In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Argavan speaks with Leigh Marshall, a celebrity chef, nutrition advocate and dynamic speaker, about one of life’s most profound chapters — the transition from full-time parenting to rediscovering yourself once the kids are grown. Argavan and Leigh discuss how women can reclaim identity, purpose, and vitality in this new season of life — from shifting nutritional needs to grounding rituals that nourish the body, mind, and spirit. Tune in now!

Today’s guest is someone who’s spent over 40 years at the heart of pediatric care—and even more at the heart of human care. Dr. Ron Schneebaum is a retired primary care pediatrician who has long recognized the profound role that love, connection, and compassion play in our mental and emotional well-being. Throughout his decades in practice, Dr. Schneebaum observed a powerful pattern: when love isn’t felt, self-worth declines and life’s joys begin to fade. But rather than accept that as fate, he developed a heartfelt, human-centered approach to help others understand their inner challenges and begin to heal. As a clinical faculty member at Dartmouth College’s Geisel School of Medicine, he taught future physicians how to bring more heart to their care. Now, as the author of Bigger Hearted: A Retired Pediatrician’s Prescriptions for Living a Happier Life, Dr. Schneebaum continues his mission through workshops, writing, podcasts, and one-on-one mentorship. In this episode, Dr. Schneebaum speaks about the lifelong impact of love, how to nurture compassion from the inside out, and why being “bigger-hearted” might just be the most powerful prescription of all.

In this insightful episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, I'm joined by Sarah Trott, founder of the Fourth Trimester Podcast and advocate for maternal wellness. Sarah shares her deep knowledge and personal experiences around the fourth trimester—the critical, yet often overlooked, period following childbirth. We explore what the fourth trimester really means and why it matters, common physical and emotional challenges for new parents, tips for setting realistic expectations and building a postpartum plan and much more! Whether you’re a new parent, expecting, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you!

Parenting today feels more overwhelming than ever. Between endless expert advice, social media comparisons, and the pressure to do everything right, many parents find themselves stressed, distracted, and questioning their instincts. But what if raising happy, well-adjusted kids didn’t have to be so complicated? In this episode, I’mjoined by Dr. Joanna Parga-Belinkie, a neonatologist, board-certified lactation consultant, and an expert in attachment theory and early childhood development. She shares how parents can cut through the chaos of modern parenting and return to what truly matters: connection, presence, and trust in your own intuition. Argavan and Dr. Parga-Belinkie discuss how parenting has evolved and what defines “modern parenting” today, navigating the overwhelming world of parenting advice—what to keep and what to let go, the foundation of secure attachment and much more! Listen now!

I’m incredibly proud to be joining forces with fellow podcasters from 32 countries to amplify the voices of hundreds of incredible charities around the world. This powerful initiative reflects our shared commitment to using our platforms for social good and positive change ✨. This episode is dedicated to Nepal Orphans Home (NOH) 🏠—an organization close to my heart. NOH is devoted to the care of children in Nepal who have been orphaned, abandoned, or are not supported by their families. They provide not only the basics—food 🍽️, shelter 🛏️, education 📚, and healthcare 🩺—but also something every child deserves: love and compassion ❤️. When voices unite, impact multiplies 🔊🤝.

Divorce is a significant risk factor for men’s mental health, with suicide rates for divorced men being eight times higher than for women. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Eran Magen, a clinical psychologist, educator, and founder of DivorcingDads.org, to discuss the emotional challenges men face during and after divorce. Dr. Magen shares insights on why men struggle to seek support, how they can navigate emotional recovery, and practical steps to maintain strong relationships with their children while rebuilding their lives. Argavan and Dr. Eran Magen explore the mental health challenges men face, the stigma around seeking support, strategies for emotional recovery, the importance of connection and ways to foster healing and connection. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

In this episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, Argavan sits down with Dr. Stephanie Hardwick, a pediatric dentist with over a decade of experience practicing in Marin and San Francisco. As the driving force behind Mt Tam Pediatric Dentistry, she's committed to providing a child-first dental practice that prioritizes quality, convenience, and, most importantly, the well-being of little ones. Dr. Hardwick is American Board of Pediatric Dentistry Certified, with an education from UCLA's School of Dentistry and completing her Pediatric Dentistry Residency at NYU. Her passion for children's dental health extends to her active involvement in professional memberships, including the CA Society of Pediatric Dentistry, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Marin County Dental Society, CA Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Argavan and Dr. Hardwick discuss the importance of early intervention in promoting functional oral health, key oral health issues children often encounter, dental anxiety in children and much much more! Tune in now!

