Feeling alone in your fertility journey? You’re not.
Sarita Broda, MFT, a specialist in reproductive mental health, unpacks the emotional, relational, and societal impacts of fertility challenges, miscarriage, and IVF. From navigating grief and loss, managing anxiety and fear, to reclaiming your identity through the journey,
Sarita shares insights from her work supporting individuals and couples through reproductive mental health challenges, including:
- Coping with the grief of miscarriage and failed cycles
- Navigating anxiety, fear, and the uncertainty of fertility treatments
- How fertility struggles affect identity, relationships, and your sense of self
- Practical tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and support
Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction: Evelyn & Sarita
3:41 – How fertility work found Sarita
8:03 – Emotional, relational & societal impacts of fertility challenges
18:01 – Understanding miscarriage & ambiguous loss
29:48 – Identity shifts during fertility journeys
35:32 – Finding joy & maintaining self outside fertility
Follow along on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit the website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
Parents, does brushing your child’s teeth feel like a daily battle? You’re not alone.
Pediatric dentist Dr. Yamila Garber shares practical strategies to turn nightly power struggles into calm, confident routines—and set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles. From tackling toddler teeth brushing, choosing the right toothpaste, and flossing tips, to managing thumb-sucking and pacifier habits, Dr. Gerber gives actionable advice every parent can use—without stress, tears, or anxiety.
Learn:
- How parental energy affects children’s dental anxiety
- The best age to start dental visits and why early visits matter
- Tips for toddler and preschool teeth brushing (yes, even the fussy ones!)
- Pacifier and thumb-sucking strategies that actually work
- How to make oral hygiene fun and stress-free for the whole family
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction to Dental Anxiety
02:46 Understanding Dental Fear in Children
05:38 The Importance of Early Dental Visits
08:23 Brushing Techniques and Tips for Kids
11:35 Navigating Dental Care Challenges
14:23 Choosing the Right Dental Products
17:17 Creating a Fun Dental Routine
19:27 Navigating Thumb Sucking Challenges
27:01 Understanding Eating Habits and Cavity Prevention
33:25 Building Healthy Dental Relationships
What does it take to raise confident, emotionally secure daughters in today’s world?
Michelle Dempsey-Multack—divorce coach, co-parenting expert, and best-selling author of Moms Moving On—returns to Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to discuss the complexities of raising daughters in today's society. With constant social media, peer pressure, early skincare routines, and a world that’s moving way too fast, raising girls today feels like navigating a minefield.
They explore the emotional toll of modern girlhood (and motherhood), why girls are growing up faster—and what we can do about it, creating a home where your child always feels safe to open up. They get personal sharing stories about about insecurity, fitting in, and letting go – as well as revealing how generational trauma and silence show up in parenting.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction
1:01 - Raising Girls in Today's World
10:01 - Childhood vs. Now
20:01 - Parental Fears and Overcoming Them
30:01 - The Importance of Open Communication
40:01 - Coping with Rejection and Building Resilience
50:01 - Body Image and Self-Confidence
1:00:01 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco
Visit the website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/
Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
Are you parenting on autopilot—or truly present with your child?
Miami-based licensed psychologist Dr. Alexandra Sredni, Psy. D., PLLC, joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal for an honest and insightful conversation on the power of mindfulness in parenting. Together, they unpack how to shift from reacting to responding, why self-acceptance is key to accepting your child, and how our relationship with technology can undermine meaningful connection.
From emotional regulation to modeling mindfulness and making space for repair, this episode offers practical strategies to slow down, be present, and raise emotionally aware children—starting with your own inner work.
Learn more about Dr. Alexandra Sredni's practice: https://www.miamibeachtherapist.com/
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness in Parenting
02:59 The Journey into Mindfulness
05:53 Understanding Mindfulness and Its Importance
08:27 Mindfulness as a Tool for Parenting Challenges
11:22 The Impact of Technology on Presence
14:06 Reacting vs. Responding in Parenting
16:59 The Power of Apologizing and Repairing Relationships
19:56 Accepting Children for Who They Are
22:44 Practical Tips for Mindful Parenting
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco
Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/
Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
In this introspective solo episode of Help Them Bloom, host Evelyn Mendel shares a deeply personal story about taking an unexpected solo trip to Tel Aviv to visit her brother. With two kids, a full-time job, and the ever-present demands of daily life, Evelyn opens up about the internal and external resistance she faced simply for choosing herself—even just for a week.
