Breakroom Mom

Episode 13: Why "Doing It All" is a Lie - Redefining Childcare with Alison Rogers (The Coven Cary)

(00:00:00) Episode 13: Why "Doing It All" is a Lie - Redefining Childcare with Alison Rogers (The Coven Cary) (00:00:05) Welcome to Break Room with Mom (00:01:25) The Pollen and Parking Tantrums (00:04:29) From Struggle to Solution: The Birth of Blush Co-Working Space (00:08:02) The Coven Partnership: Expanding Horizons (00:14:12) Childcare: More Than Just Babysitting (00:18:40) A Community-Driven Co-Working Space (00:33:27) The Childcare Dilemma: A Systemic Issue (00:38:44) The Power of Community for Solopreneurs (00:39:07) The Power of Community for Solopreneurs (00:41:07) Decision Fatigue and the Value of Collaboration Does the "work-from-home" dream feel more like a constant juggle you're losing? In this episode of Breakroom Mom, Julie sits down with Alison Rogers, the visionary behind The Coven Cary (formerly Blush Cowork). Alison didn't just build a coworking space; she built a sanctuary for women and parents that integrates high-quality, Montessori-inspired childcare with professional ambition.We’re pulling back the curtain on: * The Psychology of Proximity: How having your child just 10 feet away—instead of across town—transforms a mother’s mental state and productivity. * Solving the Broken Model: Why childcare shouldn't just be "babysitting" and how Alison’s partnership with Hopscotch Labs provides an enriching environment for kids. * Ditching the Guilt: A direct message to the moms who feel like they "should" be able to do it all alone because they work from home. 🔗 Resources & Links: * Visit The Coven Cary: https://www.thecoven.com/cary * Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecoven.cary/ Member Note: Interested in a membership? Alison breaks down the pricing and the different ways The Coven makes community support accessible for every parent.

Episode 12: Navigating Neurodiversity & The "Mom Gut" with Dr. Kelly O'Laughlin

(00:00:00) Episode 12: Navigating Neurodiversity & The "Mom Gut" with Dr. Kelly O'Laughlin (00:00:05) Welcome to Breakroom Mom with Dr. Kelly (00:00:21) Dr. Kelly's Background and Expertise (00:01:59) Navigating Suspicions of Neurodevelopmental Issues (00:03:53) Key Terms in Autism and Neurodiversity (00:05:53) The Neuroaffirming Approach to Neurodiversity (00:07:32) Social Media and Self-Diagnosis in Neurodiversity (00:12:05) Creating a Sensory-Friendly Environment at Home (00:16:40) Managing Executive Dysfunction in Daily Life (00:32:55) Understanding and Responding to Meltdowns vs. Tantrums (00:40:17) Balancing Discipline and Affirmation for Neurodiverse Children (00:42:10) The "Permission Slip" every burnt-out mom needs Does your gut tell you that your child sees the world differently? In this episode, we’re joined by licensed pediatric psychologist Dr. Kelly O’Laughlin to bridge the gap between a mother’s intuition and a formal clinical diagnosis. With 15 years of experience in autism assessments, Dr. Kelly breaks down the "neuro-affirming" approach, helps us distinguish between sensory meltdowns and boundary-testing tantrums, and gives us permission to stop fighting the "neurotypical" script. If you are a high-performing mom trying to navigate the school system while protecting your own mental health, this "breakroom" session is for you.

Episode 11: Permission to Pivot, Reclaiming Your Health with Steph, MPH RDN

(00:00:00) Episode 11: Permission to Pivot, Reclaiming Your Health with Steph, MPH RDN (00:00:05) Welcome to Breakroom Mom with Steph (00:00:28) Meet Steph: Nutrition Expert and Wellness Coach (00:01:07) The Struggle of Healthy Eating as a Mom (00:02:05) Tantrum Time: Challenging Wellness Narratives (00:04:05) Tantrum Time: The Parking Lot Incident (00:06:50) Steph's Journey: From Yo-Yo Dieting to Mindful Eating (00:20:36) Navigating the Pressure of Perfection in Health and Wellness (00:30:47) The Nourished Method: A Holistic Approach to Nutrition (00:33:14) Redefining Exercise for Busy Moms (00:37:04) Rapid Fire Q&A: Nutrition and Wellness Tips (00:40:25) Managing Sugar Cravings without Deprivation (00:46:40) Honest Thoughts on GLP-1s (Ozempic/Wegovy) From Cold Nuggets to "The Nourished Method": Ending the Survival Eating Cycle. In this episode of Breakroom Mom, host Julie sits down with Steph, a Registered Dietitian and the founder of Fit & Fed. If your current diet consists of your kids’ leftovers and your "workout" feels non-existent because you can't find 45 minutes for the gym, this conversation is your permission slip to do things differently. Julie and Stephanie tackle the "wellness noise" head-on—from the pressure of 80s diet culture to the "bounce back" expectations of today's fitness influencers. Stephanie shares her "Nourished Method," explaining why there are no "good" or "bad" foods and how to model a healthy relationship with food for your children without the shame or the stress of cooking multiple meals. In this episode, we dive into: * Moving Past Survival Eating: How to transition from "cold chicken nugget" lunches to feeling truly fed without adding more to your to-do list. * Filtering the Wellness Noise: Stephanie’s take on seed oils, keto, and why you don’t need to follow every trend to be healthy. * Redefining Movement: Why a 45-minute gym session isn't the only way to "count" exercise during the busy toddler and baby years. * The "Almond Mom" Legacy: How Zillennial parents can heal from 80s diet culture and protect their kids’ relationship with food. * Rapid Fire Truths: Stephanie’s honest thoughts on GLP-1s, the "healthy eating is too expensive" myth, and advice for the 38-year-old struggling to lose the last 10 pounds. * The Shame Spiral: How to move past a "terrible day of eating" and balance that chocolate chip cookie with ease. Stop viewing health as a chore and start viewing it as a cheat code for a better life. Tune in for a refreshing, shame-free look at modern motherhood and nutrition. Connect with Stephanie Greunke: * Instagram: @fitandfedbysteph * Work with Steph: The Nourished Method & 30-Day Meal Plan (Link in her bio!) * Stay Tuned: Keep an eye out for her upcoming wellness app!

