Shows
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 16 Validating and normalizing each other through focus, parenting, and life!Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. This week, y'all shared:"The Headphones Moment""The 'Not Right Now' Jar""The Mid-Task Wandering"If you'd like to share your story, send your email to me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it...2025-06-2413 min
The Perinatal Podcast109 The Mom Libido Equation, with Maddie "The Momma" Muhs | The Perinatal PodcastI found Maddie's page when she made a hilarious and fantastically-observant equation about how likely it is a default caregiver's libido is gonna be ready to go based on a number of our daily situations. Former #ThePerinatalPodcast guest, Zach Watson, took Maddie's equation into former math teacher/engineer world and launched it into the stratosphere. In this week's episode, we start here and then go many-which-ways in exploring the default caregiver life, sharing our parenting and life thoughts publicly, and ideas on how to navigate intentional conversation with partners...2025-06-171h 02
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 15 - Validating and normalizing each other through focus, parenting, and life!Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. If you'd like to share your story, send your email to me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo! Welcome back to The Perinatal Podcast - The...2025-06-1009 min
The Perinatal Podcast108 From Perinatal to Perimenopause, with Kara Shelman, LCSW, MPH, PMH-CWelcome to Season 8 of The Perinatal Podcast! Today’s episode is a powerful conversation that bridges two often-overlooked chapters in a woman’s life: the postpartum period and the transition into perimenopause. I’m joined by Kara Shelman of Centimano Counseling, a fellow therapist and fierce advocate for mental health across the reproductive lifespan. Together, we explore what it means to move from the tender chaos of early motherhood into the surprising, often confusing landscape of perimenopause.We talk about how few people are talking about this shift, how validating it is to realize that the brain fog, m...2025-06-031h 03
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 14You're getting back-to-back Mini Episodes because Momma's on vacation! And you do not want to miss next week's guest and our topic in the full episode. I'll see you there!Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. If you'd like to share your story, send...2025-05-2712 min
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 13Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. If you'd like to share your story, send your email to me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo! Welcome back to The Perinatal Podcast - The...2025-05-2010 min
The Perinatal Podcast107 We're Asking You to Consider Empathy & Curiosity, with McKenzie Jones and Meredith GarrisonThe alt title of this episode was, Chaos in its Most Beautiful Form. Today on The Perinatal Podcast, we go here, we go there, we go every very many which ways in spectacular fashion. I'm joined this week by McKenzie Jones and Meredith Garrison—my very first sibling guests on the show! Together, we dive into a rich conversation about identity in motherhood, neurodivergence in both parenting and childhood, and the challenges of guiding our children through a world that doesn’t always celebrate creativity or support those who step outside the bounds of cultural norms.We also reflect on M...2025-05-131h 10
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 12Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. If you'd like to share your story, send your email to me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo! Welcome back to The Perinatal Podcast - The...2025-05-0609 min
The Perinatal Podcast106 How to Re-Program Your Autopilot | Sarah Lovell Returns to The Perinatal Podcast!🎙️ Welcome back to The Perinatal Podcast, Listener Darlings!Today, we're diving into the real-life tug-of-war between being productive and finding peace — and why giving yourself permission to slow down might just be the most powerful move you make this week.We'll talk about the ways social interactions and self-talk are secretly running the show when it comes to executive functioning (spoiler: your inner voice matters a lot). Plus, we’ll explore activation discomfort, why it feels so hard to get started sometimes — and the sweet sense of relief that can follow when you push through.Ever w...2025-04-291h 03
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 11 | The Perinatal PodcastWE HAVE OUR FIRST VOICE NOTE!!!One of you Listener Darlings was kind and brave enough to not only send in your story but to record yourself in your own voice! I'm delighted and elated to share these stories in any form, and also, YAY! Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making...2025-04-2214 min
The Perinatal Podcast105 Rupture and Repair: Closing the Loop in Relationships with Neurodivergence | Ashley Marie EcksteinWelcome back to The Perinatal Podcast!S7:E13 Rupture and Repair: Closing the Loop in Relationships with Neurodivergence | Ashley Marie Eckstein, LMFTThis week, I'm joined by Ashley Marie Eckstein, licensed marriage and family therapist who went all the way to Switzerland, and beyond, to train in Emotionally-Focused Therapy and neurodivergence. We discuss the importance of naming and claiming neurodivergence, whether one or both partners have it, avoiding mind reading and assumptions, and how Ashley Marie helps her clients recognize the patterns of The...2025-04-161h 07
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 10Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. If you'd like to share your story, send your email to me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo! Welcome back to The Perinatal Podcast - The...2025-04-0809 min
The Perinatal Podcast104 - Embrace, Adapt, & Thrive: Navigating Neurodivergence as a Busy Professional with Christina Gray✨The Perinatal Podcast – 104: Embrace. Adapt, & Thrive: Navigating Neurodivergence as a Busy Professional with Christina Gray✨Christina Gray is a high-performing real estate professional, designer, and creative problem solver who also happens to live with ADHD—a trait she was diagnosed with in first grade and has spent her life understanding, embracing, and using to her advantage. Raised in a household where ADHD was never treated as a deficit but rather a different way of thinking, Christina grew up seeing her neurodivergence as a strength.In her fast-paced career in real estate, Christina wears many hats: agent, designer, home stager, marketin...2025-03-2652 min
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 9Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. If you'd like to share your story, send your email to me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo! Welcome back to The Perinatal Podcast - The...2025-03-2113 min
The Perinatal Podcast103 - Reparenting and Nurturing Your Inner Child with Liz Higgins, LMFT-SThe Perinatal Podcast | Reparenting & Nurturing Your Inner Child with Liz Higgins | Episode 103Liz is back! This week on The Perinatal Podcast, Liz Higgins, LMFT-S, returns to educate us all on Reparenting and nurturing your inner child. It's so much new information for me, and I'm elated to have learned myself and now to get to share with y'all!Liz is a licensed couples and individual therapist, writer, and the host of The Millennial Life Podcast. Her approach integrates deep emotional work with strategic insight, allowing her clients to unlock greater creativity, resilience, and connection in every aspect...2025-03-1149 min
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 8 | The Perinatal PodcastWelcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. If you'd like to share your story, send your email to me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo! Welcome back to The Perinatal Podcast - The...2025-03-0410 min
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 7Welcome to the Mini Episodes! I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring. If you'd like to share your story, send your email to me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo! Welcome back to The Perinatal Podcast - The...2025-02-1911 min
The Perinatal Podcast101 - Neither Lazy Nor Stupid: A chat with ADHD Coach, Tara HamiltonWelcome back toThe Perinatal Podcast! Today’s episode is packed with insights foreveryone—whether you're parenting a child with ADHD, navigating it yourself, or simply looking for ways to improve communication, self-talk, and accountability in your life.I’m sitting down with Tara Hamilton, an incredible ADHD coach, to dive into practical strategies that make a real difference. We’re talking about shifting the way we speak to ourselves, how to hold accountability with grace (instead of guilt), and the small but powerful mindset shifts that can change everything. No matter where you are on your ADHD or focus...2025-02-111h 10
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 6Welcome to the Mini Episodes!
