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Want to know why motherhood in America feels like a solo sport—and how we turn it into a supported team game? We sit with Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and Moms First, to unpack the design flaws baked into school calendars, workplace norms, and city life that make caregiving harder than it has to be. From random half-days and late starts to inboxes that only email mom, we trace how policy and culture quietly draft women as default parents while calling it “choice.”

Reshma takes us upstream, connecting patriarchy’s origin story to modern expectations, and then downstream to practical fixes: splitting domains at home instead of vague “help,” inviting community back into weeknights, and letting kids witness real conflict and repair so they build resilience. We explore the pandemic’s role as a wake-up call—revealing that burnout wasn’t personal failure but structural neglect—and how that clarity launched Moms First, elevated childcare as a core affordability issue, and brought fathers into the coalition through new alliances.

We also talk about pace and health. Perimenopause, anxiety, and sleep shifts force a rethink of the grind; boundaries aren’t indulgence, they’re infrastructure for long-term impact. Along the way, we challenge the false choice between trad-wife fantasies and girlboss hustle. The third path centers policy, community, and workplaces that measure outcomes, not hours—places where caregivers can do pickup and still do big work. And yes, there’s joy: the shock of a child seeing a giraffe, the permission to feel and grieve in front of our kids, the ordinary awe that reminds us what we’re fighting for.

If you care about childcare, paid leave, sick time, equitable partnerships, and building cities that welcome families, this conversation is your blueprint. Listen, share with a parent or policymaker, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

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Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

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Zara Hanawalt https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/

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Psychology professor Tovah Klein takes us beyond social media soundbites to reveal what truly helps children develop resilience. Drawing from her 30 years directing the Barnard Center for Toddler Development, Klein offers a refreshingly balanced perspective on the trending "FAFO" (F Around and Find Out) parenting approach and why extremes rarely work when raising children.

Klein's wisdom cuts through the noise of modern parenting discourse, explaining why children need both loving support and appropriate boundaries. "Being a parent is not a soundbite," she reminds us, highlighting how unique each parent-child relationship truly is. Rather than focusing on perfect parenting methods, Klein encourages parents to embrace the inherent ups and downs while fostering children's emotional regulation skills and independence.

The conversation explores how community support for families has diminished in our individualized society, leaving many parents feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Klein shares practical insights on rebuilding supportive networks, allowing children to experience appropriate risks, and resolving conflicts independently – all crucial elements for developing genuine resilience. She distinguishes between harmful teasing and healthy humor, offering examples of how laughter can transform difficult parenting moments into opportunities for connection.

Throughout our discussion, Klein's compassionate approach acknowledges parenting challenges while providing reassurance: "It's going to be hard, and you're going to be okay." Her stories about shared joy with her own children remind us to treasure the meaningful moments amid the chaos. Whether you're struggling with a toddler's tantrums or a teenager's independence, Klein's nuanced perspective will help you parent with greater confidence and connection.

Listen now to discover how finding the middle ground between parenting extremes creates truly resilient children who can navigate life's challenges with both emotional awareness and inner strength.

Support the show

Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms

Connect with Zara:

Zara Hanawalt https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@zarahanawalt

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zarahanawalt/

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Have you ever wondered what it's actually like to take GLP-1 medications beyond the celebrity headlines? In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the reality of semaglutide medications like Ozempic, exploring their profound effects on both physical and mental health.

The conversation begins with Sam's candid personal account of using these medications for approximately a year. While the initial motivation was addressing stubborn postpartum weight gain, the most surprising benefits emerged in unexpected areas - particularly mental health. For the first time since becoming a parent, the medication quieted the constant "noise" of anxiety, OCD, and rumination that had become overwhelming. This silencing effect extended beyond food-related thoughts to shopping impulses and general mental clarity - benefits rarely discussed in mainstream coverage.

We explore the physical health transformation as well, sharing how lab results showed dramatic improvements in cholesterol, A1C levels, and other key markers. The episode doesn't shy away from discussing potential side effects either - from GI issues to the importance of protein supplementation to prevent hair loss. Listeners will gain valuable insights into proper dosing, hydration requirements, and how to work with healthcare providers when considering these medications.

The discussion challenges the stigma and criticism directed at celebrities using GLP-1s (Chrissy Teigan, Serena Williams, and more) highlighting how these medications are providing genuine health benefits that extend far beyond weight loss. Major companies are now covering these medications for employees because they recognize their positive impact on long-term health outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Whether you're curious about these medications for yourself or simply want to understand the phenomenon better, this episode provides an honest, nuanced perspective that goes beyond the headlines.

Mindful Wellness Pharmacy mentioned in the pod (Sam, Zara nor the pod are sponsored by this clinic. The clinic didn't even know we spoke about them until after the episode was recorded). Mention the pod or Sam for 10% off your order.

* The content of this podcast, including any discussions of GLP-1 medications, is provided for entertainment purposes only and reflects the personal experiences of the speaker(s). It is not intended as, and should not be relied upon for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition, medication, or treatment plan. Neither the hosts, guests, nor producers of this podcast assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Support the show

Website: https://www.doyouwantthetruthpod.com

Connect with Sam:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/samanthastrom

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@samanthastorms

Connect with Zara:

Zara Hanawalt https://www.linkedin.com/in/zara-hanawalt/

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@zarahanawalt

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zarahanawalt/