Busy Mom Talk, The Podcast

Busy Mom Talk, The Podcast

by Kia Veinneau
ParentingSociety & Culture
Season 1

Time Change, Sleep Foundations & Wake Windows With Sleep Coach Allison

Episode Overview Laying the Foundations of Rest In this conversation, pediatrician and sleep consultant Allison Egidi breaks down what it really means to set healthy sleep foundations from the earliest weeks of life. She explains where the idea of “drowsy but awake” actually comes from in sleep science—and why it’s often misunderstood by exhausted parents. Rather than offering rigid rules, Allison clarifies the research behind infant sleep cues, biological rhythms, and the gentle frameworks that support babies as they learn this essential skill. “I Reserve the Right to Change My Mind” One of Allison’s core parenting philosophies—the right to change your mind—guides this entire episode. She opens up about how every child, season, and challenge invites a new approach. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow, and that doesn’t make you inconsistent—it makes you responsive. This segment dives into the emotional and mental freedom parents gain when they let go of rigid rules and allow themselves to evolve alongside their children. Different Children, Different Sleepers Using the analogy of four-year-olds stepping onto a soccer field for the first time, Allison beautifully illustrates how children arrive with different innate abilities. Some take to sleep easily, others struggle, and neither is “right” or “wrong.” She emphasizes that sleep is a skill, not a moral benchmark, and that parents should never judge themselves—or their children—against someone else’s timeline. Compassion and understanding take center stage in this part of the discussion. The Mental Load, Society’s Pressure & a Mother’s Well-Being Kianna and Allison explore the invisible weight mothers carry when it comes to sleep. Society expects babies to “sleep through the night,” often without understanding what research actually means by that phrase—or how developmental stages change sleep patterns constantly. Allison breaks down what science suggests counts as “sleeping through,” and why expectations must be age-appropriate. The conversation then turns toward maternal mental health: sleep is not a luxury—it is survival. CIO, Supportive Approaches & What Really Matters The episode tackles misconceptions around “cry it out” and how this approach looks very different across families. Allison highlights that the goal isn’t choosing a side—it’s choosing what works for your child, your capacity, and your home. Whether parents choose responsive settling, gradual methods, or structured intervals, the focus is always on support, connection, and learning. Circadian Rhythms, Time Changes & Structure As the episode wraps up, Allison explains how circadian rhythms shape sleep over time, and why even simple routines help anchor a child’s internal clock. She shares guidance on navigating time changes, adjusting schedules, and building rhythms that make sleep easier for the whole family. You can find Allison on instagram @sleepandwellnesscoach and all of her free resources at https://linktr.ee/sleepandwellnesscoach Don’t forget to follow @BusyMomTalk on Instagram! Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what resonated with you most.
S1 · E14
Nov 6, 2025
47:26

Part Two With Surrogate Alycia

Episode Overview Kianna introduces Alycia King and how she became inspired to help another family through surrogacy. Alycia started an instagram page to share her surrogacy journey - @notthebabymamaa. Alycia has been in the surrogacy world for 4 years now, and is on her second journey as a surrogate. Alycia shares some of the exciting and amazing parts of surrogacy, and answers all of Kianna's questions regarding surrogacy. Key Takeaways Key Terms In Surrogacy Alycia explains some common terms that the fertility and surrogacy world use often, from gestational carrier (GCs) and intended parents (IPs), to other ones that aren't as common. The Decision to Become a Surrogate & How Surrogacy Works in Canada Alycia talks about the moment she knew she wanted to become a surrogate, and the reactions from her friends and family.. The difference between altruistic and paid surrogacy, and why Canada’s legal framework can be confusing and outdated. Building Trust With Intended Parents The emotional connection and boundaries between a surrogate and the family she’s helping. Alycia reflects on the physical challenges, the birth experience surrogates go through, and the moment of transition when the baby goes home with the intended parents. Surrogacy Is Different For Everyone No two journeys look the same, and that is okay! Alycia explains how different journeys come with different things, from the process, the legal paperwork, expectations, and even the pregnancy itself. The one thing she notes that is worthy of every journey, is having the support from not only your family and friends, but others in the same position as you. This is the reason she started her zoom support group, and now supports other surrogates, answers questions and holds space for those interested. The Journey Is Like Dating Alycia explains how surrogacy should be as intimate and time consuming as dating, I mean - this person will be expanding your family and things like communication styles, values, and expectations should not just be a small thing to consider. Don't forget to like, subscribe & comment what you loved about the episode, and follow us on Instagram @BusyMomTalk!
S1 · E13
Nov 3, 2025
51:56

