Best Rachaels First Week Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 89: Debunking Vaccine Myths: Making Choices with Evidence and Compassion with Dr. Elisabeth Marnik 52:23

3h ago52:23

52:23

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 parent…

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A Little Perspective - Why Do Families Distance After Loss? 54:14

1d ago54:14

54:14

Send us a text Have you ever wondered why some families grow distant after experiencing a loss? In the wake of widowhood, it’s not uncommon for relationships with in-laws, children, or other relatives to weaken—or even dissolve entirely. In this episode, Kaylee and Kristyn delve into the complex ways in which families can become fractured following…

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Episode 88: One and Done or One More? How to Trust your Own Path Amanda White 43:16

7d ago43:16

43:16

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 …

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Love, Grief, and One Last Week - Olivia's Story 1:09:51

9d ago1:09:51

1:09:51

Send us a text In this powerful and emotional episode, we follow the story of Olivia and Jon, a couple whose world was upended when Jon was diagnosed with a diffuse astrocytoma brain tumor. With time slipping away, they face the unimaginable: preparing for new life with a baby on the way, and confronting the unknown of brain cancer. After a year of…

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T. Rex Leather, Glow-In-The-Dark Gas Clouds, And Musical Sea Lions 32:48

13d ago32:48

32:48

This week on Break It Down: a new kind of leather is borrowing its foundations from fossil T. rex collagen, we’ve just discovered an enormous glow-in-the-dark gas cloud surprisingly close to Earth, a musical sea lion has shown it can keep beat better than some humans, a new-to-science embalming technique has been discovered in Austria, man who let …

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Episode 87: Neurodivergent Children: Sleep, Sensory Needs, and the Right Support with Lauren Sloan 44:15

14d ago44:15

44:15

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 …

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After the Tracks - Rebbecca's Story 48:19

16d ago48:19

48:19

Send us a text This week's episode features Rebbecca, a remarkable woman who faced unimaginable tragedy after her husband was tragically hit by train. Rebecca then took on the task of being the funeral director for his service. Her story of strength and navigating grief is truly moving.By Kaylee and Kristyn

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SURPRISE! You're So Right Sneak Peek! 30:35

16d ago30:35

30:35

SURPRISE and welcome to a little sneak peak special treat of You're So Right, the NEW podcast hosted by me, Rachael, and BFF of the pod Caitlin Wilder! 🎉 In this special crossover episode, join your two IG besties as they talk all about Rachael's trip to LA and what went right (ear piercings!) and wrong (concussions and too many ice cream samples!)…

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Tattooed Tardigrades, Doomed Lava Planet, And Meet The “Bone Collector” 36:06

20d ago36:06

36:06

This week, on Break It Down: a planet with a very rare tail is being boiled apart, the first physical evidence of a gladiator fighting a lion discovered in Britain, scientists are tattooing tardigrades (for science), what’s happening in your brain during a mind blank, the grim fashion of “bone collector” caterpillars, and five health risks associat…

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Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman 53:29

21d ago53:29

53:29

Episode 86: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman What does it mean to raise boys in a world where masculinity feels impossible to get right? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by author and cultural critic Ruth Whippman to talk about her powerful new book, BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity. We’re digging…

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Love at First Tik Tok - Rachael's Story of Suicide Loss 1:13:53

23d ago1:13:53

1:13:53

Send us a text What happens when the euphoria of falling in love is intertwined with the shadows of mental health struggles? And what is left behind when that love story ends in the tragedy of suicide? This week, Rachael shares her TikTok love story, dealing with a partner's mental health issues, suicide, and the added layer of navigating family fe…

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Episode 85: Navigating Grief: Support After Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Loss with Jessica Zucker 45:52

28d ago45:52

45:52

Episode 85: Navigating Grief: Support After Miscarriage, Stillbirth and Loss with Jessica Zucker This week Rachael speaks with psychologist Jessica Zucker about her experiences with miscarriage and her efforts to normalize conversations around women's reproductive health. Jessica shares insights from her books, including 'I Had a Miscarriage' and '…

