Shows
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness49: Sister EpisodeIn this episode, I sit down with my sisters for what started as a “get to know us” conversation, and quickly turned into something much deeper. At some point, we forgot we were recording and simply began reminiscing. It felt like therapy. It felt grounding. And it felt especially meaningful during a time when we’re navigating some of the hardest things we’ve faced together.
What kept coming back to us was this: getting through life together has always been our anchor.
We reflect on our childhood and the sist...
2026-01-0840 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness47: The Psychology of Sleepaway Camp (for Kids and Parents) with Eva Heyman and Caroline LeventhalThis week I’m joined by the hilarious, honest NYC moms behind the podcast Mic’d & Medicated, Eva Heyman and Caroline Leventhal, in what starts as a conversation about sleepaway camp turns into something much deeper (and very funny).
Sleepaway camp might sound niche, but it’s a topic I get asked about constantly ever since I started sharing about how we were looking at camp for Tess this upcoming summer (I can’t believe she’s leaving us so soon!). I get questions from parents all over the world. Why do we send our kids away for the sum...
2025-12-1942 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness46: Blending not Balancing with Jenny FleissToday’s conversation with Jenny Fleiss is one that stayed with me long after we stopped recording. You may know Jenny as the co-founder behind major ventures like Rent the Runway and Jetblack, or recently from Roll Rider, the kids’ luggage company she dreamed up with her children. She’s also been recognized with awards such as Inc.’s 30 Under 30, Fortune’s 40 Under 40, and Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs — but what we explore in this episode is the part of her story that accolades don’t capture.
We dive into the inner work of adulthood and parenting: the moments when w...
2025-12-1047 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness45: Hear it from my girlsThis was the most I have learned from any guest so far. It was a 45 minute episode cut down to 12 minutes because of how moving this entire conversation was I felt compelled to keep the majority of it private. What I left in, I hope helps give you ideas for questions you can ask your own kids, letting them know you are curious about what they think and that it sparks conversations like the one I had here. I was able to hear some of their innermost thoughts and what I am sharing here I hope puts perspective on...
2025-12-0516 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness44: Mind Shifting with Jamie GraberThis episode is all about rewiring ourselves.
In this episode, I sit down with mind shifter and meditation coach Jamie Graber for the meditation conversation I’ve always wanted but never heard: a true back-to-basics, “start at square one” guide to what meditation actually is and how it rewires us as parents and people. I have always wanted someone to talk to me about meditation in the most basic, approachable way. She breaks it down and explains how the practice of meditation reshapes the nervous system, helps us see our thoughts instead of being ruled by them, and so...
2025-12-0245 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness43: Rethinking Education with Alpha Co Founder MacKenzie PriceMany parents feel it: that the current education system doesn’t fully reflect how kids actually learn. We’re craving something more aligned, more human, and more empowering, a model where children feel engaged, capable, and genuinely excited to learn because the experience itself is meaningful.
I love my girls’ school and feel privileged to have been able to choose it. But I also feel there’s often a disconnect between what any current school teaches and what kids actually need to thrive in real life: confidence, communication, social skills, executive functioning, curiosity, and a true love of learn...
2025-11-1843 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness42: A Journey with Heart Openers Zev Eisenberg and James GangemiThis episode is one that I have been waiting to release, because it introduces one of the the most meaningful experience I've ever had.
Last spring, I experienced a guided psychedelic journey with James Gangemi and Zev Eisenberg, the couple behind Heart Openers. They are not only gifted guides individually, but their partnership, the way they hold space together, and the energy they bring as a couple is truly remarkable. You feel safe, supported, and seen in a way I can only describe as being "held." That safety became the foundation for the most transformative experience I've...
2025-11-1140 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness41: Be Nice, Try Hard and Have Fun with Brynn Putnam and Kevin ThauIn this episode I sit down with Brynn Putnam and Kevin Thau for a conversation about ambition, reinvention, blended family life, and what it really means to build connection at home.
Brynn is the entrepreneur behind Mirror - the interactive fitness company acquired by Lululemon - and now the creator of The Board, a new tool designed to help families stay connected in a tech-saturated world. A former professional ballerina and mom of two (and step-mom of three), Brynn brings a unique blend of creativity, discipline, and a deep belief in designing for presence.
Her...
2025-11-0533 min
Mom CuriousEpisode 142: Overcoming Perfectionism in Parenthood with Parenting Voice Jennie MonnessMom Curious is a weekly podcast produced by Hoff Studios in New York City, hosted by cultural voice Daniella Rabbani. Each episode dives into candid, thought-provoking conversations about motherhood, womanhood, and the messy, magical spaces in between. With humor, honesty, and curiosity, Daniella sits down with women of all stripes to talk about what it really means to raise children—and ourselves—in today’s world.
About the Host:
Daniella Rabbani (@DaniellaRabbani on Instagram) is a Brooklyn-based storyteller, actress, singer, and podcast host. On screen, she’s appeared in HBO’s Scenes from a Marriage, Amazon’s T...
