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.
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52:23
Episode 88: One and Done or One More? How to Trust your Own Path Amanda White
In this episode, Rachael sits down with therapist, author, and mom Amanda E. White to unpack the often unspoken truths about motherhood—ambivalence, choice, and the radical permission to not love every moment. Together, they talk about what it means to question the path of parenthood, to feel unsure, and to still be a good enough parent. This is a deep-dive into choosing your own way in a culture obsessed with “doing it right.”
Inside this episode:
What it means to be a “fence sitter” about motherhood
How social media shapes unrealistic expectations about parenting
The grief of unlived lives and letting go of former selves
Navigating differing desires with your partner about family size
The emotional toll of infertility and decision-making
How to know if you’re done having kids—or not
Why desire, not fear or pressure, should guide family planning decisions
Permission to change your mind—and the freedom in uncertainty
& so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Amanda’s website: therapyforwomencenter.com
Substack: Fence Sitter
Podcast: Nuance Needed
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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43:16
Episode 87: Neurodivergent Children: Sleep, Sensory Needs, and the Right Support with Lauren Sloan
Episode 87: Neurodivergent Children: Sleep, Sensory Needs, and the Right Support with Lauren Sloan
What does it mean to support neurodivergent children in a world that doesn’t always understand their unique needs? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by registered nurse and sleep specialist (not to mention mom of 3!) Lauren Sloan to talk about her experiences parenting three neurodivergent boys—and why typical advice about sleep, routines, and behavior often falls short.
We’re digging deep into the realities of raising neurodivergent kids—how sensory processing impacts sleep, why traditional sleep training can be risky, and why parents need flexibility, compassion, and the right resources to truly support their children. Lauren brings her professional expertise and personal stories to topics like bedtime routines, feeding challenges, sleep struggles, and the power of understanding your child’s sensory world.
Inside this episode…
Lauren’s personal journey raising three neurodivergent boys
Why sensory processing is crucial for understanding sleep challenges in all children
How “stimming” is a natural, important way kids regulate themselves
Why one-size-fits-all sleep training methods can backfire for ND and Autistic children
How sensory needs impact bedtime routines and feeding transitions
Sensory techniques and tools that can help calm kids down at bedtime
The potential risks of things like reward charts and rigid routines for neurodivergent children
How parents can self-refer and seek the right support early on
The emotional toll of parenting when systems don’t fit your child—and how to find validation and help
Plus so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Lauren’s Instagram: @spiritedbabysleep
Substack: Spirited Baby Sleep – spiritedbabysleep.substack.com
Where to Start: Finding Support: https://spiritedbabysleep.myflodesk.com/aogt5sf52c
My Baby Hates the Car Seat: https://spiritedbabysleep.myflodesk.com/r6t6g0ndw6
Early Neurodiversity Course: https://spiritedbabysleep.thrivecart.com/early-neurodiversity/
Lauren’s Recommended Resources:
Parents as Teachers
Lesson Pix
Twinkl
Learning Corner
Books:
The out of sync child has fun
The Pocket Guide to Neurodiversity
Sincerely Your Autistic Child
NeuroTribes
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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44:15
SURPRISE! You're So Right Sneak Peek!
SURPRISE and welcome to a little sneak peak special treat of You're So Right, the NEW podcast hosted by me, Rachael, and BFF of the pod Caitlin Wilder! 🎉
In this special crossover episode, join your two IG besties as they talk all about Rachael's trip to LA and what went right (ear piercings!) and wrong (concussions and too many ice cream samples!).
You'll also hear about how Rachael was model scouted in a Staples as a pre-teen and what we think about small talk and Chuck-e-Cheese.
This episode should give you a *pretty good* vibe for what to expect over on You're So Right (this may be a positive or negative we don't know yet!), which is launching in just a couple short weeks!
We'll chit chat, take questions from you, and mostly give you something easy and breezy to listen to so you can temporarily forget about the *horrors* we are all currently living through. Surviving not thriving is the name of the game over on You're So Right!
Thank you so much to all of my beloved NOTU listeners for checking this episode out. I hope you'll continue to listen here for all of the educational parenting convos and then come turn your brain off with me and Caitlin at You're So Right. Because we hold multitudes my friends!!!
Follow me at @heysleepybaby and Caitlin at @wilderbeginnings for updates!
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30:35
Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman
Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman
What does it mean to raise boys in a world where masculinity feels impossible to get right? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by author and cultural critic Ruth Whippman to talk about her powerful new book, BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity.
We’re digging deep into the unspoken challenges of parenting boys today—gendered expectations that begin before birth, the emotional isolation of boys in our culture, and the ways that patriarchy harms everyone, not just women. Ruth brings a compassionate, sharp, and often funny lens to topics like toxic masculinity, feminism, screen time, school struggles, and why our young boys are struggling so much right now.
Inside this episode…..
Ruth’s own experience raising 3 boys as a feminist
Unhelpful stereotypes like “boys will be boys” and how they harm our children
Ruth’s opinion on Netflix’s show "Adolescence" and its portrayal of modern boyhood
Why today’s world is a “perfect storm” for young boys and men to be radicalized
How do we hold young men accountable without sending them into shame and shutdown?
How patriarchy harms both men and women, and Ruth’s recommendations for both #boymoms and #boydads
And what can we do—today—as parents, to change the story for our little boys?
Plus so much more!
This episode is for anyone raising boys, loving boys, or trying to understand them in a culture that so often gets masculinity wrong. 💙
Mentioned in this episode:
Ruth’s Book: BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity
Ruth’s Substack: I Blame Society
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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