I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring.
If you'd like to share your story, feel free to email me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo!
Welcome to The Perinatal Podcast - The Mini...2025-02-0410 min
The Perinatal PodcastEpisode 100! Unfiltered & Unstoppable - Amanda Tice & Emily Poteet on The Perinatal Podcast
Welcome to the 100th episode of The Perinatal Podcast!
What a lovely journey it's been, and I thank each and every one of y'all from the bottom of my heart for the support you've shown me over the years. What an honor and privilege it has been to have one some fabulous and hilarious guests, and I am excited for what's ahead in the next 100 and beyond!
Today, Amanda Tice returns, and she's brought a friend, Emily Poteet! We discuss giving ourselves permission to make mistakes, finding community and support through the perinatal journey, and Amanda let us know...2025-01-281h 06
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 4Welcome to the Mini Episodes!
I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring.
If you'd like to share your story, feel free to email me at
Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo!
Welcome to The Perinatal Podcast - The Mini...2024-11-1911 min
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 3Welcome to the Mini Episodes!
I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring.
If you'd like to share your story, feel free to email me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a...2024-10-2913 min
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 2Welcome to the Mini Episodes!
I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring.
If you'd like to share your story, feel free to email me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo!
2024-10-0812 min
The Perinatal PodcastThe Mini Episodes - Ep. 1Welcome to the Mini Episodes!
I've received so many wonderful comments and stories from you all over the years, and I think it's time to share them on the show! It's incredibly validating to hear from others and realize we're not alone on our mental health journeys. Plus, your insights and tips for making improvements in your lives are truly inspiring.
If you'd like to share your story, feel free to email me at Meg@MegDukeLCSW.com. And if you're feeling up for it, you can even send a voice memo!
Welcome to...2024-09-2411 min
The Perinatal Podcast079 - Musings on How to Level Up in 2024, with Alisha Bowker
Alisha is back!
In this week's episode, Alisha and I discuss the differences between therapy and coaching, the shortcomings in the traditional medical model of diagnosing mental health concerns, and Alisha's foray into Coaching training.
We also talk about reclaiming your Yes, learning to feel confident in your voice, and being loud, taking up space, and finding rest -
unapologetically.
Welcome back, Alisha, and welcome, Listener, to The Perinatal Podcast!
Find Alisha!
Episode 22: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/022-mythbusting-and-the-perinatal-experience-lets/id1590957531?i=1000553217794
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisha.bowker.mudrock/
Website: https://alisha-bowker.mykajabi.com/
Book Club: https://alisha-bowker...2023-11-1451 minThe Perinatal Podcast078 - Male Infertility and The Men's Helpline with Steven Morris | The Perinatal Podcast
This week, Steven Miller joins me to discuss the space we hold for men in the fertility journey, the changes we hope to enact in the conversations about supporting non-birthing people, and the ways men can connect with each other to share and feel normalized in their experiences.
About Our Guest:
Steven J. Miller obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology at Northern Michigan University. He is currently in the part-time Master of Social Work program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Steven is an advocate for discussion among social workers about the impact of infertility on one’...2023-10-311h 23The Perinatal Podcast077 - The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence with Jessica Lahey
This week on The Perinatal Podcast, Jessica Lahey joins me to chat about how to set our kids up for success in regard to what they put in their bodies even from a young age, what to have intentional conversations about quitting things like piano and soccer, even how to be a happier parent. What a delight it was having Jessica on to share about the effects of over-parenting, how to help build autonomy in our children, and how all of this is not done in one simple conversation, and I'm so excited to share our discussion with you!
...2023-10-171h 01The Perinatal Podcast076 The 5 Principles of Parenting with Special Guest, Dr. Aliza Pressman
She wrote a book!
This week, Dr. Aliza Pressman of Raising Good Humans Podcast joins me to discuss getting obsessively curious, using real science in making your choices while raising tiny humans, and her new book, The 5 Principles of Parenting.
In the age of high-pressure parenting, when so many of us we feel like we’ve got to get everything exactly right the first time, Dr. Aliza Pressman is the compassion, reassuring expert we all need—and the one whose advice we can all use. Already beloved by listeners of hit podcast, Raising Good Humans, Dr. Pressman distills it all...2023-10-0456 minThe Perinatal Podcast075 Dr. Lisa Folden of HealthyPhit Physical Therapy & Wellness Consultants on The Perinatal Podcast
This week, I'm joined by my very own intuitive eating insta guru, Dr. Lisa Folden, and she blows my mind by sharing intentional weight loss has a 97% fail rate. Say what??
Dr. Lisa and I discuss intuitive eating, inequity in health care for people in larger bodies, false assumptions like that of the relationship between joint pain and body weight, and how to seek neutrality and respect in your views of different body types.
So much more happened in this amazing discussion with Dr. Lisa, and you'll have to tune in to learn all about it!
Thanks for listening...2023-09-2652 minThe Perinatal Podcast074 Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World, with Special Guest, Dr. Devorah Heitner
Dr. Devorah Heitner is the author of Growing Up in Public: Coming of Age in a Digital World and Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and CNN Opinion. She has a Ph.D. in Media/Technology & Society from Northwestern University and has taught at DePaul and Northwestern. She is delighted to be raising her own teenager and she lives with her family in Chicagoland.
This week, Dr. Heitner shares her expertise on navigating raising children in an...2023-09-1247 minThe Perinatal Podcast073 You Don't Know What You Don't Know, with Special Guest, Dr. Kelsey BeachDr. Kelsey Beach is the owner of enCORE Therapy & Performance. She started her journey with physical therapy in 2011 after earning a doctorate of Physical Therapy from Southwest Baptist University and jumping head first into pelvic health rehab. Combining a love for triathlons and her experiences in pregnancy with her expertise in PT, the encore was born.
In this week's episode, we discuss how to navigate physical and emotional concerns in the perinatal period. We realize how much we didn't know what we didn't know in our pregnancies, and how that translates into our clients and beyond today. We provide...2023-08-2947 minThe Perinatal Podcast072 No-Drama Discipline - The Perinatal Podcast with Special Guest, Dr. Tina Payne BrysonThis week on The Perinatal Podcast, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson discussed avoiding left brain interventions in times of meltdown, the difference between discipline and punishment, and how focusing on the wrong stuff leads to fear-based parenting.
