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Hey mamas, tune in as Dr. Cassidy Freitas holds space for conversations with experts from around the world and parents who have been through it. With a background in Marriage and Family Therapy, Dr. Cassidy offers education in topics ranging from pregnancy, fertility, postpartum, parenting, wellness, creative living and more! This podcast is not a substitute for therapy and if you're struggling you should seek help from a licensed provider in your area.
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Sensory Overload in Motherhood with Dr. Ashurina Reams
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Why can motherhood be so overstimulating at times? The noise, the mess, the touching, it can all lead to sensory overload. Sometimes we respond to this overload with irritability, followed by guilt or shame for our behaviors. Can you relate? This is the topic for today's episode with psychologist Dr. Ashurina Reams. You can continue to follow Dr. R…
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For the Parents Worried About COVID with Pediatrician Dr. Kelly Fradin
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In this episode I share my conversation with Dr. Kelly Fradin, Pediatrician and author of Parenting in a Pandemic. Dr. Fradin demystifies your biggest worries when it comes to the coronavirus and children, and answers questions about steps parents can take to keep their families safe during the upcoming holidays. We explore the social emotional imp…
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Identity After Baby with Chasity Holcomb @momfully.you
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In this episode I share my conversation with Chasity Holcomb, Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of Momfully You. Together we explore the identity transition of becoming a mother. While we might hope and imagine that we will just connect with that new identity after our baby is born, it is very common to not feel comfortable or confident i…
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The Dance of Grief and Joy When the Unexpected Happens in Postpartum with Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC
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In this episode I share my conversation with Lindsey Shipley, RN, IBCLC-certified lactation coach and founder of Lactation Link. In this episode Lindsey shares her story of grief and loss that she experienced after having a baby and being diagnosed with cancer. Together we explore how Lindsey found joy even amidst the grief and pain. I put together…
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Why are Postpartum Parenting Decisions So Polarizing and How to Feel Empowered with Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
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In this episode I share my conversation with New York Times Best Selling Author and mom to three Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, LCSW. We discuss her most recent book Bottom Line for Baby, where she shares the science behind some of the biggest decisions new parents have to make. Tina and I explore the overwhelming feelings that come with trying to make the…
In this episode I share my conversation with Karrie Locher, postpartum nurse and mom to 3. We discuss a common (but not often discussed) symptom of postpartum depression and anxiety, RAGE. Karrie shares her experience with postpartum rage, we discuss the stigma around women expressing anger, and explore supportive coping skills. To learn more from …
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The Invisible Load of Postpartum Motherhood with Erica Djossa
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In this episode I share my conversation with registered therapist, maternal mental health specialist, and Happy as a Mother founder Erica Djossa. Together we explore the invisible mental load of motherhood in that first year with baby. You know all those tabs you have open in your brain that no one else sees? That's what we are talking about today!…
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Calling all Mamas: Let's Talk about Race, Mental Health, and Motherhood with Dr. Angel Montfort
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In this episode I'm sharing my conversation with Psychologist Dr. Angel Montfort. Together we explore the impact of racism on mental health, physical health, and relationships. We discuss ways we can begin to talk to our children about race, why raising "color blind" children is not the answer, and navigating difficult conversations about privilege…
In this episode of Holding Space Podcast I invited Dr. Christine Sterling, board certified OBGYN, back on the podcast! In this episode we flip the script. Dr. Sterling is pregnant and in this episode she asks me questions about how she can prepare her daughter Celeste for their new baby. I share our family's personal story and the challenges we fac…
In this personal episode, I'm sharing my two cesarean birth stories...what I learned, what I changed, and what I wish I had done to prepare. In the sharing of my first belly birth, I explore the ways that Fear showed up and led to rigidity around my birth plan and ultimately a disconnection from truly listening to my body. I unpack the challenges a…
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Body Love in Pregnancy and Postpartum with Chrissy Powers, LMFT
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In today's episode I'm welcoming back Chrissy Powers, LMFT to Holding Space Podcast! In our last episode we discussed Anxiety in Motherhood, and in today's episode we're exploring body image and body love during pregnancy and postpartum. Chrissy shares her history with an eating disorder and the journey she took to honor and care for her body throu…
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Breastfeeding for the Working Family with Robin Kaplan, IBCLC