She unpacks the guilt many parents, especially mothers, carry around the idea of stepping away, and she challenges the myth of “martyrdom” in parenting—that being a “good” parent means being constantly available and self-sacrificing. Evelyn explores the origins of this belief and invites listeners to reflect on the damaging narrative that we must reach the point of burnout before taking care of ourselves.
Using the metaphor of running on an empty gas tank, she offers a powerful reminder: you don’t have to hit zero before you refuel. This episode is a call to action for all caregivers to give themselves permission to pause—not out of necessity, but out of self-respect and love.
What if what you’re really missing in motherhood isn’t more advice — but true connection?Marika Frumes is the founder of Mysha, an intentional community built for modern mothers. What started as a small WhatsApp group during her pregnancy — born out of a need for honest, vulnerable conversation — has grown into a thriving network of women supporting one another through every season of motherhood.
Marika and Evelyn discuss identity shifts, imposter syndrome, and the quiet loneliness that can come when your closest friends aren’t in the same life chapter. Marika opens up about the personal journey that led to Mysha’s creation, how she transformed isolation into community, and why meaningful connection doesn’t happen by accident — it starts with intention.
Learn more about Mysha: https://myshapods.com/TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The Birth of a Community02:45 Creating Connection Through Intentionality06:07 Navigating Motherhood Together09:11 The Power of Vulnerability12:02 Asking for Help: A Common Struggle14:57 Mothering Ourselves18:01 Building a Supportive Network20:55 The Importance of Community for Mothers☑️Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
What if the discomfort you’re feeling isn’t a sign something’s wrong—but a sign that you’re finally getting closer to who you really are?
Psychotherapist Liliana Retelny joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandelt to explore the often uncomfortable—but ultimately empowering—journey of self-discovery. Together, they dive into how parenting can trigger unexpected questions about identity, how anxiety often points to deeper unresolved wounds, and why therapy can be a gateway to a more authentic life. Liliana shares her insights from years in practice, unpacking how cultural and familial expectations shape us, and how letting go of perfection can lead to deeper connection—with ourselves and our children. This conversation is an invitation to embrace discomfort, ask big questions, and grow into the person you were always meant to be.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery
02:54 Understanding Discomfort and Growth
06:01 Parenting Challenges and Reflections
08:52 The Impact of Parenting Styles
11:51 Navigating Children's Individuality
15:07 The Role of Fear in Parenting
18:06 Encouraging Authenticity in Children
20:59 The Weight of Parental Expectations
23:51 The Importance of Personal Growth
27:01 Embracing the Work of Self-Discovery
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco
Visit Hatch and Bloom website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/
Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
What happens when you realize the way you were parented is now affecting how you parent?
Licensed therapist and author Whitney Goodman, LMFT (@sitwithwhit) joins Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mandel to explore the challenges adult children face when navigating relationships with emotionally immature parents.
Together, they unpack the emotional toll of boundary violations, the patterns that persist across generations, and how becoming a parent can resurface unresolved childhood wounds. Whitney shares powerful insights from her clinical practice, offering guidance on reclaiming personal power, setting and adjusting boundaries, and working toward repair—even in the most complicated family dynamics.
Learn more about Whitney's work: linktr.ee/Callinghome
TAKEAWAYS:
-Emotional immaturity is a leading cause of estrangement.
-Healthy boundaries are essential for maintaining relationships.
-Apologizing to children can strengthen parent-child relationships.
-Recognizing boundary violations is crucial for emotional health.
-Parenthood can trigger unresolved childhood issues. It's important to empower children to express their needs.
-Flexibility in boundaries is necessary as families evolve.
-Repairing relationships after conflict is vital for connection.
-Cultural norms influence how boundaries are perceived in families.
-Therapy can help individuals navigate complex family dynamics.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Emotional Estrangement
05:01 The Importance of Healthy Boundaries
10:10 Recognizing Boundary Violations
21:33 Maintaining Healthy Relationships with Children
STAY CONNECTED:
Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco
Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/
Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
How can couples sustain intimacy and connection after becoming parents while also fostering healthy, open conversations about sexuality with their children?
Dr. Lisa Paz (@drlisapaz) returns to Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal to explore the complexities of maintaining a romantic partnership amid the demands of parenthood. They explore the emotional and mental load that often falls on women, the importance of intentionality in scheduling intimacy, and the critical role of communication in sustaining a fulfilling relationship.
