We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness

• Episode 16: From Yes Girl to Sure Girl - Katie Sands on Motherhood, Boundaries, and Being Real Online

  In this episode, I’m joined by Katie Sands - content creator, style expert, lifestyle influencers, and now, a mom.  It’s such a real and honest conversation about how motherhood reshaped her identity both online and off. Katie opens up about her IVF journey, the spiral of postpartum anxiety and OCD, and how even well-meaning messages from followers sent her into overwhelm during those early days. We also talk about something we both initially planned to do: not share our kids online. Spoiler: It’s the real reason this podcast was created. I’ve been rethinking -  and yearning for -  a different way to share my motherhood journey and my guidance  that feels more respectful of my girls, especially as they get older. We talk about: Katie’s journey in her career, the pros and cons of working for herself especially now that she is a mom.  Katie’s experience with IVF and how she feels and supports others close to her going through it.  Katie’s unexpected experience of Post Partum Anxiety and how sharing on social media contributed to that.  The complicated decision and process  to hire a nanny -  and the emotional layers behind it - especially as this was recorded the day before  she left her baby for the first time to be able to fully focus on being a sister for her brother’s wedding.The constant “do we bring the baby or not?” tug-of-war How relationships are tested when you have babies at the same time as others but you make very different choices And Katie’s transformation from always saying “yes” to learning how to say “no.” (she’s officially a JOMO girl!) We talked about the slippery slope of “Keeping up with the Jones’s” that often comes raising a family in NYC.   Key Takeaways: We don’t know what motherhood will bring until we’re in it , and that’s part of the magic of it. We learn, we grow, we mature and we set boundaries. Sharing vulnerably online can be grounding for both us as creators and our  communities.It’s how we feel so connected to our followers. This is the reason we went from “I won’t share my kids” to “I have to share them” and how we are still on the journey to finding that real longer term plan on this topic.  Boundaries aren’t limitations -  they’re signs of growth and alignment. Every mother’s path is different, and comparison only distracts us. I hope this conversation meets you wherever you are on your motherhood journey :) f you’ve felt the pressure to be everything to everyone - online and off - this conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone, and that redefining what motherhood looks like for you is not only allowed… it’s meant to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• Episode 15 Built to Solve with Julie Cole: Lessons in Leadership, Motherhood and Letting Go

  In this episode, I sat down with the magnetic and insightful Julie Cole - Co-founder of Mabel’s Labels (a company I genuinely cannot live without), author, media personality, and mom of six. We covered everything from what it was like mothering six kids while pivoting from a career in law to starting her own business, to the messy, not-so-glamorous truth behind entrepreneurship. Julie shared how, long before “authenticity” became a buzzword, it was her willingness to write openly about the hard parts of motherhood - through her blog - that helped her connect with other moms and build deep trust with her customers.She doesn’t sugarcoat the hustle, and it’s exactly that honesty that makes her so credible and relatable. As a mom of six - one of whom is autistic - Julie had a wealth of perspective I couldn’t wait to absorb. I found myself asking again and again: “How did she do it?” This may be the episode I’ve learned the most from so far. Her insights, especially as a mother of now-young adults, were absolute gems. Key Takeaways (I’ll keep them simple—just like Julie does.) Saving your kids from every challenge may actually disable them. Let them forget their lunch. Don’t swoop in. At her kids’ school, the spot for forgotten items was lovingly dubbed the “enable table.” Failing builds resilience. Let them. Todays problem solvers and tomorrow’s leaders and change makers.  Chores matter. They teach responsibility, accountability, and empower kids in lasting ways. As your kids get older, you shift from managing to coaching. That's the point. The village matters. Julie’s early mom community is still her community today. Perhaps what stuck with me most was Julie’s philosophy of “let them.” Let them forget. Let them fall. Let them figure it out. In her words, delivered with a signature shrug and smile: “What do I care?” That line might sound flippant - until you hear the love and trust behind it. That’s Julie. Full of heart, wisdom, and the kind of clarity that only comes from really living motherhood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• Episode 14: From Overwhelmed to Grounded - Rethinking Balance in Motherhood with Elizabeth Baron

  Does balance in motherhood really exist? Are there enough hours in the day to get everything done without feeling like we’re constantly preoccupied? And what happens when the “ball” we drop is our child? Can we shift the reflexive “one second!” away from our kids and toward everything else instead? Is that even possible?  These are just some of the questions I explored with Elizabeth Baron, a psychotherapist specializing in supporting women at every stage of motherhood—from preconception and pregnancy to postpartum and parenting. As a mom of two and the founder of With Elizabeth, a digital platform dedicated to expert-led education, interactive group sessions, and building a strong community, Elizabeth offers invaluable insights into how we can redefine balance, set boundaries, and prioritize ourselves in a way that ultimately benefits our children. In this conversation, we reflect on the struggles of modern motherhood, the expectations we place on ourselves (often shaped by how we were raised), and the guilt that comes with not always being present for every pickup, every activity, every moment. I share my own challenge of reconciling the picture-perfect availability of my mother with the realities of my own life, and Elizabeth helps reframe what secure attachment really looks like. Key Takeaways: Secure attachment isn’t about being constantly present—it’s about fostering confidence in both our children and ourselves, preparing them (and us) for the inevitable transitions of life, even when they one day leave for college. Our kids can feel secure and supported even when we’re not there, as long as they have other loving, dependable people in their lives. Talking openly with our children about our personal challenges and growth helps bridge the disconnect caused by modern distractions (phones, work, etc.). The small moments matter—pausing to truly be present makes a difference. The way we were parented shapes our expectations of motherhood—sometimes it stands in our way, but it can also be something we grow from and redefine for ourselves. Guilt isn’t productive unless we recognize it as a sign of deeper patterns, like people-pleasing, that we need to address. Creating boundaries, routines, and structures for ourselves as mothers takes time, and Elizabeth is a powerful resource for those looking to navigate that journey. I hope you find as much value in this conversation as I did. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• Episode 13: The Reality of "Respectful Parenting" with Daniella Rabbani

