Best Host Of Journey To Midwifery Podcast Podcasts (2025)

1
Prevent Preeclampsia to Protect You & Your Baby 55:24

Play Pause

3d ago55:24

55:24

Preeclampsia affects around 1 in 10 pregnancies, and increasingly we are learning new ways to lower risks. Here's how. In this episode, we are joined by OBGYN and maternal health leader Dr. Amanda P. Williams to talk about what every parent and perinatal professional should know about preeclampsia prevention, warning signs and treatment. Yes, this …

1
The Mythical Journey of Mothers: Making Meaning on the Spiritual Path 1:17:24

4d ago1:17:24

1:17:24

In this final episode of the season, we explore motherhood as a profound spiritual and mythic journey - one that cracks us open, reshapes our identity, and calls us into deeper presence - not unlike the Hero’s Journey and ancient rites of passage. From the unraveling of identity to the depths of our shadows and the emergence of a wiser, more embodi…

1
The Best Diapers to Keep Your Baby Healthy with Miki Agrawal 40:53

10d ago40:53

40:53

We had a lovely conversation with multiple-time founder Miki Agrawal on the best diapers & how small efforts parents make now can have a big impact for future generations. Listen to the episode to learn how certain diapers are better and healthier for your baby. Plus, pick up many great parenting tips along the way. The highest quality products are…

1
The Recipe for Being a Cool Grandpa with Greg Payne 43:38

17d ago43:38

43:38

Spoiler alert: there's no perfect set of ingredients that will make anyone the perfect "cool grandpa". However, there are general guidelines that will get most people well along the way - at least for the parts in their control. What's key? Communication, boundaries, having fun. Here's the 'recipe', if you will, in a nutshell. (Plus a little self-r…

1
Overstimulated, Touched Out, On Edge: Tools for the Breaking Point and Beyond 1:34:28

22d ago1:34:28

1:34:28

In this episode of The Inner Work of Motherhood, we explore what happens when a mother’s nervous system becomes overloaded: the overstimulation, anger, irritability, and wanting to disappear. You’ll learn how sensory overwhelm shows up in the body, why anger and reactivity are actually protective responses, and how to gently guide your body and min…

1
Estate Planning for Parents with Attorney Patricia De Fonte 47:19

1M ago47:19

47:19

What would happen to your baby if something happened to you? It’s a difficult question, but one every parent needs to face. In this episode, estate planning attorney Patricia De Fonte shares how to create a plan that protects your loved ones, minimizes stress, and reflects your values. It doesn't matter how much money or assets you have - every par…

1
Bringing Fathers into Pregnancy - Dr Ed Stephens 49:01

2M ago49:01

49:01

Healthy families start with healthy parents (and wherever possible, that includes the father!). Dr. Ed Stephens shares his groundbreaking “Bringing the Father into Pregnancy” questionnaire, a simple, life-saving tool that helps strengthen families, and give babies the healthiest possible start. This episode gives parents and perinatal professionals…

1
We're Taking A Mid-Season Break! 1:40

2M ago1:40

1:40

Announcing a short break that will resume with new episodes mid-October. Use these next few weeks to get caught up on listening or to re-listen to any episodes that greatly impacted you. I'll see you soon! Send me a text! You can share thoughts on the episode, ask a question, or just say Hi! In between episodes you can find me on Instagram and Tik …

1
Rediscovering Intimacy After Baby in a Way That Feels Right for You with Dr Shosh 1:07:12

2M ago1:07:12

1:07:12

Becoming a parent changes a lot - including how we connect with our partners. On this episode of the Fourth Trimester Podcast, I'm joined by my co-host Esther Gallagher as well as special guest Dr. Shoshanna Bennett, a pioneer in perinatal mental health, to talk about what intimacy really looks like after a baby arrives. Full show notes fourthtrime…

1
Reclaim the Magic of Motherhood with Presence and Mindfulness 41:07

2M ago41:07

41:07

Motherhood holds some of the brightest, most magical moments of our lives - ecstatic joy, oceanic love, and the kind of wonder that makes time stand still. But in the busyness of our day to day lives, it’s all too easy to lose sight of these moments. Between the endless tasks of feeding, cleaning, and planning, joy can feel like a distant memory ra…

1
Overwhelm in Motherhood Part 2: How to Break Free from the Freeze Response 54:06

2M ago54:06

54:06

In Part 2 of Overwhelm In Motherhood, we explore the freeze response - the nervous system state where overwhelm lives - and that can leave mothers feeling shut down, numb, or paralyzed. While freeze can feel like a place of shame or failure, it’s also a clear message from our body - we just have to learn to listen to what she’s saying. This episode…

1
Fuel Your Baby’s Growth and Success Through Optimal Newborn Nutrition 28:12

2M ago28:12

28:12

This is a wonderful conversation with experienced nutritionist Argavan Nilforoush about feeding and nourishing your baby, especially when there are specific dietary concerns. Argavan is a registered dietitian nutritionist and she is based in the San Francisco Bay area. She brings years of experience working with families, infants and children acros…