Beyond partnership dynamics, the discussion shifts to the crucial topic of guiding children’s sexual development. Dr. Paz and Evelyn emphasize the need for ongoing, open conversations about anatomy, consent, and healthy sexuality—equipping parents with the tools to create a supportive and stigma-free environment for these discussions.
Learn more about Dr. Lisa Paz: https://www.drlisapaz.com/
Explore her courses & training:
https://www.drlisapaz.com/courses/
Takeaways:
✔ Transitioning from parent to partner requires conscious effort.
✔ Scheduled intimacy can strengthen connection and satisfaction.
✔ Women often enter intimacy from a state of neutrality.
✔ Self-pleasure plays a role in women’s sexual wellness.
✔ Carving out time away from children helps preserve a couple’s identity.
✔ Open, ongoing discussions about sexual development foster a healthy understanding.
✔ Using anatomically correct terms normalizes conversations about bodies.
✔ Parents should be the primary source of information on sex and relationships.
Chapters:
00:00 Navigating the Transition from Parent to Partner
06:02 Creating a Headspace for Intimacy
12:02 Reconnecting as Partners After Kids
18:43 Prioritizing Connection in Relationships
28:50 Establishing Open Communication About Anatomy and Consent
Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889☑️Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
How do you navigate the intersection of motherhood, career, and self-care while maintaining a strong sense of identity?Zoe Rapoport, a licensed psychologist and leadership consultant dedicated to empowering women to thrive in both their personal and professional lives, joins Evelyn Mendal to explore the multifaceted challenges women face in balancing motherhood, career, and self-care while remaining true to their authentic selves.Zoe offers profound insights into the complexities of assertiveness, the pressures of societal expectations, and the journey of rediscovering identity, particularly after becoming a mother. They discuss the art of setting intentional boundaries, prioritizing self-care without guilt, and modeling healthy behaviors for children in an age shaped by the influence of social media.Learn more: Rapoport Psychological Services https://www.rapoportpsychological.com/Zoe Rapoport Consultinghttps://zoerapoportconsulting.com/ Follow Zoe: @zoerapoport1360 @zoerapoportconsultinghttps://www.instagram.com/zoerapoportconsultingTakeaways:-Women often grapple with assertiveness across various aspects of life.-Rediscovering identity is a key focus for many mothers.-Societal pressures can overshadow personal desires.-Intentional boundaries are crucial for self-reconnection.-Mothers frequently experience guilt when prioritizing their needs.-Modeling balance and boundaries benefits children.-Social media can negatively affect self-worth and expectations.-Assertive communication is essential in relationships and parenting.Chapters:00:00 Empowering Women: A Journey into Leadership06:07 Setting Boundaries: The Key to Self-Discovery13:45 Modeling Healthy Boundaries for Kids18:38 Navigating Social Media and Self-WorthJoin the Conversation:Have a question or a topic you’d like us to explore? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our social channels!Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/Produced by Haynow Media: https://haynowmedia.com/
How can high-achieving women balance control with connection, joy, and self-care in motherhood?Priya Rednam-Waldo, a mother of 4, licensed therapist, CEO and coach, joins host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to share her expertise in guiding women through this transformative life stage of motherhood. Priya delves into the unique challenges high-achieving women face, from the pressure to excel in parenting to managing cultural expectations and anxiety. She highlights the importance of finding joy in the journey, embracing individual parenting styles, and fostering a supportive community. With a focus on self-care and redefining success, Priya reminds parents that every family’s path is both unique and valid.Learn more about Priya’s work: https://priyarednamwaldo.com/Follow along @priyarednamwaldo https://www.instagram.com/priyarednamwaldo/ Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyarednamwaldo/ 👉Takeaways-High-achieving women often struggle with the transition to motherhood due to control issues.-Parenting is not just about achievements; it's about connection and joy.-Cultural pressures can lead to anxiety in parenting, making it feel like a performance.-Finding joy in small moments is crucial for a fulfilling parenting experience.-It's important to prioritize self-care to manage the mental load of parenting.-Every parent has a unique style that should be embraced and respected.-Community support is vital for navigating the challenges of parenthood.▶️Chapters00:00 Introduction to High Achieving Women and Parenthood00:58 Priya's Journey: From Military to Maternal Mental Health04:35 The Control Dilemma in Parenthood09:11 Cultural Pressures and Achievement in Parenting13:20 Creating Meaningful Moments with Children18:30 Understanding and Managing Parental Anxiety22:54 Balancing Mental Load and Family Time27:00 Embracing Individual Parenting Styles30:41 Finding Community and Support in Parenting34:12 Rediscovering Joy in ParenthoodJoin the Conversation:Have a question or a topic you’d like us to explore? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our social channels!Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCHkLGgtimFk4k5LWbA16TQg Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23fNuTTnsAmwDkByZltzWTApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/help-them-bloom/id1648317889Stay Connected:Follow us on Instagram: @hatchandbloomco instagram.com/hatchandbloomco Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/
How can parents in high-conflict co-parenting prioritize their child’s well-being?
