Reproductively Speaking

Taryn Zweygardt
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Parenthood is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and transformative - sometimes all before breakfast. Each episode, join Taryn Zweygardt, therapist and certified perinatal mental health specialist, for real and relatable conversations about the challenges and joys of parenthood. From identity shifts to mental health struggles, you’ll hear deep, honest talks, expert guidance, and inspiring stories that remind you - you're NOT alone. Reproductively Speaking is here to help you nurture your mind, your relationships, and yourself, one episode at a time. Connect with Taryn on Instagram @tztherapy Learn more about working with Taryn: https://www.tztherapy.com

  1. 11H AGO

    12. When Growing Your Family Isn’t Easy: Delayed Fertility and Finding Hope in the Waiting with Sierra Fair

    Send a text I’m honored to welcome Sierra Fair to the podcast today! Sierra Fair is an LSCSW who has worked in private practice for 4 years. She’s originally from Kansas, but now lives in Arkansas with her husband and son. They experienced delayed fertility when trying for their son, which opened her eyes to the world of fertility issues. Sierra dealt with PMADs after having her son, which later led her to pursue additional training through Postpartum Support International to better serve her clients (and help herself). She and her husband are now trying for baby #2, and in the waiting season again! As a social worker, Sierra works as a mental health therapist, providing virtual therapy to her clients. Outside of work, she leads a faith-based support group for women struggling to grow their families, called Moms in the Making. In this conversation, Sierra shares openly about the grief, isolation, and pressure that can come with delayed fertility. From navigating the heartbreak of an early pregnancy loss, to sitting with the constant question of “when will it be my turn?”, she speaks candidly about the emotional toll of fertility struggles (especially in a culture that often minimizes these experiences). One of the most powerful parts of Sierra’s story is the role that community played in her healing. Through the faith-based support group, Moms in the Making, she found a space where women could be honest about the complexity of fertility journeys (grief, hope, jealousy, and everything in between).  Sierra’s story is a POWERFUL reminder that no one is immune to perinatal mood struggles, and fertility journeys are rarely linear. If this episode resonates, please know you are NOT alone, and you deserve support, validation, and compassion every step of the way! Episode Recap: Sierra’s personal experience with delayed fertility + PCOS diagnosisThe VERY real emotional toll of fertility strugglesSierra’s early pregnancy loss + how “at least..” statements can unintentionally minimize griefHow finding community through Moms in the Making truly became a lifelineSupportive ways women can honor & process fertility or pregnancy lossSierra’s journey of conceiving with the help of Clomid & welcoming their sonUnderstanding you’re NOT alone, and your experience deserves support & validation **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone. Links/Resources: Follow Sierra on Instagram @sierra_irene13Learn more about working with SierraCheck out Moms in the MakingFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

    49 min

  2. FEB 23

    11. Mothers Without Joy: The Scrutiny That Hasn’t Gone Away

    Send a text Recently, I came across a 1963 magazine article titled “Mothers Without Joy.” As someone who LOVES thrifting and antiquing, I’ve always been drawn to old books and magazines. But…this one stopped me in my tracks.  The language was for sure dated, but the themes? Unsettlingly familiar. It felt like reading something written about today. The article dove into "illegitimate babies”, and how pregnancy outside of marriage was viewed as a social and moral crisis. The burden of shame? It fell almost entirely on women. Motherhood itself wasn’t the issue - unapproved motherhood was. While our language has changed today, the scrutiny is still very present. History reveals what changing language can often conceal: women have long been evaluated on "mothering". What mothers needed in 1963, and what mothers need now, is NOT moral evaluation. We need support, autonomy, and compassion!  I mean…how different would motherhood look like in our world today, if it was met with care, instead of judgment? Episode Recap: What a 1963 article titled “Mothers Without Joy” truly revealsHow the term “illegitimate” highlights how deeply motherhood was regulated by marriage, age, class &  raceHow the burden of shame & consequence historically fell almost ENTIRELY on womenWhy modern motherhood is still categorized into “acceptable” and “unacceptable” pathsWhy women continue to internalize cultural messages about motherhood & blame themselvesThe unfortunate common thread of motherhood today (regardless of your path there)Why the scrutiny of motherhood looks different now, but still carries so muchWhat mothers have needed decades ago (and need now, more than ever) **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone. Links/Resources: Follow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

