What I Wish I Knew : A Podcast About Pregnancy, Parenting, and Women's Health
Published by Christina Hunt
Kids & Family
Health & Fitness
Parenting
Hosted by BFFs Amy and Christina, this podcast was born out of the endless questions, late-night texts, and lessons learned as new moms navigating uncharted waters. We share honest conversations, expert interviews, and relatable stories that cut through the noise of social media and parenting advice overload. Whether you’re expecting, a new parent, or just curious about the realities of motherhood, you’ll find support, insight, and maybe even a few laughs along the way. Join our community of parents who know that perfection isn’t the goal—understanding and empowerment are. Follow us on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_
Drumroll for greatness – Lexi Reese joins the pod this week! Lexi is the co-founder and CEO of Lanai , an AI Empowerment Platform that helps enterprises transform AI experiments into systematic success. Before Lanai, she led the Global Programmatic Ad Business at Google and then jumped to be the COO of Gusto (a unicorn, but don’t call it a unicorn as you’ll hear Lexi explain in our interview). Always one to look for ways to do more to help others thrive, after Gusto and before Lanai, she launched a campaign for California's U.S. Senate seat. We’re tired just thinking about all of this because in addition to occupying big seats at big tables (and beautifully trying to make more seats for others) – Lexi is the mother of two girls. And for her, motherhood has been a superpower. Helping her become an even better leader (and she’s already one of the best!). As she says in this interview: “I think of motherhood as a leadership laboratory because a great leader makes people better first in their presence, but then it lasts in their absence. It stays with you. And that is what motherhood is.” In our convo we discuss: - Going from film-making and finance to the tech c-suite + a run at politics - Motherhood as a leadership laboratory - Why America sees Mothers as a bug in the system - How kids clarified her mission to leave the world better than she found it - How to operate at 75% when your norm is 125% - The role her mother and her immigrant background played in shaping how she wanted to operate in the world ******* ⭐️ Follow The Mothers and leave a 5-star review if this resonated 💬 Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it 📱 Join The Mothers on Instagram @themotherspod ✍️ Subscribe to Sara’s Substack for reflections on life, work, meaning & motherhood 💼 Find Sara on LinkedIn The Mothers is a production of Backline Media. **Friends of the Pod Week! This week, we're excited to swap episodes with The Mothers, an amazing podcast about being a mother, to introduce our communities to each other's work - because there's room for all of us moms here! If you enjoy this conversation, be sure to check out more episodes from The Mothers wherever you listen to podcasts and join Sara on Instagram @themotherspod
Dr. Joe Dzierzewski is a clinical psychologist, sleep scientist, and Senior Vice President of Research and Scientific Affairs at the National Sleep Foundation — aka one of the most qualified people we've ever had on the show. We get into everything parents of toddlers, school-age kids, and teens actually need to know about sleep: how much kids really need at every age (spoiler: probably more than you think), why tired kids often look like the opposite of tired, how everything you do during the day sets the stage for sleep that night, and why modeling good sleep habits matters more than you realize. We also talk school start times, bedtime routines, sleep products that aren't worth your money, and why consistency is the only real hack. Follow Dr. Joe and the National Sleep Foundation: @sleepfoundation Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
We sat down with Luba Patlakh — bilingual speech language pathologist, certified myofunctional therapist, mom of three, and founder of Kidology Inc . — and walked away with pages of notes. Luba started out chasing a career in broadcast journalism, worked at Good Morning America and Oxford University Press, and then took a sharp pivot into speech therapy — ultimately building a two-location therapy practice in the Philadelphia area offering speech, OT, PT, ABA, autism diagnosis, and sensory play gyms. In this episode, we get into everything: what speech-language pathology actually is, the milestone map from babble to full sentences, when to worry and when to breathe, how pacifiers and open-mouth breathing affect speech development, what childhood apraxia looks like, and why "they'll grow out of it" is advice you should push back on. We also talk bilingualism, baby talk, sibling dynamics, and why your parents' intuition is almost always right. (We told you: everything!) Whether you have a toddler, a school-age kid, or just want to understand how speech actually works, this episode will inform & delight. Follow Luba on Instagram: @lubapatlakh // @ kidologyinc Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
Michaeleen Doucleff is an award-winning NPR science correspondent and bestselling author of two of the most talked-about parenting books in recent memory — Hunt, Gather, Parent and her newest, Dopamine Kids. We dig into the world that today's parents are actually navigating: one where apps, games, streaming platforms, and ultra-processed snacks are engineered by billion-dollar companies specifically designed to keep our kids wanting more. Michaeleen breaks down why so much of the common advice around screen time is outdated, why taking things away without replacing them almost always backfires, and what the science actually says about building better habits with our kids. This conversation kept coming back to something simple but easy to lose sight of: one of our most important jobs as parents is making sure our kids experience real joy, real satisfaction, and real contentment. Not the endless wanting that comes from a screen, but the happy, settled feeling of a life lived to the fullest - even as a child. Visit Michaeleen's website: michaeleendoucleff.com Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
Kumiko Love — known as The Budget Mom — paid off nearly $80,000 in debt as a single mom and built a multi-million dollar community helping others do the same, but this conversation goes far deeper than budgets and spreadsheets. Kumiko gets honest about her own story and why she believes your finances are deeply personal — that knowing who you are and what you value is the real foundation of financial freedom. This one is equal parts money wisdom and self-discovery, and we're warning you now: have a tissue nearby. Follow Kumiko on Instagram: @thebudgetmom Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
