We Didn't Turn Out OK with Jennie Monness

• 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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• Episode 11: From Strollers to Social Media - Parenting Teens and Pre Teens with Brianne Manz

  In this episode, I sit down with Brianne Manz, founder of the mom and lifestyle blog, Stroller in the City, to discuss the nuances of parenting three children in their pre-teen and teenage years. Brianne, a former fashion showroom owner turned full-time mom and content creator, shares her insights on navigating the emotional and mental challenges that come with raising kids as they get older.. I was particularly interested in finding out from Brianne her thoughts on “bigger kids, bigger problems.” She shared that while the physical demands may lessen as children grow, the emotional and mental complexities increase. We delve into topics like social media influence, FOMO, and the feelings of exclusion that adolescents often face. Brianne emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and fostering open communication to support her children’s mental well-being. We talked about the difficulty in our kids opening up when they are vulnerable. Both Brianne and I share experiences about the difficulty children, especially those who feel deeply, may have in opening up. We discuss the significance of being present and assuring our kids that we are there to support them through their emotional journeys. Key Takeaways: It’s crucial to approach negative comments with curiosity about their origin rather than internalizing them, teaching our children resilience and self-assurance. Forming alliances with other parents can be key in navigating social dynamics and setting appropriate boundaries around  our children’s activities. Assuring our kids that they don’t need to participate in every event or trend to feel fulfilled can help prevent feelings of inadequacy or being left out. Brianne shares how her own upbringing influences her parenting style, striving to provide her children with opportunities she lacked while maintaining a balance to avoid overindulgence. This episode feels like a candid conversation about the realities of parenting older children, with valuable nuggets on how to maintain healthy, open relationships with our kids as they navigate more complex stages of life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• Episode 10: Breaking the Silence: Postpartum Depression, Psychedelic Healing, and the Future of Mental Health with Melissa Lavasani

  In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Melissa Lavasani to hear her powerful journey through severe postpartum depression (PPD)—a journey that nearly ended her own life. Struggling with relentless despair and thoughts of ending her life, Melissa discovered something that not only saved her but changed the course of her life: psilocybin, a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in mushrooms. Through her own healing, Melissa went on to found the Psychedelic Medicine Coalition, advocating for safe and equitable access to these transformative treatments. We also talk about the illusion of motherhood on social media—how it often glorifies the experience, leaving struggling mothers to wonder, What’s wrong with me? I open up about my own postpartum experience and my personal journey with psilocybin—something I’ve wanted to share for years but never found the right way to talk about, until now. Melissa brings the science, the research, and the advocacy, shedding light on how psychedelic medicine is finally gaining recognition in the medical and political landscape. Key Takeaways from Our Conversation: • Psychedelics have a long history, but politics and stigma have overshadowed their proven therapeutic benefits. • Major universities and government agencies are now prioritizing psychedelic research, including studies on postpartum depression. • A new clinical trial is recruiting participants to test a groundbreaking postpartum depression treatment based on psychedelic compounds. • Melissa’s advocacy led to Initiative 81, which passed with a record-breaking 76% approval in Washington, D.C., pushing forward the movement for safe and legal psychedelic medicine. Melissa has dedicated her career to ensuring that Americans have the right to access life-changing treatments through education, advocacy, and policy reform.This episode means a lot to me—not just personally, but for every mother who has ever questioned why motherhood doesn’t look the way it does on Instagram. You are not alone. 1 in 4. There is hope, even when you can’t see it yet. If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Learn more and find resources here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• Episode 9: Go With Your Gut with Robyn Youkilis

  In this episode, I sit down with Robyn Youkilis—speaker, bestselling author, and wellness expert for 16 years. Robyn is the founder and CEO of Your Healthiest You, a mom to two daughters (Navy, 9, and Dover, 3.5), and a new puppy. We dive into some of the less spoken about topics—like purposely waiting until her early 40s to have a second child (creating a 5+ year age gap), making herself a priority always, and fully embracing what lights her up. Robyn calls these her “Big F” experiences (referring to the most fun) and how she makes sure to make them happen even when she has to move mountains to make them happen . Robyn, author of Thin from Within and Go With Your Gut, was a pioneer in the wellness space before Whole Foods was on every corner. She shares how gut health isn’t just about physical well-being—it’s about clearing the noise we hold inside so we can hear our most authentic voice. We also get real about the challenges of parenting, like those moments when your kids are driving you nuts, and you catch yourself thinking you’d rather be anywhere else. We talk about the guilt, the internal tug-of-war, and how to ride that wave to reconnect. Key Takeaways: • Repairing with our kids can be as simple as saying, “I don’t like how that felt before.” • Problem-solving doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes just asking, “What should we do?” is enough. • And perhaps the most valuable lesson of all? Ironically, not everything needs to have a lesson. Robyn and this conversation are relatable, raw, refreshing, and packed with wisdom. Loved this episode and have found myself thinking about so much of what we discussed ever since! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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