    17 min

  3. FEB 9

    10. You Are a Good Mom: Affirmations, Repair, and Rewriting the Story We Tell Ourselves with Emma Hilger

    Send a text I’m excited to welcome Emma Hilger to the podcast today! Emma Hilger is a young stay-at-home mom of 3 kids under 4 and an amateur practicer of all things creative. She studied at the Elliott School of Communication at Wichita State University and is now putting her skills to use as an author/designer and self-publisher. "I'm a Good Mom: Positive Affirmations in Storybook Style" is the first of many books she hopes to write in a series of Good Mom Board Books that aim to make positive affirmations for moms accessible, realistic, and fun. What I love about Emma’s work is how honest it is. It doesn’t sugarcoat motherhood or pretend it’s *magical* all the time. Instead, it speaks directly to the moments most of us know well - the self-doubt spirals, exhaustion, overstimulation, and quiet questioning of whether we’re doing this “right.”  In today’s conversation, we talk openly about bad-mom spirals, the massive identity shift that happens when external validation disappears, and why redefining what it means to be a “good mom” is SO necessary. We also talk about affirmations in a way that feels realistic and grounded - not as cheesy mantras, but as reminders. Repair matters, perfection was never the goal, and trying counts for more than we give ourselves credit for. Feeling like a bad mom doesn’t mean you are one - it usually means you care deeply, and you’re doing something incredibly demanding with very little support. Emma’s work reminds us that motherhood is about showing up, repairing when things go sideways, and offering ourselves the same compassion we give our children! Episode Recap: Emma’s journey as a stay-at-home momOne of the most exhausting parts of early motherhoodHow bad-mom spirals & self-doubt inspired Emma to create her bookWhy affirmations don’t need to be cheesy to workThe role of self-talk in repair after hard moments with your kidsWhy a “good mom” isn’t perfect, and keeps showing upWhy realistic expectations & self-forgiveness are essential for sustainable motherhood **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone. Links/Resources: Ep. 7 | Why the Overstimulated Version of You in Motherhood Isn’t the Whole StoryFollow Emma on Instagram @goodmomboardbooksFollow on Facebook and TikTokOrder Emma’s book online or purchase from Watermark Books & CafeFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

    42 min

  4. JAN 26

    9. “Why Is This So F*cking Hard?” Neurodivergence, Mom Rage, Postpartum Burnout and More with Jennifer Gunn (Part 2)

    Send a text I’m excited to welcome Jennifer Gunn back for a part 2 episode today! Jennifer Gunn is the founder of Not Your Typical Neuro, a wellness practice specializing in neurodiversity-affirming support for adults with ADHD, autism, and related neurodivergent profiles. Her work focuses on helping clients understand their cognitive patterns, reduce masking-related burnout, and develop sustainable strategies aligned with their neurotype.  Jennifer combines lived experience with a strengths-based, client-centered approach to foster clarity, resilience, and self-advocacy. She is dedicated to providing accessible, validating support for adults who are newly identified or exploring late-discovered neurodivergence. In today’s conversation, we explore how SO many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. They’re often thriving through masking in familiar environments… until motherhood disrupts everything.  Jennifer vulnerably shares her own postpartum experience, including her first panic attack, intrusive thoughts, and the intense sensory and emotional overwhelm that surfaced while caring for her infant (all while her husband was deployed). We also dive into sleep deprivation, overstimulation, mom rage, and overfunctioning - patterns so many millennial parents recognize. Many of us advocate fiercely for our children, yet struggle to offer ourselves the same compassion. Ultimately, we’re here to remind you that you’re NOT broken, you’re not failing, and you’re not alone. You deserve support that honors who you truly are - not who you’ve been masking yourself to be! Episode Recap: Why neurodivergence in women often becomes more visible in the perinatal & postpartum periodWhy differential diagnosis mattersWhat PMDD is + how it shows up even more intensely for neurodivergent momsHow sleep deprivation disproportionately impacts neurodivergent parentsHow panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, overstimulation & mom rage are signs of unmet needsHow overfunctioning & constant masking often leads to burnout & emotional breaking pointsWhy neurodiversity-affirming care begins with validationRemembering you are NOT broken or alone in this season **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone. Links/Resources: Ep. 8 | Neurodivergence, Motherhood, and Masking: An Honest Conversation with Jennifer Gunn (Part 1)Ep. 7 | Why the Overstimulated Version of You in Motherhood Isn’t the Whole StoryFollow Jennifer on Instagram @aboveaverageautistic_therapistLearn more about working with JenniferFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

