Ditching Comparison, Leaving WWE, and Finding Yourself Again with Leah Van Dale

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1. 

   S5 · E38 · 29 Sep 2026 · 46 min

   Does Screaming Work?: Turning Toxic Parenting Advice Into Comedy Gold with Arthur Meyer and Stephanie Drake

   In this hilarious episode, Tara sits down with Stephanie Drake and Arthur Meyer, the creative minds and co-hosts behind the hit satire series ABC Parenting. The trio dives deep into how the show brilliantly parodies the overwhelming, contradictory flood of online parenting advice that leaves so many parents feeling like they are failing. Stephanie (an actress and writer, known for her role as Meredith in Mad Men) and Arthur (a veteran comedy writer whose credits include The Tonight Show) share how their own real-life anxieties shape their sharpest sketches. The conversation highlights how…

2. 

   S5 · E37 · 22 Sep 2026 · 40 min

   Toddler Meltdowns, Fighting AI Slop, and Raising Good Humans with Loryn Brantz

   In this episode, Tara sits down with author, artist, and Emmy-winning animator Loryn Brantz for an honest conversation on creativity, modern parenting, and what’s really going on behind the scenes in children’s media. Loryn opens up about shifting from traditional animation on classic shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sesame Street to writing children’s books, sharing how a very relatable toddler meltdown inspired her new book, I Am a Spicy Nugget. She and Tara unpack practical strategies for co-regulation and handling big emotions, explaining why doing the inner self-work and…

3. 

   S5 · E36 · 15 Sep 2026 · 25 min

   Raising Conscious Sons and Daughters with Dr. Shefali

   In this enlightening episode, Tara sits down with Dr. Shefali to dive into her two new books, Raising Conscious Sons and Raising Conscious Daughters. Dr. Shefali shares what called her to shift her focus toward adolescence and address the intense, unique pressures reshaping modern childhood. Together, they explore the profound differences in what kids are up against today, from rescuing boys from the isolation and dopamine fixation of the digital age to helping girls break free from the anxiety-inducing "perception prison" of social media. Dr. Shefali explains how the "algorithmic abduction…

4. 

   S5 · E35 · 8 Sep 2026 · 32 min

   Stop Being Their Friend: How to Be the Leader Your Child Needs with Dr. Siggie

   In this episode, Tara sits down with child development specialist Dr. Siggie Cohen to unpack why today’s overwhelming landscape of parenting advice so often leaves families feeling burnt out, inconsistent, and stuck in extreme reactions. They explore the delicate balance between connection and leadership, tackling why modern parents frequently zigzag between permissive strategies and rigid control rather than holding a steady, moderate course. Dr. Siggie breaks down her core message: children need a calm, confident leader unafraid to step into authority. Together, they dive into common…

5. 

   S5 · E34 · 1 Sep 2026 · 30 min

   Behind The Wiggles: Simon Pryce & Lachy Gillespie on Fatherhood, Modern Parenting, and Wiggle Talk

   In this heart-warming episode, Tara sits down with Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie of the legendary children’s group The Wiggles to dive into life behind the iconic skivvies, balancing life as beloved performers with the realities of being dads. The pair reflect on how fatherhood completely transformed their approach to music, making their songwriting and performances even more child-centered and playful. They also share the story behind their podcast, Wiggle Talk, which was born out of their own late-night parenting questions and a desire to learn alongside expert guests. From the…

6. 

   S5 · E31 · 11 Aug 2026 · 49 min

   What's Really Holding You Back? The Beliefs You Didn't Know You Had with Nir Eyal

   In this episode, Tara sits down with New York Times bestselling author Nir Eyal for an eye-opening conversation on mastering focus, shifting limiting mindsets, and reclaiming control over daily attention. Nir pulls back the curtain on the real root causes of distraction, debunking the common myth that technology alone is to blame. Instead, he reveals that an astonishing 90% of phone checks happen without a single notification, driven instead by "internal triggers," fleeting moments of emotional discomfort, boredom, or anxiety. Nir shares an actionable four-step framework to manage these…

7. 

   S5 · E30 · 4 Aug 2026 · 39 min

   What Really Happens to Intimacy After Kids? with Dr. Piper Grant

   In this eye-opening episode, clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Piper Grant joins the podcast to unpack the complex evolution of intimacy in relationships after parenthood. Dr. Grant sheds light on how the profound hormonal, neurobiological, and identity shifts of motherhood fundamentally alter couple dynamics, often creating subtle rifts driven by the mental load, loneliness, and miscommunication. Redefining intimacy through the lens of "into me you see," she emphasizes that true connection is built on a foundation of vulnerability and emotional safety. The conversation explores…

8. 

   S5 · E29 · 28 Jul 2026 · 36 min

   Being Joyful, Anyway: Kate Bowler on Resilience, Playfulness, and Community

   In this episode, Tara sits down with New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, professor, and "ray of human sunshine" Kate Bowler to explore the profound idea that joy is not a luxury reserved for perfect circumstances, but a vital force that can be discovered even in life's darkest moments. The conversation dives deep into how modern societal pressures, the American prosperity gospel, and self-improvement culture shape our often unrealistic expectations around happiness. Kate and Tara dismantle the idea that life must be flawless to be fulfilling, explaining instead how…

9. 

   S5 · E28 · 22 Jul 2026 · 43 min

   How to Stop Your Reaction Before It Starts and Be A Calmer Parent with Dr. Cassidy Freitas

   In this heartfelt episode, Tara welcomes therapist, author, and podcast host Dr. Cassidy Freitas to share her personal journey through parenthood and her expert insights on navigating postpartum challenges. They dive into how childhood and cultural legacies shape modern parenting styles, often triggering cycles of stress and control. Dr. Cassidy explains how systemic issues, social media, and even AI impact modern motherhood, making it harder than ever to find balance. Drawing from her book Mom Needs a Moment, Dr. Cassidy offers highly practical strategies for creating protected boundaries…

10. 

    S5 · E27 · 14 Jul 2026 · 55 min

    How Laura Clery Survived a Falling Refrigerator (and Other Major Life Events)

    How do you turn life’s darkest, most chaotic moments into comedy? In this episode, internet sensation, comedian, and author Laura Clery joins the show for an incredibly candid conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of humor. Laura takes us behind the scenes of her journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, sharing how she found her unique voice through unapologetic storytelling and "over-sharing" on her rise to capturing over 26 million followers. Together, Tara and Laura dive into the unbelievable story of her miraculous survival after a refrigerator fell on…