  Have you ever wondered, Does this gentle parenting thing actually work? Am I being too passive? Is this really preparing my child for the real world? If so, you’re not alone. This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned what it means to parent “respectfully” in today’s world. Daniella Rabbani is a dear friend I met in the world of respectful parenting. We were both deeply inspired by the RIE Educaring Approach to early childhood, but fast forward to now - Daniella shared that she’s wrestled with it and sometimes sees things a bit differently. For me, respectful parenting is the only way, even when it’s hard, and my belief in it has never wavered. So, we had to sit down and talk through all of it - where we align, where we differ, and how we each make it work in real life. Daniella is the creator and host of the Mom Curious Podcast, an actor, filmmaker, and Yiddish songstress. But more than that, she’s real, playful, and brings a contagious energy into every room she enters. I couldn’t wait to dive into this conversation with her. By the end of our talk, we realized that respectful parenting isn’t about following a strict set of rules - it’s about the intention behind our approach, how we implement it, and most importantly, how we find the right balance for ourselves and our children. Key Takeaways: Respectful parenting looks different for everyone. It’s not about memorizing scripts or rigidly following a philosophy. Instead, it’s about using tools and frameworks that resonate with us - things that guide us rather than define us. Forcing our kids into behaviors isn’t the answer. Yes, we want them to be functioning members of society, but there’s more power in modeling, connection, and meaningful conversations than in forcing a scripted “hello.” Understanding our triggers matters. Daniella uncovered that she has sensory triggers, while her husband has triggers around lateness. Surprisingly, those two things are connected- she sometimes intentionally runs late to avoid overstimulating environments. (You’ll have to listen to hear how it all unfolds!) We both embrace “musical beds.” Our kids still come into our beds at night, and while it can throw a wrench into alone time with our spouses, we also see a deep magic in this fleeting stage of parenthood. Balance is everything. Whether it’s co-sleeping, discipline, or daily routines, what works for one family might not work for another. The key is finding an approach that feels right for you. You’ll hear it yourself - Daniella is the kind of person you could talk to for hours, the kind of mom who infuses her family’s life with magic every day. You can connect with Daniella through her podcast, Mom Curious, on her instagram and watch her shine in her acting endeavors. Fun Fact: She used to be an educator at Union Square Play! And lastly, she’s just the absolute best. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• Episode 12: Beyond the Glam with Stephanie and Brett Gottlieb

  The first First couple on We Didn’t Turn Out Ok and I learned so much! In this episode I sit down with my close friends Stephanie and Brett Gottlieb. Stephanie is a jewelry designer and entrepreneur known for her jewelry brand, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry which she founded and is now the Creative Director of. You may know Stephanie for her social media presence, where she showcases her designs and gives a behind-the-scenes look at her business and personal life all while balancing it all with motherhood. It’s safe to say she’s the definition of a mom boss. Brett, her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, is a real estate mogul who didn’t hold back when it came to discussing the realities of parenting. Together, they opened up about the challenges and unexpected lessons of raising their two children - pulling back the curtain on the parts of parenting that many, especially those with public platforms, often keep private. They got real about everything: the differences in parenting their son versus their daughter, the never-ending juggle of work and family, and how their own upbringings influence their approach to parenting today. What this conversation drove home for me? That no matter who you are, parenting is a constant learning process. We all struggle, we all grow, and we all have to find ways to accept what we can’t control - while working to connect with and support our kids in the best way we can. Key Takeaways: Pushing kids to participate isn’t the answer. Honoring their readiness and process - no matter how hard it is - is key. Attention-seeking is often a deeper need for connection. In Steph and Brett’s case, their son’s behavior sometimes demands attention, but they realize that what he really needs is the right balance of boundaries and connection. Parenting alongside other parents is hard. Differences in approach can make you feel like the “bad cop.” Even when you delegate, the mental load often defaults to moms. Steph shared how, despite leaning on Brett, she still feels the need to control and “own” a lot of parenting decisions. Mom guilt is real, but setting clear expectations helps. When kids understand and accept boundaries, the guilt shifts into acceptance for everyone. If you’re going to listen to any episode, let it be this one - a real reminder that parenting struggles and growth don’t discriminate. Even when you’re the mastermind behind the necklace Taylor Swift wore to the Super Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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