Welcome to the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast! Today’s guest is Lisa Rothman, a family conflict resolution expert with over two decades of experience helping parents create harmony and connection at home. Through her work at StopFamilyConflict.com, Lisa empowers families with practical strategies to prevent, repair, and dissolve conflicts. In this episode, we dive into common parenting challenges, universal tools for de-escalating tension, and creative solutions to foster peaceful family dynamics—especially during mealtimes. Argavan and Lisa discuss her inspiring journey into family conflict resolution and why she focuses on supporting parents; common sources of conflict in families and the underlying reasons they arise; role playing with real life examples and more! Tune in now!

In this episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, I sit down with Sarah Jones, a passionate relationship coach dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of love, communication, and connection. Whether you’re looking to strengthen a current relationship, heal after a breakup, or build self-awareness, Sarah shares actionable advice and strategies to support your journey. Argavan and Sarah discuss some of the most common myths about relationships and how they can impact couples, how relationships change as people move through different life stages, from early dating and marriage to parenting, midlife, and beyond, setting healthy boundaries to prevent repeating old mistakes and much more!

On today’s episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, I'm thrilled to welcome back Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh! Dr. Warsh, a board-certified pediatrician, is known for his integrative approach to children’s health and is a trusted voice in pediatric wellness. In this conversation, Dr. Warsh shares his insights on some of today’s biggest health concerns for children, diving into the latest trends, challenges, and solutions to improve kids' health. Dr. Joel discusses his journey as an advocate for children’s health, the challenges and solutions in children’s health, including insights from his visit to Kellogg’s HQ, the role of policy in promoting healthier options, and strategies for parents to make better choices amid big-brand influences. Don't miss it!

In this insightful episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, Argavan talks with Jenny Friedman, a pediatric dietitian known for her expertise in managing severe food aversions in children. As the author of Stories of Extreme Picky Eating: Children with Severe Food Aversions and the Solutions that Helped Them, Jenny combines her professional knowledge with personal insights, being a mom to a picky toddler and a baby with food allergies. Argavan and Jenny discuss the reasons behind extreme picky eating and early signs to watch for, how parents can change their mindset when handling a picky eater, debunking myths like the "clean plate club" and other popular methods and much more! Tune in!

On this episode of Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, we’re spotlighting some of our everyday heroes—our first responders. From firefighters and police officers to paramedics and EMTs, these individuals face incredible physical and mental demands every day, often neglecting their own health in the process. I’m joined by fellow dietitian Megan Lautz, who has a wealth of experience working with this community, and together, we’ll explore how nutrition is key to enhancing their endurance, resilience, and overall well-being. We’ll discuss Megan’s journey as a dietitian, the unique challenges first responders face in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the impact of stress and trauma on their health. Plus, we’ll dive into practical strategies for supporting mental resilience, muscle recovery, and injury prevention through nutrition. Megan will share some of the most common nutrition-related issues she sees in this population and how she addresses them, as well as the rewarding experiences she’s had along the way. Tune in!

On this insightful episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, Argavan chats with Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN, CEDRD-S, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and co-creator of Intuitive Eating, an evidence-based, compassionate self-care eating framework rooted in dignity and respect for all bodies. Since 1995, Evelyn has been at the forefront of helping people cultivate a healthy relationship with food, mind, and body. She’s also the author of 10 books and has a thriving nutrition counseling practice in Newport Beach, California. Evelyn is passionate about public speaking and training health professionals on the process of Intuitive Eating. We discuss Evelyn's background in Intuitive Eating, the modern anti-diet movement, how diet culture on social media impacted our internal dialogue around hunger and body image and much more! Tune in now. Mentioned in this Episode: The 10 Principles of Intuitive Eating - https://www.intuitiveeating.org/about-us/10-principles-of-intuitive-eating/ Project EAT ((Eating and Activity over Time) - https://www.sph.umn.edu/research/projects/project-eat/ The Minesotta Semistarvation Study - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcjdPE1nDQg Book: The Great Starvation Experiment: The Heroic Men Who Starved so That Millions Could Live - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Starvation-Experiment-Starved-Millions/dp/0743270304 New York Times Article: They Rejected Diet Culture 30 Years Ago. Then They Went Mainstream. - https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/18/well/intuitive-eating.html?smtyp=cur&smid=tw-nytimes

On this mama-focused episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, Argavan talks with Dr. Yip, a Board-Certified Clinical Psychologist, author, speaker, and a nationally recognized OCD, anxiety, and parenting expert. She developed the Family Systems Based Strategic CBT and has treated severe OCD & anxiety disorders for almost two decades. She’s been featured in various media and co-hosts the Stress Less Life Podcast. Dr. Yip is Board Certified in Behavioral & Cognitive Psychology, is Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at USC Keck School of Medicine and is on various professional boards and committees geared to improve mental wellness. Author of “Productive, Successful You,” Dr. Yip founded the Renewed Freedom Center and Little Thinkers Center in Los Angeles for OCD, anxiety treatment, and children's critical thinking skills. Her new book, “Hello Baby, Goodbye Intrusive Thoughts,” provides CBT and ERP strategies to help mothers manage anxiety and connect with their children. Argavan and Dr. Yip discuss anxiety and OCD among new mothers, and why conditions often go undiagnosed, how mothers can differentiate between normal new parent worries and anxiety/OCD, myths or misconceptions and much more! Don’t miss this important conversation!