1
Overwhelm in Motherhood Part 1: The Invisible Weight We Carry 24:16

2M ago24:16

24:16

In this episode, we explore the hidden factors that contribute to overwhelm: chronic fatigue and sleep deprivation, the mental load of remembering and managing countless details, the role that estrogen plays, sensitivity to the world around us, and the unique challenges of high needs children. We’ll also reflect on the realities of doing this work …

1
044: Exposing the Truth About Child Marriage and Systemic Betrayal with Donna Simmons 47:39

3M ago47:39

47:39

What happens when the very laws meant to protect children instead give predators a license to abuse? In this episode of Your Radical Truth Podcast, host Margaret Mary O'Connor speaks with survivor, advocate, and bestselling author Donna Simmons, whose life story exposes the devastating reality of child marriage in the United States. Donna reveals h…

1
Creativity in Motherhood: Returning to the Root of Who You Are 54:02

3M ago54:02

54:02

In this episode, we explore what it means to stay connected to your creativity in the midst of motherhood. Whether you feel creatively blocked, disconnected from your sense of self, or you’re simply longing to feel inspired again, this conversation is here to remind you that creativity is not separate from mothering - it is a vital part of it. You’…

1
043: Maternal Mortality in America: Reverend Danielle Hegdale on Midwifery, Consent, and Infant Mental Health 51:39

3M ago51:39

51:39

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed nations, revealing a system that treats childbirth as an illness rather than a natural process. Reverend Brighid Danielle Curby Hegdale, ordained in the Reformed Anamkara Celtic Church and a longtime doula, joins host Margaret Mary O'Connor on Your Radical Truth Podcast to un…

1
Why And How To Bond With Your Newborn - Dr Joanna Parga-Belinkie 43:39

3M ago43:39

43:39

On this episode we are joined by Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist, board-certified lactation consultant, and the author of the The Baby Bonding Book: Connecting With Your Newborn. We discuss medical as well as practical and emotional aspects of bonding, including why and how to bond with your newborn. This is great listening for parents, …

1
Why Modern Motherhood Feels So Hard: Raising Children Without A Village and the Need for Cultural Midwifery 1:11:18

3M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

Why does motherhood so often feel overwhelming, lonely, and heavier than we ever imagined? In this opening episode of The Inner Work of Motherhood, we explore the roots of the modern maternal struggle: the loss of the village, the unrealistic expectations of the “Good Mother,” and the cultural pressures that leave women doing the work of many, ofte…

1
042: Guiding Souls to the Light: Father Nathan's Extraordinary Ministry 59:19

3M ago59:19

59:19

What happens when life ends suddenly, without warning or time to say goodbye? Few people have confronted that mystery as closely as Father Nathan G. Castle, O.P., a Dominican priest with an extraordinary ministry. For more than three decades, Father Nathan has been called in dreams to help souls who died traumatically or abruptly. Over 600 individu…

1
041: Struggling with Infant Sleep? Maria Moreno Shares Proven Coaching Strategies 45:07

3M ago45:07

45:07

Up to 70% of new moms face crushing exhaustion and overwhelm in their baby's first year — yet many suffer in silence. On this episode of Your Radical Truth, Margaret Mary O'Connor talks with Maria Moreno, founder of Mindful Mother, about her journey from postpartum depression and dangerous sleep deprivation to becoming a certified sleep consultant …

1
Introducing Season 1: The Inner Work of Motherhood 8:01

3M ago8:01

8:01

This first season is a deep dive into the emotional, spiritual, and somatic terrain of mothering. The identity shifts, nervous system regulation (and all that disrupts it), the healing, grief, joy, rage, and bliss of this beautiful, wild journey that each mother must navigate in her own way. This is for the mothers who are called to do the deep wor…

1
Fourth Trimester Economics with Pediatrician Dr Sonal Patel 41:01

3M ago41:01

41:01

Dr. Sonal Patel is a board-certified pediatrician, neonatologist, lactation specialist, TEDx speaker, author, and founder of NayaCare: Fourth Trimester Clinic. With a passion for improving maternal and infant health, she offers curated talks designed to empower professional women navigating the intersection of career, motherhood, and personal well-…

1
040: Breaking Barriers: Deaf Coach Kellina Powell Redefines What It Means to Be Heard 40:59

4M ago40:59

40:59

Kellina Powell was a happy-go-lucky four-year-old when her world suddenly changed. After experiencing severe illness, she lost her hearing. What followed could have been a story of limitation, isolation, and struggle. Instead, it became one of resilience, transformation, and leadership. Today, Kellina is a Deaf coach, international speaker, 4X best…

1
VBACs and Cesarean Recovery Tips with Petra Cruz Doula 42:37

4M ago42:37

42:37

Petra is a birth & postpartum doula, birth educator, and fierce advocate for women reclaiming their power in birth. After undergoing three Cesareans, she set off on a transformative journey that led to her vaginal birth after three Cesareans (VBA3C). That experience reshaped not only how she viewed birth but also how she found her voice—one that ha…

