 📚USE THE CODE BIRTHBIRD for the early bird special!!NEW BIRTH DOULA COURSE - www.bebomia.com/birthdoulaCommunity Building Tool ONLY $10 - ww...2024-11-121h 00Hot+BraveS4 E09 - Scaffolding Your Doula Game: The Unfiltered Blueprint with Kaely HarrodSend us a textThis week I had the pleasure of chatting with my gal pal Kaely Harrod and she is a flippin’ gem. She cracks me up and we wanted to go through some critical scaffolding for doulas to have success in their business. We cover everything from contracts to systems at home… you are not going to want to miss this. As promised here are Kaely's links:Her podcast Doula Tips & TitsHer IG channel: www.instagram.com/harroddoulahttps://harroddoulaservices.thrivecart.com/level-up-your-doula-biz-2024-hb/hb102024-11-051h 17Hot+BraveS4E8 - Births, Boundaries, and the Quest to Become a Relaxed WomanSend us a textWhat would it be like to be a relaxed woman? Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert, Bianca looks at this almost impossible but wildly sexy concept of a relaxed and calm state rather than the state of fight and exhaustion we stay in. What would you need to accomplish this?Community Building Tool ONLY $10 - www.bebomia.com/community-building⭐️ We have some links for you which are mentioned in the episode!! ⭐️NEW BIRTH DOULA COURSE - www.bebomia.com/birthdoulaBook Club: www.bebomia.com/bookc...2024-10-2923 minHot+BraveS4 E07 - The flaws of the ARRIVE Trial for induction with midwife Sara HoltSend us a textThere is a study called the ARRIVE Trial that boasts that 39 week inductions lower operative birth rates in nulliparous birthing people. Well, join Nurse Midwife Sara Holt and Bianca Sprague as they highlight the deep flaws with the study and lack of care in the medical system for birthing people. Want to get to know Sara?www.byenvenibaby.com www.instagram.com/ByenveniBabyCommunity Building Tool ONLY $10 - www.bebomia.com/community-building⭐️ We have some links for you which are mentioned in the episo...2024-10-2259 minHot+BraveS4 E06 - More Adventures, Less Compromises: The Power of Platonic JoySend us a textAfter last weeks episode about the gender inequity at home (and every where), I wanted a feel good episode about friendship as the antidote. My heart is bursting with joy after a wonderful long weekend, and I share some nerd facts about friendship... evidence based for the win. 😘 Community Building Tool ONLY $10 - www.bebomia.com/community-building⭐️ We have some links for you which are mentioned in the episode!! ⭐️NEW BIRTH DOULA COURSE - www.bebomia.com/birthdoula Book Club: www.bebomia.com/bookclub FR...2024-10-1528 minHot+BraveS4 E05 - Why you're justified in hating your husbandSend us a textThis episode talks about the inequity at home for women and mothers and business owners. This stuff is infuriating and what are we going to do about it? Content note, y’all: I am going to keep this convo pretty gendered so that I can capture the stats that are based on a cis-het dynamic. Yes, us queers do have our own shit before we feel all smug, and I do really want to focus on the statistical tragedy of heterosexuality.Book Recommendation in the episode: All th...2024-10-0825 minHot+BraveS4 E04 - Risk vs. Reward: Myths About Safety in Childbirth, Education, and ParentingSend us a textOk, we could talk to Brad for hours... literally. I almost panicked when I had to get down to just 1 topic for the interview. Soooo, we jammed a few hot topics into 1 - and it mostly fit. I really just wanted you to hear how incredible he is and then you can go over to his pod and bask in his content! Enjoy every minute of this then click the link to explore his content.👇🏽Check out Brad's website here: https://www.talkingaboutkids.com/⭐️ We have some links for you which ar...2024-10-0157 minHot+BraveS4 E03 - Fighting for Fairness: Workplace Rights from Pregnancy to MenopauseSend us a textJoin Bianca as she chats with Jack and Catherine, lawyers fighting for working women at all stages of their reproductive life cycle, from pregnancy through menopause. Jack's practice focuses on combating sexual harassment, pregnancy discrimination, illegal gender pay disparity, sex discrimination, maternity leave matters, unlawful retaliation, and wrongful termination.Catherine is a lawyer who is also a practicing doula which made this conversation even better because she is in the field seeing what we see.See Jack's firm here: https://womensrightsny.com/⭐️ We have some links...2024-09-241h 15Hot+BraveS4 E02 - Doula Co-ops: A Blueprint for Collective (& Unregulated) EmpowermentSend us a textSeptember is my birthday month and I am ALL about community. So I thought that having a 'how to build community co-op' chat would be the perfect episode to be released on my big day. I reached out to one of my favorite community builders, Emily Barney of the Doula Co-op in Nevada, to fill us in on the step by step for a state-wide Doula Co-op. (https://www.doulacoop.org/). Connect with Emily directly - Connect@DoulaCoop.orgYou can see their socials here:In...2024-09-171h 04Hot+BraveS4 E01 - My healing around PPD & Suicide loss for Suicide Prevention DaySend us a textSeptember is suicide prevention month and today is suicide prevention day. I am sharing my personal experience with suicide ideation and loss to expand the conversation and to shift the narrative - which is the theme for 2024's Suicide Prevention. Content Note: There is discussion of domestic violence, suicide loss, suicide ideation and PMADs. ⭐️ We have some links for you which are mentioned in the episode!! ⭐️NEW BIRTH DOULA COURSE - www.bebomia.com/birthdoulaBook Club: www.bebomia.com/bookclubFREE Faceb...2024-09-1059 minHot+BraveS3 E14 *BONUS* - The Urgency to Protect Birth with Midwife Mmatshilo MotseiSend us a textHAPPY INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE MIDWIFE! To celebrate today, we have an incredible *BONUS* episode of the Hot+Brave Podcast.Bianca had the absolute pleasure of interviewing Traditional Midwife, Mmatshilo Motsei who is transforming birth in South Africa. It is pure magic....She is talking about and challenging the biomedical model in this episode and the wisdom she is passing on is not to be missed. We need to protect birth and the urgency is felt so fully in this d...2024-05-0551 min