Mommyhood Unscripted

Every 52 minutes, someone dies as a direct result of an eating disorder in the U.S. -- making them one of the deadliest yet most overlooked mental challenges in our country. Plus, the fact that over 30 million Americans are affected by this silent crisis drives home the fact of why it's so important that we talk about this difficult topic. Nicole chatted with Johanna Kandel who is the Founder and CEO of The National Alliance for Eating Disorders. Not only has Johanna recovered from a decade-long battle with an eating disorder, but she has made it her mission to provide nationwide education, resources, and support groups to those in need through her non-profit. If you're a parent or guardian, it is so important that you hear this information, so you can be equipped with the knowledge of what early warning signs may look like if someone is struggling.-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Johanna KandelInstagram: @allianceforedWebsite: www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: Nicole.Nalepa@wfsb.com or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

How often do you put your needs on the backburner? It's easy to do, since so many people depend on you. But what if we told you it's actually imperative that you put yourself first? Well, get ready…because this is a conversation every mom needs to hear! It's all about healthy habits you can instill in your life and put into action so you can THRIVE! Nationally certified health and wellness coach and registered nurse, Kristen Reed of “Nursing Your Way to Wellness” is back on “Mommyhood Unscripted” with 5 simple tips to get you ahead of the formidable “mom burnout” we've experienced at one time or another. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Kristen Reed, RN, BSN, BA, HN-BChttps://www.nursingyourwaytowellness.com/Instagram: @nursingyourwaytowellness**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: Nicole.Nalepa@wfsb.com or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

This is a special episode all about love -- whether you're in a relationship, married, single, or perhaps on a mission to setup a friend up with someone. Dating coach and Netflix star, Aleeza Ben Shalom joins Nicole for an in-depth conversation. In addition to her Netflix series, "Jewish Matchmaking", Aleeza is busy working with people of all backgrounds and just came out with a book called, "Matchmaker Matchmaker: Find Me a Love That Lasts". So be prepared to find out what you may be doing wrong, what you're doing right, and how you can secure a love that lasts! This episode is packed with some great insight, rules, tips, and hacks that will put you on track to understanding how to love and be loved. This is a fun, humorous, and candid conversation that is reminiscent to the feeling you get after a getting off the phone with a good friend of yours... P.S. Did we mention that Aleeza is also a mom of 5?! -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Aleeza Ben ShalomInstagram: @aleezabenshalomWebsite: https://www.marraigemindedmentor.com**If there's a specific topic you'd like to hear about, or you'd like to be featured on "Mommyhood Unscripted ", contact Nicole Nalepa at: Nicole.Nalepa@wfsb.com or on social media: @NicoleNalepaTV

Alcohol. It's one of the most addictive drugs in America, and it's also the most socially acceptable one. How many times have you seen products or memes on social media promoting drinking "...because motherhood is hard"..."Mommy needs wine"....or "I wine because my kids whine". Everyone's relationship with alcohol is different -- but for those who really struggle with it, it can be a matter of life or death. Celeste Yvonne is the author of the book, "It's Not About The Wine: The Loaded Truth Behind Mommy Wine Culture" -- which explores why mothers are drinking more than ever, and how to break free; and this all comes from experience. Celeste's children were 1 and 3 years-old when she quit drinking. She described herself as a "gray area drinker" -- some days she could moderate her alcohol intake, but on a random day she didn't have the ability to turn the drinking off. This eye-opening conversation is one for the books, whether you're looking to evaluate your relationship to alcohol and motherhood or not. Celeste not only talks candidly about her sobriety and mental health, but she offers up some great advice on how moms everywhere can lighten their mental load in safe and effective way.-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Celeste Yvonne Instagram: @theultimatemomchallengeWebsite: https://www.celesteyvonne.com/

Video games were created as a form of entertainment. But for many parents, the concerns over their children's safety--when playing multi-player games online (and too much screen time) seems to be top of mind. So how can we ensure that our kids are picking the right games? And is there a way we can monitor things? Nicole chats with Aubrey Quinn, the Senior Vice President of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA). She has all the answers to our questions — including everything we need to know about parental controls on these gaming devices — so you can make more of an informed decision for your family. Consider this your personal guide to video game safety!-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Aubrey QuinnWebsite: www.ESRB.org

Mommyhood Unscripted is starting off a new season and a new year with some motivating words and stories from Peloton coach and fellow mama, Selena Samuela. In this episode, Nicole and Selena KEEP IT REAL talking about the highs and lows of motherhood, their postpartum bodies, and the struggle moms experience when it comes to actually getting our bodies moving! If it's one thing moms feel they don't have enough of, it's time. But Selena has some inspiring tips to help us all maximize the minutes for the sake of your health!Happy listening...and remember mama, you're doing great!-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Selena SamuelaInstagram: @selenasamuela

Consider this your crash course on how to approach the holiday chaos with your children -- both young and old. What can you do to set your family up for success? What things will you be doing that may result in a difficult day of parenting? This season is a time of joy, a time of being cranky and overtired, but it's a time of being together. National parenting expert, Danielle Lindner joins Nicole back on the show for some great tips including: some fun ideas that won't break the bank -- or send you into a panic because you've overpacked your schedule! Also, Danielle shares some great tools on how to prepare your kids for their routine once the holiday break is over! -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Danielle LindnerInstagram: @danielle.lindnerWebsite: https://daniellelindner.com/