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In this episode I sit down with Robin Kaplan, founder of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and author of Latch. Robin has her Masters in Education and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. In this episode we explore the experience of going back to work for breastfeeding families from an emotional, relational, and logistical per…
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Teletherapy with Digital Nomad Dr. Therese Mascardo
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In this episode I virtually sit down with online therapist and digital nomad Dr. Therese Mascardo @exploring.therapy. We talk about what it means to offer teletherapy and ways to make therapy more accessible. We also explore the ways that therapists are showing up in the digital arena in platforms like Instagram. I ask her questions about the ethic…
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Cultivating a New Relationship With Emotion Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Dr. Sophie Mort
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In this episode I share my conversation with Clinical Psychologist Dr. Sophie Mort. Together we discuss our experiences with an evidence-based clinical approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. We explore the ways this approach supports a new relationship to our emotions, as well as the role of values and mindfulness in creating meaningful…
In this episode I share my conversation with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Vienna Pharaon. This episode is all about boundaries! We define the different types of boundaries that can show up in our intimate relationships and the ways these levels of boundaries can lead to connection and protection. We explore how to both set and keep health…
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Human First, Therapist Second: The Power of Stories with Lisa Olivera, LMFT
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In this episode of Holding Space Podcast, I virtually sit down with Lisa Olivera, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Lisa and I talk about her approach to therapy which is: human first, therapist second. We explore the power of stories, and Lisa shares her own. At the end we talk about finding our voices as therapists in the larger wellness ar…
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Living Life Fully While Facing Life's Fragility with Krystal Festerly
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In this episode I sit down with Krystal Festerly, writer and founder of Gather the Village, a magazine aimed at building community through honest storytelling. Krystal's superpower is her ability to show up as fully human, honoring her truth and vulnerability as a bridge to connection with others. Krystal describes the impact of facing our mortalit…
I'm back from podcast sabbatical :) and so happy to share this new episode with all of you! Ashley Neese is a breathwork teacher and author of the book How To Breathe. In this episode we explore how Ashley came to do this work. We also unpack the power of breath, and the ways that breath shows up as a landing space in both our harder moments and in…
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Beyond the Brand: Motherhood, Health, and Spirituality with Kelli Murray
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In this final episode of 2018, I sit down with illustrator and designer Kelli Murray. Kelli is the owner and designer of children's clothing brand Rylee and Cru and their sister brand Quincy Mae. Kelli shares with us her background and how she built her businesses. We then go beyond the brand to discuss motherhood, the myth of balance, Kelli's long…
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The Female Cycle: Educating and Empowering Women with Dr. Christine Sterling OB/GYN
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In this episode of Holding Space Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Christine Sterling, OB/GYN. You may remember Dr. Sterling from an earlier episode where we discussed preparing for motherhood during pregnancy. In this episode Dr. Sterling offers education on a woman's menstrual cycle, and the impact hormonal changes can have on our energy, behaviors, l…
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Grief and Anxiety with Claire Bidwell Smith
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In this episode I share my conversation with Claire Bidwell Smith, author and therapist specializing in grief. We explore the relationship between anxiety and grief and the work Claire has done that led to her most recent book Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief. Claire offers psychoeducation on the stages of grief, and the ways in which anxiety ca…
In this episode I sit down with Brittani Ehrhorn. Brittani is a pediatric registered nurse and advocate and activist for Turner Syndrome. Brittani shares her experience living with Turner Syndrome, and discusses the myths and importance of education. We talk about the sticky-ness of labels and Brittani shares her experience with going to therapy. A…
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Fertility, Adoption, and Fatherhood with Jeff Mindell
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In honor of infertility and pregnancy loss awareness month, this week's episode explores the often neglected experience of partners. I virtually sit down with Jeff Mindell, a Los Angeles based photographer and creative. Last Spring I shared an episode with his wife Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY where she shared her experience with fertility, pregnanc…
In this episode I virtually sit down with Keah Brown, writer, journalist and disability activist. Keah and I discuss her writing process, and how she has come to appreciate her earlier work as part of the growth that got her to where she is today. We talk about disrupting disability discourses and choosing self-love. In Keah's words: "I spent most …
