Podcast · Kids & Family

No One Told Us

by Rachael Shepard-Ohta · English · Kids & Family

No One Told Us the truth about parenthood. WHY?! Welcome to No One Told Us, the podcast where we uncover the raw, unfiltered truths about parenthood. I'm your host, Rachael Shepard-Ohta, mom of three and founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby. Each week, join me as we dive deep into the joys, challenges, and s

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 45 min
Latest: 24 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

24 Sep 2026 · 53 min

Episode 115: Perimenopause, PMDD & What Women Need to Know with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch

What if more women actually knew what to expect from perimenopause before they were in the middle of it? In this episode, Rachael sits down with Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch to talk about perimenopause, PMDD, menopause, and the hormonal changes that can impact both physical and mental health during this stage of life. Together, they break down what’s actually happening to our hormones and brain chemistry, why symptoms can look so different from person to person, and what treatment options are available. They also discuss birth control, SSRIs, hormone therapy, supplements,…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

17 Sep 2026 · 45 min
Episode 114: Rethinking the Mental Load & Teaching Kids to “Notice and Do” with Sam Kelly
What if we stopped waiting to be asked and started teaching our kids to notice what needs to be done? In this episode, Rachael sits down with therapist-turned-feminist coach Sam Kelly to talk about the mental load, gender norms, family dynamics, and her “notice and do” philosophy for creating more equitable homes. Together, they unpack why the mental load is a whole-family issue and how parents can teach children to recognize needs and take action without constantly being reminded. Sam also shares practical strategies for building independence through routines, visual cues, and scripts,…
10 Sep 2026 · 47 min
Episode 113: Rethinking Picky Eating & Building a Healthy Relationship with Food with Jennifer Anderson
What does it actually mean to be a “picky eater,” and how can we help our kids develop a healthy relationship with food without pressure, shame, or anxiety? In this episode, Rachael sits down with registered dietitian and author Jennifer Anderson to talk about picky eating, childhood nutrition, feeding routines, food boundaries, and the many ways our parenting practices can shape our children’s relationship with food. Together, they unpack what picky eating really means, how to create structure and boundaries around food while still honoring a child’s autonomy, and how diet culture and…
3 Sep 2026 · 56 min
Episode 112: Postpartum OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Learning to Trust Yourself with Jenna Overbaugh
What happens when the thoughts that scare you most become the thoughts you can’t stop thinking about? In this episode, Rachael sits down with licensed professional counselor Jenna Overbaugh to talk about postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and the ways sleep deprivation, perfectionism, and the need for control can fuel OCD symptoms. Together, they unpack what separates common intrusive thoughts from OCD, why OCD often latches onto the things we care about most, and how parents can begin breaking the cycle of reassurance seeking, avoidance, and compulsions. Jenna also explains how…
27 Aug 2026 · 52 min
Episode 111: Too Sensitive? Understanding Emotional Sensitivity, ADHD & Regulation with Dr. Sasha Hamdani
What does it really mean to be “too sensitive”? In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychiatrist, author, and ADHD expert Dr. Sasha Hamdani to unpack emotional sensitivity, ADHD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and the ways our understanding of ourselves can shape how we parent.Inside this episode: What emotional sensitivity really means and how it exists on a spectrum Why labels can become part of our internal narrative Understanding rejection sensitive dysphoria and intense emotional responses How ADHD can impact emotional regulation…not just attention Why ADHD is often diagnosed later…
20 Aug 2026 · 49 min
Episode 110: Parenting the Spicy Kid with Mary Van Geffen
What does it really mean to parent a “spicy” kid? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting expert and author Mary Van Geffen to talk about strong-willed, sensitive, and neurodivergent children and what parents can do when everyday parenting feels especially challenging. Together, they discuss emotional regulation, parenting shame, boundaries, meltdowns, bedtime struggles, and the importance of doing our own inner work. Mary shares practical tools and compassionate strategies for staying connected to your child while also learning how to regulate yourself, repair after hard moments,…
13 Aug 2026 · 52 min
Episode 109: Parenting Wisdom from Around the World with Michaeleen Doucleff
What if many of the things we believe about parenting aren't actually universal? In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to explore what different cultures around the world can teach us about raising children, building strong family relationships, and rethinking some of our most deeply held parenting beliefs. Together, they discuss parenting myths, child development, autonomy, screen time, dopamine, sleep, and what it can look like to approach family life with more respect, connection, and trust. Inside this episode: Why so many common parenting…