We chat about coregulating as the parent alongside the child in stressful moments, how repeated experiences help nurture and develop the Whole-Brain Child, and how to meaningfully communicate to our children not every behavior is OK, but every feeling is.
No-Drama Discipline is one of the books I read as a new parent with a vision of how I could operate...2023-08-151h 00The Perinatal Podcast071 The Matrescence on The Perinatal Podcast with Special Guests, Lauren Hays & Megan Dalton
Suffering in silence is a thing of the past! In this week's episode, Lauren and Megan join me to discuss the origin of the The Matrescence, the launch of their new Matrescence paid support community, and we get a chuckle out of the fact our computers don't recognize the spelling of the word.
Meeting moms where they are, The Matrescence provides support throughout the highs and lows of motherhood, acknowledging every person needs support through the fog of perinatal experiences, and providing tools to help people feel held and seen during such times.
The new...2023-08-0146 minThe Perinatal Podcast070 The Julia Roberts of Greater Kansas City Perinatal Mental HealthThis week, my mentor, The Godmother/Meryl Streep/Julia Roberts of Greater Kansas City perinatal mental health, Meeka Centimano joins me for a chat about perinatal mental health disorders (PMHDs), recurrence rates in subsequent pregnancy journeys, and how to set ourselves up for success along the way.
Meeka practically created the ever-changing and growing landscape of perinatal mental health in the area, utilizing a social worker background that focuses on the bigger picture, inclusivity, and justice, as well as clinical acumen. She and her team focus on taking care of the many layers of people facing perinatal concerns in...2023-07-1850 min
The Perinatal PodcastThe Perinatal Podcast LIVE at Postpartum Support International’s Climb Out with Kim Hawley of Whole Parent Foundation
Coming to you LIVE from Postpartum Support International’s Climb Out of the Darkness event in Kansas City, MO, Kim Hawley of Whole Parent Foundation joins me to discuss all things perinatal mental health disorders and the need for a supportive community for ALL parents.
What a profound pleasure it was to be asked by the team at PSI to host The Perinatal Podcast from this meaningful event. We had a bit of a tech issue up top, but please stick with us as we have our first tiny human guest on the show, Kim's son, Owen, an...2023-07-0630 min
The Perinatal Podcast068 "Maybe I don't have to pee my pants?" With Special Guest, Dr. Rachel Moore
Dr. Moore of Disrupt Physiotherapy joins The Perinatal Podcast this week to discuss the importance of restoring functional movement and how her practice provides help for the entire family.We chat about how insurance restrictions can (but don’t always!) impact client motivation if treatment is dictated by payment more than client goals, how our education system needs to do a better job of teaching us about our bodies, and how we can benefit from knowing more about what's happening to our bodies in the perinatal season.Dr. Moore share about her specific evidence-informed practice with a go...2023-06-2755 min
The Perinatal Podcast067 What a Doula Do with Special Guest, Heidi Mills
Heidi Mills brings us the education on all things Doula in this week's Perinatal Podcast!
Owner and Founder of Bloc Birth, Heidi provides collaborative and empowering birth experiences to her clients as well as a scholarship fund to make doula services more available in the KC area.
Heidi shares with us many "if only I'd have known" stories in hopes of educating the masses ahead of their own birthing experiences with the goal of understanding our own bodies and advocating for the birthing experiences we have envisioned. Bloc Birth fills in the gaps in an...2023-06-1352 min
The Perinatal Podcast066 All About Embryology with Special Guest, Victoria Wigley
Do you know what IVF is? IUI? I had to pause for a minute in this conversation with the absolutely magnificent Victoria Wigley and ask her to explain. Because I realized, we have found a colloquial definition of IVF and fertility, but do we all really know what goes into it? Do we understand?
Victoria takes the time to unpack the ins and outs of what goes into Embryology. Why "Why don't you just do IVF?" isn't a real question. And how we can support our loved ones through their fertility journeys if...2023-05-3054 min
The Perinatal Podcast065 Military Momma | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Melissa Howard
*Disclaimer - The ideas discussed in this episode of Let’s Discuss… with Meg Duke are those of Melissa Howard and not those of the Department of Defense or The United States Air Force.*
Melissa and I have known each other so long, we can't even remember how we met!
This week, Melissa Howard and I discuss what it’s like to be a person in the military, the spouse of person in the military, a parent and bonus parent, and be told you can either be separated from your spouse or be assigned together in Europe, which is how Me...2023-05-1628 min
The Perinatal Podcast064 Social Media & Our Children | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Phil Boucher, MD
In this week's episode, I'm joined by Dr. Phil Boucher of Frontier Pediatric Care to discuss navigating relationships with our children and social media, what screen time can look like for different children in different situations, ways to prevent and work through meltdowns and tantrums, and I couldn't help myself - Bluey gets more than one mention. A couple of mentions, for sure.Dr. Boucher discusses the concerns of our access to a firehose-amount of information and the concern that can bring with younger humans, including body issues, bullying, growing up too soon, and being consistently overwhelmed by the...2023-05-0249 minThe Perinatal Podcast063 Queer Wellness Network | Let's Discuss... with Special Guests Misha McCoy and Jake Ryan
This week, Misha and Jake join me to discuss the Queer Wellness Network, which is committed to dismantling systems of oppression, recognizing that Black and queer liberation are the same struggle. Misha and Jake met in their doctoral program, studying Human Sexuality and saw a need for increased access to sex therapy and sex education resources for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ communities. Using a pay-it-forward strategy, they hope to see people matched with a therapist they can feel good about. QWN also provides high quality, intersectional education to help people move past the shame and structural limitations imposed on them...2023-04-181h 02The Perinatal Podcast062 A Conversation with a Somatic Sex Therapist | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Natashia Fuksman
This week, Natashia Fuksman, MFT, CST, joins me to discuss paying homage to our bodies and our sense of self in relation to others, holding space and normalizing the differences in our bodies after pregnancy and giving birth, and steps to begin healing relationally.
Natashia is genuinely the boss of metaphors and providing different vantage points to look at and consider significant issues in a new way. This episode includes relating postpartum to puberty, toddlers learning what their yeses and no's are and how that relates to sexual encounters postpartum, a way for non-birthing people to contemplate how a...2023-04-041h 02The Perinatal PodcastA Let's Discuss... Classic! | What Mental Illness is Not
Last year, Kate Acton, LPC, NCC, and I got together to discuss what mental illness is not, and how it's being used as a scapegoat for larger, systemic issues that lead to gun violence in the United States.
This episode was recorded following the Uvalde, TX tragedy, so we could put in words what we were thinking and feeling about the loss and lack of movement in making changes in our country to protect our children.
