The Birth Geeks' Podcast

The Birth Geeks: Dr. Robin Elise Weiss & Dr. Hillary Melchiors
  • 4.7 (14)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Birth Geeks is an evidence-based conversation for birth professionals who are in it for the long game. Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors tackle the topics other podcasts avoid — boundaries, burnout, business realities, and what sustainable birth work actually looks like. For doulas, midwives, childbirth educators, and nurses. Find us at thebirthgeeks.com.

  1. Interview with Loudmouth Lisa

    JAN 26

    Interview with Loudmouth Lisa

    Lisa Vee, aka Loudmouth Lisa, is a doula business strategist and coach who brings her whole heart to this work with the flare of the dancer and salesperson background that she brings to the table. In this episode we talk about attracting clients, pricing your services, shifting priorities, and more. Enjoy!

    49 min
  2. Interview with Maggie Runyon

    JAN 12

    Interview with Maggie Runyon

    Maggie Runyon became a nurse to help and found out quickly that saving the entire healthcare system and everyone in it was a fast ticket to burnout. In this interview we discuss her book I Thought I Was Here to Help, along with strategies for advocacy, community, & support for all of us that work as perinatal professionals.

    45 min
  3. Interview with Dr. Connie Liu

    10/17/2025

    Interview with Dr. Connie Liu

    Rural medicine, Indian Health Service, MD advocacy, and so much more

    40 min
  4. Doula Power, Payment, and Policy: Insights from Andrea Ford's Anthropological Perspective

    08/04/2025

    Doula Power, Payment, and Policy: Insights from Andrea Ford's Anthropological Perspective

    The messy magic of being a doula! In this episode of The Birth Geeks, we sit down with Dr. Andrea Ford, anthropologist, doula, and author of Near Birth, to explore the strange, powerful, and often contradictory world of modern birthwork. What even is a doula today? A sister or a professional?
A rebel or a regulated service?
A support system or a scapegoat? We unpack it ALL:
The tension between respect and reimbursement
 Why doulas are praised for outcomes they can't control  What happens when community care meets institutional demands
 And how birthwork quietly challenges American values about bodies, power, and autonomy If you've ever wrestled with your role in the birth space or wondered how being "near birth" is as political as it is personal, this conversation will hit home. Listen now.

    45 min
  5. From NICU Mom to National Voice: LaToshia Rouse on Flexibility, Boundaries, and Birthwork That Matters

    07/14/2025

    From NICU Mom to National Voice: LaToshia Rouse on Flexibility, Boundaries, and Birthwork That Matters

    How do you go from spreadsheets to spinning babies, and end up on national perinatal boards? In this episode, Hillary sits down with LaToshia Rouse, a birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and speaker who brings her whole self (and sometimes her whole family!) to the work of changing maternal care from the inside out. We talk about: Parenting triplets and how NICU life shaped LaToshia's why How doulas can support clients without overextending themselves What it really takes to build connections with hospital systems Why flexibility, strong boundaries, and knowing your season are everything You'll laugh, nod along, and walk away feeling like you've just made a new doula bestie.

    40 min
  6. What We MiWhat We Miss When We Medicalize: Postpartum Depression in Global Contextsss When We Medicalize: Postpartum Depression in Global Contexts

    06/30/2025

    What We MiWhat We Miss When We Medicalize: Postpartum Depression in Global Contextsss When We Medicalize: Postpartum Depression in Global Contexts

    Today on The Birth Geeks, we spoke with Dr. Sarah Rubin about her research on motherhood and postpartum depression in South Africa. She shared eye-opening insights on how culture and social support shape the experiences of new mothers, especially in under-resourced communities. We dove into the challenges of measuring mental health across cultures and why context matters in global maternal health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about birth, wellness, and understanding the bigger picture.

    57 min
  7. Shaping Birth Experiences: Shannay Rocker on Home Births, Hospitals, and Building Doula Community

    06/16/2025

    Shaping Birth Experiences: Shannay Rocker on Home Births, Hospitals, and Building Doula Community

    Today on The Birth Geeks, we dove into the inspiring journey of Shanay Rocker, a fashion-industry pro turned Berlin-based doula. From her adventures moving from Australia to New York and finally Berlin, Shanay shared how motherhood transformed her life and led her to birth work. We explored what it's really like to give birth and be a doula in Germany, the power of supportive communities, and building resilience as a parent and entrepreneur. Sinead's story is proof that growth, adaptability, and following your passion can open doors you never imagined—wherever you are in the world.

    50 min
  8. Navigating Birth, Burnout, and Being Queer in Midwifery with Katie Shannon

    06/02/2025

    Navigating Birth, Burnout, and Being Queer in Midwifery with Katie Shannon

    On this episode of The Birth Geeks, we sit down with Katie Shannon, a certified nurse midwife and entrepreneurial powerhouse. Katie takes us through her inspiring journey from grad school to running her own successful home birth practice in the DC metro area. She shares lessons on building a business, finding balance, overcoming burnout, and the importance of partnering with the right people. Katie gives us a behind-the-scenes look at serving diverse clients and navigating licensing challenges, proving that with passion and dedication, you can create a thriving, meaningful business that truly supports families. Don't miss these insights on resilience, growth, and redefining care.

    51 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

The Birth Geeks is an evidence-based conversation for birth professionals who are in it for the long game. Dr. Robin Elise Weiss and Dr. Hillary Melchiors tackle the topics other podcasts avoid — boundaries, burnout, business realities, and what sustainable birth work actually looks like. For doulas, midwives, childbirth educators, and nurses. Find us at thebirthgeeks.com.

Information

  • Creator
    The Birth Geeks: Dr. Robin Elise Weiss & Dr. Hillary Melchiors
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    The Birth Geeks' Podcast