Michelle Dempsey-Multack—divorce coach, co-parenting expert, and best-selling author of Moms Moving On—joins host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to discuss how divorcing or divorced parents can navigate challenges while prioritizing their child’s well-being. Together, they address common fears, like whether divorce will “mess up” kids, emphasizing that it’s not the divorce itself, but parents’ actions, that shape a child’s long-term health and happiness.
Drawing on her personal experience as a child of divorce and a co-parent, Michelle highlights the power of self-awareness, emotional regulation, and focusing on the child’s needs over personal conflict. The conversation explores managing emotions during the divorce process, supporting children’s feelings, and cultivating critical thinking skills to help kids process their experiences. They also share strategies for maintaining neutrality in co-parenting, navigating high-conflict situations, and empowering parents to focus on what they can control.
Takeaways
Parents often struggle with their emotions affecting co-parenting.
Children's feelings about divorce are valid and should be acknowledged.
It's crucial to support children's relationships with both parents.
Healing from past trauma is essential for effective co-parenting.
Children need to learn critical thinking skills to navigate their feelings.
Validating children's feelings helps them process their experiences.
Parents should avoid projecting their feelings onto their children.
Managing discomfort in children is a key part of parenting during divorce.
Consistent support from one parent can help children thrive.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Divorce Coaching and Co-Parenting
06:04 Emotional Impact of Divorce on Co-Parenting
11:58 The Role of Ego in Co-Parenting Dynamics
18:03 Supporting Children Through Divorce
23:52 The Importance of Validating Children's Feelings
30:03 Final Thoughts on Divorce and Co-Parenting
Can the transformative journey into parenthood ignite an identity crisis, redefining one’s sense of self and purpose? Jael Toledo, MS MFT, a seasoned marriage and family therapist, joins podcast host Evelyn Mendal on Help Them Bloom to explore the intricate process of identity formation, particularly within the realms of parenthood and relationships. Together, they examine how the profound experience of becoming a parent can challenge one’s identity, the critical role of vulnerability in fostering meaningful relationships, and the lingering influence of childhood trauma on parenting approaches. Jael highlights the importance of cultivating curiosity over judgment, practicing effective communication, and nurturing connection amid the inevitable chaos of family life. She provides insight into the evolving stages of parenting and their impact on both individual parents and the couple’s dynamic. They also uncover the emotional complexities of differing parenting styles and the deep influence of fear on parenting decisions. She callsl for self-regulation, intentionality, and partnership to navigate these challenges and foster a supportive, harmonious family environment. Takeaways: ✅-Parenthood can trigger identity crises, prompting self-reflection. ✅-Curiosity can lead to personal growth and understanding in relationships. ✅-Vulnerability is essential for deep connections between partners. ✅-Trauma from childhood can resurface during parenting. ✅-Effective communication is key to navigating relationship challenges. ✅-Setting intentional check-in moments can strengthen couple connections. ✅-Understanding the stages of parenting helps in managing expectations. ✅-Couples must adapt their roles as their children grow. ✅-Fear can significantly influence parenting decisions. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Identity Formation 05:59 Understanding Trauma and Its Effects 12:07 Communication and Expectations in Couples 18:04 Stages of Parenting and Their Effects 23:01 Navigating Transitions in Parenting 29:19 The Dynamics of Different Parenting Styles 39:42 Self-Regulation and Communication in Relationships 💬 Join the Conversation: Have a question or a topic you’d like us to explore? Let us know in the comments or connect with us on our social channels! 👉 Subscribe now and be part of a community dedicated to fostering growth, one child at a time. 🔗 Stay Connected: 💠 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/hatchandbloomco 💠 Visit our website: https://www.hatchandbloom.co/ 🔔 Don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. Let’s make a difference together!