The holidays are a time of joy, yet they can also be a time of stress -- especially if you have a picky eater on your hands. The holidays are also notorious for throwing routines off -- which is something our kids thrive on. So if you're already fretting over how the special holiday meal at grandma's is going to go, or how you're going to deal with the relatives saying something about your child or doing something with your child involving food, then this episode is for you! With over 2 MILLION followers on her Instagram account, "Kids Eat in Color", Jennifer Anderson has been helping families feed their children from their first bite of solid food, through picky eating and nutritional needs. This pediatric dietician founded her public health company out of the frustration over her own child's picky eating habits; and it has now grown to an authoritative resource with a full team of experts who are committed to providing the support and guidance that parents need to help their kids eat better and thrive at mealtime! Nicole and Jennifer go over unrealistic expectations we setup for our children around the table, the 5 strategies to help picky eaters when visiting family, and the negative effects "diet talk" can have on our children. So if you're looking for some permission to let your picky eater be picky during the holidays -- so you can focus on other things -- you're about to get that. (You're welcome!)-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDNInstagram: @kids.eat.in.colorWebsite: https://kidseatincolor.com/

The holiday season is full of fun activities and family time, but it can also be super overwhelming -- especially if you're a parent with ADHD. Not only are you shouldering the weight of the holidays for your children--but you're trying to keep track of and plan out the decorating, the lists, the shopping, the cooking, the gatherings; and then there's the overstimulation brought on my the chaos of this time of year and the sugar! Our brains are consumed with every little detail, yet the thought of executing anything can feel daunting. So how can we better position ourselves to embrace the holiday chaos head-on, without feeling like we've been setup to fail? Dr. Anna Burns returns to the show to talk to Nicole about specific strategies and tools to get us through. She's an Executive Functioning Coach for Women with ADHD who is committed to helping fellow ADHD women--like herself--create a life that actually supports the ADHD brain. By understanding and tackling the root cause of the struggles neurodivergent parents face, Dr. Burns believes you'll be able to show up in life with more energy, less overwhelm, and more self-compassion. This episode is a gift that will keep on giving...

#1 New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, Jan Brett has brought to life lovable characters and imaginary backdrops for children for more than 40 years. With over 40 books--and over 44 million books print--her work continues to add to so many childhoods around the world. Jan also just came out with a new book: "Alice in a Winter Wonderland", which is a striking rendition of the classic story of "Alice in Wonderland". Nicole had a chance to catch up with the author and illustrator before her special bus tour, in which she'll be visiting 23 cities across the country in just 17 days! This conversation holds a little insight into Jan's thought process when she plans out her next book, what it's like taking a classic story and putting her own unique spin on it, the magic of reading, and what inspires Jan Brett to continue to produce more work for future generations! Happy listening...and happy reading! 

This episode features a real, raw conversation between two moms regarding careers and the struggles and sacrifices women make to become a mom. Dorothy Cascerceri Simone knows about this all too well as she learned to navigate some highs and lows -- both professionally and personally. She worked for the magazines: People, In-Touch Weekly, and Life & Style and appeared on various national T.V. segments, among a slew of other things; but Dorothy ended up trading her red-carpet events for staying-at-home with her son. Then the road to having her daughter was unfortunately paved with hardship: rounds of IVF, pregnancy loss, PTSD, and anxiety. Dorothy not only came out stronger on the other side, but she is living proof that our journey through life is unique; and in the end, you will ALWAYS know what is best for YOU! -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dorothy Cascerceri SimoneInstagram: @DorothyonTVWebsite: https://dorothyontv.com/

Do you remember the chores your parents assigned to you, once upon a time? Is this something you plan to implement in your household, or are you hesitant to do so? In this episode, we're exploring how we--as parents and caregivers--can connect our children to tasks at home that will be meaningful and rewarding to them. Nicole consults with parenting expert, Lori Sugarman-Li about this topic, who explains why dishing out chores are beneficial for our children's development and future. Lori is the author of the children's book, "Our Home: The Love Work and Heart of Family". She has dedicated her work to fostering meaningful conversations families, encouraging them to contemplate -- not only how they care for one another -- but how they care for their shared space. Wait until you hear some of the ideas Lori has that you can incorporate at your home with your kiddos. Talk about an empowering conversation for all! -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Lori Sugarman-LiInstagram: @ourhomeourprideWebsite: https://ourhomeourpride.com/

Once you become a parent, it can be extra hard trying to find that time to organize and declutter your home; think of it: you're now dealing with the stuff your children are accumulating! Whether you're a new parent, or even a grandparent, chances are you have more contents in your home than you know what to do with. That's why we are taking our disarray--from the junk drawer to the attic-- straight to organizational expert, Chelsea Wade. She is the owner/founder of "A Good Home" which is a full-service home organization and interior design studio based in Lyme, CT. Through her techniques and her careful steps, Chelsea can organize every space in the home -- from kitchens to closets, to attics and basements; and she is very graciously letting us in on her method to achieving beautifully balanced spaces that are functional for you and your family. This is definitely an episode you're going to want to bookmark and keep coming back to, as you accept the challenge to find order and organization in your home! (But here's a here's a pro-tip: start small.)-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Chelsea WadeInstagram: @agoodhomeWebsite: https://www.agoodhomect.com

