Freckled Foodie & Friends

In today’s solo episode I unpack how anxiety impacts relationships between friends, family members, and romantic partners. I often say that Joe knows how to “handle” my anxiety, and this episode dives into more specifics on what that actually looks like. As someone who feels that sometimes I am a “burden” for those who love me due to my mental health struggles, I share those emotions and remind us all that some of us just need a little extra support. I read through a handful of FF Fam member submissions on this topic and share your stories on how your anxiety has impacted the relationships you have. Key Takeaway / Points:  Opening up about the feeling of “being a burden” on others due to my mental health struggles Sharing stories by fellow FF Fam members on how anxiety has impacted their relationships Discussing the evolution of my friendships and how anxiety used to play a role in my decisions Unpacking how Joe helps me through my anxious times and recommendations for practices to do with your friends, fam

In this episode I’m joined by Nadya Okamoto, cofounder of August, a lifestyle brand working to reimagine periods. Nadya talks about her mission to end period poverty and destigmatize menstruation through August and her own social media. Nadya shares how her time in rehab helped her process her childhood trauma as a sexual assault survivor and discusses her relationship with her sister, her borderline personality disorder and how she prioritizes her mental health. Key Takeaway / Points:  Cofounding August, a lifestyle brand working to reimagine periods Nadya’s mission to end period poverty and destigmatize menstruation  Proccessing her childhood trauma as a sexual assault survivor Being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder and how she prioritizes her mental health Follow Nadya Okamoto: Instagram: @nadyaokamoto Website: www.nadyaokamoto.com www.itsaugust.co Twitter: @nadyaokamoto TikTok: @nadyaokamoto Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website: freckledfoodie.com TikTok: freckledfoodie Twitter

In today’s solo episode, I talk about the relationship between influencers and followers. I discuss the pressures put upon influencers including the blurred lines between Google and influencers and the need to link every possible item. I also dive into boundary setting, the information you’re entitled to as a member of the community, DM etiquette, feeling the need to please everyone, and my thoughts on holding people accountable when they send rude messages. Key Takeaway / Points:  The relationship between influencers and followers The pressures put upon influencers to share every possible item and moment Encouraging us all to use our tools Boundary setting and information you’re entitled to as a member of the community DM etiquette and DM’s I’ve received Holding people accountable when they send rude messages Watch the “brown bikini” TikTok video I reference here Buy the Solid & Striped beach cover up I mention here Watch the Revolve video I mention here Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website

In this episode, I sit down with the founder of Megababe and body acceptance advocate, Katie Sturino. Katie opens up about the history of her relationship with her body and being treated differently because of her size. We dive into the role the media has played in our body image and eating patterns and the freedom that comes with accepting your body. Katie talks about her series “supersize my look” and shares brands she believes in and brands she believes should be more size-inclusive. Key Takeaway / Points: Founding Megababe Katie’s history with her relationship with her body and being treated differently because of her size The role the media has played in our body image and eating patterns  The freedom that comes with accepting your body Katie’s series “supersize my look”  Size inclusive brands and brands that could be doing a better job Follow Katie Sturino: Instagram: @katiesturino Website: www.megababebeauty.com TikTok: @katiesturino Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website: freckledfoodie.co

In today’s solo episode I discuss the moments where I just don’t want to “mom”. I discuss the mental load that is 24/7 once becoming a mom, the times when I miss my old life, the fact that two conflicting emotions can coexist at once, and how we need to stop pushing this narrative on women that you have to enjoy every single second of motherhood. Throughout this episode, I also share open, honest, and vulnerable submissions from the FF Family on this topic to remind you all that you are not alone. Key Takeaway / Points: I love my kid so much, but sometimes I just don’t want to “mom” The mental load that is motherhood Moments where I miss my old life Why it is so important for women to be able to openly and honestly express these emotions Open, honest, and vulnerable submissions from the Freckled Foodie family If this episode resonated with you, please send us a DM at @ffandfriendspod or an email to podcast@freckledfoodie.com to make sure we are able to respond. We so appreciate hearing your feedback! Fol

In this episode, I am joined by my OB/GYN, Dr. Nerissa Guballa, from NewYork-Presbyterian Alexandra Cohen Hospital for Women and Newborns & Weill Cornell Medicine, to chat about how she became interested in her field, questions to ask your doctor when trying to conceive, the birthing experience and the changes our bodies go through, postpartum care, and much more. Plus, we answer questions submitted by the Freckled Foodie family and candidly chat about my birthing experience.  Key Takeaway / Points: Suggested conversations to have with your doctor when starting the process of trying to conceive The physical changes a body goes through during pregnancy and postpartum and how long that recovery phase really is Postpartum care and the standard of having one appointment at six-weeks Properly advocating for your care Doulas in the delivery room My birthing experience The instructors with programs focused on postpartum pelvic floor that I mention: Kara Duval (freckledfoodie for 15% off), Megan Roup, and Dr.

