Reproductively Speaking

Taryn Zweygardt
  • 5.0 (8)
  • 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. Aug 24

    24. Maternal Mental Health Before the Crisis: What It Really Means to be the Village

    Send us Fan Mail **Content Warning: This episode discusses the Lindsay Clancy trial, the deaths of her three children, postpartum mental illness and psychosis, suicide, and thoughts of harm. Please take care of yourself while listening and decide whether this is a conversation you have the capacity for today. There is no way to talk about the Lindsay Clancy trial without acknowledging the unimaginable loss at the center of it: three children died, and an entire family has been forever changed. This episode isn't about deciding guilt or innocence though - that belongs in the courtroom.  Instead, I want to use this moment to ask a much bigger and more uncomfortable question: Where are we before a mother reaches a crisis? In this episode, I'm talking about the shame surrounding perinatal mental illness, the difference between intrusive thoughts and psychosis, and why creating a culture where mothers feel safe telling us the truth is an essential part of prevention. We tell mothers that "it takes a village”, and to ask for help. But…what happens when that village exists only in theory? Maybe instead of asking where the village was after tragedy strikes, we need to ask ourselves what we're doing to become the village NOW. We don't have to choose between accountability and compassion, and we don't have to wait for another tragedy to decide maternal mental health matters! Episode Recap: Why the Lindsay Clancy trial opens a larger conversation about perinatal mental healthLooking beyond hindsight to ask what support could exist before a mother reaches crisisThe gap between the “village” we promise mothers & support they actually receiveHow shame + fear can prevent mothers from disclosing frightening mental health symptomsImportant differences between intrusive thoughts, suicidality + psychosisWhy mental health screenings must be followed by clinical curiosity & deeper conversationsThe critical lack of specialized, higher-level perinatal mental healthcareRacial disparities, access barriers + inequities within maternal mental healthcareWhat it actually looks like to become the village for mothersWhy accountability & compassion can coexist + why support needs to happen before tragedy **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: Women Are Dying, Deb by Emily E. JohnsonCheck out more of Emily E. Johnson’s resourcesFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

  2. Aug 10

    23. Why Asking for Sleep Support + Sharing the Mental Load Doesn't Make You a Bad Parent with Sara Skiles

    Send us Fan Mail I'm honored to welcome Sara Skiles to the podcast today! Sara Skiles is the owner and Family Care Coordinator at Wichita Doula, and is a certified doula, pediatric sleep consultant, and childbirth educator. As a mom of two, Sara brings both professional expertise and personal experience to supporting families through pregnancy, birth, postpartum, infant feeding, and sleep. She is especially passionate about helping parents access the education, practical support, and resources they need to feel confident during the postpartum season.  Having navigated her own journey through perinatal anxiety, OCD, and depression, Sara is deeply committed to helping families know they don't have to do it all alone. In today's conversation, Sara and I unpack the myths surrounding infant sleep, why so many parents suffer from sleep deprivation in silence, and how getting support can transform both the postpartum experience and a parent's mental health. We also explore some of the biggest misconceptions about sleep support and sleep training, why it's not a one-size-fits-all approach, the “sleep gap” many families experience, and more. I hope this episode reminds you that needing sleep doesn't make you selfish, and asking for help doesn't make you a bad parent. When parents are rested, supported, and equipped with the right information, the entire family benefits (which is totally worth prioritizing)!  Episode Recap: Sara's personal journey into postpartum & pediatric sleep supportThe reality of newborn sleep + why so many parents feel unpreparedHow sleep deprivation impacts mental health, relationships + daily functioningThe shame, guilt + unrealistic expectations surrounding infant sleepCommon misconceptions about sleep training & what it actually looks likeThe value of postpartum doulas & individualized sleep supportWhen it's time to reach out for help (and why you don't have to wait)Practical ways to support healthy infant sleep from the very beginningThe "sleep gap" + the unequal mental load many mothers carryWhy rested, supported parents create healthier families **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. 13 | Fatherhood, Pressure, and the Things Dads Aren’t Saying Out LoudFollow Sara on Instagram @wichitadoula and @thebabyisasleep Learn more about working with Sara by visiting her website for doula support Learn more about working with Sara by visiting her website for sleep supportConnect with Sara on FacebookFollow on me Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