Loss is something we all will experience in life. However, it is not always something we can predict. So how do we help guide our children through this human experience in a safe and effective way? Best-selling children's author Kellie Kaminskas set out to help families around the world work through this quandary. When she was pregnant with her son, she lost her mother to a long, courageous battle of cancer. But another tragedy would rock this new mom's world 14 months later: the sudden death of her son's father. Kellie--who always had a passion for writing--was motivated to help her son and other children navigate grief. That is how the award-winning children's book, "Here With You" was born. Kellie's book is an amazing resource for any families who may be going through a difficult time and are looking to begin the healing process. This conversation between Nicole and Kellie chronicles the emotions tied to losing a loved one, the stages of grief, the support that's always there for you, and the strength that lies within us all. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Kellie KaminskasInstagram: @kellie.kaminskasWebsite: https://www.kelliekaminskas.com/

Maternal health refers to the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period. Even though important progress has been made in the last two decades in this area, we still have a lot of work to do. The World Health Organization says about 287,000 women died during and following pregnancy and childbirth in 2020. To help us understand the things that need to be done in order to bring these numbers down, Nicole sought out Dr. Daileann Hemmings. She is a doctoral prepared perinatal nurse with a focus in the Community/Public Health sector, with over 20 years of nursing experience specializing in perinatal health at some of the country's top hospitals, such as Yale New Haven Hospital and Johns Hopkins. Right now, Daileann serves as the Program Director of Maternal Health Equity at Hartford Hospital in which she works to address health disparities that impact mortality & morbidity. Nicole and Daileann share in a very candid and open conversation about how we can better support mothers -- especially those of color, some of the inequities that individuals of color experience, the initiatives she has helped implement to address the issues, and the preventability of maternal deaths. You will walk away from this episode with not only more knowledge on this topic, but a greater understanding of what you can do to help other support other moms experiencing such inequality when it comes to their maternal health.-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Daileann Hemmings

As virus season kicks into high-gear--between colds, the flu, and Covid-19--there's another virus affecting our most-vulnerable populations that you may not think about--and that is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). In fact, this particular virus sidelined renowned actress and executive producer, Jennifer Beals. After her experience with RSV, she became a spokesperson for GSK this October -- which is RSV Awareness Month. Beals -- known for her iconic role in the film "Flashdance" and the T.V. series, "The L Word" -- shares her story with Nicole. Also joining this conversation is Dr. Leonard Friedland, the Vice President and Director of Scientific Affairs and Public Health for GSK in North America. He details what preventative measures are available, and what we need to be on the look out for to keep our families and loved ones safe. It's a quick listen packed with a lot of great health information! -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuests: Jennifer Beals & Dr. Leonard FriedlandInstagram: @thejenniferbealsWebsite: www.sidelineRSV.com 

Have you heard someone tell a new mother to 'not hold her baby too much' or to 'time out the baby's feeding sessions', or to let the baby 'cry itself to sleep'? Turns out, there's scientific evidence that has found "spoiling" your baby with affection, attention, and protection actually grows their brain development and transforms their mental health for life! Nicole has a very informative and eye-opening conversation with Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum who is a Neuroscientist, Family Sleep Specialist, Doula and Author. Her book, "The Nurture Revolution" guides parents on how to set their children up for success starting in infancy. Dr. Kirshenbaum challenges the idea on how we cultivate independence in our children, explains how past generations can affect your nervous system, and discusses just how *much nurturing our children need to succeed. Thanks to her steadfast research and experience, she is helping "speak for the babies" -- and moms all over the world are ready to listen.-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Greer KirshenbaumInstagram: @drgreerkirshenbaumWebsite: https://www.nurture-neuroscience.com/about-me

This is a first-of-its-kind interview for "Mommyhood Unscripted" and an exciting one at that! "Maggie" the Musical just made its U.S. debut at The Goodspeed Opera House in Connecticut -- where it will run through 10/20/24. Here's Playbill's synposis: "A Scottish mother's unbreakable love for her three sons is tested in an inspirational new musical about family bonds and changing times. After suffering the unthinkable loss of her husband, Maggie must rely on her strength, sense of humor and fiercely loyal friends to protect her family from a harsh world. Spanning over 20 years, a hardscrabble working class life blossoms with a soul-stirring pop-folk score. A generation of courageous mothers is celebrated in this rousing American premiere!" The story line is steeped in a mother's journey through raising children, the unbreakable bond with her kids, and how important it is for women to find their tribe. It's based on the true story of Scottish-born singer-songwriter, Johnny Reid's grandmother. Nicole caught up with Johnny and Matt Murray who both created "Maggie" in this episode. The inspiration behind what drove these two men to bring Johnny's grandmother to life is not only moving, but it stirs up a lot of familial emotions when we consider the matriarchs that came and went before us. Nicole, Johnny and Matt discuss the ways we can honor the women in our lives, and the common themes that bind mothers and children of all generations together. Don't miss this conversation, and keep your eyes peeled because "Maggie" is surely Broadway-bound, according to Nicole!-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuests: Johnny Reid and Matt MurrayInstagram: @johnnyreidofficial & @mattmurray123 Website: https://maggiethemusical.com/