Here we are again with another fatal shooting of tiny humans and adult workers in a school, this time in Nashville, TN. I...2023-03-2954 min
The Perinatal Podcast061 Nutrition for Little Ones - Don't Panic! | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Ileana Martinez
"When do we panic?" was one of my first questions I asked our guest this week. Because I'm sure most if not all of my fellow caregivers out there have felt the ramping up toward panic when it comes to our tiny humans not eating!
Ileana Martinez is a registered dietitian (RD) and a certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES). She has a Master in Public Health with a concentration in health promotion and behavioral science. She has been an RD for 7 years now, and for the last 6 years, she has been working with kids, pregnant women, and...2023-03-2245 min
The Perinatal Podcast060 Sometimes Therapy is Awkward | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Nicole ArztSometimes, therapy is awkward! This week, our special guest, Nicole Arzt, discusses her entry into being a therapist, starting the hilarious Instagram account, Psychotherapy Memes, where therapists can have a chuckle over shared experiences, and how she got about the business of selling her writing for money with her Media/SEO/Content writing business.
Author of Sometimes, Therapy is Awkward, Nicole discusses how therapy can be "painful, messy, and downright confusing," offering anecdotes, jokes (of course!), and action-based solutions to stressors people working in mental health.
Sometimes, therapy is awkward | Let's Discuss! Find Nicole! Instagram: https...2023-03-0750 min
The Perinatal Podcast059 Eating Her Young | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Dr. Jackie Schoemaker HolmesY'ALL! She is here!
Dr. Jackie Schoemaker Holmes discusses the chaotic & twirly moments of parenting, educates me on why "selfish" does not exist, and let's us know it's time we fully dump the self-sacrificial BS that has for so long been motherhood.
In this week's episode, we get into the roles women facilitate in a capitalistic society, MILF culture, and always a favorite of mine y'all know, why we need to fully strike "bounce back" from our vocabularies.
I have been waiting to speak with Dr. Shoemaker Holmes for ages and finally plucked up t...2023-02-2150 min
The Perinatal Podcast058 Therapy For Moms | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Jennifer SummerfeldtJennifer Summerfledt, MA in Counselling Psychology, Certified Canadian Counsellor, Chief Empathy Officer of ASK Therapy for Moms, student of direct entry midwifery, and all-around perinatal mental health champion, joins me for a chat this week on Let's Discuss...
Jennifer educates the team on polyvagal therapy, the wandering nerve, visualization, the importance of completing the stress response, and a dive into neurobiology and birth trauma. We chat about unraveling biases and breaking down belief systems that can hold us back from living our peak mental health lives.
Therapy For Moms | Let's Discuss!
Find Jennifer!2023-02-0755 min
The Perinatal Podcast057 Big Time Adulting | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Caitlin Murray"Get yourself a snack and have a great day!"
On this week's Let's Discuss, Caitlin Murray of Big Time Adulting joins me to discuss why toddlers treat people like a**holes.
We talk about other stuff, of course! We discuss how hanger is a real emotion and how it presents in children and adults like; how Caitlin and I both, if we aren't eating, we are thinking about the next time we get to eat; and the trauma that is taking energetic and beautifully wild children out in public spaces.
We also discuss buildi...2023-01-2441 min
The Perinatal Podcast056 Mother Brain | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Chelsea ConaboyChelsea Conaboy has delved deep into forbidden territory with MOTHER BRAIN. With unflinching examination of her experience of parenting and of what neuroscience, tradition, and others have to share, Conaboy describes the myriad profound changes that occur in men and women in raising a child.
In this week's episode, Chelsea is kind enough to sit through my fan-girling as we discuss her text about the changes a brain goes through for everyone during pregnancy, the stigma and struggles that occur during this intense period of learning, the research that is being done to unlock the mysteries and...2023-01-1033 min
The Perinatal Podcast055 Modern Mom Probs | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Tara ClarkDid your Spotify 2022 Wrapped consist of the soundtracks from Trolls World Tour, Brave, and Turning Red? If so, you just may be a Default Caregiver.
In this week's episode, Tara Clark of @modernmomprobs and I dive into what it means to be to go-to parent, the one the kids seek most often to solve their problems and to be their 'Garbage Disposal,' the one who sacrifices their Spotify algorithm to make car trips more tenable, the one who more often sees a loss of identity as a result of parenthood.
We also chat about how K...2022-12-2740 min
The Perinatal Podcast054 Surviving The Holidays, Part II | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Laura Anne BrowningShe's the one y'all have been waiting to hear from talking about the thing that's stressing us all out - Laura Anne Browning joins me to round out the Surviving the Holidays chat this week!
A must-listen, hop on over for our discussion about juggling glass balls, quiet quitting, communication, boundaries, Olympic-level non sequitur efforts, being intentional (there's that word again!) about your holiday spending, and generally, how to stay sane when it's your job to create all that dang holiday magic.
Surviving the Holidays | Let's Discuss...
Thanks so much for joining me for...2022-12-131h 00
The Perinatal PodcastA Let's Discuss... Classic! | Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Person of Color, with Dr. Erroll PierreOur inaugural Let's Discuss... Classic!
Dr. Pierre's book is physically in my hands, and I had to mark that occasion by re-sharing our July 2022 discussion. Welcome back, so happy y'all are here! Please run out and grab this book from this very amazing human!
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Join Dr. Erroll Pierre and me as we discuss the importance of being bad to grow into your expertise, how to build your personal board of directors, and - surprising to no one listening to this show - the importance of normalizing therapy.
Dr. Pierre shares his intel...2022-12-0159 min
The Perinatal Podcast053 Surviving The Holidays, Part I | Let's Discuss... with Meg DukeAnticipatory anxiety hits a lot of us as we approach the holiday season. In this week's episode, I go through the first part of tips, activities, and boundary setting ideas that can help us as we prepare for human interaction and the general business the time of year brings about.
Also, my daughter was home sick from school the day I recorded this and woke up before I made my way through, so you'll have to come back for round 2, still to come!
If you haven't already, please take a moment to subscribe to my sh...2022-11-2225 min
The Perinatal Podcast052 The Tea on Birth Trauma | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Teela TomassettiIn this week's episode, Teela and I Spill the Tea on birth trauma, Mom Brain, and the dichotomy of feeling many things at once, including gratitude for your child but not your birth story.
Spoiler Alert - We once again discuss the glamorization of the House of Dragon forced birth scene, which leads to many thoughts, including how partners of traumatic birthers are often overlooked in their own mental wellness and again, how hard would it have been to add a dang trigger warning?