    55 min

  5. JAN 12

    8. Neurodivergence, Motherhood, and Masking: An Honest Conversation with Jennifer Gunn (Part 1)

    Send a text I’m honored to welcome my very first guest, Jennifer Gunn, to the podcast! Jennifer Gunn is the founder of Not Your Typical Neuro, a wellness practice specializing in neurodiversity-affirming support for adults with ADHD, autism, and related neurodivergent profiles. Her work focuses on helping clients understand their cognitive patterns, reduce masking-related burnout, and develop sustainable strategies aligned with their neurotype.  Jennifer combines lived experience with a strengths-based, client-centered approach to foster clarity, resilience, and self-advocacy. She is dedicated to providing accessible, validating support for adults who are newly identified or exploring late-discovered neurodivergence. A pivotal part of Jennifer’s story (and what ultimately led her into perinatal mental health) is her experience becoming a mother.  We dive deeply into neurodivergence in motherhood, including Jennifer's own late-discovered autism and ADHD. We talk about giftedness, masking, burnout, overstimulation, and the emotional complexity that can come with diagnosis (or even just self-recognition).  If you’re a parent, therapist, or simply someone curious about neurodivergence, you’re in the right place. A diagnosis doesn’t mean you’re broken - it can be an invitation to rebuild your life in a way that actually fits.  Jennifer is one of my absolute FAVORITE humans, and such a wealth of knowledge. Stay tuned for part 2 with her very soon - you won’t want to miss it!! Episode Recap: Jennifer’s journey from military service to therapy, private practice & finding her professional identityHow becoming a mother was a huge turning point that impacted her career choiceRealizing the “village” often promised to parents is missing in our society todayJennifer’s lived experience with late-discovered neurodivergenceThe overlap between postpartum anxiety, ADHD & autismThe concept of masking + how it’s a learned survival strategy for many womenNavigating grief, resistance, and relief after diagnosis + allowing space to rebuild life with more self-trustHow Jennifer’s own late diagnosis shapes the way she supports her clients **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone. Links/Resources: Follow Jennifer on Instagram @aboveaverageautistic_therapistLearn more about working with JenniferFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

    55 min

  6. 12/29/2025

    7. Why the Overstimulated Version of You in Motherhood Isn’t the Whole Story

    Send a text Today’s episode is a little different. I wrote a poem that came out of one of my ugliest, hardest moments as a mom.  Yep, I’m talking about those awful moments where overstimulation takes over…and I don’t recognize myself anymore.  If you’re a mom who loves your kids fiercely, never wanting to be an “angry parent,” but…you find yourself overwhelmed, exhausted, and drowning in guilt afterward? You’re in the right place, because I'm right there with you! Overstimulation isn’t a character flaw - it’s a nervous system response. Your reactions like yelling, shutting down, or numbing by scrolling on your phone don’t mean you’re broken or unloving. They mean your body is overwhelmed AF! If you’re listening and feel tapped out, overstimulated, or like you’re barely holding it together, you’re NOT failing. Your nervous system deserves care, and you're allowed to ask for help before you hit empty, friend! Episode Recap: A real & raw poem I wrote during one of my most difficult motherhood momentsWhy overstimulation in motherhood isn’t a personal failureThe 3 categories our nervous system shifts into when we’re overstimulatedUnderstanding that lasting harm doesn’t come from being “imperfect”What repair really is + why it doesn’t have to be big or dramaticWhy cycles break when we do things differently (even if mistakes still happen)Why learning your early warning signs of overstimulation can help SO muchSimple regulation tools you can use to create space between feelings & reactionsHow parenting in isolation in today’s society makes overstimulation even heavierWhy asking for help isn’t indulgent, but survivalRealizing the version of you that shows up when you’re overstimulated is NOT the whole story  **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone. Links/Resources: Ep. 6 | How to Protect Your Peace As a Parent in the Age of Information OverwhelmCheck out Tiffany Harlan and Mvmt FitnessFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