In this episode, we are joined by co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at Betches, Sami Sage. We discuss Sami’s decision to freeze her eggs, discoveries about her fertility, experience going off birth control, thoughts around having children and her journey with PCOS and the privilege required to access such preventative healthcare. Sami talks about forming a healthy relationship with her body and food and her ultimate decision to no longer co-host her podcast Diet Starts Tomorrow. Key Takeaway / Points:  Sami’s discoveries about her fertility and the decision to freeze her eggs Experience going off birth control and thoughts around having children  Sami’s journey with PCOS  Privileges required to access preventative healthcare, especially when it comes to fertility Forming a healthy relationship with her body and food and the decision to no longer co-host DST Follow Sami Sage: Instagram: @sami TikTok: @samisagesays Podcasts: Morning Announcements, Betches Sup, Diet Starts Tomorrow Follow me: Instagram:

In today’s episode, we are joined by Lisa Mayer, founder of My Social Canvas and Boss Beauties NFT. As promised, this episode shares an intro into NFTs (non-fungible tokens) and gives a bit of a 101 lesson on what the hell they are. We also dive into the community aspect of NFTs, which is why I’m super interested in the space, and where we think the space is headed. Of course, we also discuss Boss Beauties NFT, which is the project Lisa has founded and an NFT that I hold and fully believe in. Reminder, I am not a financial advisor and this is not financial advice! These are simply my opinions on NFts. Key Takeaway / Points: WTF is an NFT? Here is your 101 lesson How Lisa founded My Social Canvas and Boss Beauties NFT What led her to get involved in the NFT space Where we think NFTs are headed Why I am bullish on Boss Beauties NFTs Watch my recent youtube video, “WTF is an NFT”, here Follow Lisa Mayer: Instagram: @lisamayer @bossbeautiesnft @mysocialcanvas Website: mysocialcanvas.com bossbeauties.com Twit

In this solo episode, I get a tad (okay, more than a tad) emotional discussing my experience parenting in a pandemic. This has been a frequent topic of conversation with Joe, my friends, my family, and many of you in my DMs so I am glad I finally sat down to express all of my emotions and speak my experience. As I mention in the episode, we all have different experiences both in the pandemic and parenting and I am solely able to speak on my lived experience, which is what I am doing. I share these emotions and thoughts to remind you that you are not alone, it is hard, and that we are all trying our best. In this episode, I also share some submitted stories from the Freckled Foodie Family on this topic. Key Takeaway Points: My lived experience parenting in a pandemic Pros and cons of what this pandemic has brought us as new parents The feeling of loneliness and isolation as a new parent while also navigating COVID-19 Comparison game and parenting on social media FF Family member's reflections on parenting in

In this episode I talk to Sam Eason, mom of three, on life as a single parent, finding balance, and being present with her kids. Sam opens up about her dad’s passing from alcoholism and lessons learned from her parents that she implements when raising her own kids. Sam talks about the role of alcohol and drugs in her adolescence, touches on her ongoing divorce, and dives into some postpartum struggles. We also discuss Sam’s willingness to discuss dark and heavy topics on her platform. Key Takeaway / Points: Finding balance and time for herself as a single mom Losing her dad to alcoholism Lessons learned from our parents and the way they raised us Sam’s willingness to discuss dark and heavy things on her platform Solo Portion: I discuss trolls on TikTok and my recent thoughts on Botox and the decision of whether or not I want to get it The blog post we reference about her father: The Cool Parent Follow Sam Eason: Instagram: @samanthainperson TikTok: @samanthainperson Website: motherofchunk.com Shop: Hand

