Episode 91: The Potty Training Journey: Readiness, Regression & Releasing the Pressure with Jess from Nurtured First
Episode 91: The Potty Training Journey: Readiness, Regression & Releasing the Pressure with Jess from Nurtured First
In this episode, Rachael welcomes back psychotherapist Jess Vanderwier from Nurtured First to talk all things potty training, because no one told us how complex (and emotional) it can really be! From readiness signs to regressions and nighttime dryness, Jess brings her compassionate, shame-free approach to one of the most talked-about parenting transitions.
Together, they dive into all of your most-asked questions about potty “training” including how to tune into your child’s cues and what to do when things don’t go as planned. Whether you’re just starting out, hitting a rough patch, or questioning everything you thought you knew, this episode is for you.
Inside this episode:
Why there's no “right” age to start potty training
How to spot signs of readiness (hint: curiosity matters more than compliance)
The danger of pressure and how it can lead to power struggles
What to do when accidents (or regressions) happen
The emotional side of potty training and how to stay curious, not reactive
Differences between daytime and nighttime dryness
Why three-day methods don’t work for every child
How shame-free potty learning fosters independence and confidence
Ways to create positive associations and model behavior
Why taking a break might be the best thing you can do
Plus so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Follow Jess on Instagram: @nurturedfirst
Jess’s parenting podcast Robot Unicorn
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
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39:12
Episode 90: Rebuilding After Divorce: Communication, Co-Parenting & Finding Yourself Again with Betsy Kelly
Episode 90: Rebuilding After Divorce: Communication, Co-Parenting & Finding Yourself Again with Betsy Kelly
In this episode, Rachael sits down with SLP turned Divorce Doula and Podcast host, Betsy Kelly to talk about navigating the often isolating and emotional journey of divorce. Betsy shares her deeply personal story of choosing herself, learning to co-parent with clarity and compassion, and the power of creating community through storytelling. Together, they explore what it really means to rebuild after a marriage ends—and why no one should have to do it alone.
Inside this episode:
Betsy’s story of feeling alone when she made the decision to divorce
The surprising link between communication, connection, and healing
Tips for talking to kids about divorce in age-appropriate ways
Why approaching co-parenting like a business helps reduce conflict
The emotional toll of bad-mouthing an ex—and why it harms kids
The importance of therapy, friendships and finding a trusted confidant
Why no two divorce journeys look the same
Rebuilding identity and rediscovering self-worth, dating and more post-divorce
How Betsy’s podcast Divorce Stories is helping others feel less alone
& so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Betsy on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@divorcedoulabetsy?_t=ZP-8vW3o1l0qlS&_r=1
Divorce Stories Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/divorce-stories/id1808073006
A special thank you to our listeners on Betsy’s website here- https://www.betsykellycoaching.com/heysleepybaby
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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39:52
Episode 89: Debunking Vaccine Myths: Making Choices with Evidence and Compassion with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik
Episode 89: Debunking Vaccine Myths: Making Choices with Evidence and Compassion with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik
In this episode, Rachael sits down with scientist, mom, and writer Dr. Liz Marnik to talk about one of the most emotionally charged topics in modern parenting: vaccines. Together, they explore how fear, misinformation, and anxiety shape parental decision-making—and why accessible, compassionate science communication matters more than ever.
Inside this episode:
Dr. Marnik’s personal journey from vaccine hesitancy to scientific advocacy
How anxiety and fear influence parents’ vaccine decision-making
What’s really in vaccines—and why it’s safe
Debunking myths: autism, immune overload, and the "too many too soon" idea
Why measles is more dangerous than most people realize
Understanding herd immunity and who it protects
Why misinformation spreads faster than facts—and how to pause before sharing
How to talk to vaccine-hesitant loved ones with curiosity, not judgment
& so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Liz on Instagram: @ScienceWhizLiz & @ThoseNerdyGirls
Substack: https://fromthescienceclass.substack.com/
Vaccine schedule differences
Too many vaccines
More on Liz here:
The reason my mom didn't vaccinate
Science Saved Me
Lessons From a Vaccinated Daughter of a Vaccine Hesitant Mother
Autism and vaccines
Substack: Comprehensive Review of MMR
Resources & Info
Substack: Vaccines are not associated with autism
Measles
Substack: Measles is NEVER EVER beneficial
Instagram
FAQs
How can I protect myself from measles?