2025-10-2849 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness40: Redefining Success with Rebecca MinkoffRebecca Minkoff is a designer, founder, best-selling author of Fearless, co-founder of the Female Founder Collective, host of Superwomen with Rebecca Minkoff, and mom of four.
In this episode, Rebecca opens up about what it really took to build her vision - from hand-sewing pieces in her apartment and styling clients to fund her dreams, to the moment she could finally stop checking her bank account before ordering dinner. She shares how following her “opportunity tentacles” - her term for staying alert to possibility - kept her always one step ahead, even when the path wasn’t clear...
2025-10-2842 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness39: Finding Meaning on the Other Side with Chloe HarroucheAt just 23 years old, Chloe Harrouche was diagnosed with breast cancer. Instead of spiraling or feeling defined by the diagnosis, she chose to meet her journey with purpose, trusting that meaning would reveal itself on the other side. A decade later, that belief became the foundation for The Lanby, her concierge medical company created to bridge the gap between medicine and wellness, bringing together the best providers to empower people with integrative care.
In this episode, Chloe opens up more vulnerably than ever before. She shares why she cried only once during her cancer journey - until...
2025-10-1457 min
Voices of Your Village357- The Emotional Work of Everyday Parenting with Jennie MonnessYou're listening to Voices of Your Village, and today I get to sit down with my friend Jennie Monness, founder of the We Didn't Turn Out OK Podcast and fellow parent navigating the messy, meaningful work of raising tiny humans. In this conversation, Jennie and I talk about the dissonance so many of us feel between the parent we thought we'd be and the one we actually are. We explore what it means to show up with self-awareness, to build visual routines that support our kids through transitions, and to lean into repair when things don't go as planned. We bo...
2025-10-091h 26
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness38: From Forbes 30 Under 30 to Father of Two Michael Perry's True Measure of SuccessMichael Perry could be introduced as the founder of Maple, the creator of KIT (acquired by Shopify), and a Forbes 30 Under 30 entrepreneur. But he’ll tell you the only introduction that matters is: husband to an incredible wife and father to two amazing sons.
Michael found himself on food stamps in his 20s, sold cars for a living, and only dreamed of the symbols of success - financial security, the house, the car, the validation that he had “made it.” And he achieved all of it. But when faced with the possibility that he might never have childr...
2025-10-0956 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness37: Solo on When Our Kids Trigger Us...and MoreIn this episode, I’m answering a mix of questions I’ve gotten from you - things like:
“Why does my kid’s behavior trigger me so much?”
“How do I know if I’m reacting to them or to something in me?”
“What do I do when they refuse to apologize?”
I share a real moment in the car after apple picking where I slipped into that familiar place of making their emotions about my expectations. Not because I don’t know better - but because maybe I’m still unlearning what I absorb...
2025-09-3033 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie MonnessEpisode 36: Business and Life Partners Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon on Delegating at Home and WorkWhat happens when you build a business with your spouse before you even start dating? For Olivia Landau and Kyle Simon, co-founders of The Clear Cut, that was the foundation of their love story, their multi-million-dollar company—and now, their parenting journey.
In this episode, Olivia and Kyle open up about:
How Kyle believed in Olivia’s idea before she did, pushing her to grow a blog hobby into a thriving business. How even her parents doubted her early on - and how that early lack of belief shaped her journey as a founder.
...
2025-09-2341 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie MonnessEpisode 35: Enoughness and the Mother Daughter Dynamic with White Hair WisdomImagine getting an inside glimpse into the dynamic between a mother and daughter—their reflections on who they are, where it all comes from, and how it shapes the way they show up in their own parenting. Imagine hearing not only the beauty, but also the “not so okay” parts, spoken with honesty and without hiding behind perfection.
That’s exactly what you’ll hear in this episode with Lynn Shabinsky, known to over a million followers on Instagram as White Hair Wisdom, and her daughter, Marissa Savrick, her Director of Operations and mom of three. Together, they share...
2025-09-1646 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness34: Marriage after Parenthood with My Husband Matt MonnessYou guys sent in your questions, he answered! Everything from finding time for intimacy, what he feels changed the most since becoming parents and what it's like to be married to someone on social media.
This one is short but sweet so I'll keep the description the same. Let us know what you think and what Matt should answer next time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2025-09-0927 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness33: Lucie Fink on Ambition, Motherhood and the Stories We Tell OurselvesIn this episode I sit down with Lucie Fink - lifestyle host, podcast host of The Real Stuff and, who I like to call, an epic story teller. I was first drawn to Lucie because of her incredible way of telling stories, not just the way she shared the brands she believed in but how she shared her life. It’s sometimes silly, often beautifully edited but also so authentic and real. Her shift into motherhood solidified my intrigue because of how seamlessly she seemed to keep her videography abilities which I know can be all consuming. She just ex...
