Katie's Crib

Vote Mama founder and former congressional candidate, Liuba Gretchen Shirley, talks to Katie about the importance of supporting moms running for office. Liuba tells the story of how Vote Mama, a PAC that supports Democratic moms with young children running for office, came to fruition. She also discusses her opinion of why people are against paid maternity leave and childcare, and why we should encourage mothers to run for higher-level political jobs. Plus, are you a mother who is thinking about running for office? If not, know of another mother who is? Listen in for how Vote Mama can assist! Crib Notes: https://www.votemama.org/be-a-vote-mama https://www.votemamafoundation.org/ Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie chats with registered nurse and Milky Mama founder Krystal Duhaney to talk about breastfeeding, and how her tasty treats help with milk supply.  Krystal outlines the line of desserts and treats Milky Mama provides, as well as the free education and consultations the company offers. The entrepreneur also dives into how she manages between mom guilt and work-life balance. Plus, did you know that Milky Mama has a scholarship for black lactation consultants? Listen for all the info! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie sits down with actress and author, Gabrielle Union. Gabrielle opens up about being diagnosed with Adenomyosis late in life, her struggles to conceive, and her family’s beautiful and inspiring surrogacy journey.  The moms also talk about imposter syndrome, raising Kaavia James aka ‘shady baby,’ and the unpleasant side effects of IVF. Crib Notes: Adenomyosis - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adenomyosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369143 Welcome to the Party - by Gabrielle Union and Illustrated by Ashley Evans We're Going to Need More Wine -Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True - by Gabrielle Union In the FLO: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage - by Alisa Vitti WomanCode: Perfect Your Cycle, Amplify Your Fertility, Supercharge Your Sex Drive, and Become a Power Source - by Alisa Vitti Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In April 2016, stand-up comedian Patton Oswalt lost his first wife, true crime author Michelle McNamara, after being married for over a decade. Their daughter Alice was only six years old at the time.  In today’s Katie’s Crib conversation, we hear how Patton found love and joy again with actress Meredith Salenger, the beautiful way they integrated their lives, and how they’ve supported Alice through grief and loss.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Lowes is joined by Dr. Dan Siegel, recognized neuropsychiatrist and author of some of Katie’s favorite parenting books, including No-Drama Discipline and The Whole-Brain Child. Dr. Siegel goes in depth about how parents can help their children develop emotional and social intelligence. The Mindsight Institute co-founder explains what his term “mindsight” means, and why it matters. He also examines the importance of children understanding their feelings, and provides tips for how parents can encourage healthy responses to adversity. Plus, can being stern be damaging to our children’s mental health? Dr. Seigel offers his insight. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashlee Margolis is a working mama trying to look out for Mother Earth AND have more sit-down family meals. The founder of the brand building agency, The A List, shares her path to running a more eco-friendly business and household. From what you put on your body to what you put in it, Ashlee offers actionable ways parents can practice greener living as conscious consumers. The mom of three also gets real about the challenges of maintaining work-family balance, and how time in quarantine was an eye-opening experience in more ways than one. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Grey’s Anatomy” star Caterina Scorsone joins Katie to discuss her experience raising three children during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also explains what life is like on the set of Shondaland being a mother.  Caterina shares her experience of parenting a daughter with Down Syndrome, the lessons she’s learning along the way, and why it’s essential that society understands the difference between equality and equity.  Plus, did you know that Caterina is a trained doula? Tune in to listen to her story! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In honor of Pride Month, Katie is joined by author of “The Other Mothers,” Jennifer Berney. Jenn addresses the patriarchal ideals that are getting in the way of society accepting LGBTQ+ family-making. She also tells of the struggles she and her partner went through while creating their own family, and the importance of letting children know early on about their donors. Also, did you know that we don't actually share significant DNA with our ancestors? Jen explains more in this special episode. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Father’s Day is around the corner! To celebrate, Katie is joined by her TV husband in the upcoming CBS sitcom Smallwood, comedian Pete Holmes and his wife IRL Val Holmes. Pete and Val recall how a bad mushroom trip triggered Val’s trauma-healing journey before their daughter arrived. The two also discuss why they decided on “Lila Jane” for their daughter’s name, and how they would handle her challenging behaviors through a technique called Hand in Hand parenting. Also, do you know how to respond when your child asks “What is God?” Pete and Val have a few ideas that involve Beyonce and Toy Story. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pretty Little Liars’ Troian Bellisario and Suits’ Patrick J. Adams share the wild and unexpected way they welcomed their second baby into the world! Troian and Patrick may not have had a firm birth plan, but delivering in a car was NOT exactly what they had in mind. Tune in as the two detail everything about Troian’s pregnancy and a labor experience that they (and one security guard) will never forget. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Lowes talks with Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff about her journey to writing New York Times bestseller “Hunt, Gather Parent” and what she discovered Western parents have been missing out on along the way.  