The Thoughtful Advocate

Elizabeth Teo

The Thoughtful Advocate is more than just a podcast—it’s a movement for those who care about the planet, social change, and personal healing. Whether you’re feeling alone, wondering if change is possible, or looking for hope in a world that often feels overwhelming, this space is for you. We highlight the people making a difference for Mother Nature, advocate for justice, and share stories of resilience—because healing is possible, both for ourselves and the world. A big part of that healing is reconnecting with our inner child so we can create a better future, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come. As a Chinese American passionate about sustainability, I also aim to bring diverse voices into the conversation. If you’re ready to heal, grow, and leave the world better than you found it—all while having fun—you’re in the right place.

  1. MAY 12

    EP 53: What Turning 30 Changed for Me: Budget Finds, Birthday Reflections & Growing Pains

    What does turning 30 really feel like? Does life get better after 30? How do you balance motherhood, friendship, healing, and building your dreams? In this honest life update, I’m sharing what turning 30 taught me, how motherhood has changed me, what my birthday looked like as a mom of two, and the small moments that reminded me what really matters. From Facebook Marketplace wins and budget parenting hacks to friendship, gratitude, postpartum recovery, and learning how to slow down, this episode is a real conversation about growing up without losing yourself. We also talk about: • what nobody tells you about turning 30 • motherhood with two young kids • postpartum healing after C section • budget friendly parenting tips • how to save money as a parent • friendship in adulthood • learning gratitude in hard seasons • balancing dreams and family • lactose intolerance and rebuilding gut tolerance • movie reviews and family life updates If you’re navigating motherhood, your thirties, healing, or building a life that feels aligned, this episode is for you. ✨ Follow for weekly conversations on healing, sustainability, motherhood, emotional growth, and building a better future.

    11 min

  2. MAY 5

    EP 52: I Turned 30 and Everything Changed | Motherhood, Healing, Identity & Starting Over

    Turning 30 felt different than I expected. In this episode of The Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, Elizabeth Teo shares the truth about leaving survival mode behind, healing from a difficult twenties, becoming a mother of two, and stepping into a new chapter of life. From a family trip to Niagara Falls to navigating postpartum recovery, road tripping with babies, protecting kids online, and reflecting on childhood trauma, this episode is part life update, part time capsule for her sons, and part reminder that life does not end at 30. Sometimes it begins. In this episode: • Does life get better after 30? • Why your twenties can feel so unstable • Motherhood and identity shifts • Traveling with babies for the first time • Postpartum healing and physical recovery • Creating memories with your kids • Breaking generational cycles • Protecting your children online • Why documenting your life matters If you are entering your thirties, navigating motherhood, healing from your past, or trying to build a meaningful life, this episode is for you.

    17 min

  3. APR 14

    EP 51: Your Brain on Motherhood: The Science of Identity Transformation Every Mom Needs to Know

    Did you know that 94% of your brain's gray matter changes during pregnancy? In this episode, Elizabeth Teo breaks down the real science behind what happens to your mind, body, and identity when you become a mother. This is not just a role — it is a complete biological and emotional transformation called matrescence, and almost no one is talking about it. Elizabeth explores why so many mothers feel like they have lost themselves, why that feeling is actually a sign of growth, and how motherhood quietly builds the boundaries, strength, and self-awareness you never knew you needed. If you have ever looked in the mirror and not recognized the woman staring back, this episode was made for you. In this episode: What brain scans reveal about pregnancy and postpartum changes, why your priorities shift so dramatically, how motherhood forces you to set boundaries for the first time, what it means to be reborn alongside your baby, and why asking for help is actually a sign of strength. You are not losing yourself. You are becoming someone more powerful.

    6 min

  4. APR 7

    EP 50: Every First Hasn't Happened Yet: On Newborns, New Chapters, and the Family I Always Prayed For

    In this heartfelt life update, host Elizabeth Teo opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of welcoming baby Jack while navigating life with two under two. From tearful minivan moments to surviving the newborn phase on zero sleep, Elizabeth reflects on childhood nostalgia, a hard-won second C-section recovery, unexpected generosity from strangers, and the profound realization that the family she prayed for as a little girl is finally here. If you have ever felt stuck in a dark place and wondered if life could get better, this episode is for you. Topics covered: newborn life, postpartum recovery, C-section, two under two, motherhood emotions, mental health, gratitude, family milestones, and finding beauty in the hard seasons.