2025-09-0253 min
No Guilt Mom | Overcoming Mom Guilt, Parenting Tips, & Self Care for Moms398: Breaking Generational Baggage: Why Feeling Everything Might Be the Healing with Jennie Monness, M.A.Ever catch yourself mid-lecture with your kids and think, “Wow… I sound exactly like my mother—and didn’t I swear I’d never do that?” Yeah, same. Parenting has a sneaky way of digging up all the little quirks, traumas, and “Oh no, not that again” moments from our own childhoods.
Enter Jennie Monness, co-founder of Union Square Play and host of We Didn’t Turn Out Okay. She’s here to talk about how those old patterns shape the way we parent—and more importantly, how to rewire them so we don’t keep passing down the same baggage. F...
2025-08-2635 min
Get Well, Better: Health and Wellness Reimagined27. Navigating the Complex World of Parenting | Jennie Monness on Childhood DevelopmentParenting isn’t one-size-fits-all—and understanding your child’s emotions is key. Parenting expert Jennie Monness, co-founder of Union Square Play and Charmspring, takes us inside her journey into childhood education and shares how her approach to parenting has evolved. From handling tantrums with empathy to setting boundaries without fear, Jennie explores strategies that support emotional intelligence, independent play, and creativity. She joins Chloe Harrouche on Get Well Better to identify managing meal times, balancing activities, and how birth order shapes family dynamics, offering insight into building strong, lasting parent-child relationships. Perfect for parents seeking practica...
2025-08-2049 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness32: Big City Readers x We Didn't Turn Out OK with Beth GaskillIn this episode, I sit down with Beth Gaskill, the reading and learning specialist behind Big City Readers. We dig into the disservice many schools unintentionally create when it comes to teaching reading - and how that often leads to a “third grade slump” - when children can no longer keep up and we learn that they need a more comprehensive tool box. Beth explains why this happens, and what parents can do to better support their children’s reading journey.
We talk openly about my own experience with my daughter - how her confid...
2025-08-191h 03
Mic'd and Medicated: Unfiltered, Unafraid, and UnExpertMaybe "Okay" is Good Enough with Jennie Monness | Ep 23Send us a textCaroline and Eva sit down with early childhood educator and parenting expert Jennie Monness, who is also the creator of Charmspring, co-founder of Union Square Play, and host of "We Didn't Turn Out OK..." Jennie has candidly shared her parenting journey on Instagram for nearly a decade - covering everything from trying to conceive to pregnancy, birth, tantrums, birthday parties, first days of school, and picturesque family photo shoots. In this unfiltered, intimate conversation, she opens up about her personal journey with anxiety, being in the public eye, and her recent doctor-assisted psilocybin...
2025-08-141h 05
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness31: Waking Up - The Beginning of My Life After ZoloftIn my first-ever solo episode, I’m sharing something deeply personal — my journey with anxiety, medication, and what it’s been like to come off Zoloft after nearly half my life.
This conversation isn’t the full story of how I got here — that’s for future episodes. There’s a deeper beginning, one rooted in a lifetime of people-pleasing, seeking acceptance, and slowly losing sight of who I really was. But today, I’m starting with the moment I began to question whether I was truly living or just coasting, and the decision that shifted everything: stepping away fr...
2025-08-1212 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness30: It Starts With Us — Nervous System Regulation with Alyssa Blask CampbellIn this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Blask Campbell - founder of Seed and Sew, host of the Voices of Your Village podcast, and bestselling author of Tiny Humans, Big Emotions and the upcoming Big Kids, Bigger Feelings. A mom of two, Alyssa has spent years researching emotional intelligence in children - only to realize that many adults, including herself, never had the tools modeled for them in the first place.
We talk about what it really means to support emotional development, starting with ourselves. Alyssa shares how regulating our nervous systems isn’t just a se...
2025-08-0559 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness29: Bridging the Emotional Gap in Marriage: Partnership and Parenthood with Alex Sall and Mosh OinounouEver wonder how you’ll ever bridge the gap between you and your spouse’s wildly different ways of handling emotions and challenges? Me too. That's why this episode is for you, me, all of us.
In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with journalist Mosheh Oinounou—who you may know as Mosheh of Mo’ News—and his wife, my dear friend, marketing agent Alex Sall. We talk about how they’ve built their relationship from the inside out. From a couples retreat at Kripalu, six months into dating to navigating parenthood with a shared vision, they’ve done...
2025-07-291h 04
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness28: Is This Normal? Navigating Early Development with Tots on Target Dr. Allison MellAs someone who believes in letting gross motor development unfold naturally—without rushing babies into positions they can’t get into (or out of) themselves—I’ve always had questions about how we support movement in early childhood. So in this episode, I sat down with the amazing pediatric physical therapist behind Tots on Target, Dr. Allison Mell, to dig into all of it. I’ve followed Tots on Target for years because of the way she breaks down early development in a way that’s clear, thoughtful, and totally empowering for parents.
We talk about when to reach...