The Surrogacy Journey In Canada With Surrogate Alycia Part 1

Episode Overview Kianna introduces Alycia King and how she became inspired to help another family through surrogacy. Alycia started an instagram page to share her surrogacy journey - @notthebabymamaa. Alycia has been in the surrogacy world for 4 years now, and is on her second journey as a surrogate. Alycia shares some of the exciting and amazing parts of surrogacy, and answers all of Kianna's questions regarding surrogacy. Key Takeaways Key Terms In Surrogacy Alycia explains some common terms that the fertility and surrogacy world use often, from gestational carrier (GCs) and intended parents (IPs), to other ones that aren't as common. The Decision to Become a Surrogate & How Surrogacy Works in Canada Alycia talks about the moment she knew she wanted to become a surrogate, and the reactions from her friends and family.. The difference between altruistic and paid surrogacy, and why Canada’s legal framework can be confusing and outdated. Building Trust With Intended Parents The emotional connection and boundaries between a surrogate and the family she’s helping. Alycia reflects on the physical challenges, the birth experience surrogates go through, and the moment of transition when the baby goes home with the intended parents. Surrogacy Is Different For Everyone No two journeys look the same, and that is okay! Alycia explains how different journeys come with different things, from the process, the legal paperwork, expectations, and even the pregnancy itself. The one thing she notes that is worthy of every journey, is having the support from not only your family and friends, but others in the same position as you. This is the reason she started her zoom support group, and now supports other surrogates, answers questions and holds space for those interested. The Journey Is Like Dating Alycia explains how surrogacy should be as intimate and time consuming as dating, I mean - this person will be expanding your family and things like communication styles, values, and expectations should not just be a small thing to consider. Stay tuned for part 2 next week. Don't forget to like, subscribe & comment what you loved about the episode, and follow us on Instagram @BusyMomTalk!
S1 · E12
Oct 26, 2025
42:39

Vaccine Talk With Mom Angela, Injecting Truth

Episode Overview A Mother’s Why Angela opens up about the moment that changed her perspective on vaccine safety and medical trust. When her baby experienced a mild reaction after routine vaccinations, she asked questions that were met with dismissal. Told not to come back unless she complied without hesitation, Angela began to dig into medical literature, parent forums, and books to understand what had happened. What started as concern for her child became a mission to share informed, evidence-based content for other parents who just want their questions answered. Becoming the “Black Sheep” Angela shares what it’s like to be viewed as different for making choices that go against the grain. She explains how quickly judgment replaces compassion when people learn her children aren’t vaccinated, even though her approach is rooted in love and respect for each family’s autonomy. This conversation explores the emotional weight of being misunderstood and the strength it takes to stand firm in your beliefs as a mother. The Political Divide and the Parenting Gap Kianna and Angela discuss how the pandemic amplified division and fear around personal health decisions. What was once a quiet parenting concern has become a political debate, leaving many parents afraid to even ask questions. Angela highlights how the real problem lies in accessibility—parents are searching for balanced, trustworthy information but are often met with shame instead of answers. Books That Shaped Her Journey Angela shares some of the books that deepened her understanding and helped her find confidence in her research. These titles have been a foundation for her platform and for many other parents who follow her work. Find them here: https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F3nNhAvH&e=AT3DajdbPHbCcia3ttCuhiDs5qDf92fZ9OFyndBXIZMhHt6cc0SdFjUtr44jlCIB07-4BBBRwDBwXlH5za4DdaYblcXD9HJza6bZLKOHB9xBzmIdpBGEMAAIHTFe Empathy, Education, and Empowerment Angela’s message is simple: informed parenting should unite, not divide. She encourages mothers to lead with curiosity and compassion, reminding listeners that asking questions does not make you rebellious—it makes you responsible. The episode closes with a heartfelt reflection on trusting your instincts and respecting the diverse ways parents protect their children. Don't forget to follow BusyMomTalk on Instagram! Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
S1 · E11
Oct 20, 2025
1:07:32

Honouring Veya's Story With Krystal Vanderbrugghen

Episode Overview: In this deeply emotional and faith-driven episode of Busy Mom Talk, we sit down with Krystal Vanderbruggen, a devoted mother of four whose youngest daughter, Veya, was born on December 4, 2023, with Down syndrome and cardiac conditions. Despite countless medical challenges, Veya’s life was filled with joy — from her bright smile to her love for geese stuffies and shaking her favorite toys. Krystal shares her family’s resilient journey of navigating the medical system, advocating fiercely for Veya, and the heartbreak that came when Veya was welcomed home to the Lord on August 1, 2025. She recounts how their faith and community were the anchors that held them together through devastating moments, including a medical incident at SickKids Hospital in Toronto, where a lethal dose of potassium forced the team to shock Veya’s heart three times. Through her story, Krystal opens an important conversation about medical discrimination, systemic failure, and the harsh reality that children with Down syndrome are too often treated as less deserving of care. Yet through unimaginable grief, Krystal’s faith in God and belief in the good ones in healthcare continue to fuel her purpose. Today, she’s working to create an organization in Veya’s name, ensuring her story lives on and inspires change for other medically complex children. This episode reminds us that “you never think it will be you… until it is.” Key Moments: Krystal’s journey as a mom of four and the day Veya was conceived Navigating life in and out of hospitals The medical incident that changed everything How faith and prayer carried the family through unimaginable loss Finding hope and purpose in advocacy Honoring Veya’s legacy through community and awareness Takeaway Message: A raw, faith-filled reminder that even in tragedy, love and purpose can rise from pain. Through Krystal’s story, we’re reminded to never lose sight of compassion and to pray for families walking through what we can’t imagine. Follow Krystal on Instagram - @krystallynne.vdb Follow Us on Instagram @BusyMomTalk Don't forget to like, subscribe & let us know what you think of this episode!
S1 · E10
Oct 6, 2025
57:37