    10 min

  5. MAR 31

    EP 49: I Was Codependent in a Healthy Relationship, Here's How I Healed | The Thoughtful Advocate

    Most people think codependency only happens in toxic relationships. Mine was the opposite. In this episode, I'm sharing my personal experience with codependency inside a genuinely loving, healthy relationship, where the real wounds were coming from inside me all along. I cover what codependency actually is, why it develops from childhood trauma and anxious attachment, the signs most people search for but don't always recognise in themselves, and how I slowly healed by learning to truly love myself for the first time at 29. If you've ever needed constant reassurance from a partner, felt crushing anxiety when they spent time away, or realised your whole identity was tied to someone else, this episode is for you. In this episode: 00:00 Intro What codependency really means Why it is not always about a toxic partner My story with John and unhealed childhood trauma Losing my identity and friendships How I finally started healing What healthy love actually looks like How to get help Mentioned in this episode: Kind Laundry sheets, code zerowastecutie for 10% off #codependency #mentalhealth #healingjourney #anxiousattachment #selfworth #childhoodtrauma #codependencyrecovery #selflove #healthyrelationships #thoughtfuladvocate

    11 min

  6. MAR 24

    EP 48: Why I Stopped Being the Nice Girl: Boundaries, Pregnancy, and Childcare That Let Me Down

    At 38 weeks pregnant, exhausted, and running on no sleep, the last thing I needed was last minute cancellations and early departures from childcare I had planned and paid for. But that is exactly what happened. And instead of speaking up, old Elizabeth just said it was fine. In this episode I am getting honest about what it cost me to be too nice for too long, and what finally pushed me to hold my boundaries firmly, even when it felt uncomfortable. We talk about why caregiving relationships make it harder to hold the line, what happens when you blur professional and personal, how to address a broken agreement calmly and early, why having a backup childcare plan is non negotiable, and the deeper pattern so many women carry of shrinking themselves to keep others comfortable. This one is for every pregnant mom, every parent in the trenches, and every woman who has ever asked herself "am I asking for too much?" and then immediately answered her own question by letting it go. You are not asking for too much. You are asking for what was agreed.

    14 min

  7. MAR 17

    EP 47: I Cut My Toddler's Bangs Too Short | 38 Weeks Pregnant, C-Section Prep + Life Updates

    We are officially one week away from meeting our second baby and I am sharing all the life updates in this one! From my very first attempt at cutting my toddler's hair (spoiler: the bangs did not go as planned) to everything that actually happens leading up to a planned c-section that nobody really talks about: weekly OB appointments, the hospital pre-call, bloodwork, the antibacterial wash prep, and what to expect the day of. I also share a Greek yogurt crepe recipe that my toddler is obsessed with and that has become a go-to breakfast in our house, plus a free hack for getting your family into museums using your local library card. In this video: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Baby's first haircut (and why I used kitchen scissors) 04:30 38 weeks pregnant + c-section prep explained 09:00 Greek yogurt crepe recipe for toddlers 11:30 Free museum passes through your library If you've had a planned or emergency c-section, I would love to hear from you in the comments. What helped you recover? What do you wish you had known going in? Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss the birth vlog and newborn update coming soon! Greek Yogurt Crepes  • 150 g unbleached all purpose flour • 25 g sugar • 1 pinch salt • 2 large eggs • 300 ml milk • 125 g plain Greek yogurt • 2.5 ml vanilla extract • 14 g unsalted butter, melted • Softened butter for cooking Do not add baking soda for crepes. It changes the texture and makes them more pancake like. Consistency Test After mixing and resting 10 to 15 minutes: The batter should: • Run off a spoon easily • Look slightly thicker than heavy cream • Coat the back of a spoon in a thin layer If it feels thick, add milk 15 ml at a time until it becomes fluid. Cooking Tip for Perfect Thin Crepes Heat pan over medium heat Lightly butter Pour about 60 ml batter Immediately swirl the pan It should spread on its own within 2 seconds. If it does not spread easily, it is too thick. #38weekspregnant #csection #plannedcsection #momvlog #toddlermom #pregnancyupdate #momlife #secondpregnancy #csectionprep #toddlerhaircut

    17 min

  8. MAR 10

    EP 46: 30 Flirty & Thriving: Why Your Thirties Are Better Than Your Twenties (Science Backs It Up)

    Everyone told you your twenties would be the best years of your life but what if they were wrong? In this episode, Elizabeth breaks down why your thirties might actually be when life finally clicks. From emotional stability and stronger boundaries to deeper relationships and a growing income, the data points to one surprising truth: 36 is the happiest age for most people, and most wouldn't trade their thirties to go back. If you're dreading turning 30 or still surviving your twenties, this episode will completely shift your perspective on what's waiting for you on the other side.

    9 min
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About

The Thoughtful Advocate is more than just a podcast—it’s a movement for those who care about the planet, social change, and personal healing. Whether you’re feeling alone, wondering if change is possible, or looking for hope in a world that often feels overwhelming, this space is for you. We highlight the people making a difference for Mother Nature, advocate for justice, and share stories of resilience—because healing is possible, both for ourselves and the world. A big part of that healing is reconnecting with our inner child so we can create a better future, not just for ourselves but for the generations to come. As a Chinese American passionate about sustainability, I also aim to bring diverse voices into the conversation. If you’re ready to heal, grow, and leave the world better than you found it—all while having fun—you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Elizabeth Teo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Thoughtful Advocate