238. Listener Storytime: When Parenthood Isn’t What You Expected

What happens when you interview every single person you’ve ever dated (or even kissed?!)? Miriam Katz joins Ali to talk about her bold new podcast The Ex Appeal, where she sits down with everyone from her fifth-grade crush to a rabbi, a stripper, and even a semi-famous ex. We get into the nerves, surprises, and emotional moments along the way while exploring the entire concept of closure. What is closure even and is it really all it’s cracked up to be?In Updates, Ali is on vacation with Skyline’s family! She’ll be back next week with a full debrief on the week.Where to find Miriam: On Instagram @theexappealpodcast, and on TikTok @exappeal. Listen to Miriam's podcast The Ex Appeal, launching September 21, 2025.Timestamps: Miriam joins us at around minute 7.If you'd like to hear Ali’s personal updates before everyone else as well as other exclusive content, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Sunset Lake CBD: For 20% off all products, go to sunsetlakecbd.com/FMH and use code FMH20.Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!  Armoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHBilt Rewards: Take advantage of your Neighborhood Benefits™ by going to joinbilt.com/fmhOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

It’s part two of our three-part series on new relationships! Ali is joined by Talia Koren, host of the Dating Intentionally podcast, to dive into navigating each phase of your budding partnership with confidence. Check out part one (ep # 234.5) for tips on navigating the first three months.In part two, Ali and Talia discuss the significant milestones and experiences that occur around the six-month mark in a relationship. Topics include: milestones like traveling together and experiencing first conflicts, understanding if someone is marriage material, the importance of relationship check-ins, discussing future plans/timelines, and handling family dynamics. It’s all about communication and alignment in relationships, providing listeners with insights and tips for fostering healthy connections while building trust and intimacy in building a future.Want to watch the full video? You can find it at the Dating Intentionally YouTube page.If you'd like bonus episodes every week and to hear Ali’s personal updates before everyone else, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!  Armoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHBilt Rewards: Take advantage of your Neighborhood Benefits™ by going to joinbilt.com/fmhOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this raw and deeply honest episode, Ali speaks to listener Sarah as she shares her story of loving her children while still questioning whether she would make the same choice if she could go back in time. She opens up about the invisible labor of motherhood, not feeling fulfilled by it when all her friends seem to be, and what she wishes she’d thought about it before becoming a mom (while striving to be the best mom she can be). If you’re feeling how Sarah does - you’re not alone!This week’s Media Mention is Rini Frey, @ownitbabe, on Instagram, who shares super vulnerably about the challenges of motherhood (and other parts of life!).In Updates, Ali is one week into cohabitation and reflects on her first “Weekly Stand Up” (cue eye rolls) with Skyline. Plus, they’re prepping to go on vacation with each of their families, back to back!Timestamps: Sarah joins us at around minute 19.If you'd like to hear Ali’s personal updates before everyone else as well as other exclusive content, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Bilt Rewards: Take advantage of your Neighborhood Benefits™ by going to joinbilt.com/fmhArmoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHHomeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!  Our Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Ali is joined by Sabrina Bendory - author, creator, and voice behind some of the internet’s most-shared advice on healing, self-worth, and emotional detachment. Together, we dive deep into what it really means to reclaim your power in dating and relationships. Highlights include: the turning point in Sabrina’s own (v relatable) story, why detachment isn’t cold or avoidant, and how to let go of someone who isn’t aligned.In Updates, it’s move-in week!!! Ali shares how the day went moving Skyline into her condo and a bit about what’s to come.Where to find Sabrina: On Instagram @sabrinabendory, on TikTok @sabrinabendory, at www.sabrinabendory.com.Pre-order Sabrina's book Detached: How to Let Go, Heal, and Become Irresistible, available September 9th.Timestamps: Sabrina joins us at around minute 23.If you'd like to hear our personal updates before everyone else as well as other exclusive content, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Sunset Lake CBD: For 20% off all products, go to sunsetlakecbd.com/FMH and use code FMH20.Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!Armoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Are you burned out on dating apps? Or not even interested in swiping left and right on a bunch of strangers in the first place? The founders of the new Cerca dating app have been there, and this week Ali is taking you behind the scenes of building their app. Three members of the Cerca team - Myles Slayton, Carter Munk, and Campbell Arnone - sit down in Ali’s living room to talk about why Gen Z is shunning the apps, how apps can evolve to meet them where they’re at, and how they’re positioning Cerca to address all of this.In Updates, it’s move-in week!!! Ali prepares for the big move and is feeling like everyone is talking about the topic. Including this week’s Media Mention from The Gottman Institute, titled “20 Essential Questions to Ask Before Moving In Together.”Download Cerca in the Apple app store and check them out on IG @cercadating and on TikTok @cercaofficial.Timestamps: The Cerca team joins Ali at around minute 25.If you'd like to hear Ali’s personal updates before everyone else as well as other exclusive content, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!Armoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ali is joined by Skyline this week on what is soon to be their shared couch! The move-in date is fast approaching, and they’ve both come with a list of things they’re thinking about as the day draws closer. From cleaning schedules to alone time to compromising on decor…they’re talking it through for you! Plus answering listener questions and sharing some of your best advice from past experiences.But first, this week’s updates are all about Elyse! She kicked off her week with a failed Facetime date but then made it out onto a first date from an app! Hear whether there will be a second and also what’s going on with Coco Jones…Timestamps: Topic talk begins at around minute 24.If you'd like bonus episodes every week and to hear Ali’s personal updates before everyone else, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Sunset Lake CBD: For 20% off all products, go to sunsetlakecbd.com/FMH and use code FMH20.Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!  Armoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