The Mother of MomTok Queen & The Next Bachelorette, Taylor Frankie Paul: Liann May

Episode Overview: Liann May – Motherhood, Faith, and Raising Taylor Frankie Paul In this episode, we sit down with Liann May, mother of Taylor Frankie Paul, who opens up about her journey navigating motherhood, faith, and personal challenges while supporting her daughter through the spotlight. Episode Themes: Motherhood & Parenting a Star: Liann reflects on raising Taylor as a single mother, always knowing her daughter was destined for the spotlight, and balancing unconditional support with her own values and life lessons. Life of Fame & Public Scrutiny: She shares what it’s like to live in the public eye, including the attention, fans, and even death threats, while keeping her family grounded. Faith & God’s Role in Her Life: Liann emphasizes how her relationship with God has guided her through challenges, shaped her parenting, and strengthened her resilience in both personal and public life. Resilience Through Personal Loss: Liann discusses losing her father as a teenager and how her early experiences shaped her approach to parenting and perseverance. Mormon Culture & Personal Growth: She explores her upbringing, navigating cultural expectations, and making choices outside of tradition, including having Taylor at 17. Behind the Scenes of Reality TV: Liann gives sneak peeks into SLOMW S3, Taylor’s therapy journey, and her casting on The Bachelorette, including the reservations her family holds. Boundaries & Support Systems: The conversation highlights the importance of family support, navigating disagreements, and learning when to set boundaries for both parent and child. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Motherhood is complex, and every child’s journey is unique. Faith and reliance on God can provide guidance and strength through life’s challenges. Supporting your child sometimes means letting them make their own choices, even if you disagree. Fame doesn’t define parenting; resilience, guidance, and love do. Personal loss and early challenges can shape a parent’s strength and perspective. Open conversations about mental health, therapy, and boundaries are vital for families in the public eye. Why You’ll Love This Episode: Liann’s story is raw, inspiring, and deeply relatable. From navigating single motherhood, faith, and Mormon cultural expectations to supporting a child in the spotlight, she demonstrates resilience, love, and the balance between parenting, personal growth, and spiritual guidance. Don’t forget to subscribe, comment & like! Follow us on Instagram @BusyMomTalk!
S1 · E9
Sep 29, 2025
50:57

From Veteran To Mrs. Canada Petitie Globe 2026 With Doula Jae Day

Episode Themes: Motherhood & Homeschooling: Jae shares the realities of homeschooling four children while balancing her own needs and mental health. The Village & Postpartum Support: She emphasizes the importance of community support, reframing the idea that “it takes a village to raise a child” into “it takes a village to raise a mother.” Birth Trauma & Becoming a Doula: Jae’s difficult first birth experience inspired her to train as a doula so no other mother would have to go through birth unsupported. Pageants as Reclaiming Identity: From competing in pageants in 2008 to preparing for her next one, Jae uses the platform to reclaim her identity beyond motherhood and advocate for mothers and women veterans. Living with PTSD as a Mom: She openly discusses her trauma journey, the coping strategies that help her, and her message for other moms navigating PTSD and motherhood. Boundaries & Self-Care: The conversation highlights the importance of moms reclaiming their identity, setting boundaries, and parenting themselves while raising kids. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Every child — even within the same family — requires different parenting approaches. Asking for help is not weakness; it’s strength. Trauma and PTSD do not define motherhood but shape how support and healing are needed. Moms must learn to say “no” and prioritize their own needs to avoid burnout. Identity beyond motherhood matters — reclaiming hobbies, passions, and personal goals strengthens both mom and family. Why You’ll Love This Episode: This episode is raw, inspiring, and deeply relatable. Jae’s story shows resilience through trauma, the importance of support systems, and the balance between being a mom and reclaiming who you are outside of motherhood. Don't forget to subscribe, comment & like! Follow us on Instagram @BusyMomTalk!
S1 · E8
Sep 22, 2025
45:59

Midwifery Over Medicine: Leaving The Medical Model Of Delivering Babies To The Midwifery Model With OBGYN Dr. Stu Part Three