There's no question about it: our youth are experiencing a mental health crisis. A February 2024 study by the nonprofit, "Kaiser Family Foundation", found that 1 in 5 adolescents reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. In 2023, researchers at Harvard found that 40% of teens said that they wanted their parents to reach out more and ask how they're really doing. But so many parents and caregivers struggle with how to go about doing that! That's why Nicole is talking with mental health expert, Dr. Charmain F. Jackman. She is a licensed psychologist, author, and TedX speaker, and a regular contributor to the PBS "Teachers' Lounge" column. In this episode you'll learn how to: help our kids identify and articulate how they're feeling, how to approach hard conversations with your child (of all ages), learn about the concerning signs to be on the lookout that'd indicate that your child is struggling in the mental health realm, and much more! -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Charmain F. JackmanInstagram: @askdrcharmainWebsite: https://www.drcharmainjackman.com/

Country Music Star mama, Kimberly Perry is known for her role in the Grammy Award-winning group, "The Band Perry" (she wrote their groundbreaking crossover #1 single: "If I Die Young"). Now she is on her first solo headlining tour with CMT -- and she's doing it with a 1-year-old! Kimberly chats with Nicole about what it was like to become a mom for the first time, her birth story, the toddler stage, the everchanging seasons of our lives, and how to align yourself with the things that truly bring you joy. This is a refreshingly candid and relatable conversation between two mothers that you don't want to miss out on!-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Kimberly Perry Instagram: @thekimberlyperryWebsite: https://www.kimberlyperry.com/

Did you know that adult women are the BIGGEST portion of the population being diagnosed with ADHD? And it's common for a diagnosis to come after having children. Nicole chatted with Dr. Anna Burns who is an Executive Functioning Coach for Women with ADHD about this growing realization. Not only does Dr. Burns breakdown the signs of ADHD in adult women, but she offers up some helpful tips and tools that women can utilize to help make their lives work for their brains! If you're feeling overwhelmed, unfocused, chronically disorganized, burnt out, and never quite finding your balance? Then you need to hear this conversation; pass it onto a loved one or friend too! There are so many moms in the same boat facing similar challenges and the better we understand ourselves, the better we can show up for those we love. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Anna BurnsInstagram: @annaburnswellnessWebsite: https://annaburnswellness.com/

Trauma. It shows itself in a variety of ways and it's something we all experience of at one point in life; after all, it's part of the human experience. But new research is showing how trauma in young kids (specifically boys) can actually impact their adult lives when it comes to mental and even physical health. So, what can we as parents and caregivers do to help them process their emotions and regulate their thoughts so they become more emotionally and physically resilient adults? Nicole chats with trauma expert, Dr. Elena Villanueva. She is the founder and Chief Health Coach of Modern Holistic Health, and specializes in addressing root causes of neurochemical imbalances and neurodegenerative disease. If you're ready to do some course correcting and help your kids in a way perhaps you were never helped -- you can start with this episode! -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Elena Villanueva Instagram: @modern_holistic_healthWebsite: https://www.modernholistichealth.com/ 

Is there a "right age" to give our kids a smartphone? That's a question parents everywhere are struggling with or have struggled with at one time. The idea of making your child wait to get a smartphone is difficult to grasp because the last thing we want is for them to feel left out or the target of jokes. But a mom in Austin, Texas started a full-blown movement in response to this predicament parents face. In this episode, Nicole talks with Brooke Shannon about the "Wait Until 8th Pledge" which has made national news and taken our country by storm. She breaks down why she created it, how it works, and some other options parents may want to consider. Whether your children are grown or you're just starting your family, this discussion is one that gets you thinking a bit more carefully about our children's relationship with technology.-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Brooke ShannonInstagram: @waituntil8thWebsite: https://www.waituntil8th.org/

Pet dogs are one of the best sources of unconditional love. But sometimes we forget that our four-legged friend is still an animal, and we all need to know how to keep our pet interactions safe and healthy -- especially when involving children. Do you know the signs of healthy vs. stressful interactions? A lot of people think they do, but in actuality they don't -- and that can lead to precarious situations for both you and the animal. So whether you're looking to expand your family by adding a puppy to the mix and wondering how to prepare your home and your kids for this transition, or you just want your kids to know the proper way to handle themselves around dogs (especially when you're not in their presence), then this episode is for you! Nicole sits down with Janice Liscinsky, the owner of The Perfect Pup, LLC. She's a certified dog trainer who focuses on positive reinforcement -- which rewards all desired behavior. Janice is also a licensed family dog mediator, which is an individual with special training and education above and beyond just training or behavior consulting. Licensed family dog mediators are part of a movement to raise the bar of the public's understanding about pet dogs through integrated science and innovative, practical solutions. This conversation is super educational and if dogs could talk, they'd be thanking you for taking the time to understand them through this conversation.  -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Janice Liscinsky, CPDT-KA, ABCDT, LFDM-TWebsite: https://www.theperfectpupllc.com/