1
039: The Question That Changed Everything: How a Bold Student Sparked Dr. J. Michelle Vann's Mission to Heal, Lead, and Empower Women 25:57

4M ago25:57

25:57

Only 1 in 5 women feel comfortable talking about menopause. That statistic is not just shocking—it's damaging. On my podcast, Your Radical Truth, I had the honor of speaking with Dr. J. Michelle Vann about why this silence is so harmful and how we begin to break it. We talked about the vital conversations that should be happening between mothers, d…

1
How to Prepare for Hospital Birth (and Avoid Unnecessary Interventions) with HeHe Stewart 38:46

4M ago38:46

38:46

Here's a prep guide for hospital births that will help you feel more confident, and empower you with information that could help you avoid unnecessary procedures that can result in trauma and/or injury. Our guest is HeHe Stewart, a birth doula and founder of The Birth Lounge, a non-judgmental, evidence-based childbirth education online platform kno…

1
Returning to Work Transition Guide - Michelle Olsen, MA, CPCC 38:15

5M ago38:15

38:15

This Returning to Work Transition Guide is led by Career coach Michelle Olsen who specializes in helping women find clarity and purpose during career transitions. Michelle holds a Master’s in Organizational Psychology and is a Certified Professional Co-Active Coach (CPCC) Covered on this episode: Making the back to work transition with intention Fi…

1
Redefining Motherhood for More Joy and Freedom with Dr Gertrude Lyons 34:48

5M ago34:48

34:48

Dr. Gertrude Lyons is a leading expert in holistic women’s development with over 20 years of experience. We explore how rewriting our beliefs about motherhood can lead to more joy, freedom, and self-love. This episode is about learning how breaking free from outdated expectations can transform not only your parenting but your entire sense of self. …

1
038: The Church's Hidden Children: One Woman's Fight for Recognition, Truth, and Reform with Linda Kelly-Lawless 53:42

6M ago53:42

53:42

Thousands of children are believed to be born to Catholic priests, yet their stories have been buried under decades of secrecy and shame. On this episode of the Your Radical Truth Podcast, I sat down with Linda Kelly Lawless, an Australian genealogist who discovered through DNA testing that her biological father was a Catholic priest. What followed…

1
The Birth Doula’s Guide to Navigating New Motherhood with Carson Meyer 36:37

6M ago36:37

36:37

So here's what happens when a seasoned birth doula becomes a first-time mom. Carson Meyer, a sought-after doula, joins us to share her personal journey into motherhood. With years of experience supporting parents through birth and postpartum, Carson brings a unique perspective on what she thought she knew versus what she learned firsthand. In this …

1
037: From Battlefield to Altar: Father Thomas Marble's Journey of Healing, Faith, and Radical Hospitality 47:52

6M ago47:52

47:52

Only a small fraction of military veterans become priests, and fewer still find their calling in an independent Catholic tradition like the Celtic Christian Church. In this inspiring episode of Your Radical Truth, host Margaret Mary O'Connor welcomes Father Thomas Marble, a combat medic turned priest, healer, and author. Father Thomas shares how a …

1
Prevent and Manage Gestational Diabetes With Certified Diabetes Educator Lily Nichols, RD 50:50

6M ago50:50

50:50

Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian and the author three books designed to support healthy conception, birth and postpartum, including how to prevent and manage gestational diabetes. Her books are Real Food for Fertility (co-authored by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food For Pregnancy and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily shares important …

1
036: From Misdiagnosis to Miracles: Jessica Summers on Rising from Medical Trauma to Radical Truth 48:46

6M ago48:46

48:46

Did you know nearly 12 million adults in the U.S. are misdiagnosed annually, with some errors leading to serious harm or death? This staggering fact set the stage for a jaw-dropping episode of the Your Radical Truth Podcast, hosted by Margaret Mary O'Connor. In this deeply moving interview, guest Jessica Summers shares her harrowing and ultimately …

1
035: You Don't Need to Be Well to Be Whole, CJ Janzen's Message for the Marginalized 45:25

7M ago45:25

45:25

According to Statistics Canada, nearly 1 in 5 Canadians aged 15 and older live with one or more disabilities—yet many of their stories remain untold. On this episode of Your Radical Truth, host Margaret Mary O'Connor shines a spotlight on one of those voices. Meet CJ Janzen—"The Singing Speaker"—a queer, disabled advocate, storyteller, and artist l…

1
Prepare your Vagina for Birth with Britt Fohrman, Birth Educator & Doula 55:33

7M ago55:33

55:33

In this empowering episode, we invite you to get up close and personal with the part of your body that’s about to do something extraordinary—birth your baby. Many parents enter labor feeling disconnected from their vaginas and pelvises, but our guest Britt Fohrman offers a different path—one grounded in awareness, preparation, and trust. Drawing fr…