Admittedly feeling ill-equipped to handle her three-year-old daughter, Michaeleen travelled the world to observe and implement parenting practices from different cultures. Struck by the results in her own household, she shares the lessons learned – including ways to respond to kids who are acting out and techniques that teach children emotional intelligence and raise confident and helpful little humans. (SPOILER: it’s NOT a chore chart)  Plus, what is TEAM parenting? Tune in and find out! Katie’s Crib Notes: Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us About the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans - Book by Michaeleen Doucleff Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Lowes opens up about her own experience with postpartum depression and invites to the show a key person who helped her through, psychiatrist Dr. Kira Stein.  Through Katie’s survivor story, Dr. Stein addresses some of the most common stigmas associated with this treatable disorder. Katie and Dr. Stein talk through the signs and symptoms of PPD and how it differs from baby blues and postpartum psychosis. Together they share how medical care saved Katie and can help fellow parents suffering from PPD feel like themselves again.  Katie’s Crib Notes: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale Understanding Maternal Depression - UCLA Maternal Mental Health Program The American Psychiatric Association’s postpartum depression information page Harvard’s Massachusetts General psychiatry program’s Women’s Mental Health webpage Georgetown University’s Postpartum Depression: Signs and Resources for Help Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for priv

Comedian, actress and “The Circle” host Michelle Buteau gets real about what led her to surrogacy and how she and her husband are navigating their different parenting styles as they raise their twin toddlers. Michelle also shares with Katie her thoughts on work-life “balance” as a parent, future school plans for her children, and diaper duty. Plus, are you a mom who is struggling to conceive and need tips on what steps you can take? Tune in to hear what advice Michelle has to offer on the topic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Lowes and Adam Shapiro welcomed their daughter Vera Fay to the world on November 22, 2020. In this episode, Katie invites her husband Adam and her doula Rebecca Benenati back to Katie’s Crib for a healing discussion about her delivery and the 9 months leading up to it. Through laughter and a few tears, the three recount the many obstacles brought on by COVID-19 and Katie learns all that was happening behind the scenes between Rebecca and Adam in order to best support her.  Plus Katie shares a very special moment in delivery that no one saw coming! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the season four opener, Katie Lowes catches up with actress, singer, and brand new mama Kat McPhee Foster to hear all about her journey to parenthood with her husband David Foster.  Kat reveals all that went down (and came up) in her delivery room, how her son’s name was chosen, and how her pregnancy impacted her relationship with her body.  Plus, Kat offers perhaps the most practical advice in Katie’s Crib history that new mamas will definitely want to drink up! Crib Notes:  Country Comfort – Series starring Kat McPhee Foster. Available now on Netflix. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hiyeee! Katie's Crib is back with a new season (and a new baby)! Join us for Season 4, Thursdays starting May 6.  In the meantime, you can listen in on the hilarity and perils of parenthood from seasons 1-3! Instagram: @ktqlowes Twitter: @KatieQLowes Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie and Shay’s kinship continues with part 2 of the Katie’s Crib season 3 finale! In this episode, Shay updates us on how it’s been raising her now 1-year-old daughter in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, what motivated her to return to fitness in 2021, and how her priorities have shifted as a mother.  Plus, what advice would Shay have given her March 2020 self? Tune in for more! Katie’s Crib Season 4 returns in the spring! Subscribe for the latest.   Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part 1 of this special double episode season 3 finale, pre-pandemic Shay shares what it’s like to be a new mom to her 5-month-old daughter Atlas. She talks about her birth story, what it was like going through pre-partum depression, and how she’s changing the diaper bag game with her travel brand Beis. Head over to part 2 to find out if Shay kept her chill after a year in quarantine! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Lowes invites master birth doula and advocate Latham Thomas to the podcast to speak to the urgent need for change amidst severe racial and ethnic disparities in the health care system. Latham outlines the purpose of Mama Glow’s doula services, the systemic racism and white supremacy prevalent in medicine, and how to be your own medical advocate.  Plus, Black maternal mortality: do you know the statistics? Tune in to learn more and get involved in the fight for birth equity.  Crib Notes: Mama Glow Doula: https://mamaglow.com Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021: https://blackmaternalhealthcaucus-underwood.house.gov/Momnibus Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ramon Stephens (Executive Director, The Conscious Kid) joins Katie Lowes to highlight the power of books as a tool to disrupt racism and promote healthy racial identity development in youth.  Ramon shares the genesis of his organization, The Conscious Kid and what exactly goes into their curated children’s reading lists. Katie and Ramon talk about the curriculum in America’s education system and Ramon provides practical and effective ways parents can initiate critical conversations around race outside of school.  Plus, did you know that Dr. Seuss’s content is actually problematic? Tune in to learn why and what to encourage kids to read instead.  Crib Notes: www.theconsciouskid.org/resources @theconsciouskid – Instagram  Book mentions: Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick D. Barnes The King of Kindergarten by Derrick D. Barnes Dream Big, Little One by Vashti Harrison George Crum and the Saratoga Chip by Gaylia Taylor, illustrated by Frank Morrison Additional book recommendations