  3. Jul 27

    22. Embracing Your Second Act with Audra Dinnell

    Send us Fan Mail I'm beyond excited to welcome Audra Dinnell to the podcast today! Audra is the founder of The Thread: A Women's Leadership Collective, an award-winning community that equips professional and entrepreneurial women with the connection, confidence, and clarity to lead with purpose. She's also a speaker, writer, coach, podcast host, and fellow mom who is passionate about helping women build lives rooted in their values (not someone else's expectations). In today’s conversation, Audra and I explore something so many mothers quietly wrestle with: ambition after motherhood. We talk about what happens when our goals begin to shift, why success doesn't have to look the same in every season of life, and how motherhood often refines (not diminishes) our dreams.  Together, we unpack everything from balancing entrepreneurship with family life to navigating comparison, burnout, people-pleasing, and what your “Act Two” (such a beautiful concept) can look like! If you've been wondering whether it's too late to pivot, dream bigger, slow down, or choose a different path, I hope this conversation gives you permission to trust yourself + embrace YOUR Act Two! Episode Recap: Why motherhood often reshapes (not replaces) our ambitionDefining success through your values instead of society's expectationsBalancing entrepreneurship, motherhood + changing seasons of lifeBuilding confidence through action & self-trust through slowing downHow identifying your core values leads to better decision-makingWhy "full-body yeses" require meaningful "nos"Audra's "Act Two" framework for embracing life's messy middleLetting go of comparison + creating a life that feels true to YOUThe importance of filling your own cup before pouring into othersWhy it's never too late to trust yourself & choose a different path **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: Listen to A LOT with AudraConnect with Audra on Instagram @audradinnell and thethreadwlcCheck out the ThreadFollow Audra’s SubstackFollow on me Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

  4. Jul 13

    21. Asking Better Questions: My Reflections on the Annual PSI Conference

    Send us Fan Mail Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Postpartum Support International (PSI) Conference. While I came home with pages of notes, new research, and countless ideas, I realized I didn't come home with all the answers.  Instead, I came home with better QUESTIONS. In this episode, I'm sharing some of the biggest moments that stayed with me. From an unexpected encounter with a wish tree in Los Angeles, to powerful conversations about maternal mental health, advocacy, and the work that's still ahead of us, this was truly a life-changing experience My hope is that this episode encourages both parents and providers to keep asking better questions, and to lead with compassion. Meaningful change happens one conversation, one family, and one community at a time.  We still have a ton of work to do, but together, we have every reason to believe that better care, better systems, and more hopeful futures ARE possible! Episode Recap: My reflections from the annual Postpartum Support International ConferenceWhy asking better questions can transform perinatal mental healthcareHow Kansas is expanding access to specialized perinatal mental health supportThe ongoing need for education surrounding postpartum psychosisWhy every statistic represents a real family AND real storyHow healing one parent can positively impact future generationsReplacing judgment with curiosity in healthcare & parenthoodBuilding trust through compassionate, patient-centered careWhy perinatal mental health is a public health issue (not just a parenting issue)Finding hope through advocacy, education + meaningful systems change **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: Postpartum Support International (PSI)Women Are Dying, Deb by Emily E. JohnsonFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

  5. Jun 29

    20. The Lasting Impact of Birth Trauma + Finding Healing with Leslie Thompson

    Send us Fan Mail I’m honored to welcome Leslie Thompson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and perinatal therapist with a private practice in Liberty, MO, to the podcast! With more than a decade of experience supporting children and families, she specializes in helping women navigate the reproductive journey, as well as supporting parents in building stronger, more connected relationships with their children.  Leslie also has advanced training in birth trauma and pregnancy, infant, and child loss. She brings both professional expertise + deeply personal lived experience to every family she serves. In today’s conversation, Leslie and I are diving into her own experiences with traumatic C-sections, a NICU stay, pregnancy loss, and how those moments ultimately shaped both her healing journey + the work she does today.  We also talk about the emotional impact birth trauma has on both parents, how fathers are often the “invisible parents” during this time, how EMDR can help parents process traumatic experiences, and more. Ultimately, I hope this episode reminds you that your birth story MATTERS. Your experience deserves to be acknowledged, and yes, healing is possible. You don't have to carry the weight of your story alone, friend! Episode Recap: Leslie's personal journey through birth trauma, C-sections + the NICUHow traumatic birth experiences can shape the postpartum journeyThe grief of unmet expectations surrounding birth & parenthoodWhy dads experience birth trauma, tooThe impact of minimizing comments like "At least everyone is healthy"How Leslie's lived experiences shaped her work as a perinatal therapistWhat EMDR is + how it helps process birth traumaCommon signs that unresolved birth trauma may still be affecting youWhat healing after birth trauma can look likeWhy your birth story deserves validation, support + specialized care **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: Connect with Leslie on InstagramCheck out Leslie’s websiteFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