6 Aug 2026 · 46 min
Episode 108: The Power of Hobbying for Parents and Adults with Marina Cooley
What if making time for a hobby wasn't selfish but one of the best things you could do for yourself and your family? In this episode, Rachael sits down with writer and researcher Marina Cooley to explore why hobbies matter, how Danish culture approaches work-life balance, and what we can learn about slowing down, finding joy, and supporting our mental health. Together, they discuss how hobbies can reduce screen time, ease mom guilt, strengthen community, and help parents reconnect with themselves, even in the busiest seasons of life. Inside this episode: Why hobbies are essential for…
30 Jul 2026 · 50 min
Episode 107: The Parenting Advice We Need to Unlearn with Fiona Weaver
What if the hardest part of parenting isn't your child's sleep, but the pressure to do everything "right"? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting educator and maternal mental health advocate Fiona Weaver for an honest conversation about the parenting advice we may need to unlearn. Together, they discuss the myths surrounding sleep training and independence, why "good enough" parenting is actually the goal, and how societal expectations can fuel mom guilt and self-doubt. Fiona also shares her experience parenting three children, navigating toddler sleep challenges, and embracing a…
23 Jul 2026 · 47 min
Episode 106: Rethinking Baby Sleep: A Holistic Approach with Dr. Pamela Douglas
What if your baby's sleep challenges weren't something to fix but a clue to better understanding their unique needs? In this episode, Rachael sits down with physician, researcher, and founder of the Possums Program, Dr. Pamela Douglas, to explore a holistic, evidence-based approach to infant sleep, feeding, and development. Together, they discuss why sleep, feeding, sensory development, and emotional well-being are deeply connected, how societal pressures can increase stress for parents, and why responsive, flexible caregiving often leads to better outcomes for the whole family. Whether…
16 Jul 2026 · 49 min
Episode 105: Dad Brain Explained: The Science of Fatherhood with Dr. Darby Saxbe
What if becoming a dad changes the brain just as much as becoming a mom? In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychologist, researcher, and author Dr. Darby Saxbe to explore the science behind "dad brain," how fatherhood reshapes the brain, and why great parenting is built through experience, not instinct. Together, they discuss the neurological changes fathers experience during the transition to parenthood, the importance of paternity leave and hands-on caregiving, and how supporting dads benefits the entire family. Whether you're a new parent or expecting a baby, this conversation will…
9 Jul 2026 · 39 min
Episode 104: Mom Brain Explained: The Science of the Postpartum Brain with Dr. Nikki Pensak
What if "mom brain" isn't something to laugh off, but evidence that your brain is undergoing one of the biggest transformations of your life? In this episode, Rachael sits down with clinical psychologist and author Dr. Nikki Pensak to explore the science behind the postpartum brain, why anxiety is so common after having a baby, and what every mother deserves to know about her mental health. Together, they unpack the brain changes that occur during motherhood, why maternal instinct isn't as automatic as we're often told, and how sleep deprivation, stress, and trauma can shape the postpartum…
2 Jul 2026 · 44 min
Episode 103: Parenting Around the World with Elodie Ferchaud
What if raising your kids didn't have to look like everyone else's? In this episode, Rachael sits down with entrepreneur and Boundless Life founder Elodie Ferchaud for a conversation about choosing a different path, raising resilient kids, and creating a family life that feels aligned with your values…not someone else's expectations. From leaving the corporate world to raising four children while living around the globe, Elodie shares how travel has changed the way she parents, why she's become a more relaxed mom over the years, and what different cultures have taught her about childhood,…
25 Jun 2026 · 41 min
Episode 102: How to Protect Your Kids Without Parenting From Fear with Holly Choi
In this episode, Rachael sits down with child safety educator and founder of Safe Beginnings, Holly Choi, to talk about one of the biggest challenges of parenting: keeping our kids safe without feeling like we have to bubble-wrap them. If you've ever worried about baby-proofing your home, questioned whether your car seat is installed correctly, wondered which safety recommendations actually matter, or felt overwhelmed by all the potential dangers parents are told to watch out for, this conversation is for you. Holly shares practical, evidence-based safety tips for babies and toddlers while…
S2 · E101 · 18 Jun 2026 · 48 min
Episode 101: Why Good Enough Parenting Is Enough with Eli Harwood
We're BACK for Season 2! In this kick-off episode, Rachael sits down with therapist, author, and attachment expert Eli Harwood (aka Attachment Nerd) to separate fact from fiction when it comes to attachment. If you've ever worried that one parenting decision could ruin your child's attachment, wondered if sleep training permanently damages connection, or felt pressure to parent perfectly, this conversation is for you. Eli shares what secure attachment actually looks like, why repair matters more than perfection, and how parents can break generational patterns without carrying shame for their…