Episode 10: The Truth About Childbirth - Everything You Need to Know with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln

(00:00:00) Episode 10: The Truth About Childbirth - Everything You Need to Know with Dr. Jennifer Lincoln (00:00:05) Welcome Dr. Jennifer Lincoln (00:00:19) The Importance of "The Birth Book" (00:05:53) Debunking Birth Myths: The Dangers of Unassisted Births (00:09:35) The Crucial Role of Partners in the Birth Process (00:13:22) Unexpected Challenges in the Birth Experience (00:16:38) The Importance of Choosing the Right OB and Birth Setting (00:20:40) Catholic Hospitals and Birth Control Restrictions (00:23:56) The Truth About Eating During Labor (00:26:30) Postpartum Sex: Breaking the Silence (00:29:29) Dealing with Stillbirth: A Provider's Perspective (00:37:26) Rapid Fire: Hospital Bag "Waste of Space" & Common Patient Questions (00:42:54) What is a Lotus Birth? (And Why Dr. Lincoln Isn't a Fan) (00:47:13) Being a "Difficult Patient": How to Advocate Without Fear (00:53:01) Parent "Cheat Codes" for an Independent Household Is your birth plan a "wish list" or a communication tool? 🤰In this episode of Breakroom Mom, we sit down with board-certified OBGYN and best-selling author Dr. Jennifer Lincoln to pull back the curtain on the modern birthing experience. Known for her "no-nonsense" approach and viral evidence-based advice, Dr. Lincoln joins us to discuss her latest work, The Birth Book, and to help expectant parents navigate the noise of internet myths and TikTok trends.Whether you are preparing for your first baby or your fourth, this conversation is packed with the "insider" information they don't always tell you in the doctor’s office.We dive deep into: * Myth-Busting: The truth about "free birth," eating during labor, and the 6-week sex rule. * Patient Advocacy: How to speak up for yourself (and your body) without feeling like a "difficult patient." * The Business of Birth: Why you need to check if your anesthesiologist is in-network before you're 5cm dilated. * Empowered Decisions: Navigating different hospital models, state laws, and religious directives to get the care you deserve. Dr. Lincoln’s mission is to replace fear with facts. Grab a coffee, join us in the breakroom, and let's get you ready for the big day with confidence and clarity. Connect with Our Guest: * Book: The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and Empowered Childbirth * Instagram: @DrJenniferLincoln * TikTok: @drjenniferlincoln

Episode 9: Real Talk on Business Failures, Retail Growth, and the Reality of Content Creation with Cheyenne Levinson

(00:00:00) Welcome to the Breakroom: Introducing Serial Entrepreneur Cheyenne Levinson In this episode of the Breakroom Mom Podcast, I’m sitting down with the ultimate "multi-hyphenate" entrepreneur, Cheyenne Levinson.Most know her as the creative force behind Triangle Families Explore, but Cheyenne’s journey started long before the digital grid. We dive deep into her experience as a serial entrepreneur—from founding beloved local brick-and-mortar shops like The Little Oak Collective and State of Thrift to her role as a powerhouse content creator.In this episode, we discuss: * The Serial Entrepreneur Journey: The highs and lows of starting physical retail stores in the Triangle. * The Pivot: How "failures" in previous ventures became the blueprint for her current success. * Content Creation vs. Reality: Debunking the biggest misconceptions about what she actually does for a living. * Mom-Life & Real Housewives: Laughing through the chaos and why a little reality TV is the perfect reset. Whether you are a fellow business owner, an aspiring creator, or a local mom looking for your next adventure, Cheyenne’s story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.