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Life After Losing a Baby and then a Husband - Heather's Story 1:03:59

30d ago1:03:59

1:03:59

Send us a text In today's episode, Heather shares her story of loss. Imagine losing your child, the purest form of love. Then, years later, you face the devastating loss of your partner, your rock. She shares the crushing weight of grief that threatened to consume her and the slow, difficult path toward finding a flicker of light again. This is a s…

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Why I’m Done Teaching STR Marketing the Old Way 12:28

30d ago12:28

12:28

Hey, it’s Jenn. After hitting serious burnout at the end of 2024, I stepped back and started rethinking everything about how I teach short-term rental marketing. I realized that hosts don’t need more content, they need clarity, support, and a system that actually gets the work done. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I’m done teac…

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Dire Wolves, Intersex Whales, And That Dangerous Asteroid’s Unusual Origin 39:01

1M ago39:01

39:01

This week on Break It Down: old skin samples have revealed the first-ever evidence for an intersex Southern right whale, a dangerous asteroid that might hit the Moon has an unusual origin, what dire wolf “de-extinction” really means and how it’s helping red wolves, a mushroom that contains one of the most bitter compounds known to humans, a promisi…

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Episode 84: Emotionally Preparing for the Fourth Trimester with Lauren Hays & Megan Dalton 44:17

1M ago44:17

44:17

Episode 84: Emotionally Preparing for the Fourth Trimester with Lauren Hays & Megan Dalton This week Rachael and guests Lauren Hays & Megan Dalton, founders of The Matrescence, talk all about the concept of “Matrescence” and why new mothers need better support. They highlight how the lack of understanding for the monumental transformation of becomi…

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Widow Wisdom Part 2 43:05

1M ago43:05

43:05

Send us a text In this episode, Kaylee and Kristyn continue answering questions sent in by listeners. Q & A round 2!By Kaylee and Kristyn

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Near-Death Experiences, Loch Ness Camera Trap, And Why No Frozen Dinosaurs? 36:23

1M ago36:23

36:23

This week on Break It Down: study uncovers the biological basis of near-death experiences, what a camera trap captured after 55 years in Loch Ness, why it’s taken humans so long to orbit over Earth’s poles, what a sediment core from the “Great Blue Hole” can tell us about the Caribbean’s climatic past and future, why you shouldn’t offer cola to iso…

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Episode 83: What does research say about sleep training? Bed Sharing? Debunking the Myths with Tracy Cassels 53:59

1M ago53:59

53:59

Episode 83: What does research say about sleep training? Bed Sharing? Debunking the Myths with Tracy Cassels @tracycasselsphd This week Rachael and guest Tracy Cassels PhD, Director of Evolutionary Parenting, discuss all the hot sleep topics- sleep training, bedsharing, and more, and specifically dive into what research shows (as well as what’s lac…

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Unfiltered Q&A - We're Spilling it All 49:40

1M ago49:40

49:40

Send us a text In this episode, K & K are back with something a little different this week. After all the incredible support and questions you've sent in, we decided to dedicate an entire episode to answering your 'widow' queries. And let's be real, it gets real.

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Magic Mushroom Medicine, Neptune’s Aurora Confirmed, And First-Ever Shark Sounds 37:09

2M ago37:09

37:09

This week on Break It Down: a new study has become the first to document what sound a shark makes, Neptune has been confirmed to have an aurora thanks to the best telescope ever, a pipeline construction site turned up the terrifying claw of a new species of therizinosaur, why people are trying to prevent measles with Vitamin A (and why it won’t wor…

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Episode 82: Weaning Methods, Challenges and Tips with Candace St. John 49:27