  6. Jun 15

    19. The Grief I Didn't Expect to Find in Motherhood

    Send us Fan Mail Lately, I've been thinking a lot about grief. Not the kind we typically associate with death or major loss, but the quieter grief that can accompany motherhood.  As my children have gotten older, I've found myself looking back on different seasons of parenting with a perspective I simply didn't have while I was living them. If I’m being honest? Sometimes, I don't remember the milestones as much as I remember the exhaustion, overwhelm, anxiety, and all that I was carrying at the time. In today’s episode, I'm sharing some of the reflections that have surfaced as I've revisited those early years of motherhood. I also explore the questions many of us ask ourselves, like “What if I had gotten support sooner? What if I had known more? What if I had understood myself better?” If you've ever looked back on a season of motherhood and wished you had known then what you know now, this one is for YOU. My hope is that this reminds you that it's never too late to do your healing work. Your struggles do not define your worth as a parent, and as always, you deserve compassion, too! Episode Recap: The quiet grief that often accompanies motherhoodLooking back at early parenting seasons with compassionThe support, knowledge & understanding I wish I had soonerAccountability, self-compassion + healing as a parentWhy children need connection, not perfectionHow motherhood reveals the work we need to do within ourselvesLearning to extend grace to the version of ourselves who was simply surviving **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

  7. Jun 1

    18. Why You Need to Stop Settling for the Bare Minimum in Your Relationships with Lauren Gilley

    Send us Fan Mail I’m excited to welcome my friend, Lauren Gilley, to the podcast today! Lauren Gilley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wichita, KS with main focuses in Couples Therapy, Perinatal Mental Health, and Sexual Wellness. She is a wife & mother who loves animals, spending time in nature, gardening, being with friends and family, and simply having a good time. If you’re struggling with a  relationship that looks “fine” from the outside, but underneath the surface there’s disconnect and resentment, this episode is for YOU! In today’s conversation, Lauren and I are unpacking something we both see all the time in the therapy room: the way so many people settle for emotional disconnection, unmet needs, and survival-mode partnership. And yes…they’re doing all of this while convincing themselves it’s “not that bad”. We’re talking honestly about the bare minimum in relationships, emotional labor, and what it actually means to feel emotionally safe and supported by your partner. Desire discrepancies are about sooo much more than sex.  Changes in intimacy don’t automatically mean something is wrong with you or your relationship either. Desire is not linear, and intimacy is not just physical connection - it’s emotional safety, communication, and feeling known and cared for. Remember - you deserve relationships where your needs, emotions, and humanity are considered. Sometimes, rebuilding connection starts with simply being willing to have the conversation! Episode Recap: What the “bare minimum” in relationships actually looks likeWhy emotional safety, respect + connection matter in partnershipThe mental load, invisible labor + resentment in parenthoodWhy women (especially moms) often settle for less than they needUnspoken expectations, communication + relationship resentmentDesire discrepancies + why they’re about more than sexHow stress, exhaustion, parenthood + emotional disconnection impact intimacyWhy changing desire does not mean something is wrong with youRebuilding connection through honest conversations + intentional ritualsSmall, low-pressure ways to reconnect emotionally with your partner **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: Come Together by Emily NagoskiFollow Lauren on Instagram @lg_therapyLearn more about working with LaurenFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

  8. May 18

    17. What I Wish More People Understood About Maternal Mental Health

    Send us Fan Mail With it being the month of May, I felt like it was time to have a REAL and honest conversation about maternal mental health.  While we’ve gotten slightly better at talking about postpartum depression, there are still many parts of motherhood and perinatal mental health that people quietly struggle through without support or understanding. Maternal mental health is about sooo much more than postpartum depression. It’s also anxiety, rage, intrusive thoughts, identity shifts, overstimulation, and loneliness. It’s the emotional weight of matrescence, and the invisible mental load mothers carry every.single.day.  Ultimately, maternal mental health is not *just* an individual issue - it’s a public health issue that needs our attention, now, more than ever. I hope this episode reminds you that you are NOT failing at motherhood. You are human, and you were never meant to carry all of this alone. There is support available, and you deserve care LONG before things become unbearable!!  Episode Recap: Why maternal mental health is about so much more than postpartum depressionThe many ways perinatal mental health struggles can show upHow normalized maternal suffering keeps moms struggling silentlyUnderstanding matrescence + identity shifts in motherhoodGrieving former versions of yourself while loving your children deeplyMaternal rage, overwhelm, and the invisible mental loadNormalizing intrusive thoughts + why trained support mattersLoneliness, isolation & unrealistic expectations in modern motherhoodHow unsupported systems impact maternal wellbeingWhy maternal mental health IS a public health issueThe importance of therapy, rest, community & shared supportMaternal mental health resources + reminders that struggling does not mean failure **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. 3 | What “The Mental Load” Really Looks Like (and Why It’s So Damn Heavy)Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA)Postpartum Support InternationalFollow on Instagram @tztherapyCheck out my website

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 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
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Reproductively Speaking
  • Show Website
    Reproductively Speaking