Freckled Foodie & Friends

In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg – wellness leader and founder of Melissa Wood Health – to discuss everything from what went into her decision to stop drinking; to how she strengthened her intuition through meditation; to how she practices consistency over discipline with her mental and physical health. Melissa shares the value of knowing both your “hell yes’s” and “hell no’s,” how she parents with transparency, her best pieces of advice for developing confidence and a self of self, and much more.   Key Takeaway / Points: On both of our decisions to stop drinking On strengthening intuition through meditation On knowing your “hell yes’s” and “hell no’s” On parenting with transparency Melissa’s daily non-negotiables  On molding the version of yourself you want to create How Melissa’s childhood influenced the way she parents On developing confidence and a sense of self Melissa’s favorite part about being a mother How she makes decisions on where and how to grow her business On

In this solo episode, I talk about my incredible experience at the Eras Tour and seeing Taylor Swift live, my wild flight on the trip back from Chicago, and a recent trip to LA for an exciting opportunity. I also share the confusion I feel over prioritizing myself through work, how I’ve been struggling mentally throughout this pregnancy, and how I’ve been feeling lately in regards to my work. Finally, I discuss podcast updates and ask for listener feedback.   Key Takeaway / Points: My experience at Taylor Swift’s Eras tour My wild flight on the trip back from Chicago On my recent LA trip and an exciting opportunity coming up On the difficulty of prioritizing myself through work On struggling mentally while pregnant On feeling stagnant with work and unclear about the future On determining the podcast structure moving forward   This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial interest in prod

In this episode, I sit down with Emma Lovewell, beloved Peloton instructor and fitness leader, to discuss her experience of writing her new book Live, Learn, Love Well: Lessons from a Life of Progress, Not Perfection, and the non-linear journey she took to becoming a Peloton instructor. Emma shares what she’s learned about the value of saying yes to everything once, taking risks and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and why experience is more fruitful than reward. We discuss her non-competitive relationship with her fellow Peloton leaders, what it’s like being one of the few public-facing Asian American fitness instructors, how she creates her workouts and those sought-after playlists, and more.   Key Takeaway / Points: On writing her book, Live, Learn, Love Well: Lessons from a Life of Progress, Not Perfection On her non-linear journey to becoming a Peloton instructor The value of saying yes to everything at least once On taking risks and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone On the value o

In this solo episode, I dive into all things pregnancy and body image, from why this pregnancy feels different from the first; to the confusing concept of glamorizing my first pregnancy; to how I’ve been feeling in my pregnant body so far. I share details about the discomfort I currently feel in my body, not feeling confident in clothes or with my appearance, and the simultaneous guilt that comes with critiquing my body image. I also discuss mourning my past body confidence and acceptance, what I’m anxious about regarding the second half of my pregnancy and the unknowns ahead, and how I’m trying to practice gratitude for my body moving forward.   Key Takeaway / Points: Why this pregnancy feels different from the first On the confusion of glamorizing my first pregnancy My struggle with pregnancy body image so far On not feeling comfortable in clothes right now On the guilt I feel over critiquing my body while pregnant On the difficulty of giving up physical control  On mourning my past body confidence a

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Steele (aka The Corporate Mama) to talk about the myth of work-life balance and how Sarah strives for work-life fulfillment, the differences between being a working mom versus a working dad in the corporate world, and why a mandated parental leave across all workplaces would be a gamechanger. Sarah shares her best efficiency and self care advice for parents working from home, tools she implements to self-regulate intense emotions and manage ADHD as a parent, and the joy she still gets from cultivating her Corporate Mama community.     Key Takeaway / Points: On the myth of work-life balance and how Sarah strives for work-life fulfillment Sarah’s most challenging part of being a mother with a corporate job On the differences between being a working mom vs. working dad in the corporate world On the concept of a mandated parental leave Sarah’s advice for parents working from home and efficiency tips Sarah’s work with self-regulating intense emotions and ADHD as a parent How