The ups and downs of parenting exist throughout every stage of our child's growth and development. Once you have a toddler on your hands, you almost feel blindsided at times since they're changing so rapidly. Then when it's time for them to head to preschool, there are a whole new set of challenges and dilemmas that you probably thought you wouldn't have to deal with at this young of age. But it will hit you, and the big question at hand is: are you prepared? In this episode, Nicole learns about some strategies to help you get through those tough stages early on in your child's development. She went straight to national parenting coach, Danielle Lindner. Danielle's latest book, "Parent's Pocket Guide to Surviving the Preschool Years: One Challenge at a Time" is giving parents, grandparents, and guardians a little bit more of an assist when it comes to navigating the preschool years and everything in-between.-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Danielle LindnerWebsite: www.daniellelindner.com 

"Child Trafficking" is an unfortunate thing we hear about in the headlines, and the nightmarish thoughts of a child being snatched off the street by foreign nationals come to a lot of minds... But that couldn't be further from the truth! Believe it or not, Child Trafficking is happening right under parents' noses, inside their own HOMES -- and in some cases, inside schools! Believe it or not, our children are now more accessible to people wanting to do them harm -- all thanks to the internet and social media in this post-pandemic world. Nicole sits down with Tammy Sneed, who is the Director of Connecticut's Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team. She explains why it's so CRUCIAL that parents, caregivers, and teachers acknowledge that "Child Trafficking" exists and also highlights the signs to be on the lookout for, and what you should do if you believe a child is being targeted. As you know, our kids are steps ahead of us when it comes to social media and the internet; so this episode will arm you with helpful information so we can protect our children from being the next victim of these 'bad actors'.-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Tammy SneedWebsite: https://portal.ct.gov/dcj/states-attorneys/hartford/division-of-criminal-justice-regionalized-human-trafficking-recovery-taskforce-of-greater-hartfordResources: https://ojjdp.ojp.gov/programs/human-trafficking-resourceshttps://www.justice.gov/psc

This episode is a VERY sensitive topic, and we want to throw a disclaimer out there that we are talking about miscarriages and infant/child loss. However, as difficult as this topic is, it carries a very important message: you don't have to grieve alone. This kind of loss is something many people don't talk about or don't know how to talk about. But the mission of the organization, "Hope After Loss" is all about providing connections, comfort and care to families who have experienced such a loss. Executive Director of "Hope After Loss", Christina Mailhos, and Board Member and Support Group Facilitator, Stephanie Byrd sat down with Nicole to each share their own stories of loss which lead them to the group. This is a conversation that gives hope to those who may feel like things are hopeless right now, and they also provide some insight to those who don't know what to say to those who have experienced the unthinkable.

This episode is all about a dynamic mother-daughter duo who are helping LGBTQ+ youth feel less alone. Robin Colucci has been a huge support for her daughter, Maya Hoffman during her coming out journey. The pair offer guidance on navigating the coming out process from both the perspectives of a parent and a child. Nicole sits down with Robin and Maya to hear about their story and ask those questions you may be hesitant to ask... They cover everything from topics of self-discovery and acceptance, to gender pronouns, LGBTQ+  literacy and advocacy work. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuests: Robin Colluci & Maya Hoffamnhttps://worldchangingbooks.com/

When a couple wants to start a family, it can be anything but easy. Unexpected struggles with infertility and even pushing off the timeline of having children can bring heartbreak. Adoptions can be a great pathway to parenthood. But what does it look like? How does the it all work? How do you overcome the mental hurdles associated with the process? Adoption expert, Nicole Witt, informs and debunks the myths surrounding the experience of adoption which prevent people from seriously considering this journey. She gives out some sage advice when it comes to adoption, the process, and what factors point to whether it's the right next step for you. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Nicole Witthttps://www.adopting.com/adoption-podcasts/adopting-the-podcast

Parents innately worry about their children all the time -- no matter how old they are. So when your child is diagnosed with a food allergy or food intolerance,  it only compounds things. Anxiety and fear can take over--especially when your child is out of your sight--as you wonder whether they could come into contact or accidentally eat something that contains an allergen. How do you quell those concerns and let your child live as "normal" a life as possible?  Nicole sat down with Anna Laurie who has more experience than you can imagine with this topic! All 3 of her kids had some kind of food allergy or intolerance; and that is why she became an expert on food allergies, a holistic health coach, and the author of a book dedicated to helping educate families about the 8 most common food allergies many children have.  Anna also offered up some great go-to food substitutions, allergen-free recipes, and resources that helped her family. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Anna LaurieWebsite: https://www.foodieqfit.com/Instagram: @foodieqfit