2025-07-221h 05
We Are More Than MomsThe Recovering Perfectionist’s Guide to Motherhood with Jennie MonnessToday we’re joined by Jennie Monness: early childhood educator, entrepreneur, podcast host, and founder of Union Square Play and Charmspring, for a raw and refreshing conversation about modern motherhood. Jennie opens up about her journey as a recovering perfectionist: how she’s learned to let go, embrace her imperfections, and offer herself the same grace she hopes to model for her kids. We dive into the importance of routines (and when to let go of them), how to navigate public meltdowns, and what it really means to parent with intention vs. not pressure.This episode is f...
2025-07-1750 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness27: Redefining What Play Looks Like with Hart & HeroWhat if the toys our kids play with could help shape them into more compassionate, balanced, and open-hearted ?
In this episode, I sit down with Hart & Hero founders—and fellow moms—Chanie Brod and Musya Eckhaus to explore how toys can do so much more than just entertain. We dive into the quiet power of care, the beauty of duality, and how to bridge the gender play gap in a world that too often puts kids in boxes.
From their origin story to the values behind their thoughtfully designed products, Chanie and Musya share how they...
2025-07-1558 min
Modern Mom ProbsWhy Parents Need Other Parents with Jennie MonnessIn this heartfelt and insightful episode, Tara sits down with educator, entrepreneur, and fellow podcast host Jennie Monness for a real talk about the beautifully messy journey of modern motherhood. The two dive into Jennie’s inspiration behind her podcast We Didn't Turn Out Okay, sharing how storytelling can create powerful connections between parents who often feel like they’re figuring it out alone.
Together, they explore how listening—with intention and empathy—is one of the most impactful tools in both parenting and podcasting. Jennie opens up about the importance of respecting children's privacy when creating content a...
2025-07-0153 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness26: From Guarded to Grounded with Whitney PortWhen I tell you that this may be one of the most moving conversations on We Didn’t Turn Out Ok so far, I’m still not doing it justice.
Having Whitney Port on brought me back to growing up what felt like with her—from watching The Hills, where she seemed to live in an alternate world from my "Varsity Blues" suburbs in NJ to following her journey as she began filming for The City, where she carved her space in fashion and seemed to have everything fall into place. She met her now-husband Timmy (then a prod...
2025-07-011h 00
Securely AttachedQ&A: Where's the line between supporting my child and feeding their anxiety?Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Emily Upshur and I talk about... What "scaffolding" and "accommodations" actually mean, where they differ, and where they overlap. Why the exact same parenting move can either build your child's confidence or unintentionally undermine your intentions, and the simple trick to figure out which one you're doing! How your child's discomfort plays a role in how you respond to them, and the important information that can reveal to us as parents. A real-life example of the difference bet...
2025-06-2622 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness25: Beyond the Comparison Trap - Identity After Motherhood with Dale Stabler and Annabel LaweeIn this episode, I sit down with Dale and Annabel - the funny, real and deeply honest voices behind We Are More Than Moms, a community and podcast that supports moms in navigating identity, ambition, and the messy in-between moments of modern motherhood.
We talk about the many layers that shift when we become moms - from how we see ourselves to how we compare (to other moms, our pre-mom selves, even our own kids). We dig into the power of recognizing when we’re not OK, and how those moments can actually spark re...
2025-06-2457 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness24: Parenting without Panic, Emily Oster on Tech, Routines and moreThis episode is really special to me. I got to sit down with Emily Oster — someone whose work has been a constant companion in my parenting journey. Emily is an economist, bestselling author, and professor at Brown University who has become a trusted voice for parents looking to make informed, grounded decisions. You might know her from her books Expecting Better, Cribsheet, The Family Firm, and The Unexpected. Her work takes complicated data and turns it into something we can actually use — not to be perfect, but to feel less lost and more confident in how we parent. I first foun...
2025-06-2348 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness23: Chipping Away to Your True Self: Conscious Parenting with Erin MorrisonThe Conscious Mom, where do I start? Back in 2020, when I was supporting other moms through virtual groups—craving a bit of that support for myself—I stumbled upon Erin Morrison, a.k.a. The Conscious Mom, on Instagram. What started as a digital connection during COVID quickly became a real friendship, even though we had never met in person.
Fast forward five years, countless DMs, and near-misses in Florida (where Erin lives with her two kids, Ellie, 9, and Jonah, 11), and we finally made it happen. Erin flew up, and we got to share this conversation in pers...
2025-06-101h 05
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness22: Movement as Medicine with Katia Pryce, Founder of DanceBodyIn this episode, I’m joined by Katia Pryce, the powerhouse founder and CEO of DanceBody, a dance-based fitness brand built on the belief that movement is medicine—something I deeply resonate with.
What struck me most in our conversation was learning how DanceBody was born from Katia’s rock bottom moment. After moving to New York in her early twenties with dreams of being on Broadway, Katia landed a job at the iconic Tracy Anderson Studios—only to have it taken from her without warning. From that space of uncertainty and loss, she chose to...