We discuss the importance of holding parents long after the birth pro...2022-11-1545 min
The Perinatal Podcast051 Sex, Pooping, and Other Postpartum Activities | with Expecting and Empowered's Krystle HowaldYep, we are going there! This is the episode I've been wanting to do for a while, so I was delighted when Krystle told me she'd happily spend an hour talking about the joys of trying to use that postpartum body again.
Krystle and I discuss the gatekeeping that occurs in perinatal time periods, and how she has recognized we seem to focus more on medical practice but not really on Health Care. We discuss pregnancy cravings, pelvic floor exercises, the importance of breath, the list goes on. This is one you do not want to miss! Sex...2022-11-0845 min
The Perinatal Podcast050 Which Balls are Glass, Momma? | Let's Discuss...I'm back from Cabo! This week, I'm reflecting on a common theme in trainings, with clients, and with friends who are parents, how do we give ourselves grace? How do we know where we can loosen our reigns just a little to help invite more space for parental sanity?
In a training with my mentor a few weeks ago, she quoted Nora Roberts as saying, "Some of the balls you have in the air are made of plastic & some are made of glass. "If you drop a plastic ball, it bounces, no harm done. If you drop a g...2022-10-2514 min
The Perinatal Podcast049 Kids Are Expensive! | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Financial Therapist, Lindsay Bryan-PodvinThis week's guest, financial therapist and social worker, Lindsay Bryan-Podvin, blows my mind a little when she reveals the average cost of raising a child in the US is now up to $300k. Goodness!
Lindsay encourages us, we GOTTA talk about money. By discussing finances with our partners, we help to shake off the shame that often comes along with it and can help decrease the interpersonal conflicts that historically arise as a result of money matters. We discuss how to broach the topic with our little ones to help them feel safe and secure, all the...2022-10-1837 minThe Perinatal PodcastThe New Mom Code | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Amanda TiceAmanda Tice is a successful curve model who has worked the past twelve years for and with well-known retail clients such as Nordstrom, Target, Saks, and Hanes. Since becoming a mom, Amanda has built on her background in Comparative Human Development to lead a mom revolution aimed at helping mothers tap into their inner wisdom and uncover hidden truths about motherhood to thrive postpartum and beyond.
Why didn't anyone tell me this?? Amanda literally wrote the book on Momming, reminding us all it's okay to feel the way we feel, which is easier said/read than done, a...2022-10-1148 minThe Perinatal PodcastGrief. How do we...? | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Dr. Mekel HarrisDr. Mekel Harris joins me this week to discuss how we move through grief, reminds us there's no "wrong" and certainly no linear path, and how we can sit in discomfort of our loved ones' grief in meaningful ways. And importantly, some counterproductive pitfalls to avoid.
In this episode, we discuss how the medical model doesn't align with mental wellness goals, the stress of invisible or ambiguous losses in the perinatal space, and Dr. Harris provides us with some steps to begin the grief journey process.
Grief. How do we...? | Let's Discuss!
Find Dr...2022-10-0451 minThe Perinatal PodcastChiropractic Wellness for Women | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Dr. Lauren VawterDr. Lisa Vawter joins me this week to discuss how to safely return to movement postpartum, being holistic in viewing food as medicine, and tangible ways to get started on a recovery journey.
We discuss how to be intentional about recognizing our daily, repetitive movements - from getting in and out of your desk chair to how you put on your clothes. We chat about Dr. Vawter's experience in optimizing the space in the abdomen in working with patients who have breech babies. We discuss the importance of a mindset, a mantra, and visualization during TTC, pregnancy, a...2022-09-2756 minThe Perinatal PodcastKC Infant Feeding | Let's Discuss... with Special Guests, Emily & MorganEmily and Morgan created KC Infant Feeding with one purpose in mind. Balance. Their paths first crossed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) supporting babies who struggled with feeding. With their skill sets and knowledge they provided parents and caregivers with information and techniques to help dissipate feeding difficulties.
However, it wasn’t until they both experienced feeding struggles with their own newborns that they realized how essential the inclusion of family mental health considerations are in the development of feeding plans. This balanced approach ensures long term success and thriving infants. They now approach families they s...2022-09-2041 minThe Perinatal PodcastYour Pregnancy Haven | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Jen RobertsonJennifer Robertson is a fertility coach and has helped women all over the world transform their mindset and take back control of their life in the midst of infertility.
She is also author of The Injustice of Infertility, a deeply inspiring and raw account of her own seven-year fertility journey. Throughout her own fertility journey, Jen discovered that her old ways of pushing and working hard weren’t serving her. She is now using the lessons learned along the way to develop programs and support women throughout their journey to motherhood - from the moment they start tryin...2022-09-1346 minThe Perinatal PodcastInfertility and Me Podcast Crossover | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Monique FarookIn this week's episode, it is my true pleasure to introduce Monique Farook of Infertility and Me chats with me about the importance of mental health in our fertility journeys. Monique tells me about her path to launching her podcast in order to be the voice she needed when she was going through her own journey and to provide a space for others to feel empowered to not suffer in silence.
We also use this space to address the implications of overturning Roe v. Wade in matters of fertility. My many thanks to Monique for coming alongside m...2022-09-0645 minThe Perinatal PodcastWe'll Be Right Back!/Throne Games Trigger Warning | Let's Discuss...Happy Fall Semester to those of you learning or teaching or participating in the education process in any way! I am going to take just the tiniest little break to make sure I have my business in order to teach this lovely SW810 Clinical Practice I course over on the Lawrence campus of KU, but I will see you bright and early in September!
I won't type them here as I don't want to get read for filth for spoiling anything, but please give this a listen at the end for the trigger warning I...2022-08-2310 minThe Perinatal PodcastChange, but make it Sustainable | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Alexa ShankWhat gets us stuck? What holds us back from starting the process of making the changes we envision for ourselves?
In this week's episode, Special Guest, Alexa Shank, and I discuss finding your passion, working alongside a professional to help guide the movement toward something new, and overcoming fear to find your motivation for real, sustainable change.
We discuss the benefits of an eating disorder (Yes, you read that correctly. Guess you need to watch, eh??), the meteoric rise of disordered eating we have seen from the pandemic and quarantine, and the perfect storm of fac...2022-08-1633 minThe Perinatal PodcastUnstick That Energy, Purse First | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Shae ChismanWhat DON'T we talk about on this episode today, y'all? In true, you're my new best friend call me every 5 minutes, fashion, Shae and I get into a myriad of topics. From the systemic barriers that prevent people from joining our profession, to how consuming art can help lift us out of our survival mode woes, how tapping to sync electromagnetic energy of the heart and brain, and how we can work to decolonize therapy and stop performative allyship.
Trinity The Tuck also gets a mention in there. Future podcast guest alert? Let's manifest that now!
