Father’s Day Throwback: Breaking Generational Curses with dopedad_e

You Deserve Help at Home: Childcare Wisdom from a VIP Nanny

Nannies work with families all around the world. They often become like family members and give parents the chance to work, unwind, or just enjoy some time alone. But how do you choose between a babysitter, a nanny, or an au pair? In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché talks with Rebecca Stewart. Rebecca is the founder and owner of VIP Nannies, a Los Angeles agency that serves Oscar winners, pro baseball players, and other well-known clients seeking privacy. Rebecca may work with celebrities, but she still has helpful advice for any mom considering childcare. She explains why taking a night off for a date or time with friends or family can be so valuable. Not everyone needs a full-time nanny, but having regular help can make a big difference. Rebecca also stresses that having regular help on the horizon can do a lot to help with the mental load of motherhood, especially when moms are struggling or need a break. Rebecca also explains how to find the right nanny or babysitter. She covers everything from background checks to positive signs, like someone who loves their job or has stayed in past positions for a long time. She encourages moms to take their time and do their homework to find the best fit for their family. This is NOT something you want to cut corners on - a nanny or babysitter could become a big part of your family, and it’s important to choose the right person. Finally, Rebecca says the first thing moms should do is think about their childcare budget. Childcare can be expensive and finding help isn’t always easy, so it’s important to know what you can afford before you start looking. Episode Highlights 01:19 – What is VIP Nannies, and who are their clients? 02:24 – Rebecca’s experience of needing help after giving birth. 04:14 – The difference between a nanny and a babysitter. 07:08 – What should moms do if they can’t afford a full-time nanny? 09:32 – The less-obvious benefits of hiring childcare help. 10:27 – Red flags when looking for a nanny.  14:54 – Green flags when looking for a nanny. 17:48 – The importance of setting a childcare budget. About the Guest: Rebecca Stewart Rebecca Stewart is the Founder and Owner of VIP Nannies Inc., Los Angeles's premier household staffing agency. Her story began at 24, when losing her nanny job with a high-profile family inspired her to start her own agency. She got a small business loan and launched VIP Nannies with just a phone and a vision. Today, Rebecca works quietly behind the scenes for some of the world’s most well-known families, including Oscar-winning actors, famous '90s pop stars, and Forbes Top 50 families. She has made over 2,500 successful placements and partners with the LA Rams and LA Chargers. Her reputation stands out for two reasons: her strong sense of discretion and her genuine, small-town approach that makes every client feel special. Connect With Us Momcozy Website [https://momcozy.com/?utm_source=Pod-EP25&utm_medium=contents&utm_campaign=Pod-EP25] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/momcozy] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@momcozy] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momcozy/] Rebecca Stewart VIP Nannies’ Website [https://www.vipnannyagency.com/] About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood. Enjoying the Show?  Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com [https://koalatots.supercast.com/]   Narrated by Abbe Opher Music by Sokratis Seirlis Instagram: @koalakids.fm [http://koalakids.fm/]

Father’s Day Throwback: Breaking Generational Curses with dopedad_e

We’re turning back the clock for Father’s Day with a special episode with Eric Taylor (dope_dad_e). Many dads struggle with the responsibilities of fatherhood, leaving moms to shoulder the burden alone. How can dads break these curses? With his viral ‘dusty son’ trend featured on The Sherri Show, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America, Eric has become a powerful voice around breaking generational curses, loving with intention, and raising kids with purpose. Eric opens up about what “dusty” really means, sharing his own evolution from dusty habits to intentional fatherhood. He reflects on how growing up without a father, living through addiction, and learning from his wife’s example helped him step into the husband and dad he wants to be. The conversation also explores the loneliness men often face in fatherhood, the shifting of friendships and relationships when kids come along, and the courage it takes to ask: ‘Who do I want to be for my partner, my children, and myself?’ Episode Highlights 00:55 – Why Eric got into social media to share his message. 02:19 – What is a ‘dusty’ son? 04:50 – Eric’s experiences of his shortcomings as a husband and dad. 06:17 – What are generational curses? 10:19 – Can you train yourself to be a good father or partner? 12:28 – How do dads experience loneliness? 16:23 – How does friendship work in dad circles? 17:53 – What questions do moms ask Eric? 21:01 – Moms need to let dads do their part. 23:13 – Men hate to feel stupid 24:12  – Parents need to start saying what they need. 24:12  – Eric’s final thoughts. About the Guest: Eric Taylor (dopedad_e) Eric Taylor is a parenting and marriage content creator known as dopedad_e on social media. Eric creates relatable parenting and relationship content for his community of nearly 300k followers, emphasizing breaking generational curses, loving your spouse with power, and raising your children with purpose. He has collaborated with brands like Sour Patch Kids, Play-Doh, Dave’s Killer Bread, and Time 4 Learning. In 2023, his ‘Dusty Son’ viral trend was featured on The Sherri Show, Buzzfeed, and Good Morning America, and his content has been further featured in publications like Parents and Goodful. Connect With Us Momcozy Website [https://momcozy.com/?utm_source=Pod-EP24&utm_medium=contents&utm_campaign=Pod-EP24] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/momcozy] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@momcozy] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momcozy/] Lalaina Rabary LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalainarabary/] Eric Taylor Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dopedad_e/?hl=en] | Website [https://www.thekingdomfam.com/] About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood. Enjoying the Show? Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com [https://koalatots.supercast.com/]   Narrated by Abbe Opher Music by Sokratis Seirlis Instagram: @koalakids.fm [http://koalakids.fm/]