2025-06-0358 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness21: Siblings, Sisters and Psychedelics with Cameron RogersIn this episode, I sit down with Cameron Rogers - longtime content creator, podcast host of Conversations with Cam, and mom of two boys. Cameron is as real as they come - unapologetically honest, refreshingly open, and someone who always has a way of making you think, “Wow, I feel the same way, but I never knew how to say it!”
We dive into so many topics - starting with how Cameron has learned not to internalize negativity from others, and whether anything from her upbringing helped her build that resilience. We chat about how therapy and simp...
2025-05-2755 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness20: How Childhood Shapes Parenthood a Conversation with Alexa Leigh MufsonAlexa Mufson is the founder and CEO of Alexa Leigh Jewelry and a mom of three - ages 9, 6, and 3. Before this episode, Alexa and I actually recorded one that got lost (I know!) - so this is our second take. Honestly, I welcomed the redo because I can get totally lost in conversation with Alexa. She’s so open to diving deep into parenting, exploring her own childhood, and coming up with tools that work for her - and that’s exactly what I hope this podcast inspires more parents to do.
Before we recorded, I asked Alex...
2025-05-2035 minSecurely AttachedIs it normal anxiety or something more? Understanding the signs and supporting kids through fears with Jennie MonnessJennie Monness is joining me this week to break down the difference between developmentally normal (and healthy!) anxiety and signs that your child may need additional support—and how you can adjust your parenting approach to effectively support both. Together we explore: Why our instinct to remove discomfort may actually make anxiety worse—and what to do instead. How to support children with separation anxiety, and the surprising stressors that often go unnoticed during transitions. Utilizing strategies to help your child feel more grounded, like routines, visual sche...
2025-05-2056 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness19: From Dating Doubts to Mom Confidence with Lindsey MetselaarIn this episode, I sit down with OG podcast host Lindsey Metselaar of We Met at Acme a a show where singles turn for unfiltered dating advice. Lindsey started her podcast at 27 after being dumped on her birthday, and now she’s married, a mom, and still telling it like it is. What struck me most about Lindsey is how grounded and confident she is, even just 15 months into motherhood. She’s figuring it out in real time and learning more about herself along the way..
Key Takeaways:
The Butterfly Effect of Love: Lindsey and I re...
2025-05-131h 03
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness18: Combining Tools and Understanding with Behavioral AnalystWhat happens when an empath and a behavioral analyst sit down for a conversation? An honest, and incredibly helpful discussion about the realities of parenting. In this episode, I talk with Mandy Grass - known as The Family Behaviorist -about the tools, tactics, and truths of raising children, especially when things don’t go as planned.
We recorded this after a rough morning on my end, and I found myself genuinely needing Mandy’s grounded perspective. Her insights were not only validating but also actionable - and I knew I wanted to share them with you.
2025-05-0858 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness17: Fitting In with Jyoti Chand: Identity, Motherhood and Mental HealthI’m really excited about this episode — not just because I got to talk (and laugh a lot) with this amazing human, but because she’s about to release a book that is so important. Jyoti Chand, also known as Mamajotes, is a mom of three, a beloved social media personality, and now the author of the upcoming book Fitting Indian, releasing May 13. Order it now.
Jyoti advocates for self-love, self-care, and maternal mental health - all of which are wrapped beautifully into her book, a teen graphic novel about a young South Asian Indian...
2025-04-2952 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness16: From Yes Girl to Sure Girl - Katie Sands on Motherhood, Boundaries, and Being Real OnlineIn this episode, I’m joined by Katie Sands - content creator, style expert, lifestyle influencers, and now, a mom. It’s such a real and honest conversation about how motherhood reshaped her identity both online and off.Katie opens up about her IVF journey, the spiral of postpartum anxiety and OCD, and how even well-meaning messages from followers sent her into overwhelm during those early days. We also talk about something we both initially planned to do: not share our kids online. Spoiler: It’s the real reason this podcast was created. I’ve been re...
2025-04-221h 03
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness15: Built to Solve with Julie Cole - Lessons in Leadership, Motherhood and Letting GoIn this episode, I sat down with the magnetic and insightful Julie Cole - Co-founder of Mabel’s Labels (a company I genuinely cannot live without), author, media personality, and mom of six.We covered everything from what it was like mothering six kids while pivoting from a career in law to starting her own business, to the messy, not-so-glamorous truth behind entrepreneurship. Julie shared how, long before “authenticity” became a buzzword, it was her willingness to write openly about the hard parts of motherhood - through her blog - that helped her connect with o...
2025-04-151h 00
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness14: From Overwhelmed to Grounded - Rethinking Balance in Motherhood with Elizabeth BaronDoes balance in motherhood really exist? Are there enough hours in the day to get everything done without feeling like we’re constantly preoccupied? And what happens when the “ball” we drop is our child? Can we shift the reflexive “one second!” away from our kids and toward everything else instead? Is that even possible? These are just some of the questions I explored with Elizabeth Baron, a psychotherapist specializing in supporting women at every stage of motherhood—from preconception and pregnancy to postpartum and parenting. As a mom of two and the founder of With Eliza...