Our favorite nutritionist is back! In this conversation with Haley Miskowiec, we dive into pregnancy nutrition and do our best to bust some myths - are you actually eating for two? What nutrients do you need more of during different trimesters? Is there a normal amount of weight gain to expect? We learned the answers to these questions and many more. Haley breaks down the facts around nutrition while pregnant. Follow Haley on Instagram: @prenatal.nutritionist Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
TW: contains content about miscarriages This episode features Dr. Liz Grill, a reproductive health expert who holds many, many titles: Director of Psychological Services at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, Professor of Clinical Psychology at Weill Cornell Medicine, Assistant Attending Psychologist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and the current Chair of RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. In short, she knows her stuff. We picked her brain about what infertility actually feels like, why so many people suffer in silence, and how to support someone going through it. Follow Dr. Grill on Instagram: @dr.lizgrill Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
When it comes to feeding your baby, there is no single path that's right for everyone - other than making sure your baby gets the nutrients it needs. This could mean breastfeeding, or pumping, or formula, or any number of combinations of these methods. We spoke with Leah Tribus, a registered nurse, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and Senior Director of Clinical and Strategic Partnerships at The Lactation Network, about the reality of making feeding decisions and all the different factors at play - including some you'll be surprised to hear. Learn why she thinks we should stop calling breastfeeding "natural", when you should consult a lactation consultant, and how to block out all the expectations that society places on women when it comes to feeding their baby. Follow Leah on Instagram: @lactationnetwork Visit their website: lactationnetwork.com Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
Attention, women in your 30's and 40's: have you ever looked at your body in the mirror and thought, “What...is....happening?” If so, we'd like to cordially welcome to perimenopause. But don't worry - it's not the beginning of the end. Think of it as a recalibration, a years-long hormonal shuffle that can make your workouts feel weird and your sleep impossible (even without little kids to blame.) In this episode, Christina sits down with CrossFit champion, coach, and mom of four Michaela North — someone who has lived high-intensity sport, multiple babies, and now a totally different relationship with strength, protein, and recovery — to break down what’s actually happening (fr fr), and what you can do about it. Follow Michaela on Instagram: @hungryfitness Visit their website: hungryfitness.co Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
As women, we can be our own worst enemy when it comes to recognizing our true worth. We're overly critical of our appearance, we prioritize our family's needs over our own, and we judge ourselves more harshly than anyone else. In part 2 of our series with Dr. Cara Reeves, a clinical psychologist and executive member of Girlology, we discuss ways to combat this negative behavior and model authentic, lasting self-love. Follow Girlology on Instagram: @girlology Visit their website: girlology.com Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
This episode is dedicated to all those who are (or will be!) raising girls. With all the pressure and societal expectations placed on our collective shoulders about what a girl "should" be and how a girl "should" behave, how do we move forward confidently in the direction we know to be right? How do we model self-confidence, self-love, independence, strength, and respect? We spoke with Dr. Cara Reeves, a clinical psychologist and executive member of Girlology - a fact-based, physician-designed health education resource for girls and their parents - about these questions and more. Follow Girlology on Instagram: @girlology Visit their website: girlology.com Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
Staying connected to your partner after having kids can be a real challenge. Between busy schedules, erratic sleep patterns, and the added financial & logistical pressure that comes with children....it's no wonder that many couples fall into a cycle of just making it through the day rather than focusing on their relationship. We spoke with J ocelyn & Aaron Freeman , acclaimed marriage coaches and authors, about realistic ways to re-connect with your partner. From leading with curiosity to understanding how your upbringing affects your behavior, we dig deep into connection after kids. Follow the Freemans on Instagram: @meet_thefreemans Visit their website: meetthefreemans.com Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
TW: Breast cancer We're kicking off 2026 by talking about BOOBS! We chatted with Dr. Dana Bonaminio, a world-class radiologist, mom of 2, and breast cancer survivor, about all things breast-related. We cover basic breast health must-knows, what mammograms do & why they're so important, and factors that increase your risk of breast cancer. Plus, we may have coined the term "jiggle-ometer"... Follow Dr. Bonaminio on Instagram: @danabonaminio Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
Starting solids can feel overwhelming. From fear around choking to pressure about doing baby-led weaning “the right way,” many parents are left confused, anxious, and unsure where to begin. In this episode of What I Wish I Knew , we sit down with Jenny Best , founder and CEO of Solid Starts , to break down the science and reality of feeding babies real food. Jenny shares evidence-based guidance on baby-led weaning, gagging versus choking, oral development, and how babies actually learn to eat. We talk about why gagging is a normal and important part of development, why babies don’t need teeth to eat real food, and how letting babies self-feed can reduce choking risk. Jenny also explains how pressure at the table can backfire, contributing to picky eating and negative food relationships later on. This conversation covers: The difference between gagging and choking Why gagging is developmentally normal How babies learn to map their mouths and chew safely Common myths about starting solids and baby food Why self-feeding supports long-term feeding skills How to approach holiday meals and family food pressure Tools and resources that actually help parents feel confident Whether you’re preparing to introduce solids, already in the thick of feeding a baby, or supporting a new parent, this episode offers practical, reassuring, and science-backed advice to help you feel more confident at the table. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing this right?” — this episode is for you.