In today’s episode, I am joined by the legendary Katie Couric (I know, I’m freaking out too!!). Katie Couric is one of the most notable journalists in history, having worked for all three major TV networks (NBC, ABC, and CBS) and is now the co-founder of Katie Couric Media. She is most notably famous for her long-time career as the co-anchor of The Today Show. In this episode we discuss her decision to write her memoir, Going There, and why sharing her truth is so important. We discuss our innate desire to please others and how we are learning to be okay with not pleasing everyone, her incredible career and evolution, our history with body image struggles, and postpartum. Katie opens up about her struggles with intrusive thoughts during postpartum, how isolated she felt, and a reminder that you are not alone. Key Takeaway / Points: The process of writing her memoir, “Going There”, and why she decided it was time to share her truth Accepting that you cannot please everyone Her lifelong career in the industry

In this episode I sit down with nonbinary actor and business owner, Chloe Freeman. Chloe tells us why they founded their company ForThem, an inclusive and accessible wellness company providing products and services for the nonbinary community. We discuss our stances and outlook on the wellness industry, sexuality, identity, ingrained behaviors and habitual thinking. Chloe talks about their experience as a nonbinary actor and the struggles involved when casting for roles with intention. Key Takeaway / Points: The story behind ForThem Our outlook on the wellness industry Discovering and expressing your sexuality and identity Changing ingrained behaviors and habitual thinking Chloe’s experience as a nonbinary actor Follow Chloe Freeman: Instagram: @chlo3freeman @forthem Website: forthem.com Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website: freckledfoodie.com TikTok: freckledfoodie Twitter: @freckledfoodie Youtube: Cameron Rogers / Freckled Foodie Pinterest: Freckled Foodie This episode was edited by Tim Flanz

In this episode, positive parenting coach Destini Ann and I reflect on our upbringings and how they have influenced our parenting styles. We discuss the concepts of respectful parenting, emotional intelligence and communication styles and dive into the philosophy of intentional parenting. We talk about rewarding our children, understanding their values, directing them while also respecting their interests and fostering and enabling the environment we want them to be raised in.   Key Takeaway / Points:   The impact of our upbringings on our parenting style The concept of respectful and intentional parenting Directing our children while also respecting their interests Fostering and enabling the environment we want our kids to be raised in   Today's episode is sponsored by Beam, my absolute favorite CBD brand. Get your hands on any of their products, specifically my favorite Beam Dream, at their website beamtlc.com and use code freckledfoodie15 for 15% off! Follow Destini Ann: Instagram: @manifestdestini

In this solo episode, I discuss the evolution of my relationship with food and where I’m at right now: a much more “chill” version and one who is now comfortable relinquishing control. This has truly been the greatest mental shift I’ve experienced since giving birth. I also discuss the request to stop commenting on women’s bodies and how I’ve received more comments on my body during postpartum than I ever could have imagined. I get open and honest on why I’m currently struggling with these comments and the history behind this request.   Key Takeaway / Points: How becoming a mom has forced me to relinquish control Why I now consider myself “chill” (no matter how much Joe makes fun of me for saying this) The evolution of my relationship with food and how it is now simply just that, food Why we should stop commenting on women’s bodies Discussion around body comments and pregnancy / postpartum The honest truth of current struggles and why I would like people to stop commenting on my body   Check out my 2021 Hol

In this episode, I talk to author and podcast host, Nora McInerny, about the many aspects of grief. Nora shares the loss of her father, husband and pregnancy, and how she handled those obstacles to reach her current career, life, and family. We discuss the automated response to the question “how are you?” and ways to best support those who are grieving. We talk about boundary-setting on our platforms and the importance of acknowledging and accepting our emotions, even when they are conflicting.   Key Takeaway / Points:   The many aspects of grief The automated response to the question “how are you?” Boundary-setting in your personal and professional life Acknowledging and accepting our emotions, even when they are conflicting     Follow Nora McInerny: Instagram: @noraborealis Podcast: Terrible, Thanks for Asking Website: noraborealis.com   Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website: freckledfoodie.com TikTok: freckledfoodie Twitter: @freckledfoodie Youtube: Cameron Rogers / Freckled Foodie Pinterest: Fre