Welcome back to a brand-new season of Help Them Bloom with Evelyn Mendal! This season dives even deeper into the challenges, joys, and nuances of modern parenting. From navigating children’s mental health and managing co-parenting dynamics to tackling tough conversations like talking to your kids about sex, Evelyn shares science-based strategies that prioritize connection and empathy. Whether you’re dealing with sibling rivalry, supporting a child labeled as “defiant,” or exploring the mental health impacts of your parenting choices, this podcast is your safe space to embrace the realness of raising kids.
Join Evelyn for a season full of compassionate advice and actionable tools to help both you and your child thrive in today’s world.
In this episode, we dive into the complex world of perfectionism in parenting and its impact on children. Join us as we explore with psychologist Eva Benmeleh on how the pressure to be the "perfect" parent can shape our behaviors, expectations, and, ultimately, our kids’ development. We learn how to deal with kids who have a hard time making mistakes. Eva shares insights, personal stories, and discusses practical strategies for fostering a healthier mindset.
This episode is for US parents, as people. Most of us, especially mothers, are functioning at less than optimal levels of wellness and energy,..and most of us don’t even know this about ourselves. We’ve almost succumbed to the fact that health and wellness is a luxury, or that we should come last. As a result, Chloe Harrouche, health strategist and the Founder and CEO of The Lanby, has created a space and system that makes sure we understand and respond to our individual health needs. In this episode we talk about why we neglect our health needs, and where to even start when taking charge of our own health and wellness.
As a special treat, Chloe has offered our listeners a discount on Just The Labs—a comprehensive one-time assessment with 98 biomarkers, paired with a 45-minute consultation to provide tailored health insights.
For $50 off, use code HATCHBLOOM.
For the final episode of the season, I am honored to chat with Lina Acosta Sandaal, MA, LMFT, a respected development expert, author, and founder of Stop Parenting Alone. She has just transitioned to interim Head of School at KLA Academy. We discuss everything from “how to choose the right school for your kid” to what we think about gentle parenting and other trends out there. We get into some of the most important life skills we strive for our kids to develop, and how to preserve our relationships in the process. Let’s dive in!
Sometimes it almost feels like we can describe our lives and identities as the pre-kids version of us versus the post-kids version of us. One of the areas, of many, that tend to become impacted by having kids is intimacy with our partners and security within our own bodies/identities. All of this can feel hopeless at times, or even like a big loss for women. Additionally, a mother’s everlasting mental load can be a blocker of intimacy and connection. Dr. Lisa Paz, marriage and family therapist, talks us through the challenges that women face both immediately postpartum and even years after having kids. She also provides us with practical suggestions for feeling more secure in our bodies, reconnecting with our partners, and finding intimacy once again—even if it is in a new way.
Let's dive in!
Disclaimer: Sexual Content--appropriate for adults only.
I have found one of my favorite motivational speakers ever—in my morning workout classes! Casey Gilbert, Fitness Instructor and Online Coach, works with individuals to get them “Un-stuck” and back on track with their fitness, nutrition, and mindset. Casey has literally made me a more mentally strong person, leading me to be a better mom, wife, friend, and person. I am so inspired by the way he can motivate people that I asked him to come on the podcast and give us some insight into how he does this and how we can take some of it for ourselves and share it with our kids. As someone who has battled with anxiety and depression, Casey also uses his social media platforms to de-stigmatize mental health (especially in boys/men) and makes sure to show people that what you see on the outside is not the full story. We also talk about childhood core beliefs, and what kids really need to hear from their parents. There are so many great nuggets in the episode and I'm certain you will leave more inspired and ready to face challenges.
Let’s dive in!
IG: @CaseyfGilbert
On this episode, Fia Aliotta , certified mindfulness coach, explains why mindfulness can be such a beneficial tool and approach in life—and how we can start introducing this to our kids at a young age. We also talk about the importance of self-compassion, especially for those kids who have a hard time making mistakes. Self-compassion is a part of developing a growth mindset. We also cover what co-regulation and co-dysregulation looks like, as well as what we can do to help shift the emotional energy of our child (and within ourselves). Lots of good stuff in this one so let’s dive in!Fia Aliotta
