Solo Parent by Choice: Julia Karol on IVF, Parenting, and Building Community

Rebecca and Kate welcome Sarah Harmon, founder of The School of Mom (Mothering Ourselves Mindfully), for a heartfelt discussion on navigating grief, ambiguous loss, and family dynamics—especially during the holidays. Sarah shares her personal journey of healing through mindfulness, self-compassion, and boundary-setting, offering practical insights for tending to our own needs in the face of challenging relationships. She also introduces her programs, Untethered and Flourish, which support women in finding balance and emotional resilience. Discover how to mother yourself mindfully and find peace in even the most difficult moments. Learn more at theschoolofmom.com.

In this episode, Kate and Rebecca dive into the often-awkward yet essential topic of talking to kids about sex. With honesty, warmth, and humor, they explore practical ways to approach these conversations while acknowledging the challenges many parents face. Whether you're navigating curiosity from a young child or anticipating the complexities of adolescence, this episode provides guidance on fostering open communication and building your child’s understanding of consent, boundaries, and body autonomy. Resources: It’s not the stork by Robbie Harris

In this episode, Rebecca and Kate welcome the incredible Dr. Holly Richmond, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified sex therapist, and author of Reclaiming Pleasure: A Sex-Positive Guide for Moving Past Sexual Trauma and Living a Passionate Life. Dr. Holly shares her groundbreaking approach to healing from sexual trauma through the integration of somatic psychology, sex positivity, and trauma therapy. Together, they explore what it means to move beyond surviving to thriving, the importance of rediscovering one's "yes" and "no," and how partners can best support survivors on their journey toward deeper connection and pleasure. Learn more about Dr. Holly's work: IG @drhollyrichmond Website: https://drhollyrichmond.com/ Resources & Links Mentioned: Dr. Holly Richmond’s book: Reclaiming Pleasure: A Sex-Positive Guide for Moving Past Sexual Trauma and Living a Passionate Life Emily Nagoski’s Come Together Esther Perel’s work on eroticism and connection Justin Lehmiller’s Tell Me What You Want (on fantasy)

In this episode, Rebecca and Kate dive deep into the complex and emotionally charged topic of affair recovery in relationships. From the initial shock and trauma of discovery to the challenging path of healing and rebuilding trust, they walk listeners through the nuanced stages of affair recovery. This conversation explores how couples can navigate the intense emotions of betrayal, the societal and personal pressures surrounding infidelity, and how to rebuild or rebirth a relationship. Whether you’re struggling with trust, shame, or wondering about the future of your relationship, this episode provides insights and actionable steps toward healing and growth.

In this episode, Dr. Alex DiGrado joins Kate and Rebecca to explore the transformative impact of pelvic floor physical therapy. As founder of the Boston Pelvic Physical Therapy Practice, Dr. DiGrado treats a range of issues from pregnancy and menopause to prostate cancer and sexual dysfunction. They discuss the importance of pelvic health for all genders, how trauma and tension impact wellness, and why it’s never too late to seek help. Dr. DiGrado’s holistic approach bridges physical therapy, mental health, and empowerment, emphasizing that real healing is a full-body, heart-centered journey.   Learn more about Dr. Alex's work: https://bostonpelvicpt.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bostonpelvicpt  

In this episode, Kate Graham and Rebecca Eudy interview Julia Karol, host of the Stork'd podcast. Julia shares her experience of becoming a solo parent by choice, her journey through IVF, and how this decision has affected her relationships and personal growth. They discuss the practical and emotional challenges of solo parenthood, navigating the complexities of IVF, and the support systems that can emerge for single parents. Learn more about Julia's work: https://www.storkdpodcast.com/ https://juliakarol.substack.com/      

In this episode, Rebecca and Kate dive into the complex world of sexual fantasy, asking the question, "Is fantasy cheating?" They explore the nature of fantasy as a normal and private aspect of human experience, and its role in sparking desire and enhancing sexual connection. The discussion touches on how fantasies can sometimes feel like a betrayal to a partner but also serve as powerful tools for intimacy when shared openly. Kate highlights how fantasy can deepen the sexual experience by bringing someone more into the present moment, while Rebecca emphasizes the importance of respecting the sovereignty of each person's mind. The episode encourages listeners to reflect on their own fantasies, consider relationships agreements regarding fantasy exploration, and understand the power of imagination in sexual expression.

Rebecca and Kate dive into the topic of neurodiversity, sex, and relationships. Kate, who is both autistic and ADHD, shares her experiences navigating relationships, sensory overload, and social interaction challenges. They explore how neurodiverse individuals often mask their traits, making it hard to separate internal struggles from outward appearances. The conversation addresses the complexities of communication, sensory sensitivities, and misunderstandings in intimacy, while also highlighting the unique strengths neurodivergent individuals bring to relationships.

In this episode, Kate and Rebecca dive into a sex-positive discussion on how pornography can be a tool for enhancing intimacy and sparking excitement in relationships. They explore the idea that sharing fantasies—whether through porn, erotica, or simple conversations—can help couples connect on a deeper level, creating space for vulnerability and open communication. Kate and Rebecca emphasize that it’s not about whether a couple watches porn together or not; it’s about finding ways to understand each other’s desires, share those interests, and use them to strengthen their bond. They also discuss the importance of recognizing individual boundaries, starting small, and communicating openly about what feels comfortable in each partner's body. By exploring various types of porn—feminist, ethical, audio, or even written—partners can find the medium that feels right for them, without judgment or pressure. Kate and Rebecca provide insights on how couples can begin these conversations and slowly integrate fantasy into their relationship, offering practical steps for building a more vibrant and connected sex life. @lovelab_podcast www.lovelabuncensored.com This podcast explores themes related to sex, parenting, relationships, and mental health. Content may include candid discussions, personal experiences, and expert insights. While we aim to provide valuable and engaging information, please be aware of mature and explicit content. Listener discretion is advised. This podcast is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. For any medical or mental health concerns, please consult with a licensed healthcare provider or therapist.

In this episode, Rebecca and Kate dive into the topic of the "orgasm gap," a well-documented phenomenon where men experience more orgasms in heterosexual encounters than women. They discuss a recent New York Times article and the underlying research that highlights this issue, particularly in straight, single individuals.  The conversation explores the physiological and sociocultural factors contributing to the orgasm gap. It emphasizes the importance of shifting from a goal-oriented approach to sex to one that prioritizes pleasure. They also touch on how sexual orientation and relationship status can impact orgasm rates and why more inclusive research is needed. Tune in to hear their thoughts on how to create more satisfying sexual experiences and challenge limiting societal scripts. Gesselman, A. N., Bennett-Brown, M., Dubé, S., Kaufman, E. M., Campbell, J. T., & Garcia, J. R. (2024). The lifelong orgasm gap: Exploring age’s impact on orgasm rates. Sexual Medicine, 12(3), qfae042. https://doi.org/10.1093/smoa/qfae042 Mahar, E. A., Mintz, L. B., & Akers, B. M. (2020). Orgasm equality: Scientific findings and societal implications. Current Sexual Health Reports, 12(4), 183-193. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-020-00237-9 IG @lovelab_podcast www.lovelabuncensored.com This podcast explores themes related to sex, parenting, relationships, and mental health. Content may include candid discussions, personal experiences, and expert insights. While we aim to provide valuable and engaging information, please be aware of mature and explicit content. Listener discretion is advised.    This podcast is not a substitute for professional therapy or medical advice. For any medical or mental health concerns, please consult with a licensed healthcare provider or therapist.