In this live show recording of my conversation with Katie Couric at City Winery, we discuss everything from Katie’s experience writing her memoir Going There; to what it was like being the first female anchor in evening news; to being labeled “America’s sweetheart” and the shortcomings of categorizing women with single adjectives. Katie shares how she juggled being a single mother and a full time news anchor, what it was like working with Matt Lauer and how she reacted to his #MeToo reckoning, how she chooses her projects with Katie Couric media, and so much more.     Key Takeaway / Points: On Katie’s memoir Going There, her experience writing it, and her favorite review about it On the value of taking educated risks On the experience of being the first female news anchor in evening news Katie’s reaction to being labeled “America’s sweetheart” On being a single mom and a full time news anchor The important conversations partners should have before lifelong commitment What it was like to experience Matt

In this solo episode, I dive into all things dog-related: how we decided it was the right time to get a dog, what the adoption and training process looked like, and how we introduced our dog, Charlie, to our newborn baby in a safe and controlled way. I discuss the importance of knowing when you’re ready to adopt a dog, how I came across our adoption shelter, and what the learning curve was like once we had our new puppy. I also discuss why dogs are a good test for having a child with your partner, how Charlie reacted to the baby at first and what their dynamic has been through the years, and how Charlie and my relationship shifted throughout my pregnancy and after having a child.    Key Takeaway / Points: On the timeline of feeling ready to adopt a dog How I came across Safe and Sound Satos, our adoption shelter  The learning curve that comes with raising a puppy Why dogs are a good test for having a child with your partner How Charlie’s socialization progressed with other dogs, how we handle it now, and whe

In this episode, I sit down with Katina Bajaj, the author of “On Adulting” and cofounder of Daydreamers: a wellbeing startup that utilizes creativity as a health modality. Katina and I discuss her trajectory from investment banking and why she left the corporate world, how she started the “On Adulting” blog which later became a book, and how motherhood can instill childlike wonder. We also discuss the baggage around the word “creativity,” actionable ways to create “transition times” in your day and prevent burnout, and the difference between pleasure and effortful enjoyment.   Key Takeaway / Points: Katina’s career change and why she left her job in investment banking How she started “On Adulting,” her blog about growing up in a mindful and joyful way How parenting styles have shifted throughout the generations Our societal obsession with productivity How motherhood has instilled a childlike wonder within me Katina’s wellbeing startup, Daydreamers, and how it opens up creativity as a wellbeing modality The b

In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Walters, CEO, entrepreneur, and self-made power woman whose story is as remarkable, resilient, and inspiring as she is. Nicole and I discuss her incredible experience of adopting her three daughters ten years ago, the overwhelming shift of going from mentor to mother of three in under 30 days, and how she frames parental commitment and healthy attachment. She shares how her poor upbringing shaped her relationship with humanity, what both poverty and wealth have taught her about happiness, and how our complex relationships with money are ever-evolving. Finally, we discuss the many aspects of privilege, how you can use privilege for good, and what it was like quitting her job live in front of 10,000 people to become an entrepreneur.   Key Takeaway / Points: Nicole’s incredible story of how she came to adopt her three children On the shift from going to mentor to mother of three in 30 days How Nicole frames commitment with parenting and healthy attachment On how Nicole’s

In this solo episode, I share how I’ve been feeling with first trimester symptoms, our current house progress and setting timelines for ourselves, and how my recent Vampire Diaries obsession has been getting me through this pregnancy. I also share some wild pregnancy dreams I’ve had lately and answer listener questions on moving in with your partner, best advice for early pregnancy symptoms and discomfort, making friends in the suburbs as a mom, and how to handle mommy or daddy phases with your child. Key Takeaway / Points: On single host podcasts versus double hosts On turning a corner with first trimester symptoms Whether we feel ready for a new baby in our lives On house progress and setting ourselves timelines On my recent Vampire Diaries obsession On my crazy pregnancy dreams Liam’s reaction to becoming a big brother On valuing independence within Joe and my relationship and the timeline of when we moved in together Tips for moving in with your partner and implementing division of labor My best advice f