In this episode, I talk to the founder of The Ocho System, Joe Holder. We discuss the unnecessary complexities in the health and wellness space, reframing your mindset around exercise, and Joe’s concept of “exercise snacks”. We discuss our experiences transitioning from college athletics into the real world, the desire to overachieve, and developing dissonance between your identity and sport. We also talk about the importance of challenging yourself, practicing resilience, and the concept of recovery.   Key Takeaway / Points: Unnecessary complexities in the health and wellness space Reframing your mindset  Transitioning from a college athletics into the real world, The importance of challenging yourself, practicing resilience and the concept of recovery   Follow Joe Holder: Instagram: @ochosystem @exercise_snacks Twitter: @JoeHolder_ Listen to Joe’s Master Class here   Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website: freckledfoodie.com TikTok: freckledfoodie Twitter: @freckledfoodie Youtube: Cameron Rogers /

In this episode, I talk to plus-size model and podcast host Hunter McGrady. We discuss the ups and downs of motherhood and what we wish we knew beforehand. We talk about our breastfeeding journeys, anxieties as new moms, and values we want to instill in our children. We also dive into body image, our relationships with our bodies pre and post-pregnancy, and practicing affirmations. Hunter shares her frustrations around the lack of representation of plus-sized women, especially during pregnancy.   Key Takeaway / Points:   The anxieties and struggles as new moms Breastfeeding journeys Pregnancy’s impact on body image The lack of representation of plus-sized women, especially during pregnancy Finding neutrality with your body The impact of affirmations   Follow Hunter McGrady: Instagram: @huntermcgrady TikTok: @huntermcgrady Podcast: The Model Citizen Website: TheModelCitizenPodcast.com   Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website: freckledfoodie.com TikTok: freckledfoodie Twitter: @freckledfoodi

In this episode, I talk to recipe developer and cookbook author Samah Dada (@dadaeats). Samah talks about her transition from a Production Assistant at The Today Show to the host of the network’s original digital series #Cooking. We discuss the mental health aspects of the food industry, the non-glamorous truths of turning our hobbies into careers, imposter syndrome and the dangers of comparison. We also dive into cultural appropriation in the wellness industry and the lack of minorities in the space.   Key Takeaway / Points: Working at the Today Show in production and as a host Turning our hobbies into careers Imposter syndrome  Cultural appropriation in the wellness industry  Training ourselves to be okay with the unknown   Join the Freckled Foodie newsletter here   Buy Samah’s Cookbook, Dada Eats Love to Cook It Follow Samah Dada: Instagram: @dadaeats Website: dadaeats.com   Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website: freckledfoodie.com TikTok: freckledfoodie Twitter: @freckledfoodie Youtube: Cameron

In this episode, I sit down with the Founder and CEO of The Sculpt Society, Megan Roup. Megan and I discuss mental health struggles throughout pregnancy, adjusting expectations of ourselves postpartum, and navigating work-life balance as a new mom. We talk about the most enjoyable aspects of motherhood and learning to accept help and support from people in our lives. We also dive into appreciating and practicing gratitude towards our bodies and trying to let go of the constant need to achieve.   Key Talking Points: Mental health struggles throughout pregnancy Readjusting expectations during postpartum  Work-life balance as a new parent The most enjoyable aspects of motherhood  Practicing gratitude towards our bodies   Join the Freckled Foodie Mamas Facebook Group Buy the Super Attractor card deck we mention here   Follow Megan Roup and The Sculpt Society: Instagram: @meganroup @thesculptsociety TikTok: @meganroup Website: thesculptsociety.com (use code FRECKLEDFOODIE25 for a 7-day free trial and 2

In this episode, I chat with the founder and CEO of Hill House, Nell Diamond. Nell talks about her career journey that started on Wall Street and included time at Yale SOM, the story behind Hill House, and the community formed around the Nap Dress. We discuss the lessons we’ve learned while working in finance, the anxiety within entrepreneurship, and the importance of setting boundaries when working for ourselves. We dive into life as a new mom and finding balance while caring for our children and working. Key Takeaway / Points: The story behind Hill House and where the idea came from How she built a community around an item of clothing (the Nap Dress) How working at large financial institutions shaped us for our later careers Anxiety and responsibility involved in entrepreneurship  Finding balance as a new mom    Follow Nell Diamond:  Instagram: @nelliediamond @hillhouse TikTok: @hillhousehome Website: hillhousehome.com   Follow me: Instagram: @freckledfoodie Website: freckledfoodie.com TikTok: freckledfo