Are You Here?: Parenting Through Grief with Jenny Robinson Clark

Losing a parent is always hard. But, how do you talk to your kids about grief while also trying to heal yourself? In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché chats with actress and author Jenny Robinson Clark about loss, parenting through grief, and what led her to write her children’s book Are You Here?. Jenny talks about losing her mother in 2018 and a powerful moment that began her healing. She woke up at 3:00 AM and felt her mom was speaking to her. What began as song lyrics she wrote with her husband, Travis Clark, later became a children’s book about noticing the special ways our loved ones stay with us. Jenny shares what it was like to grieve while raising young kids, how she moved through the stages of grief, and the habits that helped her find peace again. She mentions meditation, prayer, journaling, and even talking to her mom every day, showing that remembering loved ones can be part of daily life. Jenny also talks about being open with her kids about emotions, helping them be curious about death rather than scared, and allowing both joy and grief to coexist.  Overall, Jenny thinks that going through grief has made her a more communicative, conscious parent who is able to talk to her children about difficult topics and help them grow. Episode Highlights 01:12 – What is Are You Here? about and why did Jenny write it? 03:49 – Trying something new during every pregnancy. 06:49 – The dreams, desires, and purpose outside of pregnancy. 07:44 – How Jenny kept parenting through her grief. 10:25 – Connecting with a loved one when they’re no longer there. 12:20 – Jenny’s children were part of her grief process.  17:44 – What Jenny wishes every parent knew about grief. 21:02 –  How grief changed Jenny’s parenting style. About the Guest: Jenny Robinson Clark Jenny Robinson Clark is a believer in the enduring power of love and the magical signs all around us. The first draft of Are You Here? was written in the wee hours of the morning in a season of grief after the passing of her mom, Gigi. Her husband, Travis, turned Gigi's message into a hit song and then encouraged her to develop it into a children's book. Prior to her life as a mom/author/entrepreneur, she was a dancer and actor in California.  With a lot of faith and courage, Jenny and Travis relocated the family from Orlando, FL to Nashville, TN to build a creative life with their four children. Through storytelling and song, they hope to offer comfort to anyone who has deeply missed someone and still longs to feel close. Jenny Robinson was an actor known for Meet the Spartans, Iron Man 2, and Burlesque. She has been married to Travis Clark of the band We The Kings since December 30, 2014. Connect With Us Momcozy Website [https://momcozy.com/?utm_source=Pod-EP25&utm_medium=contents&utm_campaign=Pod-EP25] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/momcozy] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@momcozy] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momcozy/] | Mother’s Day Sale  [https://momcozy.com/pages/mothers-day-sale] Jenny Robinson Clark Website [https://www.jennyrobinsonclark.com/] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jennyrobinsonclark/?hl=en] About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood. Enjoying the Show?  Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com [https://koalatots.supercast.com/]   Narrated by Abbe Opher Music by Sokratis Seirlis Instagram: @koalakids.fm [http://koalakids.fm/]