Episode Overview: Part Three of Three In the final part of my conversation with Dr. Stuart Fischbein, we zoom out to explore the bigger picture of maternity care. Dr. Stu unpacks the idea of the medical gaze, showing how the system often looks at women through the lens of risk instead of seeing them as whole people. We also talk through my own story of being misdiagnosed during pregnancy. What felt like a simple test turned into unnecessary fear and stress, which Dr. Stu connects to the wider issue of routine testing, false positives, and the anxiety they create for families. This episode brings everything together — from financial incentives that drive unnecessary interventions to the importance of continuity of care and being truly known by your provider. Dr. Stu closes with what motivates his work: creating a birth culture where women feel seen, respected, and empowered. Because how we are born and how we give birth shapes families, communities, and the stories we carry forward. Key Takeaways The medical gaze often reduces women to risks or diagnoses instead of honoring them as whole people. Routine testing can lead to false positives and unnecessary fear, making informed conversations with providers essential. Financial incentives and hospital systems play a powerful role in driving interventions like cesarean births. Continuity of care and genuine relationships between families and providers are key to safe, respectful birth experiences. Birth stories matter. They ripple across generations and influence how communities view motherhood, trust, and care, Follow along on instagram @BusyMomTalk, and don't forget to like and subscribe if you enjoy the conversation!
S1 · E7
Sep 8, 2025
30:18

Midwifery Over Medicine: Leaving The Medical Model Of Delivering Babies To The Midwifery Model With OBGYN Dr. Stuart Fischbein Part Two

Episode Overview: Part Two of Three In this continuation of our conversation with Dr. Stuart Fischbein (“Dr. Stu”), we dig into some of the most hotly debated topics in maternity and newborn care — from vitamin K injections and vaccine safety to antibiotics in labor and the pressures families face inside medical systems. Dr. Stu unpacks the controversy around vitamin K, explaining what the evidence does and doesn’t say about early versus late-onset deficiency bleeding, and why the decision ultimately rests with parents. We explore how hospital protocols, financial incentives, and medical algorithms shape the options presented to families — often without full transparency about risks, benefits, or alternatives. This episode also touches on broader themes of trust in science, how to read research critically, and the systemic forces driving interventions that may not always serve mothers and babies. Together, we challenge the assumption that “more is always better” and ask what it looks like to truly respect nature’s design and parental choice. Key Takeaways Vitamin K isn’t black-and-white — parents deserve clear, balanced information about real risks versus benefits. Context matters — protocols like antibiotics for GBS or postpartum vaccines may not always be necessary and carry trade-offs. Follow the money — financial incentives and hospital coding systems often influence care more than evidence, in systems like the USA has. Science isn’t neutral — understanding bias, conflicts of interest, and study design is essential when evaluating research. Informed choice is the goal — every family has the right to weigh evidence, question protocols, and make decisions without coercion. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, @BusyMomTalk, and share what stood out most to you from this part of the conversation. Stay tuned for Part Three!
S1 · E6
Sep 1, 2025
41:59

Midwifery Over Medicine: Leaving The Medical Model Of Delivering Babies To The Midwifery Model With OBGYN Dr. Stuart Fischbein Part One

Episode Overview: Part One of Three In this episode of Busy Mom Talk, I sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein — or “Dr. Stu,” as many of you know him. Dr. Stu is an OB-GYN who has been practicing for over 36 years and is internationally recognized for his advocacy of informed decision-making, respectful maternity care, and the midwifery model of birth. After training in the traditional medical model at Cedars-Sinai, he went on to spend decades collaborating with midwives and supporting families choosing home and birth center deliveries. He is also the co-author of Fearless Pregnancy and the host of the Birthing Instincts podcast. We dive deep into how the world of medicine has changed, from the increasing financial pressures driving unnecessary procedures to the way pregnancy is too often treated as a medical “high-risk condition” rather than a natural process. Dr. Stu shares his journey from hospital-based obstetrics to working alongside midwives in community settings, and now to teaching and consulting globally on breech and twin births. We also unpack the political narratives that shape modern maternity care and how reclaiming informed decision-making and collaboration can restore trust, safety, and dignity for birthing people everywhere. Key Takeaways Pregnancy isn’t a pathology — Treating every woman as “high risk” creates fear instead of trust. Financial and systemic pressures shape care — Procedures are often driven by profit, not evidence or compassion. Collaboration is key — Obstetricians and midwives working together provides safer, more respectful options for families. Informed decision-making is a human right — Every family deserves evidence, options, and autonomy in birth. Core obstetric skills are disappearing — Breech and twin vaginal births are essential practices that must be preserved and taught. Vitamin K post birth, in majority of cases - is it necessary? Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, @BusyMomTalk, and let us know what resonated most with you!
S1 · E5
Aug 25, 2025
43:36
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