TW: Pregnancy loss & infertility We sat down with Dr. Jessica Zucker—psychologist, author, and creator of the #IHadaMiscarriage movement—for a conversation about the silence surrounding pregnancy loss, infertility, and grief, among many other experiences that women share. We learned about how deeply conditioned that silence is, and the true cost of carrying these feelings alone. Jessica shares why speaking your truth matters, how story-sharing can be healing (without necessarily being performative), and what it can look like to finally break the silence. This episode gets a little heavy at times, and it's deeply human. Follow Dr. Zucker on Instagram: @ihadamiscarriage Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
We sat down with Dr. Allison Mell - pediatric physical therapist, founder of Tots on Target , and the internet’s favorite “don’t panic, your kid is fine” voice - to talk about baby milestones in a way that was truly no-stressie. Allison has a gift for helping parents understand what actually matters when your baby rolls, crawls, stands, or… refuses to do any of the above on the timeline you have in your head. We dig into why independent floor time is a superpower, the stages of learning to walk, whether shoes are a go or no-go, and much more. Most importantly, we talk about why watching your kid rather than obsessing over a milestone is the way to go. Follow Dr. Mell on Instagram: @totsontarget Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
We chat with the co-hosts of The C-Section Experience podcast, Dr. Jen Wagner and Bethany Scott, and dig into what c-sections are really like, why they don't have to be as traumatic as people think, and how to mentally prepare for the experience. Follow The C-Section Experience on Instagram: @thecsectionexperience Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
We sat down with Devon Kuntzman, founder of Transforming Toddlerhood and author of the upcoming book by the same name, to talk about one of the most misunderstood stages of parenting—the toddler years. Devon makes a convincing case that this stage isn’t just about surviving, but about understanding the brain growth, emotional regulation, and learning how to be a tiny human with biiiiiiig feelings. We dig into the construction zone that is the toddler brain, and how punishment actually works against their development. Finally, we discuss what it means to parent as a confident leader (think: not a pushover, not a drill sergeant.) Are you living with a small, wildly chaotic roommate who calls you Mommy? If so, this episode might tickle your fancy. Follow Devon on Instagram: @transformingtoddlerhood Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
We sat down for our second session with Dr. Sarah Oreck - reproductive psychiatrist, medical advisor for Natural Cycles fertility tracking app, and mom of three. We tackled the mystical "6-week check-up" for postpartum moms and why it can feel overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. We discussed how to handle conversations about intimacy during the fourth trimester, and what Dr. Oreck would change about how our country supports moms. We get a little salty, we get a little riled up, and we lay out the facts. This conversation is equal parts validation (once again - no, you're not crazy) and action plan for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re carrying it all. Follow Dr. Sarah Oreck on Instagram: @ sarahoreckmd Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
We sat down with Dr. Corinne Low, economist and author of the new book "Having It All", to unpack what “having it all” actually means for women today and why the BS version society sells us is impossible (and exhausting). Corinne blends data, research, and her own lived experience to show how much of women’s time is squeezed by invisible labor, why men and women aren’t playing by the same rules at work OR at home, and how redefining success can be both liberating and life-changing. We cover everything from why mowing the lawn is not the same as caring for a child, to the economics of “secondary childcare” (yep, doing two jobs at once - sadly, something women are all too familiar with), to how to figure out what you actually value instead of living by someone else’s script. She gives us permission to find our OWN version of joy and helps us figure out how to experience it way more often. Pre-order Corinne's new book on her website: https://www.corinnelow.com/book Follow Corinne on Instagram: @ corinnelow.phd Follow WIWIK on Instagram: @whatiwishiknew_ Music by Ben Scott Motion Design by Banona.co