New relationships come with so much to navigate! In this three-part series, Ali is joined by Talia Koren, host of the Dating Intentionally podcast, to dive into navigating each phase of your budding partnership with confidence.In part one, Talia and Ali discuss the complexities of the first three months of a relationship, and give advice while sharing insights from their own personal experiences. The two cover: common challenges with shifts in affection and communication, the need for calibration in how partners interact with each other, the transition from a single mindset to a couple's mentality, and more.Want to watch the full video? You can find it at the Dating Intentionally YouTube page.If you'd like bonus episodes every week and to hear Ali’s personal updates before everyone else, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!Armoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We hear about the benefits of therapy SO often, but how does one even go about finding a therapist? There’s no how-to guide…until now! Ali chats with Nancy Walters, LICSW all about how she, as a therapist, recommends selecting one for yourself. She lovingly refers to her approach to therapy as Hot Mess Therapy: real, raw, intuitive, and deeply human. And is encouraging our listeners to find a real & raw therapist relationship for themselves, with actionable tips plus a step-by-step guide creating just for FMH. You can find that at https://tinyurl.com/fmh-therapist-guide.Our Media Mention is S7 E31 of the Shrink Chicks podcast, “When Therapy Isn’t Working (Or So It Seems)”This week’s Updates are all about our Dating Diary participant, Caeli! We hear about what she’s been up to since we last spoke as well as chat about the future of her segment and what she’s learned from sharing publicly.Timestamps: Nancy joins us at around minute 23.If you'd like to hear our personal updates before everyone else as well as other exclusive content, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!Armoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Sarah Intelligator runs her family law practice like she runs her yoga studio - with a holistic approach that looks to make people feel stronger leaving than they did entering. In this frank conversation, we get into what Sarah sees most in divorcing couples - and how she advises couples avoid it based on her experience. And prenups? You might be surprised by her opinion on them! But as always, it’s all about communication.In Updates, Ali shares a special weekend away with Skyline in her one true happy place and reflects on how she feels inviting him into that space.Where to find Sarah: On Instagram @sarah.a.intelligator.esq, and at www.lafamilylawpractice.com.Timestamps: Sarah joins us at around minute 22.If you'd like to hear our personal updates before everyone else as well as other exclusive content, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Sunset Lake CBD: For 20% off all products, go to sunsetlakecbd.com/FMH and use code FMH20.Armoire: Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMHBilt Rewards: Take advantage of your Neighborhood Benefits™ by going to joinbilt.com/fmhHomeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!Our Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Last week on our Patreon live, Ali shared about navigating feedback - both constructive and otherwise - in such a public sphere. This week, she’s bringing that conversation to the main pod in the spirit of transparency, accountability, and vulnerability. She’s working on focusing on the constructive and appreciates those of you who have shared your thoughts so openly. If you’d like to contribute to the podcast feedback survey, you can do so here: https://tinyurl.com/fmhsurvey25. And if you’d like to join a focus group, please shoot Ali a note on IG!Before Topic Talk, this week’s Media Mention is an episode of NPR Life Kit, “How To Make Decisions You Won’t Regret.” Ali also chats a bit about an upcoming trip!Timestamps: Topic talk begins at around minute 25.If you'd like to hear our personal updates before everyone else as well as other exclusive content, join The Search Party on Patreon: www.patreon.com/findingmrheight . And, if you want to ask a question, submit a Storytime idea, or have general feedback, you can do it all at www.findingmrheight.com/podcastThanks to this week’s partners:Homeaglow: Head to https://homeaglow.com/mrheight to get your first 3 hours of cleaning for only $19. Thanks so much to Homeaglow for sponsoring this episode!  Bilt Rewards: Take advantage of your Neighborhood Benefits™ by going to joinbilt.com/fmhOur Sponsors:* Check out Armoire: https://armoire.style/FMH* Check out Homeaglow: https://homeaglow.com/mrheightAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy