Episode 93: Navigating the Grandparent-Parent Relationship: Boundaries, Expectations & Building Connection with Deedee Moore
Episode 93: Navigating the Grandparent-Parent Relationship: Boundaries, Expectations & Building Connection with Deedee Moore
In this episode, Rachael sits down with Deedee Moore, creator of resources for modern grandparents, to talk about the often-unspoken complexities of grandparenting in today’s world. Together, they unpack everything from holiday overwhelm to unsolicited advice and the emotional tightrope we walk as parents trying to set boundaries without creating conflict.
Whether you're feeling tension around gifts, unsure how to communicate with in-laws, or just trying to figure out how to create a more supportive village, this conversation is full of practical insights and thoughtful reminders that we’re all learning as we go.
Inside this episode:
Why grandparenting can feel fulfilling and challenging for everyone involved
How to set boundaries around gifts, advice, and time without guilt
Why communication should start before the baby even arrives
Navigating holiday expectations and learning to accept disappointment
Why building relationships (not giving stuff) matters most
Are modern grandparents really more busy, working, or caregiving in other ways?
Tips for finding the right tone and timing for hard conversations
How sharing your parenting resources with grandparents can reduce confusion
Simple ideas to foster meaningful bonds between grandparents and grandchildren
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Deedee’s work and resources for modern grandparents
Follow Deedee on Instagram: @morethangrand
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
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Episode 92: Celebrating Queer Families & Normalizing Representation with Jaimie from the Queer Family Podcast
Episode 92: Celebrating Queer Families & Normalizing Representation with Jaimie from the Queer Family Podcast
In this episode Rachael welcomes Jaimie, the creator of the Queer Family Podcast, for a vibrant and heartfelt conversation about what it really means to parent within the LGBTQIA+ community. From being both a bio and non-bio mom to navigating public perception and household dynamics, Jaimie brings her signature humor and honesty to this vital conversation about visibility, inclusivity, and the beautiful messiness of parenthood. Whether you're part of a queer family or simply want to raise your children in a more inclusive world, this episode offers perspective, laughter, and practical tips for celebrating every kind of family.
Inside this episode:
The unique joys and challenges queer families face
How to bond with your child as a non-bio parent
The power of humor in parenting and tackling tough topics
Why curiosity in kids about family structures should be welcomed, not feared
How household responsibilities can be shared based on strengths—not stereotypes
Why representation for LGBTQIA+ families matters deeply
The role of inclusive books in early childhood
Normalizing queer family dynamics in everyday life
Postpartum reflections from the non-birthing parent
The beauty and complexity of queer love, parenting, and visibility
Plus SO much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Follow Jaimie on Instagram: @thequeerfamilypodcast
Listen to The Queer Family Podcast wherever you get your podcasts!
Ourshelves Book Subscription
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
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Episode 91: The Potty Training Journey: Readiness, Regression & Releasing the Pressure with Jess from Nurtured First
Episode 91: The Potty Training Journey: Readiness, Regression & Releasing the Pressure with Jess from Nurtured First
In this episode, Rachael welcomes back psychotherapist Jess Vanderwier from Nurtured First to talk all things potty training, because no one told us how complex (and emotional) it can really be! From readiness signs to regressions and nighttime dryness, Jess brings her compassionate, shame-free approach to one of the most talked-about parenting transitions.
Together, they dive into all of your most-asked questions about potty “training” including how to tune into your child’s cues and what to do when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re just starting out, hitting a rough patch, or questioning everything you thought you knew, this episode is for you.
Inside this episode:
Why there's no “right” age to start potty training
How to spot signs of readiness (hint: curiosity matters more than compliance)
The danger of pressure and how it can lead to power struggles
What to do when accidents (or regressions) happen
The emotional side of potty training and how to stay curious, not reactive
Differences between daytime and nighttime dryness
Why three-day methods don’t work for every child
How shame-free potty learning fosters independence and confidence
Ways to create positive associations and model behavior
Why taking a break might be the best thing you can do
Plus so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Follow Jess on Instagram: @nurturedfirst
Jess’s parenting podcast Robot Unicorn
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
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Episode 90: Rebuilding After Divorce: Communication, Co-Parenting & Finding Yourself Again with Betsy Kelly
Episode 90: Rebuilding After Divorce: Communication, Co-Parenting & Finding Yourself Again with Betsy Kelly
In this episode, Rachael sits down with SLP turned Divorce Doula and Podcast host, Betsy Kelly to talk about navigating the often isolating and emotional journey of divorce. Betsy shares her deeply personal story of choosing herself, learning to co-parent with clarity and compassion, and the power of creating community through storytelling. Together, they explore what it really means to rebuild after a marriage ends—and why no one should have to do it alone.
Inside this episode:
Betsy’s story of feeling alone when she made the decision to divorce
The surprising link between communication, connection, and healing
Tips for talking to kids about divorce in age-appropriate ways
Why approaching co-parenting like a business helps reduce conflict
The emotional toll of bad-mouthing an ex—and why it harms kids
The importance of therapy, friendships and finding a trusted confidant
Why no two divorce journeys look the same
Rebuilding identity and rediscovering self-worth, dating and more post-divorce
How Betsy’s podcast Divorce Stories is helping others feel less alone
& so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Betsy on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divorcedoulabetsy?_t=ZP-8vW3o1l0qlS&_r=1
Divorce Stories Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-stories/id1808073006
A special thank you to our listeners on Betsy’s website here- https://www.betsykellycoaching.com/heysleepybaby
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
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39:52
Episode 89: Debunking Vaccine Myths: Making Choices with Evidence and Compassion with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik
Episode 89: Debunking Vaccine Myths: Making Choices with Evidence and Compassion with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik
In this episode, Rachael sits down with scientist, mom, and writer Dr. Liz Marnik to talk about one of the most emotionally charged topics in modern parenting: vaccines. Together, they explore how fear, misinformation, and anxiety shape parental decision-making—and why accessible, compassionate science communication matters more than ever.
Inside this episode:
Dr. Marnik’s personal journey from vaccine hesitancy to scientific advocacy
How anxiety and fear influence parents’ vaccine decision-making
What’s really in vaccines—and why it’s safe
Debunking myths: autism, immune overload, and the "too many too soon" idea
Why measles is more dangerous than most people realize
Understanding herd immunity and who it protects
Why misinformation spreads faster than facts—and how to pause before sharing
How to talk to vaccine-hesitant loved ones with curiosity, not judgment
& so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Liz on Instagram: @ScienceWhizLiz & @ThoseNerdyGirls
Substack: https://fromthescienceclass.substack.com/
Vaccine schedule differences
Too many vaccines
More on Liz here:
The reason my mom didn't vaccinate
Science Saved Me
Lessons From a Vaccinated Daughter of a Vaccine Hesitant Mother
Autism and vaccines
Substack: Comprehensive Review of MMR
Resources & Info
Substack: Vaccines are not associated with autism
Measles
Substack: Measles is NEVER EVER beneficial
Instagram
FAQs
How can I protect myself from measles?
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
No One Told Us the truth about parenthood. WHY?!
Welcome to No One Told Us, the podcast where we uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about parenthood. I'm your host, Rachael Shepard-Ohta, mom of three and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. Each week, join me as we dive deep into the joys, challenges, and surprises of raising children with a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations.
From navigating postpartum anxiety to mastering the art of making mom friends, and from introducing solids to tackling tantrums, we cover it all. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this podcast is your go-to resource for honest advice, relatable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Join me as I sit down with experts in their fields, as well as friends, family, celebrities, and influencers, to share their experiences and wisdom on everything from sleepless nights to rocky relationships. No topic is off-limits, and no story goes untold on No One Told Us.
So grab a cup of coffee, pop in your headphones and join the conversation. This is the podcast everyone needed before they had kids- because now that those little ones are here, there's a lot to unpack. So let's pull back the curtain on becoming a first-time mom (or dad!) to share the good, the bad and the ugly. A little education, a little fun, and a whole lot of heart goes into each and every episode of No One Told Us to have you feeling less alone and way more empowered.
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