On this teen focused episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, Argavan chats with Melanie Potock, a pediatric feeding therapist, author, and speaker who is recognized for her expertise in supporting children with feeding difficulties, including picky eating and food sensitivities. Melanie has authored several books on pediatric feeding, including "Adventures in Veggieland" and "Raising a Healthy, Happy Eater." She is also a popular speaker at conferences and workshops, where she shares practical strategies for parents and professionals. Argavan and Melanie discuss common signs or symptoms of teen anxiety related to eating habits, specific triggers or stressors that often exacerbate anxiety around eating in teenagers, what Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is, and much more! A must listen for all parents!

On this episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, Argavan chats with Melissa Lapides, a Licensed Psychotherapist, Trauma, and Attachment expert, and the visionary Founder of The SafeSpace™ Institute brings nearly two decades of dedicated experience to her work. Melissa is passionate about helping individuals and couples heal from trauma and attachment issues while also teaching trauma-informed care to professionals. Through her unique SAFE™ Methodology, she empowers people to cultivate empathy, establish boundaries, enhance communication, and break free from the cycle of trauma. Argavan and Melissa discuss what intergenerational trauma is, common signs or symptoms of intergenerational cultural trauma in women, how it impacts a woman's sense of self-worth and belief that her voice matters and much more! Tune in now!

Today, we're tackling a critical topic that has been making headlines and affecting countless lives across the country: the use of fentanyl among teenagers. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, has been at the center of a growing epidemic, and its impact on young people is a cause for serious concern. I chat with Richard Capriola, a seasoned mental health and addictions counseler for over two decades, having worked with adolescents and adults diagnosed with psychiatric and substance abuse disorders. He is the author of, The Addicted Child: A Parent’s Guide to Adolescent Substance Abuse”. Richard has been on the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, discussing teen substance use, episode 74, as well as episode 83 where we discussed the topic of teens and social media. In this episode, we'll explore the reasons behind the rise in fentanyl use among adolescents, the signs and symptoms parents and caregivers should be aware of, and the effective interventions and support systems available. Richard will also share his insights on how we, as a community, can work together to combat this alarming trend and support our youth in making healthier choices.

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. On this special episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, it’s all about the oral microbiome! Argavan chats with Dr. Staci Whitman, DDS, a Functional pediatric Dentist in North Portland, Oregon. She is the founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry where she takes a whole-body, holistic, and functional approach with her patients. Doctor Staci attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and initially worked as a general dentist, eventually going back to school, earning her Board-Certification in Pediatric Dentistry from Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU). She is an Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Provider (IFMCP) and has her dual Board Certification in Integrative Biological Dental Medicine (IBDM) and as a Naturopathic Physician (NMD). She is a Certified International Health and Wellness Coach (CIHC) from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and is currently enrolled in Functional Diagnostics Certification. She will begin her Masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine next year. In her words, “Everything that affects your mouth will affect your entire body”. Argavan and Dr. Staci discuss the functional medicine approach to dentistry, the significance of the oral microbiome in pediatric dentistry, common childhood dental issues and helpful practices and habits and much much more! Don’t miss it!

On this special episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, Argavan speaks with Nathalie Curabba, a Board Certified Nutrition Specialist, Licensed Dietary Nutritionist, and Health-supportive Chef. With extensive experience cooking for clients dealing with cancer, fertility, and mental health challenges, she deeply understands the profound impact that food and nutrients have on our overall well-being. Nathalie holds a Master of Science in Nutrition and Integrative Health from Maryland University of Integrative Health. Additionally, she is a graduate of the Chef's Training Program at the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City (now the Natural Gourmet Center at the Institute for Culinary Education). Argavan and Nathalie discuss how she tailors her approach to meet the specific needs of individuals living with varying health challenges, the most common misconceptions people have about nutrition and the impact on overall wellness, how to navigate the abundance of heath information, and much much more! Tune in.

In this memorable episode of the Baby Steps Nutrition Podcast, Argavan engages in a compelling conversation with the remarkable Will Bullard, Harlem Globetrotter and Role Model Extraordinaire. This podcast episode is transcribed from an in-person interview. Argavan and Will delve into the profound influence of Will's upbringing on his values, beliefs, and worldview. We explore Will/s experiences with bullying, abuse, and poverty, and how he transformed his life through his journey to becoming an accomplished athlete with the Harlem Globetrotters. Today, he serves as the women’s varsity basketball coach at a Bay Areal high school and has launched the A (S.A.D) Kid says, (D.A.T.S) IT! Program. Don’t’ miss this inspiring and impactful episode!