When Motherhood Feels Heavy: Getting Help for Postpartum Depression

Mental health challenges are the most common complication during pregnancy and after childbirth, affecting at least one in five women. Even so, many mothers find it hard to tell when their feelings go beyond just normal tiredness. How can parents tell the difference, and where can they get help? In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, host Natalie Gouché talks with Adrienne Griffen, Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance. Adrienne shares her own experience with postpartum depression, including the challenges of getting care while raising both a toddler and a newborn. Adrienne explains that mental health screening should happen more than once, during pregnancy, around childbirth, and throughout the postpartum period. She talks about how joy and overwhelm can exist together, but when depression or anxiety start to outweigh joy, it’s important to notice.  She also points out that if thoughts become overwhelming, like feeling unable to keep going, it may be time to reach out for support.  They also discuss the biological and life stress factors that can affect a mother’s mental health. Adrienne explains why planning ahead for the postpartum period and building a support system early are important. Episode Highlights 01:13 – Adrienne’s experience with postpartum depression 02:45  – How common are postpartum mood disorders? 05:05  –  How to tell the difference between normal exhaustion and something more. 08:25  –  What are the biggest factors that contribute to postpartum mood disorders? 10:56  – Adrienne’s experience of running support groups. 15:27  – The first steps in getting support. 19:17  – What does treatment for postpartum mood disorders look like? 21:22  – What if someone is on the fence about getting support? About the Guest: Adrienne Griffen Adrienne is an advocate and subject-matter expert in maternal mental health.  Prior to joining MMHLA, Adrienne founded Postpartum Support Virginia and served as executive director for 10 years, establishing a statewide network of peer-led support groups, creating educational programs for mental health providers and maternal-child healthcare professionals, and helping to pass legislation requiring that information about postpartum depression and anxiety be provided to new mothers.  About MMHLA: The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA) is a 501(c) (3) nonpartisan nonprofit organization leading national efforts to improve maternal mental health in the United States by advocating for policies, building partnerships, and curating information. Connect With Us Momcozy Website [https://momcozy.com/?utm_source=Pod-EP25&utm_medium=contents&utm_campaign=Pod-EP25] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/momcozy] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@momcozy] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momcozy/] Adrienne Griffen LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/adrienne-griffen-9668523b] | https://www.facebook.com/momcozyMMHLA Website [https://www.mmhla.org/] | National Maternal Mental Health Hotline [https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline] (1-833-TLC-MAMA) About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood. Enjoying the Show?  Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com [https://koalatots.supercast.com/]   Narrated by Abbe Opher Music by Sokratis Seirlis Instagram: @koalakids.fm [http://koalakids.fm/]

Mothering the Mother: Real Postpartum Self-Care with Latham Thomas

A lot of people don’t really understand what the postpartum period is like, especially when it comes to self-care. Family, friends, and other caregivers are important during this time, but how can moms figure out what actually helps after having a baby? In this special Mother’s Day episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, host Natalie Gouché chats with celebrity doula and Mama Glow founder Latham Thomas about what caring for mothers after birth really looks like. Latham shares that seeing a lack of in-person community care led her to start Mama Glow, a Black-led group that has trained over 3,000 doulas on six continents and keeps working for better maternal care. One of Latham’s main ideas is “mothering the mother.” This means seeing postpartum care as listening closely, being present, and offering support that fits each mom’s needs. Latham challenges society's focus on returning to work and being productive rather than on healing, bonding, and building community. She also says that being isolated or separated, or returning to work too soon, can be hard on both the parent and the baby. Latham encourages everyone supporting moms to care for them the way you would care for a baby, never leaving them alone, making sure they’re fed, keeping them warm, and looking after them in every way. Latham shares easy and practical self-care tips for new moms, like journaling or recording voice notes, talking with a support group about your daily ups and downs, practicing mindfulness and affirmations, getting outside, and taking breaks from your phone. She also talks about different ways to pay for doula care, including private pay, insurance, FSA or HSA accounts, Medicaid, and free options. Episode Highlights 03:22 – What does “mothering the mother” actually mean? 07:34 – What are the biggest misunderstandings of post-partum self-care? 11:11 – Treating the mom like a baby. 14:59 – Some realistic ways that moms can care for their bodies day to day. 21:22 – Simple shifts moms can make if they’re feeling overwhelmed. 22:35 – Debunking the cost of post-partum dolas. About the Guest: Latham Thomas Latham Thomas is a top women’s health expert, advocate for Black maternal health, entrepreneur, professor, and best-selling author. She started Mama Glow, a global platform for maternal health and education with a community of over 3,000 doulas in the U.S. and around the world, and the Mama Glow Foundation, a nonprofit that works for reproductive justice and birth equity. She serves on several advisory boards, has worked with Mt. Sinai and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to improve doula access, and in 2022 became a Visiting Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies at Brown University. Mama Glow’s doula training was the first course of its kind at an Ivy League school. Latham was named one of Oprah’s Super Soul 100 and has worked with celebrity clients like Alicia Keys and Anne Hathaway. She has written two best-selling books and created the guided meditation program "Peaceful Parenting." She also leads the annual Doula Expo by Mama Glow, which Good Morning America called the "Coachella for Birth Workers." With more than 20 years of experience, she is a respected speaker and advocate for better maternal health around the world. Connect With Us Momcozy Website [https://momcozy.com/?utm_source=Pod-EP25&utm_medium=contents&utm_campaign=Pod-EP25] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/momcozy] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@momcozy] | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momcozy/] | Mother’s Day Sale  [https://momcozy.com/pages/mothers-day-sale] Latham Thomas Mama Glow Website [https://mamaglow.com/] | Mama Glow Foundation Website [https://mamaglowfoundation.org/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/glowmaven/] About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond. Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood. Enjoying the Show? Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms. Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus  https://koalatots.supercast.com [https://koalatots.supercast.com/]   Narrated by Abbe Opher Music by Sokratis Seirlis Instagram: @koalakids.fm [http://koalakids.fm/]