30 Oct 2025 · 40 min
Rewind: In-Laws and Tricky Relationship Changes After Baby with Dr. Tracy Dalgleish ⁠⁠@drtracyd⁠⁠
Have you ever found yourself navigating a tricky situation with your in-laws? In this conversation, Rachael interviews Dr. Tracy, a psychologist and couples therapist, all about the topic of in-laws and how they can affect relationships with significant others. Dr. Tracy provides lots of tips for communication and speaking up in uncomfortable situations and how to handle challenging family dynamics with respect. Inside this episode: How in-law and family dynamics impact relationships How to set and enforce healthy boundaries with in-laws and parents The difference between requests vs.…
23 Oct 2025 · 51 min
Rewind: Reimagining Boyhood with Ruth Whippman
What does it mean to raise boys in a world where masculinity feels impossible to get right? This week on No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by author and cultural critic Ruth Whippman to talk about her powerful new book, BoyMom: Reimagining Boyhood in the Age of Impossible Masculinity. We’re digging deep into the unspoken challenges of parenting boys today—gendered expectations that begin before birth, the emotional isolation of boys in our culture, and the ways that patriarchy harms everyone, not just women. Ruth brings a compassionate, sharp, and often funny lens to topics like toxic…
16 Oct 2025 · 42 min
Rewind: We Have Good Reason to Be Angry with Yara Heary
Did you feel totally unprepared for just how angry you might feel after becoming a mom? You’re not alone. In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychologist Yara Heary to unpack why anger shows up so often in early motherhood and why it’s not something to feel ashamed of. Together, they explore the identity shifts that happen postpartum, the strain on relationships, and the nervous system challenges that can leave us feeling triggered. Yara offers compassionate, practical tools to understand your anger, support yourself before it boils over, and move through motherhood with more ease and…
9 Oct 2025 · 49 min
Rewind: How to Fight for Your Rights at Work with Daphne Delvaux
In this episode, Rachael sits down with attorney and women’s rights advocate Daphne Delvaux to uncover what every working parent needs to know about their rights in the workplace. Known as The Mamattorney, Daphne has built her career fighting for fair treatment, equal pay, and family-friendly policies and she’s here to share the essential tools you need to advocate for yourself at work. Together, they dive into pregnancy and postpartum protections, how to navigate discrimination, and why knowing your rights is one of the most empowering things you can do as a parent. Inside this episode:…
2 Oct 2025 · 42 min
Rewind: Fostering a Secure Attachment with Michelle Charriere
Rachael chats with birth-to-five mental health specialist Michelle Charriere about what it really takes to build (and repair) a secure attachment with your child. They cover the four attachment styles, why repair matters more than perfection, and how to choose childcare that supports connection...plus real talk on daycare and sleep training without the internet drama. And because they couldn’t resist, they end with a little Bravo TV fun, including Michelle’s pick for the best Housewives franchise to start with and a round of “F**k, Marry, Kill” (Bravo edition). Inside this episode: The four…
25 Sep 2025 · 37 min
Rewind: Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa & Xander Marin
Maintaining Intimacy After Kids with Vanessa & Xander Marin Parenthood changes a lot, including your relationship. In this episode, Rachael sits down with New York Times bestselling authors (and real-life couple) Vanessa and Xander Marin to talk about keeping intimacy alive after kids, the infamous “roommate phase,” and why honest conversations about sex matter more than you think. Vanessa, a sex therapist with 20 years of experience, and Xander, her “regular dude” husband, share how they’ve navigated their own ups and downs while helping millions of couples do the same. They dive into the…
18 Sep 2025 · 42 min
Rewind: Bridging Separation at Bedtime with Dr. Gordon Neufeld
Bridging Separation at Bedtime with Dr. Gordon Neufeld ⁠@neufeldinstitute⁠ This week Rachael has a very special guest, Dr. Gordon Neufeld, to discuss the importance of attachment and the challenges parents face when it comes to bedtime and sleep. Dr. Neufeld is a renowned authority on child development and you will learn so much in this powerful episode! Here’s what they discuss inside this important episode: How attachment is a fundamental aspect of child development Learn all about Dr. Neufeld's Model of the Six Stages of Attachment The crucial role parents play in providing the necessary…
11 Sep 2025 · 39 min
Rewind: Challenging Our Individualistic Culture with Erin Spahr
Challenging Our Individualistic Culture with Erin Spahr ⁠@feminist.mom.therapist⁠ In this episode, Rachael interviews Erin Spahr, a licensed therapist, mother, and maternal mental health advocate. They discuss the intersection of feminism and motherhood, the lack of support and systemic oppression faced by women and parents, and the harmful effects of comparison and external validation on social media. Here’s what they discuss in this episode: The importance of self-compassion and self-trust in navigating motherhood The need for inclusive and identity-affirming care for perinatal individuals…