We...2022-08-0959 minThe Perinatal PodcastThe 5 Horsemen of the Apocalypse? | Let's Discuss...Criticism Defensiveness Contempt Stonewalling Gaslighting? Contemptuous communication can lead to the demise of relationships, so much so that, in a study, John Gottman was able to predict partnerships likely to dissolve with 96% accuracy, just by observing the couple's communication styles. Whoa!
I have taught a pyschoeducation on this topic for years, and I realized Gaslighting fits nicely into these Horsemen in some cases, so I tacked it on! How do we recognize our maladaptive ways of communicating in our relationships? How do we work against those impulses and make intentional choices that are conducive to healthier relationships?
A...2022-08-0233 minThe Perinatal PodcastAnger is a Secondary Emotion | Let's Discuss...Is anger a secondary emotion? Can you just be angry, or are you angry because you first felt something else?
In today's episode, I discuss recognizing warning signs, when anger can be healthy, healthy expressions of anger, and the importance of balancing when to Let It Go and when to be assertive.
Anger is a Secondary Emotion | Let's Discuss...
Thanks so much for joining me for this episode of, Let’s Discuss… with Meg Duke. I’d love for you to write a review of my podcast on your app, and don’t forget to su...2022-07-2625 minThe Perinatal PodcastPsychoed Moment: Mindfulness and Progressive Muscle Relaxation | Let's Discuss...Listener request! In today's episode, I go through what mindfulness means and how you can work to enact it more in your daily life, and I run through a script for progressive muscle relaxation at the end!
If you're driving in your car, maybe wait to do that until you get home! Also, please be sure to utilize progressive muscle relaxation to the extent of your abilities. No need to push it! Give me a holler if you have any other Psychoed Moment requests, I'm all ears!
Mindfulness and Progressive Muscle Relaxation | Let's Discuss...
Thank...2022-07-1924 min
The Perinatal PodcastClimbing the Corporate Mountain as a Person of Color | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Dr. Erroll PierreJoin Dr. Erroll Pierre and me as we discuss the importance of being bad to grow into your expertise, how to build your personal board of directors, and - surprising to no one listening to this show - the importance of normalizing therapy.
Dr. Pierre shares his intellectual labor to educate me further on many things healthcare, including immigration reform, Public Charge, and how research helps create policy.
Finally, we discuss his new book, which is available for pre-order now! The Way Up: Climbing the Corporate Mountain as a Professional of Color. I've already put my...2022-07-0558 minThe Perinatal PodcastWhen The Bad Ass Wears Off | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Dr. Jenny GordonWe're back, back, back again! Jenny returns to take a deeper dive into vicarious trauma (VT) and vicarious resilience, how to put cracks into internalized beliefs that hold us back from asking for what we need, and why it sucks when people (ahem, raising my hand. People are people and people are also me.) tell Dr. Hughes, "I don't know how you can do it!" when it come to specializing in trauma.
We discuss Jenny's new trauma collective, BRAVE, launching fully in August, and how she's created a space for helping professionals to answer the question, "Who t...2022-06-1453 minThe Perinatal PodcastWhat Mental Illness Is Not | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Kate ActonKate Acton joins me this week to help me put into words what I've been wanting to say in response to the Uvalde, TX school massacre, and frankly, she does a better job of it than I could have alone. When I saw her Instagram post, What Mental Illness Is Not, I knew this is how I wanted to broach this topic, and she was gracious enough to accept my invitation to discuss.
In addition to allowing me to nerd out about treatment modalities in mental health practice and discussing her lack of closure from her master's pr...2022-06-0855 minThe Perinatal PodcastTrauma 2 - Vicarious v. Secondary, and Vicarious Resilience | Let's Discuss... with Dr. Jenny HughesDr. Huge is BACK! We discuss the difference between Vicarious and Secondary Trauma, the importance of community, and why she prefers to call it a Dance of Life and Work rather than balance.
Further, we discuss Vicarious Resilience that can be found in helping professions that can aid us in remembering why we do the work we do, even when we experience some of the darkest times.
Trauma, Round 2 | Let's Discuss... with Dr. Jenny Hughes
Find Jenny!
Instagram: https://instagram.com/traumaqueenphd
Facebook BRAVE Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebravevicarioustraumacommunity
...2022-05-3147 minThe Perinatal PodcastQuit with the Advice Already!Y'all I'm on my soapbox today. Make sure you're ready to hear my true thoughts on the things people think are useful to say to a person going through whatever their perinatal journey is.
I quote the book, The Art of Holding in Therapy, by Karen Kleiman, and I'm not going to spoil it for y'all, but suffice to say, telling someone to do yoga to combat fertility struggles is, say it with me, counterproductive.
Quit with the Advice Already! | Let's Discuss...
Thanks so much for joining me for this episode of, Let’s Disc...2022-05-2436 minThe Perinatal PodcastQuick Thoughts on Mother's Day CelebrationsI have lots more to say on the subject, but with my voice being as shot as it is, I thought I'd take a quick moment to share my thoughts on Mother's Day and the celebrations that can sometimes feel thrust upon us. And the fact that, if we don't exude pure joy 100% of the time, we are seen as ungrateful.
I fully plan to discuss this further, hopefully with a guest or two, once my voice returns!
Mother's Day Celebrations | Let's Discuss
Thanks so much for joining me for this episode of...2022-05-1714 minThe Perinatal PodcastToxic Masculinity Ruins the Party Again | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Ryan HammelIn a nod to some of my podcasting heroes, Karen & Georgia, from an episode I think was in Indianapolis (how apropos my guest is a huge Colts fan, if that's accurate) live show (still hoping someone will listen to this episode and confirm the name, because I am positive I got it wrong), my childhood friend and I discuss all things toxic masculinity, trying to recognize the formative moments in a child's life and letting them do their thing, and realizing that, whatever you think about gender and bio sex and masculinity/femininity, "If it brings (my child) joy...2022-05-1043 minThe Perinatal PodcastPsychoed Moment: The Wise Mind & Cognitive Restructuring | Let's Discuss...Following my conversation with Mano a couple of weeks ago, I had a listener request for more details on The Wise Mind, and I'm always happy to oblige your requests! Take a moment of psychoeducation with me and discuss how the Logical Mind + the Emotional Mind in various combinations can help us with making more wise choices. I also take a moment to discuss Cognitive Restructuring activities to assist with finding new ways of thinking that can assist in how you feel.
The Wise Mind & Cognitive Restructuring | Let's Discuss!
Thanks so much for joining me...2022-05-0331 minThe Perinatal PodcastExhaling into relationships, abandoning perfectionism | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Dr. Jenn Hardy"It's a form of perfectionism to expect people to always show up perfectly in their relationship with you." Boom.