2025-04-0844 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness13: The Reality of "Respectful Parenting" with Daniella RabbaniHave you ever wondered, Does this gentle parenting thing actually work? Am I being too passive? Is this really preparing my child for the real world? If so, you’re not alone. This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned what it means to parent “respectfully” in today’s world.Daniella Rabbani is a dear friend I met in the world of respectful parenting. We were both deeply inspired by the RIE Educaring Approach to early childhood, but fast forward to now - Daniella shared that she’s wrestled with it and sometimes sees thing...
2025-04-0159 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness12: Beyond the Glam with Stephanie and Brett GottliebThe first First couple on We Didn’t Turn Out Ok and I learned so much!In this episode I sit down with my close friends Stephanie and Brett Gottlieb. Stephanie is a jewelry designer and entrepreneur known for her jewelry brand, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry which she founded and is now the Creative Director of. You may know Stephanie for her social media presence, where she showcases her designs and gives a behind-the-scenes look at her business and personal life all while balancing it all with motherhood. It’s safe to say she’s the...
2025-03-251h 03
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness11: From Strollers to Social Media - Parenting Teens and Pre Teens with Brianne ManzIn this episode, I sit down with Brianne Manz, founder of the mom and lifestyle blog, Stroller in the City, to discuss the nuances of parenting three children in their pre-teen and teenage years. Brianne, a former fashion showroom owner turned full-time mom and content creator, shares her insights on navigating the emotional and mental challenges that come with raising kids as they get older..I was particularly interested in finding out from Brianne her thoughts on “bigger kids, bigger problems.” She shared that while the physical demands may lessen as children grow, the emot...
2025-03-1834 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness10: Breaking the Silence: Postpartum Depression, Psychedelic Healing, and the Future of Mental Health with Melissa LavasaniIn this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Melissa Lavasani to hear her powerful journey through severe postpartum depression (PPD)—a journey that nearly ended her own life. Struggling with relentless despair and thoughts of ending her life, Melissa discovered something that not only saved her but changed the course of her life: psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in mushrooms.Through her own healing, Melissa went on to found the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, advocating for safe and equitable access to these transformative treatments.We also talk about th...
2025-03-111h 02
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness9: Go With Your Gut with Robyn YoukilisIn this episode, I sit down with Robyn Youkilis—speaker, bestselling author, and wellness expert for 16 years. Robyn is the founder and CEO of Your Healthiest You, a mom to two daughters (Navy, 9, and Dover, 3.5), and a new puppy.We dive into some of the less spoken about topics—like purposely waiting until her early 40s to have a second child (creating a 5+ year age gap), making herself a priority always, and fully embracing what lights her up. Robyn calls these her “Big F” experiences (referring to the most fun) and how she makes sure to...
2025-03-0449 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness8: Rethinking Mealtimes: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Food with Ali BandierIn this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Ali Bandier, a child and family dietitian and founder of Senta Health. Ali and I first connected during COVID in a virtual moms’ group, bonding over our shared philosophies on working with children. With an extensive background in pediatric nutrition, Ali has worked at some of the world’s most renowned clinics, including the feeding clinic at LA Children’s Hospital. Her firsthand experience has given her deep insight into how we can support children in developing healthy, happy relationships with food.Our conversation starts...
2025-02-2539 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness7: Raising Kids on Real Food: Non-Toxic Living Without the Guilt with Sabrina RudinIn this episode, I sit down with Sabrina Rudin—founder of Spring Cafe, mom to three boys, and a true expert in clean eating and healthy living. She’s the mom everyone thinks of when it comes to non-toxic living, but what sets her apart is how she makes it work for her family without making her kids feel deprived.I was especially curious about how she approaches this lifestyle in a way that feels sustainable and positive for her children. We dive into the balance of sharing our passions with our kids while allo...
2025-02-1837 minWe Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness6: Parenting Without People-Pleasing: Boundaries, Confidence & Tough Conversations with Kristin McGeeIn this episode, I sit down with fitness and mindfulness expert Kristin McGee—single mom of three boys and an endless source of inspiration. Kristin shares how single motherhood has reignited her passions, allowing her to focus on them in a new and meaningful way.We dive deep into breaking the cycle of people-pleasing, exploring how we can support our kids in confidently saying no—even to friends—without unintentionally passing down our own struggles with setting boundaries.We also discuss the delicate balance of setting boundaries with family, especially during holiday gather...
2025-02-1132 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness5: Raising Resilience with Tovah KleinIn this episode, I sit down with one of the most respected experts in early childhood, Tovah Klein. I’ve admired Tovah since I first read How Toddlers Thrive at the start of my career, and I’ve had the privilege of knowing her firsthand over the years. Now, with her latest book, Raising Resilience, I knew I had to have her on to discuss a topic that has been central to both my work and my parenting: resilience.While I’ve studied and shared insights about resilience for years, I still struggle to find t...