4 Sep 2025 · 40 min
Rewind: Feeding Toddlers: Finding Joy in Family Meals with Nita and Jessica of
Feeding Toddlers: Finding Joy in Family Meals with Nita and Jessica of ⁠@happyhealthyeaters⁠ Have you ever struggled with picky eating or stressful mealtimes? This is so common- feeding toddlers can be very challenging! In this episode, Rachael speaks with Jessica and Nita, co-founders of Happy Healthy Eaters, ALL about feeding toddlers to make mealtimes more enjoyable! Here’s what they discuss inside this episode: The different challenges of feeding toddlers including “picky” eating or selective eating How and why it is important to trust your child’s eating preferences How much food should…
28 Aug 2025 · 39 min
Rewind: Managing Sensory Overwhelm in Parenthood with Larissa Geleris
Disclaimer: This episode is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please seek immediate care from your physician if you have any concerns about your health. This week, Rachael sits down with occupational therapist Larissa Geleris of @steadyparents to explore a topic that hits home for so many parents: sensory overwhelm. Picture this: you're cooking dinner, the oven fan is on, your baby is crying, your toddler is banging a toy, and your partner is asking you a question. You’re overstimulated, overwhelmed, maybe even raging. Sound familiar?…
21 Aug 2025 · 42 min
Rewind: Helping Kids Learn to Read (And Love It) with Miss Beth from Big City Readers
In this episode, Rachael sits down with literacy expert and beloved educator Beth Gaskill, known by her community as Miss Beth, to talk all about how children learn to read. From the science of reading (yep, it’s a science!) to why fun is essential in the process, this episode is packed with practical strategies for parents who want to support their kids' literacy journeys. They also chat about what it means to "redshirt" kindergarten, how to foster early literacy skills at home, and how to talk to your kids after school in a way that builds connection (not frustration). Plus, Rachael shares…
14 Aug 2025 · 45 min
Rewind: Independent Play: Practical Strategies for Simplifying Play with Lizzie Assa
Should parents play with their children? Or should children only play independently? Independent Play is such a polarizing topic! That’s why this week, Rachael and Lizzie Assa, founder of the Workspace for Children, talk all about the importance of play for children and how parents can foster the desire for a healthy balance between playing with children and encouraging independent play. Here’s what they discuss inside this helpful episode: the benefits of independent play, starting from birth! HOW to begin fostering independent play skills the latest debate on social media: Should we play…
7 Aug 2025 · 42 min
Rewind: Choosing the Right Daycare and Tips for Transitioning with Elise Disher
This week we're speaking with with Elise Disher, M. Ed all about choosing the right daycare and how to transition your child in as seamlessly as possible. Childcare is such an important topic for parents and we know it can be fraught with worry! Here's what Rachael and Elise discuss inside the episode: Why building relationships and attachment with staff is crucial during the transition into daycare or preschool The benefits of a tailored and gradual approach to separation vs. "drop and go" How parents can advocate for more involvement in the early learning environment and create familiarity…
31 Jul 2025 · 41 min
Episode 100: Behind the Mic (and the Madness): A Candid Q&A with Rachael & Marley
Episode 100: Behind the Mic (and the Madness): A Candid Q&A with Rachael & Marley In this very special 100th episode of No One Told Us, Rachael is joined by her most frequent (and most requested) guest, her husband, Marley —for an unfiltered, hilarious, and heartfelt conversation about parenting, partnership, and what it really looks like behind the scenes. They answer listener-submitted questions about co-sleeping, division of labor, marital rough patches, and their decision to have a third child…all while laughing at their own mess and sharing what’s worked (and what definitely hasn’t).…
24 Jul 2025 · 35 min
Episode 99: Inside the Mother Brain: How Parenthood Rewires Us with Chelsea Conaboy
Episode 99: Inside the Mother Brain: How Parenthood Rewires Us with Chelsea Conaboy In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Chelsea Conaboy to explore what really happens to the brain during pregnancy and postpartum. Drawing from her groundbreaking book Mother Brain, Chelsea unpacks the myth of maternal instinct and shares what neuroscience is revealing about the profound brain changes that take place when we become parents. Together, they dive into the emotional and psychological realities of new parenthood, the shifting identity of caregiving, and why understanding…

About No One Told Us

No One Told Us is a English kids & family podcast from Rachael Shepard-Ohta. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Rachael Shepard-Ohta
Language: English
Category: Kids & Family
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 45 min
Latest episode: 24 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1704569686
Rights: 2023

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