TW: The beginning of this episode contains details of fertility struggles and pregnancy losses — fast forward to 10:00.   In this episode, I sit down with Katrina Scott: entrepreneur, author, and the first visibly pregnant model to be in a Sports Illustrated publication. Katrina and I discuss her emotional fertility journey and the pregnancy losses she and her family have experienced in the past few years. She shares the balancing act of publicly sharing her fertility experiences, moving through grief while caring for her first child, and the transparency she practices with her daughter around pain and healing. We also talk about ways to speak to someone who has experienced pregnancy loss, the best thing the non-birthing partner can do during fertility struggles, and what it feels like to experience postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts.   Key Takeaway / Points: Katrina shares her fertility journey and the pregnancy losses she and her family have gone through On the balancing act of publicly sharing fert

In this episode, I sit down with human design coach, author, and mother Alexandra Cole. We discuss all things human design: what it is, how it works, and the five energy types that differentiate people. Alexandra explains how knowing your child’s energy type is so valuable in parenting, how to work based on your energy’s consistencies and inconsistencies, and how knowing your Ego, Identity, and Decision-Making Centers can help you further align with your true self. We also unpack a recent “good on paper” opportunity I passed on and why, how to navigate decision-making as an emotions-driven person, and how the way you see yourself can be very different from how others see you.   Key Takeaway / Points: Why the human design method resonated with Alexandra as a results-driven person What is human design? The five different energy types The value as a parent in knowing your child’s energy type How to work in relation to your energy’s consistencies and inconsistencies  On knowing your Ego Center, Identity Center,

TW: fertility discussion and pregnancy announcement   In this solo episode, I announce my shocking (or not) news that…I’m pregnant! Baby #2 is officially on the way, and I dive into all the details, from whether we planned this pregnancy; to how I instantly knew I was pregnant; to how the first trimester has been so far. I share how I’ve been feeling both mentally and physically, why I feel different about being pregnant than I did several months ago, and what I’m looking forward to in the second trimester and beyond.   Key Takeaway / Points: Was it planned? Whether we feel ready for baby #2 How I instantly knew I was pregnant How the first trimester has been so far How I’m feeling mentally and physically What I’ve been craving lately What I’m looking forward to in the second trimester and beyond   Check out Emily Oster’s book on pregnancy here     This episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct, or indirect financial intere

In this episode, I sit down with Tefi to discuss everything from the concept of struggle and “deserving” success; to how she knows so much about pop culture and how that became a shared language in her family; to how pop culture knowledge helped develop her empathy when she was young. We talk about being “known” by social media followers and selective vulnerability, Tefi’s best friend vibe and not always being a “nice” person, and the idea of feeling unlikable. Finally, Tefi shares how her mental health is right now and how she has dealt with the evolution of female friendships, from breakups to equally participating in toxic dynamics.   Key Takeaway / Points: On the concept of struggle and “deserving” success Tefi’s high school experience and growing up in Miami How Tefi knows so much about pop culture and how it became a shared language in her family How learning about pop culture developed Tefi’s empathy On being “known” by your social media followers and being selectively vulnerable Unpacking Tefi’s best

In this episode, I sit down with Madison Utendahl, Founder of Utendahl Creative, to discuss recovering from burnout in an accolades-driven society. Madison shares her history with overachievement and excellence over the years, how her burnout manifested throughout several periods in her life, and the tools and practices she uses now to prioritize her mental health. We discuss learning to love not being “the best,” what Madison’s experience with making 30 Under 30 was actually like, and why “the why” in what you do is everything. Finally, Madison tells us how she structures her mornings to protect her peace, and how she built an anti-burnout culture within Utendahl Creative for herself and her employees.     Key Takeaway / Points: Madison’s history with overachievement and burnout How institutions shape our work mindsets through the years On generational trauma and our parents’ resistance to vulnerability On learning to love not being “the best” What Madison experienced during her periods of burnout Madison’s

In this episode, I sit down with Alli Schaper, co-founder of Super Mush, Into the Multiverse, and the Microdosing Collective, and an encyclopedia for all things functional and psychedelic mushrooms. We discuss everything from the distinction between mushrooms and fungi; to our human connection and long history with mushrooms; to how the mycelium network connects every living organism. Alli explains how she came to use functional mushrooms for her health, what is happening legally right now in the U.S. with psychedelics, and how psilocybin-assisted therapy is being used for treating PTSD, mental health, and more. We also discuss how psilocybin creates new neural pathways in the brain, microdosing vs. tripping, and the work Alli is doing to promote industry regulation, accessibility, and transparency within both psychedelics and functional mushrooms.   Key Takeaway / Points: On fungi, mushrooms, and the mycelium network Our human connection and history with mushrooms How Alli came to using functional mushrooms

In this episode, I sit down with Michelle, Freckled Foodie Family member, mother, and brave and beautiful human being, to discuss her experience with postpartum depression and psychosis. We discuss how Michelle came to be on the podcast, Michelle’s early postpartum experience in the few days after her daughter’s birth, and the confusion and shame that so often permeate the postpartum experience. Michelle shares how her postpartum depression developed upon returning to work, how her psychosis manifested and what that felt like, and what helped pull her out of her darkest days. If you or someone you know is struggling with postpartum anxiety, depression, psychosis, or simply needs community and support after birthing a child, please know you are never alone and help is available. See links below for support.   Key Takeaway / Points: How Michelle came to be on the podcast Michelle’s early postpartum experience in the few days after her daughter’s birth On mothers not feeling instantly connected with their baby

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Austin: fitness expert, health coach, creator, and so much more, to discuss everything from our fitness journeys to our attachments to certain identities. We talk about our intense experiences as Division I athletes, our relationships with movement now, and how Katie’s upbringing was influenced by her parents, who are both athletes. We also discuss losing our competitiveness as we get older, Katie’s perspective on her mother’s success, and what it was like sharing 2022’s Sports Illustrated Rookie of the Year with her best friend.   Key Takeaway / Points: Reflecting on our intense experiences as Division I college athletes Our relationships with exercise and movement now Katie’s morning routine, from stretching to setting intentions On meditation, the resistance we feel towards it, and making it work for you On growing up with parents who were athletes and how that influenced Katie’s relationship with fitness How we talk to children about their bodies and being mind

In this solo episode, I share where I’m at emotionally, what I’ve been loving, and what I miss about NYC two and a half weeks into suburban living. I talk about how our basement and backyard have truly been game changers for our family, how I did *not* get my shit together with furniture for the new house, and how I feel generally calmer in the suburbs versus the city. I also discuss the features in the house that I love (hello double vanity), things I’m still getting used to (hidden homeownership costs), and things I truly miss about the city (visiting friends and yes, the convenience of trash rooms.)     Key Takeaway / Points: How the basement and backyard have been game changers for our family On not getting my shit together with furniture On feeling generally calmer in the suburbs vs. the city On the joy of the double vanity in the bathroom Things I’m still getting used to around the house The hidden costs of homeownership Liam’s recent sleep regression Things I miss: the ease of seeing city friends and…

In this episode, I sit down with mortgage advisor and my old high school friend, Tyler Howe, to discuss the financial must-knows of the home buying process, the basics of mortgages and loans, how pre-approvals work, and much more. Tyler walks us through the steps of a hypothetical home buying situation from pre-approvals to closing and explains typical down-payment amounts, common red flags with realtors, and how taxes come into play. He also discusses what sellers look for in offers, how to use the market to your advantage as a buyer, and what you can do now to best position yourself for a loan and to successfully make mortgage payments.   Key Takeaway / Points: Catching up on our high school history, including when Tyler was my mom’s assistant Why the mortgage and home buying process is confusing and overwhelming for so many The basics of what a mortgage is Tyler walks us through a hypothetical home buying process and gives his advice on essential first steps The pre-approval process and the basics of gett