2025-02-0459 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness4: Sore Loser Energy, Triggers and Growing Through Discomfort with My Husband Matty MoIn this episode, I sat down (okay, maybe dragged) my husband, Matt Monness—aka Matty Mo—to chat about the things in our kids that remind us of ourselves, and where those traits might come from. Unlike me, Matt isn’t exactly a talker when it comes to himself, so this episode is short but full of "gems."Here’s what we uncovered:
Matt doesn’t like losing—and he’s here to remind us that being competitive isn’t a bad thing, as long as it doesn’t come at the expense of good sportsmans...
2025-01-2827 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness3: Discussing Bodies, Boundaries and Bedtimes with My Close Mom FriendThis was the very first episode I recorded!In this episode, I sit down with my friend Blake Dembling, a close mom friend, to tackle the topics that many of us find daunting—or even cringe-worthy—when it comes to discussing them with our kids. Blake and I each have two daughters around the same age, and she’s one of the few people I know who can talk openly and honestly about everything. That’s why I invited her to join me for this conversation.We dive into setting...
2025-01-2129 minWe Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness2: Rethinking Expectations, Extracurricular Resistance, Talking About Death and Hiring a Caregiver with Neeti Narula.In this episode, I sit down with Neeti Narula, a yoga and meditation teacher and creator at Melissa Wood Health. Neeti is also a mom to son Lokan (5) and daughter Rooni (2).Together, we explore the common struggles parents face when their expectations for their children clash with where their kids are emotionally or developmentally—especially around topics like separation and trying new things. For example, how do we respond when we’re eager to see our child join friends in an activity, but they resist? When do we honor their hesitation, and when is it helpful to enco...
2025-01-1441 minWe Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness1: Getting Stuck on the "Little Things" and Raising a "Slow to Warm Up" Child with Neha RuchIn this episode I sit down with Neha Ruch, the founder of Mother Untitled, the first platform dedicated to discussing women taking career pauses and leaning into family life. Neha has two kids: Lyla, age 6 and Bodie age 9. Neha and I talk about getting stuck on the "little things" that don’t feel so little in the moment—like when our kids insist on wearing certain clothing—and how we can project our own feelings around their self expression. For example, the thought “People will judge me as a parent if my child wears this again!” W...
2025-01-0651 min
We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie MonnessWe Didn't Turn Out Ok TrailerFor the last two decades, I've worked closely with infants, toddlers, preschoolers and their parents—listening, guiding and supporting families and their young children. I've connected with so many parents through my social media account, texts, calls, and leading moms' groups. When we have open, honest and vulnerable conversations—no matter who you are as a parent—that's how we connect, learn and grow. We also discover so much about ourselves and how that plays into our parenting. That's why I created We Didn't Turn Out Ok—a podcast where you'll hear real conversations about challenges we face in parentin...
2025-01-0601 minSecurely AttachedQ&A: Is there a right and wrong way to encourage independent play?Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 3:23 - The developmental appropriateness of independent play - it might not last as long as our culture might lead you to believe it should. 4:25 - To foster independence, you might have to first allow your child to be dependent on you. (And the psychology of how and why this actually works!) 7:05 - The difference between independent play versus "why can't they play quietly so I ca...
2024-07-0420 minSecurely AttachedQ&A: What are the do's and don't for introducing screens to my toddler?Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about... 4:00 - Using screens when YOU need a break is absolutely okay and you shouldn't feel any shame or guilt around doing this! 5:05 - The difference between television and a tablet in regard to your child's development. 8:40 - How to separate your own anxiety and fear mongering around screen time so you can be educated and intentional about your child's use of technology.
2024-04-0426 min
Informed Pregnancy PodcastJennie Monness: Fertility StrugglesJennie Monness joins the podcast to chat about her challenging fertility journey, the birth of her two daughters, and creating Union Square Play, a play space and resource center for parents and caregivers of any kind to connect, learn, and cultivate community.
Connect with Jennie online: https://www.instagram.com/jenniemonness/?hl=en
Check out 'Union Square Play": https://www.instagram.com/unionsquareplay/?hl=en
Visit MoMommies: https://momommies.com/
Read the recent blog post on how 'Homeopathy can help with morning sickness' on Informed Pregnancy Blog: https://www.informedpregnancy.com/single-post/suffering-from-morning-sickness-and-nausea-homeopathy-can-help-shelly-fenig-dchm
Keep up wi...
2023-08-3153 min
No Silly Questions- An Education Podcast for ParentsNSQ Parents Unplugged. With the founders of Union Square Play: Anthony Rudolf, Jennie Monness, and Sandra Di CapuaCome "Unplug" with us all month long! Over the next few weeks, instead of our expert episodes, you'll notice a new series- "Parents Unplugged with NSQ." We've had the opportunity to chat with some really interesting and dynamic moms and dads to bring a new perspective to the topics we cover on our podcast. On this week’s panel, we speak with founders of popular play space and community Union Square Play- inspired by our episode on multiple intelligences with Dr. Thomas Hoerr. We cover:How was your experience of school?Wh...