    37 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    6. How to Protect Your Peace As a Parent In the Age of Information Overwhelm

    Send a text Ever found yourself awake at 10:47 p.m., the house finally quiet, doomscrolling your way through a spiral of “parenting tips” that somehow convince you you’re destroying your child’s future over a toothbrush?  If so, HI, you’re in good company! I hear this all the time in sessions, and honestly, I’m in it too. We’re the first generation of parents who’ve been handed oceans of contradictory information at all hours of the day, on so many platforms. Instead of feeling empowered, most of us feel inadequate, anxious, and convinced we’re already behind. It’s not because we’re weak. It’s because our brains were NEVER meant to process parenting through a firehose! Our nervous system is experiencing overstimulation, and is desperately trying to protect us. It’s exhausting! If you feel like you’re drowning in parenting content, here’s your permission to slow down, unfollow accounts that spike your anxiety, and intentionally choose what you consume. After all, YOU are your child’s expert, and you’re already a “good mom”! Episode Recap: Why today’s parents are overwhelmed AFHow our nervous system interprets online “scary posts” as real threats + what this leads toThe REAL root of overwhelmThe pressure modern parents feel to raise flawless, emotionally perfect kidsThe power of repair in parent-child relationships + how simple, honest moments rebuild connectionA personal example of repair with my daughter5 ways to help yourself when you feel like you're drowning in parenting infoWhy you DON’T have to earn the title of “good mom” **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone. Links/Resources: Good Inside by Dr. Becky KennedyFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

    36 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    5. Why “Good Enough” Might Be the Best Gift You Give Your Family This Holiday Season

    Send a text If you’re already feeling stretched thin, overstimulated, or one minor inconvenience away from screaming into a pillow this holiday season…you’re in the right place. I personally love the holidays (especially Christmas), but once I became a parent, this “magical” season started feeling a whole lot more like a juggling act.  Moms don’t “experience” the holidays - we project-manage the holidays. We’re the magic makers, tradition keepers, schedulers, gift trackers, the emotional barometers. Yeah...it's a LOT of labor to carry quietly. Unfortunately, that pressure can become too much, so many of us fall into the trap of trying to create the “perfect” holiday. Spoiler alert though - that doesn’t exist, and your kids don’t care about perfection. Sometimes, the most magical thing you can give your family is a slower moment and a calmer, less frazzled version of yourself. Presence over perfection, friend - take a breath, and keep it simple this holiday season! Episode Recap: Why the holidays feel heavier and more stressful once you become a parentThe emotional labor moms carry during the seasonHow perfection steals presenceThe power of choosing a “good enough” holiday over a “perfect” onePractical boundaries to protect your peaceWhy you’re NOT responsible for other people’s disappointment when you set boundariesUnderstanding overstimulation for parents + how to support your nervous systemSmall ways to support you + your kids during busy daysGiving yourself permission to simplify traditions OR create new ones that fit your seasonHow to communicate with your partner & share the holiday load before the chaos hitsLetting go of unnecessary pressure & realizing that your family needs YOU **Disclaimer: The content shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for therapy or mental health care. If you’re struggling or need support, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional in your area, because you don’t have to go through it alone. Links/Resources: Follow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

    24 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Parenthood is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and transformative - sometimes all before breakfast. Each episode, join Taryn Zweygardt, therapist and certified perinatal mental health specialist, for real and relatable conversations about the challenges and joys of parenthood. From identity shifts to mental health struggles, you’ll hear deep, honest talks, expert guidance, and inspiring stories that remind you - you're NOT alone. Reproductively Speaking is here to help you nurture your mind, your relationships, and yourself, one episode at a time. Connect with Taryn on Instagram @tztherapy Learn more about working with Taryn: https://www.tztherapy.com

Information

  • Creator
    Taryn Zweygardt
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reproductively Speaking
  • Show Website
    Reproductively Speaking