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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52:23
Episode 88: One and Done or One More? How to Trust your Own Path with Amanda White
In this episode, Rachael sits down with therapist, author, and mom Amanda E. White to unpack the often unspoken truths about motherhood—ambivalence, choice, and the radical permission to not love every moment. Together, they talk about what it means to question the path of parenthood, to feel unsure, and to still be a good enough parent. This is a deep-dive into choosing your own way in a culture obsessed with “doing it right.”
Inside this episode:
What it means to be a “fence sitter” about motherhood
How social media shapes unrealistic expectations about parenting
The grief of unlived lives and letting go of former selves
Navigating differing desires with your partner about family size
The emotional toll of infertility and decision-making
How to know if you’re done having kids—or not
Why desire, not fear or pressure, should guide family planning decisions
Permission to change your mind—and the freedom in uncertainty
& so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Amanda’s website: therapyforwomencenter.com
Substack: Fence Sitter
Podcast: Nuance Needed
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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43:16
Episode 87: Neurodivergent Children: Sleep, Sensory Needs, and the Right Support with Lauren Sloan
Episode 87: Neurodivergent Children: Sleep, Sensory Needs, and the Right Support with Lauren Sloan
What does it mean to support neurodivergent children in a world that doesn’t always understand their unique needs? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by registered nurse and sleep specialist (not to mention mom of 3!) Lauren Sloan to talk about her experiences parenting three neurodivergent boys—and why typical advice about sleep, routines, and behavior often falls short.
We’re digging deep into the realities of raising neurodivergent kids—how sensory processing impacts sleep, why traditional sleep training can be risky, and why parents need flexibility, compassion, and the right resources to truly support their children. Lauren brings her professional expertise and personal stories to topics like bedtime routines, feeding challenges, sleep struggles, and the power of understanding your child’s sensory world.
Inside this episode…
Lauren’s personal journey raising three neurodivergent boys
Why sensory processing is crucial for understanding sleep challenges in all children
How “stimming” is a natural, important way kids regulate themselves
Why one-size-fits-all sleep training methods can backfire for ND and Autistic children
How sensory needs impact bedtime routines and feeding transitions
Sensory techniques and tools that can help calm kids down at bedtime
The potential risks of things like reward charts and rigid routines for neurodivergent children
How parents can self-refer and seek the right support early on
The emotional toll of parenting when systems don’t fit your child—and how to find validation and help
Plus so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Lauren’s Instagram: @spiritedbabysleep
Substack: Spirited Baby Sleep – spiritedbabysleep.substack.com
Where to Start: Finding Support: https://spiritedbabysleep.myflodesk.com/aogt5sf52c
My Baby Hates the Car Seat: https://spiritedbabysleep.myflodesk.com/r6t6g0ndw6
Early Neurodiversity Course: https://spiritedbabysleep.thrivecart.com/early-neurodiversity/
Lauren’s Recommended Resources:
Parents as Teachers
Lesson Pix
Twinkl
Learning Corner
Books:
The out of sync child has fun
The Pocket Guide to Neurodiversity
Sincerely Your Autistic Child
NeuroTribes
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
No One Told Us the truth about parenthood. WHY?!
Welcome to No One Told Us, the podcast where we uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about parenthood. I'm your host, Rachael Shepard-Ohta, mom of three and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. Each week, join me as we dive deep into the joys, challenges, and surprises of raising children with a mix of expert insights, personal anecdotes, and candid conversations.
From navigating postpartum anxiety to mastering the art of making mom friends, and from introducing solids to tackling tantrums, we cover it all. Whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, this podcast is your go-to resource for honest advice, relatable stories, and plenty of laughs along the way.
Join me as I sit down with experts in their fields, as well as friends, family, celebrities, and influencers, to share their experiences and wisdom on everything from sleepless nights to rocky relationships. No topic is off-limits, and no story goes untold on No One Told Us.
So grab a cup of coffee, pop in your headphones and join the conversation. This is the podcast everyone needed before they had kids- because now that those little ones are here, there's a lot to unpack. So let's pull back the curtain on becoming a first-time mom (or dad!) to share the good, the bad and the ugly. A little education, a little fun, and a whole lot of heart goes into each and every episode of No One Told Us to have you feeling less alone and way more empowered.
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