In this episode I share my conversation with Dr. Crystal Jones, director of The Sanctuary, a healing institution with a mission to elevate the paradigm of healing. With her person-centered approach, Dr. Jones leads conversations around the globe, training healing facilitators across multiple modalities in the art of holding space. In this episode w…
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Carving Your Own Path and Redefining Growth with Taylor Sterling
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In this episode I virtually sit down with my very good friend Taylor Sterling, Founder and Creative Director of Glitter Guide. We start off the episode with sharing how we met (and sharing some laughs) while discussing how we maintain a long-distance friendship. Taylor shares how she carved her own path as an entrepeneur, and the ways in which crea…
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Self Compassion and Social Activism with Tim Desmond
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In this episode I share my conversation with Tim Desmond, mindfulness teacher, therapist, professor, and student of Zen Master and Social Activist Thich Nhat Hanh. Tim and I discuss the bridge between showing compassion to ourselves and social activism. Tim offers real ways in which we can develop self-compassion and mindfulness practices while we …
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Partners in Life and Business with Elle and Jared Rowley
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In this episode I sit down with Elle and Jared Rowley, CEO and CFO of Solly Baby Wraps. Elle and Jared are my first couple on the podcast! Elle and Jared share how they met, their decision to go into business with each other, and how they make it all work. To follow their personal journeys you can find them at @ellerowley and @jaredrowley and their…
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Growing Up a Third Culture Kid, Global Citizenship, and Talking to Children About Racial Identity: A Personal Story with Anjelica Malone
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In this episode I sit down with Anjelica Malone. Anjelica is a writer, educator, and birth/postpartum doula with a mission to cultivate a global tribe of women. In this episode we discuss her experience growing up a third culture kid, and how this experience influenced her identity and her value of global citizenship. Anjelica shares how her milita…
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You've Got This Mama with Andrea Faulkner Williams
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In this episode I sit down with Andrea Faulkner Williams, co-founder of Tubby Todd a natural and organic product line and author of the book You've Got This Mama: Ideas for Taking Care of You While You're Taking Care of Your Little One. We discuss the importance of and challenges of self-care as a mother, setting realistic boundaries, and the power…
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Mindfulness and Self-Compassion with Dr. Steve Hickman
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In this episode I sit down with Dr. Steve Hickman, founding director of the Center for Mindfulness at the University of California, San Diego. We explore the powerful role of mindulness and self-compassion as it relates to creating change and developing a new relationship with our pain. We also discuss the impact of gender discourses on mindfulness…
In this episode I sit down with Dr. Dan Siegel, clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine and the founding co-director of the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. Dr. Siegel has published extensively for the professional audience. He is the author of numerous articles, chapters, and the internationally acclaimed text, Th…
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Call to Action: Privilege, Compassion, and Talking to our Children
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27:22
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This week we have seen families stripped from each other at our border. This is a human crisis, but this crisis did not just start this week. If we zoom out we will see a lot of anger, and a lot of hatred, and a lot of dehumanization for those who are considered "other." In this episode we explore how we got to where we are, we discuss the dangers …
In this episode I sit down with Clinical Psychologist and father involvement researcher Dr. Dan Singley. In honor of Father's Day and International Father's Mental Health Day, we explore dad's mental health, specifically in early fatherhood. We explore the messages that dad's receive, the fatherhood generational gap, symptoms of perinatal mood and …
In this episode we explore adult friendships with friendship researcher Miriam Kirmayer. Miriam and I discuss the complexities of adult friendships, why they are so important, what makes them hard, how they are different from other relationships, how to build your friendship network, and the unique experiences of parents and entrepreneurs when it c…
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The Climb: Bringing Awareness to Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
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In this episode I'm sharing an incredible event aimed at bringing awareness to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Did you know that 1 in 5 moms and 1 in 10 dads will suffer with a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder? The Climb Out of the Darkness is the world's largest event raising funds and awareness for perinatal mental illness like postpartum…
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Play and Parenting with Dr. Kim Van Dusen, LMFT
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In this episode I sit down with Dr. Kim Van Dusen, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. Together we explore the power of play as a bridge to connection with our children. We share some of our own stories of how we have used play in our work and as parents and discuss how play shows up as an important ingredient to w…
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Brutiful Partner Relationships with Janelle Nelson, LMFT