2023-04-161h 02
The Truthiest LifeIntentional Parenting: Transitions, Punishments, & Engaging Children ft. Jennie MonnessJennie Monness is a Parent/Child Educator, Play Expert RIE® Intern, Columbia grad in Psychology & Early Childhood, founder of Mo’ Mommies, and co-founder of Union Square Play Jennie Spills: How to F the timelines and instead lean into child-led readiness The value of milestones as a guide vs. rules How to choose toys and activities that engage vs. entertain Transitions: how to best support your child and self in the process Tantrums: what they mean, and how we can handle them without timeouts or yelling at our kids How to raise children, not “train them” A...
2023-02-1754 minSecurely AttachedTips for traveling with babies, toddlers, and children: What every parent needs to hear before their family vacation begins with Jennie MonnessAre you dreading your upcoming family trip? Traveling with kids can be a lot to handle and the stress of this can leave us feeling defeated, even before we board the plane or hit the road. So joining me this week to help you feel prepared and ready for traveling with your kids is the queen of play herself, Jennie Monness. In this episode, we'll help you set proper expectations for travel days, give you strategies based on psychology and child development, and suggest practical toys and play prompts that can ma...
2022-12-2047 min
Mom CuriousEpisode 20: IVFJennie Monness is the Queen Mom of Union Square Play, a play space in New York City. Mom to Tess and Nell, Jennie documents her journey as an educator and mother online where she's created a respectful parenting community on Instagram. Here we unpack her IVF journey and her surprise pregnancy with baby number two. We laugh we cry it's all in here. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
2022-05-2453 min
Betches MomsToys Vs. Playing Alone: Which Is Really Better For My Kid?Today, Aleen and Brittany are joined by parent & child educator and play expert Jennie Monness (aka Mo’Mommies). They start off with a conversation about why Mo’Mommies was created, how Jennie helps educate new parents on play, and the real struggles of being a new mom of two. They chat about the importance of promoting healthy child development, why it really matters, and where parents can start. Plus, they discuss ways to encourage independent play and why you might want to start teaching your kids to play on their own. Finally, they close with some screen-free activities for your...
2021-08-3045 min
How'd She Do That?61. Jennie Monness: Co-founder of Union Square PlayOn today's episode of How'd She Do That? host Emily Landers welcomes Jennie Monness onto the podcast!
Jennie began her career in early childhood after receiving her Master's from Teachers college, Columbia University. Her first job was teaching English to 18-24-month-old native Mandarin-speaking children, helping to prepare them for entrance to the most prestigious schools in NYC. She then became the Educational Director of several early childhood centers, creating programs that used research-based best practices.
Jennie decided to take decades worth of knowledge in early childhood education and share her learnings with new parents to educate and empower them...
2021-08-2456 minSecurely AttachedThe Wonders of Play: More Than Just a Way to Pass the Time : A conversation with Jennie Monness Jennie Monness, creator of @momommies and co-founder of Union Square Play and I discuss what exactly the function of play is (spoiler alert - it's more than you might imagine), why play is so important for healthy development, and how to create a safe and enriching environment for your child. I want to hear from you! Send me a topic you want me to cover or a question you want answered on the show! ✨ DM me on Instagram at @securelyattachedpodcast or @drsarahbren ✨Send an email to info@drsarahbren.com ✨ And che...
2021-06-1537 min
Straighten Your CrownBootstrapping, Babies, and Blasting Off: Meet Jennie Monness, the Founder of Union Square Play and Mo'MommiesWe love vulnerable, shame-busting women like Jennie Monness, the founder and Chief Mom-In-Charge of Union Square Play and the beloved blog, Mo' Mommies. Jennie, an educator and mom, has built a business that helps all other moms. You'll hear about the lessons she's learned from both roles (entrepreneur and mom), and how she's applied these lessons straight back into both worlds. Jennie also shares with us how she adapted a brick-and-mortar business to the pandemic, and how she overcame obstacles when she was getting started. Her take home message for moms, kids, and entrepreneurs? Trust yourself. We'll...
2021-04-2032 min
Real Talk with RonnieRTWR Episode #4 - Jennie MonnessWelcome back to Real Talk with Ronnie! Did you miss us? Because we missed you! Get in on our latest RTWR episode, where we sit down with child educator and founder of Mo' Mommies -- Jennie Monness. Join us at we chat about being a leader, pro parenting tips, and her secret 'dark side'! #RTWR
2020-04-0823 min
Miracle Mama PodcastThe magic of play with Jennie MonnessJennie Monness, the founder of Mo' Mommies and Union Square Play, discusses her work in early childhood development and her emphasis on play as a way of enriching the lives of children, parents and caregivers.
2019-11-0135 min