Why Can't We Be Normal? Shame and Vulnerability in Modern Motherhood

You know that moment when you find yourself scrolling late at night, looking for parenting advice you already know deep down? That’s what we’re talking about today: why so many of us have lost touch with our own gut as moms, and how we can get it back. In this honest, no-fluff episode, Dr. Whitney breaks down how information overload, social pressure, and fear have drowned out our inner voice—and how to rebuild trust in your own knowing. You’ll leave this episode with a deep breath, a little more clarity, and a reminder that you’re allowed to be the expert on your child.See the full show notes here.

“Why can’t I just be normal?” It’s the question that plays on loop in the minds of so many moms—especially when life feels chaotic, your kids are acting out, and every other parent seems to have it all together. In this raw and research-backed episode, Dr. Whitney unpacks the hidden shame driving that question and why vulnerability—not perfection—is the real superpower of motherhood. She shares personal stories, science-backed takeaways, and five ways to challenge shame and redefine “normal” for your family, on your terms.For full show notes, go here.

We’re not supposed to say it out loud, but here it is: working moms grieve too. We grieve missed milestones, canceled bedtimes, and the tiny, invisible moments no one else sees. In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares opens up about the emotional weight of “having it all” and the myth that we can be everywhere at once. She shares how to name the grief, process it with mindful self-compassion, and redefine what it means to show up for your kids (and yourself). If you’ve ever felt torn between ambition and motherhood, this one's for you.See the full show notes here.

Ever feel like you’re drowning in laundry, mental load, and school forms—and somehow still supposed to be creating magical family memories and raising emotionally healthy, body-confident kids?In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Christine Landis, founder of Peacock Parent and the concierge delegation service Proxy, to talk about exactly how parents can offload the stuff that’s draining them—and do it proudly. Christine isn’t just preaching about letting go of perfection—she’s built an entire platform that helps families figure out what to delegate, how to find trustworthy help, and why it’s not selfish to want more time for joy.They dive deep into the messy emotions behind outsourcing—from privilege and guilt to fear of judgment—and get super honest about how buying back your time isn’t about being bougie, it’s about being strategic. (And yes, you’re still a good mom if you don’t scrub your own toilet.) See the full show notes here. Did you know we have a new project at Modern Mommy Doc focused on Body Confidence for kids? Check out www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com now.

Feel like you’re constantly battling your kid over screen time?Wondering if their love of Roblox, TikTok, or skincare influencers is harmless—or harmful?Overwhelmed by all the fear-based headlines about what tech is doing to your kid’s brain?Same. That’s why this week’s episode is a must-listen. Dr. Whitney sits down with Erin Walsh—social scientist, parenting expert, and author of It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence—to dig into what’s really going on with our kids and their screens. Spoiler: It’s not as simple as “just take the phone away.” But it’s also not a free-for-all.Erin breaks down the science of the developing adolescent brain, the real risks of screen time (especially around body image), and what we actually need to be focusing on as parents. This conversation will leave you feeling smarter, calmer, and better equipped to make the best decisions for your unique kid—without shame or overwhelm. See the full show notes here. Did you know we have a new project at Modern Mommy Doc focused on Body Confidence for kids? Check out www.raisingbodyconfidentkids.com now.

In this style-meets-substance episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with wardrobe stylist and educator Connie Jespersen of Art in the Find to talk about the mental blocks, mom-life logistics, and emotional hangups we face when it comes to what we wear — and why it actually matters.Connie brings empathy, wit, and a refreshing no-pressure approach to personal style, reminding us that confidence isn’t about having the “perfect” closet — it’s about getting dressed in a way that actually works for your real life. From dopamine shopping to drop-off outfits to closet organizing hacks, this is the style pep talk you didn’t know you needed.See the full show notes here.You can find the Audiobook Version of Doing it All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be HERE.

In this heartfelt and refreshingly honest episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney chats with Brittinie Tran, co-founder of Hot Mess Express — a women-led, volunteer-powered movement helping overwhelmed women declutter their homes and their minds. What started as a one-time cleaning rescue for a postpartum mom turned into a nationwide community of women supporting women — no judgment, no shame, just pure help.Whether your junk drawer is a metaphor or a literal disaster zone, this conversation will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even finally donate that pile of old baby clothes in your garage.See the full show notes here.You can find the Audiobook Version of Doing it All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be HERE.

As parents, we spend so much time making sure our kids succeed in school, sports, and activities—but are we teaching them the life skills they’ll need to thrive in the real world? From cooking and problem-solving to resilience and independence, these skills are just as important as academics (if not more!).In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, I sit down with Katie Kimball, a former teacher, mom of four, and the founder of Kids Cook Real Food, to talk about why life skills matter and how parents can start teaching them at any age. We dive into the research on kids’ independence, the long-term benefits of hands-on learning, and practical ways to help kids build confidence and responsibility—without overwhelm.🎧 Listen now for real-world tips on how to raise kids who are ready for life!Access your free gift here. See the full show notes here.You can find the Audiobook Version of Doing it All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be HERE.

Have you ever felt like the weight of the household is constantly on your shoulders? That you’re the one keeping everything running while your partner is blissfully unaware of all the behind-the-scenes work? If so, you’re not alone—and there’s a way out of the cycle of frustration and resentment.This week, I sit down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip to talk about her new book, A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex. She’s here to unpack what the mental load really is, why it falls so heavily on women, and how couples can work together to create balance.We discuss:✅ What the mental load is and why so many moms carry an unfair share.✅ The resentment trap—why unspoken frustration builds and how to address it before it damages your relationship.✅ How to have ‘the talk’ with your partner—effective ways to communicate about mental load without starting a fight.✅ Why equity in household labor leads to better intimacy (yes, there’s a direct connection!).✅ Practical, real-world strategies to redistribute tasks in a way that actually works.See the full show notes here.You can find the Audiobook Version of Doing it All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be HERE.

Starting solids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Dr. Whitney is joined by registered dietitian Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC, co-author of Baby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods, to break down everything parents need to know about introducing solid foods with confidence. They discuss common misconceptions, signs of readiness, gagging vs. choking, allergy introduction, and how to encourage adventurous eating from the start. If you're feeling anxious about starting solids or want evidence-based tips to make the transition easier, this episode is for you!See the full show notes here.You can find the Audiobook Version of Doing it All: Stop Over-Functioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be HERE.