2M ago49:27

49:27

Have you been thinking about weaning your baby or toddler and you have NO clue how to start? Daytime or nighttime first? What if they cry for it? How long will it take? All of these questions and MORE answered in today's episode with Rachael and "Weaning Pal" Candace St. John, MPH, CLC. This week, Rachael and Candace emphasize the need to normalize…

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You Wouldn't Like Me When I'm Angry - The Horrible Cycle of Guilt and Anger 52:28

2M ago52:28

52:28

Send us a text In today's episode, we're diving into a topic that many of us struggle with during grief: the crazy cycle of anger and guilt. It’s that frustrating downward spiral where one comment or one wrong look creates an emotional loop that feels impossible to break. We’ve all been there—feeling stuck in a whirlwind of "what ifs" that make eve…

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Unknown Lifeforms, How To Live To 117, And Handstanding Sauropods? 39:14

2M ago39:14

39:14

This week on Break It Down: An unknown lifeform has been making micro-burrows in the Namibian desert, the secret to living until 117 has been revealed, sauropods were not doing handstands in Texas 100 million years ago (boooo), should we be attempting to de-extinct animals, an Australian man achieves a double world-first with a titanium heart trans…

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Episode 81: Postpartum Depletion, Burnout and Exhaustion with Kim Perez 30:40

2M ago30:40

30:40

Have you felt completely depleted, exhausted, burnt-out and even a little ragey since becoming a mom? You're not alone but there IS something you can do about it! Join Rachael and guest Kim Perez, a functional nutritionist, to learn all about how to start fueling yourself in ways that can lower stress, improve mood, and boost sleep. A little of wha…

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Love, Loss, and Unexpected Costs - Heidi's Story 49:34

2M ago49:34

49:34

Send us a text How do you keep going when life strips everything away? This week Heidi shares her story of losing her husband, having no money after his death, and how she is rebuilding her life from the ground up. An episode full of heartbreak, courage, and hope.By Kaylee and Kristyn

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Episode 80: All About Tummy Troubles with Dr. Ruiz of Solid Starts 42:47

2M ago42:47

42:47

Does your little one struggle with tummy issues like constipation, reflux, slow weight gain, picky eating etc? You're not alone! This week Rachael welcomes Dr. Rachel Ruiz, pediatrician and member of the Solid Starts team, to talk all about TUMMY TROUBLES! In this informative episode you'll learn: Understanding Normal vs. Worrisome Symptoms Growth …

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#256. PEERS x Oova: In conversation with Dr Amy Divaraniya for International Women’s Day 2025 50:00

2M ago50:00

50:00

This International Women’s Day 2025, Michelle sits down with Dr. Amy Divaraniya, the brains behind Oova, to unravel her entrepreneurial journey and discuss the future of women's health. Amy’s story begins in Princeton, New Jersey, and unfolds into a narrative of innovation, determination, and resilience as she overcomes traditional expectations to …

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Woolly Mice, 3D-Printed Penises, And The World’s Worst Sting 38:52

2M ago38:52

38:52

This week on Break It Down: Colossal Biosciences creates the “woolly mouse” in their mission to de-extinct the mammoth, scientists 3D-print functional penises (and have the babies to prove their efficacy), that gaping hole in the ozone layer really is repairing, IFLScience asks why so few international organizations have responded to Trump and Musk…

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Episode 79: Traveling the World with Kids with Ben Lutz of The Funemployed Family 45:31

2M ago45:31

45:31

Today I’m speaking with Ben Lutz, the dad of The FUNemployed Family! In 2018, after more than a decade of rat racing and corporate ladder climbing, he and his wife realized they were firmly on the hamster wheel of life and feared that they would regret not spending more time with their young daughter! They quit their jobs, sold their house and most…

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The Long Goodbye - Chad's Story 1:01:59