Remember a time before cell phones when they were only used to make emergency calls? Now,  these devices hold the key to our ENTIRE lives. But this convenience comes at a cost. A 2023 survey by Reviews.org found that more than half of Americans say they're ADDICTED to their phones. We know all too well how easy it is to form an unhealthy relationship with them -- but did you know that it can lead to relationship issues --including with our children-- and even focus and memory problems? Nicole sought out CNET's Consumer Tech and Mobile Reporter, Abrar Al-Heeti on how we can break this device dependence so our children won't fall victim to being a prisoner of this technology. She breaks down some productive tips to help you cut down on things like 'doomscrolling', notifications and that constant yearning we have to reach for our phones through her own encounters, research, and insight from psychologists. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Abrar Al-HeetiWebsite: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/glued-to-your-phone-heres-why-and-how-to-fix-it/Instagram: @abraralheeti 

In this episode, Nicole is exploring  the importance of mindfulness for kids. It's such a great skill for kids to learn – especially if they're feeling anxious, sad, angry… It can also help our kids face daily challenges. Just that extra minute to re-center ourselves can help them observe their thoughts and feelings rather than reacting immediately. Also, it teaches our children how to stay present in a society where we are constantly fretting over the future and perseverating over the past. Nicole sits down with Rachel Kaczynski -- a mom, a writer, a certified health coach, and the founder of “Healthy Chicks”. Her mission is all about spreading wellness and mindfulness to women, mamas and their littles. She's also the creator of the "Mindful & Magical Me" Kids Inspiration deck and "Spark Your Bliss" affirmation card deck -- which has been featured in Health magazine. Rachel offers up some simple, kid-friendly exercises and mindful activities you can bring into your own home.  -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Rachel Kaczynskihttps://healthy-chicks.com/Instagram: @healthychicks

Instead of a breaking news flash, we're bringing you all the details on the formidable 'hot flash'! Have you ever wondered why so many women are surprised by perimenopause and menopause? It's because most don't even know what it entails, and how it can affect our bodies; so they're left to just suffer whatever comes their way. But it doesn't have to be that way! Nicole sits down with women's health expert, Kristen Reed. She is a board-certified registered nurse and health and wellness coach, and the Founder and CEO of "Nursing Your Way to Wellness". Kristen reveals some game-changing nutrition tips and must-have foods that will help you balance those hormones during perimenopause and menopause. This is a conversation EVERY WOMAN should be privy to! -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Kristen Reedhttps://www.nursingyourwaytowellness.com/Instagram: @nursingyourwaytowellness

Do you struggle with exercise, or finding the time to get your body moving? The lack of motivation we hold after having kids tends to take over and things we may have once done for ourselves in the form of self-care are put on the backburner. But there is a way back to prioritizing guilt-free well-being and feeling great in your body through a special mind and body connection. Nicole sat down with fitness pioneer, Dana Brown to learn more about this and the steps you can take to feel stronger both physically and mentally. Dana gained her expertise on this topic through 3 decades as a full-time fitness  and Pilates instructor helping clients ranging from every day moms to A-list celebrities and professional athletes. Her combined with a personal journey with chronic burnout. She has made it her mission to help women achieve their fitness goals by eliminating energy blockages and live in harmony-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dana Brownhttps://bemindbodyfitness.com/Instagram: @bemindbodyfitness 

Autism can be reliably diagnosed by a specialist by age 2, but the average age of an autism diagnosis in the U.S. is 5 years-old. Regardless of how old your child is when diagnosed, the time following that diagnosis can be extremely overwhelming and parents have a lot of questions and concerns.  What happens next? What can you expect? What questions should you be asking your providers and the schools? What kinds of therapy or services are out there for your children? What kind of support is out there for you? These are all questions Nicole is getting answered for you. She spoke to Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh -- one of the leading pioneers in the world of autism diagnosis and treatment. For over 40 years, Dr. Granpeesheh has been helping individuals with autism lead health, productive lives. She even furthered her dedication by founding "The Center for Autism and Related Disorders" -- which has over 100 locations around the U.S. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Doreen Granpeeshehhttps://www.doreengranpeesheh.com/Instagram: @askdrdoreen

Have you ever seen a tick on your child or fur baby and proceeded to freak out? Did you question whether you effectively removed the tick properly? Do you even know the most effective way to check your child for ticks, or the high-risk zones in your backyard? The answers may surprise you! Tick expert and fellow mom, Dr. Megan Linske is helping all of us parents learn how we can safely live with ticks -- because unfortunately, they're aren't going away. She's a scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and specializes in  monitoring tick abundances, tick testing for human pathogens, climate impacts on established and emerging tick populations, developing control strategies for ticks and tick-borne diseases and figuring out how we're going to handle these bloodsucking parasites now and going forward. -----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Megan LinskeWebsites: https://portal.ct.gov/caes/about-caes/staff-biographies/megan-a-linskehttps://www.cdc.gov/dpdx/ticks/index.html

Parents and kids have always had issues with sleep, and for years, plenty of caregivers have been leaning on melatonin as a way to help kids get their rest. But is it safe? We all know melatonin is natural -- after all, our body produces it! But are there any risks in giving it to our children? World-renowned pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp returns to 'Mommyhood Unscripted' to offer up his expert advice with Nicole on this hotbed topic. Dr. Karp has been dedicated to promoting healthy sleeping habits for all -- including infants, toddlers, and big kids alike. He is a best-selling author of the books: "The Happiest Baby on the Block" and "The Happiest Toddler on the Block". He's also the creator of the SNOO Smart Sleeper -- the only FDA authorized infant sleep system. After you hear this conversation, we guarantee you'll feel more informed and even more secure on whatever you decide to do.-----------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Harvey Karphttps://www.happiestbaby.comInstagram: @happiest_baby

Have you started saving for your child's college education yet -- or are you overwhelmed with where and how to start? Well, you are NOT alone. You may have heard about '529 plans'... Is it the right path to take? Are there some things you can do to maximize savings for your child? Do taxes come into play? Nicole gets all the information and answers you need on this topic with Mark Kantrowitz. He's one of the national experts on college savings, education tax benefits, student financial aid, scholarships and student loans. (Mark has even testified before Congress and federal/state agencies about student aid on several occasions too!) So whether your child was just born or has a year left of high school, or if you're a grandparent who wants to help contribute to your grandchildren's future -- don't let this informative conversation pass you by! ----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Mark Kantrowitzhttp://www.kantrowitz.com/kantrowitz/mark.html

Have you heard? The SATs have gone digital! This is BIG news -- especially considering how the SAT plays such an instrumental role when it comes to the college admissions process. So, what do you and your kids need to know about this change? What can your student expect? How do they prepare? And why is it important to take the SATs? Nicole helps you answer all those questions with Priscilla Rodriguez, the Senior Vice President of College Readiness Assessments at The College Board. ----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Priscilla Rodriguezhttps://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat 

In this month's 'Mommy Profile', Nicole chats with children's book author and illustrator, Stefania Munzi. This Connecticut artist is a mom of two boys--one of whom is special needs. Stefania takes us through her journey of what it's like to receive an unexpected diagnosis about your child, how she was able to utilize her talents to raise awareness about her son's rare condition, and what it's like navigating life as a single parent to her two boys. ----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Stefania Munzihttps://www.stefaniamunzi-logus.com/

Did you know that practicing mindfulness can actually help you when it comes to money? It's true! And not only can it help you in the present and future, but it can also help your children by extension. Financial Advisor and author, Sylvia Guinan is back chatting with Nicole about what we can do to tune into ourselves and what we truly want when it comes to finances and how to teach our children to also be mindful about the dollar. ----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Sylvia GuinanInstagram: @sylviaguinanhttps://sylviaguinan.com/

What does it take to become a 'mom influencer' and a successful one? Nicole chats with four well-known mom influencers who you may recognize: Kallie Branciforte of "But First, Coffee!", Charlotte Smith of "At Charlotte's House", Megan Schinella of "CampbyMama" and Caitlin Houston who's behind the self-titled, "Caitlin Houston Blog". Not only do they chat about how they got to where they are, but you learn how these four moms from Connecticut became friends and came together to create a new podcast called, "Room 4 Four". This is one of those episodes in which you're going to walk away feeling like you just hung out with a group of down-to-earth mom friends for half an hour! --------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuests: Kallie Branciforte, Caitlin Houston, Megan Schinella and Charlotte SmithInstagram: @room4fourpodcast, @kallie_branciforte, @caitlinhoustonblog, @campbymama, @atcharlotteshouseWebsite: https//room4four.com

Every so often Nicole will be profiling a mom and journey through her unique story in an episode. Our first "Mommy Profile" is: Dr. Emily Thomas of Consumer Reports. This mom of two boys is all about helping other moms keep their babies safe. Dr. Thomas, who manages the Auto Safety at Consumer Report's Auto Test Center, leads the occupant protection and vulnerable road user safety programs -- which includes the child car seat program. She also leads the rear-seat safety evaluations for all of Consumer Reports' new test vehicles, and is instrumental in assessing how well each car-seat model performs.Dr. Thomas is also a first-generation college grad. As you'll hear, the motivation she held from a young age paid-off and her hard work put her on the path to go after a  B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, an M.S. in Forensic Science a Ph.D. in pediatric injury biomechanics from Drexel University and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.--------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Emily Thomas'X': @emathmsphdWebsite: https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/about-us/our-people/our-experts/emily-thomas/index.htm

Have you ever heard of a sleep consultant or wondered what it is they do? These days, it's much more than the 'cry it out' method that your pediatrician or your grandmother may recommend... It's a much more tailored approach and focuses on the individual child. Nicole sits down with Heather Cartier -- a pediatric sleep consultant who provides virtual sleep support across the country to families with infants, toddlers and big kids who struggle with sleep challenges. She breaks down common misconceptions, common sleep regressions ages, sleep recommendations and her "million dollar advice" piece of advice when it comes to helping your child. Listen to this episode and gear up for a good night's sleep -- because it's going to help you and your little one(s)! --------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Heather Cartier, MA OTRInstagram: @nightnightsleepconsultingWebsite: https://www.heathercartier.com

Grief can look different for everyone and take on many different forms. Most people don't even know how to begin the healing journey – especially after the loss of a child. Nicole sat down with Jenny Hubbard who lost her 6 year-old daughter Catherine at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Catherine was a kind and compassionate animal lover who dreamt of someday working with and caring for animals. To honor her daughter's memory and pay tribute to Catherine's spirit of kindness towards all living things, Jenny created the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. This non-profit organization promotes compassion and healing through human-animal connection. Jenny walks Nicole through how she was able to turn her grief into this beautiful mission and speaks about how important it is to chase down your dreams. Be prepared to be inspired to make a difference in your own world after hearing this convo!--------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Jenny HubbardInstagram: @cvhanimalsanctuaryWebsite: https://www.cvhfoundation.org/

Having a baby is NO JOKE. Did you know it takes a full year for a woman to recover from childbirth? Also, 85% of women experience baby blues due to immediate postpartum hormone shifts. Sadly, postpartum recovery is one of the most CHALLENGING phases in a woman's life -- yet there is still SO much we don't talk about or even know about when it comes to this stage. That's why Nicole is sitting down with Dr. Katrina Furey to help shed a light on what you may or may not know about postpartum. Dr. Furey is a board-certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in women's mental health and reproductive psychiatry. She completed a 4-year residency in adult psychiatry at Yale University -- where she remains on staff as a voluntary clinical instructor in the Dept. of Psychiatry. Dr. Furey has a private practice in Guilford, Connecticut and is one of the only psychiatrists in that state offering both psychotherapy and medication management for women coping with a number of disorders and conditions. She also works as a consultant for Connecticut's Access Mental Health for Moms hotline which offers expert consultation to medical providers treating women for mental health and substance use conditions during pregnancy, and up to one year after delivery. Dr. Furey has been featured as a perinatal expert in CNN, Newsweek, and Yahoo News, among other publications. And listen to this! She's also the co-created and co-host of “Analyze Scripts” — a weekly podcast analyzing the depiction of mental health in fictional television shows and film. --------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Katrina Furey Instagram & TikTok: @drkatrinafurey & @analyzescriptspodcastWebsite: https://www.sound-psychiatry.com/Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqpLbVNWFrK30G-MuVNNzmw

In many 'traditional' households, women have financially relied on men when it comes to their future. But if you go through a major life transition such as: a divorce, a career change, retirement or even widowhood -- your financial confidence can strain. So how prepared are you? How much do you understand when it comes to your financial security and your future? That's where Sylvia Guinan comes in. She is a Financial Advisor, a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, the author of "The Richness of Divorce: 7 Steps to unwind your Marriage with Love and Grace", and a mother of three who has been been guiding families to their best selves as their navigate those aforementioned major life transitions. Nicole chats with her about how one can shift from fear of the unknown to a new vision of their life with an empowered beginning. ----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Sylvia GuinanInstagram: @sylviaguinanhttps://sylviaguinan.com/

Parents, this is a MUST-HAVE conversation that involves facing, embracing, and setting limitations on that which we cannot escape: screens. Dr. Jodi Gold comes to the rescue to set the record straight on what we need to know and how we can move forward (guilt-free) -- whether you're a new parent or a grandparent! You'll find out where the negative impacts of excessive childhood screen time come from, what you should be on the lookout for when trying to identify positive screen time for your child (based on their age and interests), and much more!  Dr. Gold is a child psychiatrist and child education expert whose book: "Screen-Smart Parenting: How to Find Balance and Benefit in Your Child's Use of Social Media, Apps, and Digital Devices"; and if that's not enough Dr. Gold is the creator of "LuvBug Learning" -- which is the first character development gaming platform for kids and contains a number of other emotional development resources for parents and children.----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Jodi Goldhttps://thegoldcenters.com/Instagram: @luvbuglearning

The holidays are a time of year when children have LOTS of expectations -- between presents and parties, to what kind of reactions you're going to have at family gatherings. Emotions tend to run high at this time too, and as as parents, we carry a lot of STRESS to manage those expectations! In this quick and easy listen, Nicole spoke to clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Saunders of the Institute of Living at Hartford Healthcare about some things we can do to improve how we communicate with our kids during this time -- so they're not left disappointed and we aren't left even more stressed out. ----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Dr. Laura Saunders

After becoming a parent, it seems that you're already thinking about college -- and wondering how you're going to pay for it! Let's be real...the last thing we want is for our kids to shoulder a massive amount of debt just so they can continue their education. Sadly, it's a reality that most students in this country face. But did you know that there are so many resources out there that can help you and your child AFFORD their Higher Education? Nicole has a helpful discussion with Jennifer Finetti who is the Director of Student Advocacy at ScholarshipOwl. She has all the ins and outs on where to find scholarships and how to win them, the best alternatives to loans, as well as a number of other tips and strategies to help you and your student(s). Prepare to feel more hopeful and less worried about this topic after listening to this conversation!----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Jennifer Finetti

Balance. It's a word parents use lightly because most days it seems nearly impossible to achieve. But is it possible? Is there a way we can create a work/life balance that ACTUALLY works? In this episode, Nicole talks to Natasha Bowman -- a workplace culture expert, Ted-X speaker, and author. Their conversation focuses on how you can go from being burned out, unmotivated and unhappy to reclaiming your mental health at work (just like the title of Natasha's book)! ----------------------------------------------------------------SHOW NOTES:Host: Nicole Nalepa | @NicoleNalepaTVGuest: Natasha BowmanInstagram: @the_workplace_dr