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In this episode, I sit down with Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Janelle Nelson. Janelle and I explore both the brutal and beautiful experiences of intimate partner relationships. We discuss the need to deconstruct the shame that is often experienced within marital and intimate partner struggles, and offer ideas of how couples can transform …
In this episode I sit down with fashion designer Rachel Pally. Rachel shares with us how she built her business by hearing the "no's" and showing up anyway. We discuss how becoming a mother has transformed her, the myth of balance, and how she has reclaimed "self-care" by personalizing it to work for her life now. We also explore the importance of …
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Scarcity Culture and the Daring Way with Rebecca Ching, LMFT
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In this episode I sit down with Rebecca Ching, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Potentia (an integrative mental health center in San Diego). Rooted in the research and practice of Brené Brown, Rebecca has completed training to become a Daring Way™ Facilitator and Consultant. In today's episode we talk about scarcity, abundance, a…
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Finding Community and Sorting Through the Noise Within Motherhood with Renata Cameron, LMFT
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In this episode I sit down with Renata Cameron, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and founder of the modernized mommy and me support group Milestones. Renata and I discuss building a support tribe, sorting through the noise of information, introvert motherhood, and getting comfortable in the "gray." Renata shares her own personal struggle with…
Death has no respect for the differences we have created among us; we will each be touched by it. Those left behind often report feeling disconnected from the events of the world, as if the one who died took a part of them with. For a period of time people check in, give their condolences, share memories. Slowly, but often not slowly enough, people…
In this episode I sit down with journalist and activist Tamara Taggart. In Tamara's ted talk "The Two Conversations that Changed My Life" she described two pivotal moments in her life, one where she was told her son has down syndrome, and the other when she was told she had cancer. In this episode we discuss the power of hope, where it showed up, h…
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Breastfeeding Support Through Every Stage with Robin Kaplan, M.Ed., IBCLC
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In this episode I sit down with Robin Kaplan, founder of the San Diego Breastfeeding Center and author of Latch. Robin has her Masters in Education and is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. In this episode Robin debunks some breastfeeding myths, explains why so many women find themselves struggling when it comes to breastfeeding…
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Preparing for Motherhood During Pregnancy with Dr. Christine Sterling, OB/GYN
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In this episode I sit down with Dr. Christine Sterling, OB/GYN. Dr. Sterling discusses her approach to pregnancy care, where she supports women in preparing for life beyond birth. Dr. Sterling shares how each specific trimester offers a unique opportunity to cultivate empowering self-care habits, build a strong tribe, and begin the beautiful connec…
In this episode, we discuss how to get unstuck from creative blocks by developing a new relationship with painful experiences of Fear, Resistance, Shame, and Perfectionism. We explore how acceptance of difficult emotions can create space for us to regain our creative flow. For more information on Dr. Cassidy's creative consultation work, click here…
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Pregnancy Loss: How to Offer Support with Rachel Rabinor, LCSW
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In today's episode, I sit down with Rachel Rabinor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week. Rachel specializes in working with women and families impacted by infertility and pregnancy loss, and in this episode we explore the relationship between pregnancy loss, depression, anxiety, and trauma. We discuss how…
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Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, and Adoption: A Personal Story with Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY
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In today's episode I sit down with Kelly Mindell of Studio DIY. Kelly shares with us her personal experience with infertility, pregnancy loss, and adoption. We explore the silence and isolation that is often experienced with infertility and pregnancy loss, and how opening up about her story has offered the gift of meaningful connections. Kelly shar…
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Anxiety in Motherhood: A Personal Story with Chrissy Powers, LMFT
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In today's episode I sat down with writer, photographer, and therapist Chrissy Powers. Chrissy opens up about her own story of trauma and anxiety in motherhood, and shares the tangible ways that she has healed through these experiences. You can follow Chrissy's work and story at www.chrissypowers.com.…
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Parenting with Connection and Intention: Gender Creativity and Trans Identity with Rachel Rainbolt
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In this episode I sit down with parenting coach, educator, writer, and LGBTQIA activist Rachel Rainbolt. Rachel has her Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and through her coaching and writing holds space for parents to say "Yes!" to connection, joy, and freedom in life with their families. Rachel offers simple but profound ways we can de…