Have you thought about the work you're doing to decrease your own need for perfectionism and give yourself grace but maybe haven't thought about the level of perfection you're still expecting from others in your life? Dr. Jenn Hardy and I discuss "what happens when people stop being polite...and start being real." (Yes, The Real World gets a mention in this episode!)
When do we get to exhale into relationships and find true safety in ano...2022-04-2648 minThe Perinatal PodcastEmployee Assistance Programs | Let's Discuss...Have you heard of an EAP? Employee Assistance Programs are available from a number of employers, yet so many people haven't heard of them or don't access their benefits.
I recently sat on a panel with a company encouraging its employees to take advantage of their benefits, so I felt energized to make sure my viewers were all aware of these amazing benefits!
Employee Assistance Programs | Let's Discuss!
Thanks so much for joining me for this episode of, Let’s Discuss… with Meg Duke. I’d lo...2022-04-1310 minThe Perinatal PodcastTaking Up Space | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Melissa DumazIn another beautiful moment of, slide into those DM's and ask or the answer will always be, No!, Melissa Dumaz of U Help You sits down with me to discuss trauma and the journey from surviving to thriving, getting out of the grind/hustle culture mindset, and the importance of intentionality in making healthier choices for a better life.
What does it mean to take up space? | Let's Discuss!
Find Melissa!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissadumaz/
U Help You: https://www.uhelpyou.com/
U Help You Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UH...2022-04-0533 minThe Perinatal PodcastThe Slap Heard 'Round The World | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Mano AgapionLook. You can't have a mental health podcast recording the day after Will Smith slapped Chris Rock on live TV and not discuss it. That triggering moment aside, the illustrious Mano Agapion joins me to chat about the trauma that can fuel comedy and art, perceived judgement and opening up to spaces for potential vulnerability, and our ever-evolving self-worth journeys.
I introduced myself to Mano via his DMs after listening to every episode of his podcast, Drag Her, so there is also some lovely RuPaul's Drag Race content peppered throughout here. You know you want it!
W...2022-03-291h 06The Perinatal PodcastDon't Let The Trolls Get You Down | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Kelsy of Relatable Mom LifeKelsy, founder of the Relatable Mom Life community, joins us this week to discuss building your parenthood support community, even if it's with strangers you met on the internet; learning to block the trolls and the haters in your life; and learning to develop and listen to your parenting gut.
Don't let the trolls get you down. | Let's Discuss!
Find Kelsy!
https://www.instagram.com/welcome.to.the.mom.life/
Thanks so much for joining me for this episode of, Let’s Di...2022-03-2229 minThe Perinatal PodcastBody Betrayal | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Natalie KnoxIn this week's episode, special guest Natalie Knox shares her story of chronic illness as she battles Hashimoto's Disease and her struggle to feel good about herself when she doesn't feel she can trust her body anymore. In a powerful discussion, Natalie describes her attempts to control the controllables while learning to advocate for herself as she discusses her body with her providers.
Body Betrayal | Let's Discuss...
Find Natalie and Natalie's Favorites!
https://www.instagram.com/hashimotoshero/
https://www.instagram.com/fitfatandallthat/
https://www.instagram.com/recoveryloveandcare/
https://www.instagram.com...2022-03-1553 minThe Perinatal PodcastMythbusting and the Perinatal Experience | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest Alisha BowkerMeet Alisha, the one who helped me realize becoming a Social Worker was my life's calling!
In today's episode, Alisha Bowker, LCSW, and I debunk some common thinking errors, widely held colloquial beliefs, and sources of shame for perinatal humans. We also, big shocker here, espouse the virtues of participating in ongoing therapy with a trusted provider, which can help new parents and those in their fertility journeys cut through the noise, learn to trust your gut, and figure out what is best for you and your family.
Perinatal Mental Health Mythbusting - Let's Discuss!
2022-03-0842 minThe Perinatal PodcastLogic is my Kryptonite | Let's Discuss... with special guest, Dr. Lauren HughesJoin Dr. Lauren Hughes of Bloom Pediatrics and I as we brave the 2022 Blizzard of Kansas City (Spoiler Alert: I do, in fact, shovel my driveway and go pick up my kids from school later that day!) and discuss all things parenting and pediatrics!
Dr. Hughes and I discuss that Fed is not Best - Fed is ONLY; that formula is, in fact, Science Milk; and that for some, logic is our Kryptonite. We also discuss how the word "best" can be triggering, that the mental health of the person who gave birth is more important than so...2022-03-0146 minThe Perinatal PodcastThe Infertility Hangover | Let's Discuss... with Michelle StrongCoping in infertility, triggered by feelings, there's no magic way to get over it - the body & brain keep it packed away. The grief and trauma that come with each person's infertility journey are unique.
In this week's episode, Michelle Strong of @MyMindBodyBaby, and I discuss borrowing trouble, the physics of what you put your energy into is what grows, and functioning in a nonjudgmental space.
The Infertility Hangover - Let's Discuss...
Find Michelle!
Instagram: @MyMindBodyBaby
Facebook: facebook.com/MyMindBodyBaby
MyMindBodyBaby.com
*Use code LetsDiscuss for 20% off all purchases at M...2022-02-2230 minThe Perinatal PodcastTwo Things Can Be True - Sitting with the tension of paradox and tolerating discomfort | Let's Discuss...In this week's episode, I discuss common thinking errors, namely All Or Nothing Thinking, and how this type of thought doesn't fully encompass the beauty and complexity that is the human experience. Sitting with the tension of paradox, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, all of it.
How do we get to being okay with not being okay? How do we open our minds?
Let's Discuss...
Oh! And I finally decided on my episode closing catchphrase.
Thanks so much for joining me for this episode of, Let’s Discuss… with Meg Duke. I’d love...2022-02-1528 minThe Perinatal PodcastTrauma - Big T v. Little t, Stressors, and Resilience | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Dr. Jenny HughesSpecial Guest, trauma specialist Dr. Jenny Hughes, sits down with me to discuss how we all have our own versions of trauma, including daily stressors and microaggressions. Dr. Hughes provides us with the definitions of complex trauma, as well as vicarious trauma, and we discuss how we can work to get out of the pattern of self-blame related to our traumas.
On this week's episode, we discuss in very high level a number of issues that could be triggering for our listeners. As with any mental health moment, please take time to check in...2022-02-0847 minThe Perinatal PodcastMoments, Adult ADHD, & Beyonce's 24 Hours | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Kate ClevelandSpecial guest, Kate Cleveland of Enso Mama, returns! In another fun-filled chat, we go here, we go there, we go every which where, including discussion of minutes v. moments, Kate's recent diagnosis of ADHD, and maybe Beyonce and I don't really have the same 24 hours in a day?
We dip our toes into perfectionism and procrastination, managing the mental load of parenthood and adulthood, being a mom and entrepreneur, decision fatigue, why people with ADHD despise everyone's clutter except their own, the list truly goes on!
Matrescence 2.0... Let's Discuss!
...2022-02-011h 17The Perinatal PodcastObsessive Comparison Disorder - Why do we do this to ourselves? | Let's Discuss...First introduced to me by Liz Higgins in our Crossover Episode (that's S1E10, if you want to give it a re-listen!), I have been thinking about Obsessive Comparison Disorder ever since. I've thought about how I allow it into my own life, how I participate in it, and how it's impacted my relationships, both online and in "real life."
Turning anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and an excessive worry into positive self-talk, intentionality, and self-awareness is no overnight feat, but in this week's episode, I consider ways to get the ball rolling toward a path of healthy social m...2022-01-2629 minThe Perinatal PodcastImposter Syndrome - What is it, and what self-talk helps overcome it? | Let's Discuss...School starts this week - all the feelings! Excitement! Anticipation! Empowerment! School Pride! (Go Jayhawks!)
And also, weirdly, anxiety took hold of me Monday this week. The dreaded Imposter Syndrome tried to take hold. In this week's episode, I discuss the definition, the key components, who it typically affects more, and the best ways I've found to tone down the negative voices.
Thanks so much for joining me for this episode of, Let’s Discuss… with Meg Duke. I’d love for you to write a review of my podcast on your app, and don’t forget to su...2022-01-1822 minThe Perinatal PodcastAdulting & The Oregon Trail Generation | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest, Courtney LewisCourtney Lewis and I venture here, there, and a little bit of everywhere in this week's episode. A parent, community activist, and my friend since 1st grade, Courtney and I chat about how bonkers it can be to contemplate being responsible for the lives of tiny humans, how to determine what expectations are worth living up to and which need to be chucked, and how grateful we are social media didn't exist when we were in junior high. I can't even pretend to write a description that does justice to this episode, you'll just have to tune in and ex...2022-01-111h 06The Perinatal PodcastThe Holiday Hangover - How do I overcome the return? | Let's Discuss...In this week's episode, I discuss my own Sunday Scaries and Holiday Hangover after a delightful long weekend off work and with my family and loved ones. Recognizing the privilege I have to be able to take such time away from work, I also discuss how difficult that blah feeling can be when you don't get the time with your children and/or loved ones when you have to return to work.
Always solution focused, I present some ideas that work for me when I experience the Holiday Hangover, tricks that also work in areas of life wh...2022-01-0431 minThe Perinatal Podcast#ShowTheNegative | Let's Discuss... with Meg Duke and Special Guest, Stephanie BooeThis week, special guest, Stephanie Booe, momma, wife, author, and owner of The Warriors Shop, and I spill the InfertiliTEA on the fertility journeys, collaborating with the community, and holding space and value for where people are. We also discuss how to find peace and comfort on social media, ignoring the negativity, and avoiding participation in the Trauma Olympics. Stephanie is the originator of the #ShowTheNegative hashtag, where we encourage people to share their own fertility journeys, not just the sunshine and daisies of positive pregnancy tests in commercials. #ShowTheNegative - How do I navigate fertility struggles? Let's Discuss... Find...2021-12-2840 minThe Perinatal PodcastMatrescence - How do I manage? | Let's Discuss... with Special Guest Kate ClevelandSpecial Guest, Kate Cleveland of @EnsoMama, discusses postpartum anxiety, overwhelm, purging and setting boundaries, managing the mental load, communicating expectations, the list goes on as we define and discuss Matrescence!
In what is certain to be the first of many episodes, Kate also shares the best baby shower gift a person could ever want. Truly inspired.
Matrescence - How do I manage the mental load and expectations? Let's Discuss!
Find Kate (and ask her about the origin of the name, Enso Mama!):
htt...2021-12-211h 07The Perinatal PodcastCROSSOVER - The Millennial Life Podcast with Special Guest, Liz HigginsIn my inaugural CROSSOVER podcast, host of The Millennial Life Podcast, Liz Higgins, joins me as we interview each other about co-parenting and communication, pregnancy and mom shaming, and how to combat the overwhelm of too much parenting advice many millennial parents are experiencing.
The first in what I can assure you will be many CROSSOVER episodes, you do not want to miss what Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, Liz Higgins, brings to our show! And to all of Liz's listeners who are joining the Let's Discuss... family for the first time, welcome! ...2021-12-1452 minThe Perinatal PodcastSense of Humor - How do I lean into laughter and ignore self-restriction? | Let's discuss...How do we let go of the need to be cool, to be in control? How do we lean into some moments with immaturity and joy and goofiness to foster a sense of joy, community, and celebration?
In this week's episode, I reflect upon the times I've danced and sang and laughed; how I use a sense of humor in working with clients as they traverse difficult subjects; and how it's okay to not have it all together all of the time.
How do I lean into laughter and ignore the voices telling me to res...2021-12-0716 minThe Perinatal PodcastAnxiety and Logic - Mutually Exclusive? | Let's Discuss...After hearing an insightful comment by Mano Agapion on one of my favorite podcasts, Drag Her, I had this week's topic in mind: "Anxiety has no consideration for logic." Obviously, there will be many more opportunities for discussion on anxiety, personal experiences from guests, more education, all of that, but today, we broach this behemoth of a topic as we head into Thanksgiving week. Thanks so much for joining me for this episode of, Let’s Discuss… with Meg Duke. I’d love for you to write a review of my podcast on your app, and don’t forget to subscribe...2021-11-2319 minThe Perinatal PodcastStarting a Business - How to get started? What are my next steps? | Let's Discuss...Reports show 4.2 million (million!) people quit their jobs in August. A myriad of reasons account for this, but a lot of it has been a perspective shift in light of a global pandemic. Many of us are no longer willing to put our dreams on the backburner, and many more of us are no longer willing to put up with workplace disrespect in its various forms.
I was not a part of the 4.2m in August, but I count me in for the October numbers!
In a shorter Let's Discuss... moment, I want to share abo...2021-10-2104 minThe Perinatal PodcastGratitude Virtue Signaling - What is it? How do I deal with it? | Let's Discuss...The inaugural, Let's Discuss...
Has anyone told you you're not displaying enough gratitude when talking about your little ones? In my first foray into my Let's Discuss... video series, I talk about how much it grates on me when people tell me I'm not living in the moment enough if I post something I think is funny or an adorably-ridiculous thing my child has done in my parenting journey.
Yes, it's okay to be sad when your baby wakes you up at 3am. Yes, it's okay to be frustrated (m...2021-10-1918 min