2M ago1:01:59

1:01:59

Send us a text Welcome to a special episode of Till Death Did We Part Podcast. Today's episdoe, we have the privilege of hearing from our very first widower who is opening up about his deeply personal journey. Chad shares the story of his late wife’s battle with breast cancer, offering a rare and heartfelt perspective on their shared beliefs about …

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Rat Sommeliers, Glass Brain, And Internet On Mars 31:58

3M ago31:58

31:58

This week on Break It Down: the curious tale of a lump of glass that turned out to be a human brain, the US sees its first measles death in 10 years, rats make great sommeliers, the evolutionary origins of feathers in dinosaurs, AI bots start speaking a secret language to each other, and could we get internet on Mars? Quite possible. So, sit back, …

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Episode 78: Why We Should Care about Caregiving with Elissa Strauss 44:31

3M ago44:31

44:31

In this episode Rachael speaks with Elissa Strauss, author of the book 'When You Care: The Unexpected Magic of Caring for Others.' They discuss the societal expectations placed on mothers, the cultural issues surrounding care, and the value of caregiving. Elissa also shares her personal experiences with motherhood and how it has changed her perspec…

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The Mayor of Old Town - Susan's Story 1:06:23

3M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

Send us a text On today's episode, Susan shares about how she and her husband John met. John was always the life of the party and adored by everyone. Since losing him to cancer, she has had to learn how to live life on her own. Through travel, new friendships, and the support of her children, she has found a new sense of self!…

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Most Dangerous Animal, Tomb Discovery, And How To Break Habits 35:30

3M ago35:30

35:30

This week on Break It Down: the first ancient Egyptian royal tomb has been discovered since Tutankhamun over 100 years ago, a brand new ‘dangerous animal’ scale reveals the realistic threat of different creatures, architects are operating on land and at the deepest parts of the ocean (they just don’t look how you imagine), a Paralympian becomes the…

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Episode 77: Making Friends & Keeping Friends with Danielle Bayard Jackson 42:24

3M ago42:24

42:24

Today we welcome Danielle Bayard Jackson, a certified friendship coach, to chat all about MOM FRIENDS- how to find them, how to keep them, and how to not let small stuff get in the way. We also chat about healthy conflict resolution and modeling strong friendships for our kids! Inside this episode: common challenges Moms specifically face when it c…

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The Great Van-Morrison - Vanessa's Story 55:16

3M ago55:16

55:16

Send us a text This week, Vanessa is shares her story of joining the club nobody wants to be a part of just 3 months ago. This brave new widow shares her journey of losing her husband Morrison to a brain aneurysm just a few short weeks before their baby was born.By Kaylee and Kristyn

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Dolphin Pee Party, Inside Asteroid Response, And That Ancient Mummy Smell 40:39

3M ago40:39

40:39

This week on Break It Down: Amazon river dolphins are saying it with urine proudly sprayed directly into the air, an inside look at the planetary defense response to asteroid 2024 YR4 (and no, it isn’t too late), find out what mummies smell like thanks to a team of “sniffers”, whale song follows Zipf’s Law, red light therapy – does it actually work…

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Episode 76: How Dental Health and Mouth Breathing Affect Development with Dr. Ben Miraglia 45:22

3M ago45:22

45:22

This week Rachael welcomes Dr. Ben Miraglia to discuss the importance of early dental care for children, focusing on the connection between dental health, breathing, and overall development. He emphasizes the need for early intervention in pediatric dentistry, particularly between the ages of 3 and 11, to prevent long-term issues. Dr. Ben also intr…

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Sex, Love, And Valentine's Day - What is it really like to date after loss? 58:10

3M ago58:10

58:10

Send us a text In today’s episode, we're taking on a topic that touches the heart and the soul—dating after loss. Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and while it’s a celebration of love for some, for others, it can bring up complex emotions, especially if you’ve lost a spouse. What does it feel like to fall in love again, to experience inti…

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Science Under Attack, Dino-Era Ducks, And Do We Own Our Bodies? 41:33

3M ago41:33

41:33

This week on Break It Down: the world's oldest runestone might have been carved by a woman in a language that predates the Vikings, asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 2.3 percent chance of hitting Earth in 2032 (but we’re not panicking yet), an ancient jawbone might reveal a new branch of the hominid family tree, science in the US is under attack after a slew…

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Episode 75: Protecting Your Child's Digital Footprint in the Era of Oversharing with Fareedah Shaheed 37:40

3M ago37:40

37:40

We live in the age of "sharenting" where kids are content and there are seemingly no rules. This week, Rachael speaks with Fareedah Shaheed (aka CyberFareedah), an internet safety expert, about the importance of protecting our kids online. They discuss the risks of sharing too much information about children on social media and the potential conseq…

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Four F*king Minutes- Melissa's Story 1:11:23

3M ago1:11:23

1:11:23

Send us a text Grief is a journey, one that can begin in the most unexpected and painful ways. In today’s episode, we hear from Melissa whose life was forever altered when her husband tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident. Only 6 months into her grief journey, she shares the unfiltered reality of life after the crash—how she navigated t…

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Covid Lab Leak, Mouse With Two Dads, And Are We Living In A Simulation? 44:20

3M ago44:20

44:20

This week on Break It Down: A CIA report says the origins of COVID being a lab leak is “likely” but what does that really mean? The Doomsday Clock ticks closer to humanity's destruction, asteroid Bennu’s sample contains the building blocks of life (but not aliens), the oldest poison arrow dates back 7,000 years, a mouse with two male parents surviv…

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Episode 74: Postpartum Nutrition, Meal Prep, Minerals and more with Allegra Gast, RDN IBCLC 38:41

4M ago38:41

38:41

Postpartum nutrition is SO important and yet as busy and tired moms, it's hard to prioritize. That's why this week Rachael brings on Allegra Gast, a functional registered dietitian and international board-certified lactation consultant, to talk all about realistic, easy tips for postpartum nutrition and breastfeeding. Inside this episode you'll lea…

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Bringing Her Back Home: The Best Friend Who Stepped Up 51:36

4M ago51:36

51:36

Send us a text In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Lori, Kristyn's best friend. Lori talks about the day she received the call that Chris was gone and Kristyn was stranded in Bonaire - alone. This is a story of friendship, sacrifice, and strength—of how one friend did everything she could to bring her bestie back home.…

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5 Ways to Master Direct Bookings Without Overwhelm or High Costs with Jamey King 41:29

4M ago41:29

41:29

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the tech and cost of managing your direct bookings? Without the right system in place, you risk lost revenue, double bookings, and a frustrating guest experience. In this episode, we break down exactly what you need—from secure payments to owning your brand—to make direct bookings effortless and profitable. Jamey King…

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Pompeii’s Worst Day, Peeing Together, And The GOAT Dinosaur Movie? 37:17

4M ago37:17

37:17

This week on Break It Down: a new timeline shows exactly when and how the eruption of Vesuvius spread, chimps have been observed going to the bathroom together all at the same time, trust in science remains high worldwide despite recent global events, sex differences between male and female brains are present as early as newborn babies, and did COV…

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Episode 73: Choosing the Right Daycare and Tips for Transitioning with Elise Disher 43:32

4M ago43:32

43:32

This week we're speaking with with Elise Disher, M. Ed all about choosing the right daycare and how to transition your child in as seamlessly as possible. Childcare is such an important topic for parents and we know it can be fraught with worry! Here's what Rachael and Elise discuss inside the episode: Why building relationships and attachment with…

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One in a Million - Gailyn's Story 1:11:15

4M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

Send us a text This week's episode Gailyn shares the heartbreaking journey of losing her husband in a terrible fishing accident, the 12-day search and rescue effort that followed to locate his body, and the overwhelming grief of planning the funeral.By Kaylee and Kristyn

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Rachaels First Week Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen