Breakroom Mom

Breakroom Mom
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

Breakroom Mom is a podcast for "zilennial" parents who are struggling with the unique pressures of raising children in the 2020s. Through this podcast, we will explore why parenting is harder than ever and interview parents and parenting experts so that we can all learn from each other. 

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 22: Surviving Postpartum Psychosis & Finding Recovery with Jade Lloyd

    What does a postpartum psychosis crisis actually look like, and why are mothers still being dismissed when they ask for help? In this powerful episode of Breakroom Mom, we sit down with maternal mental health advocate, author, and postpartum psychosis survivor Jade Lloyd. Four months after welcoming her daughter in 2020, Jade experienced a severe mental health crisis. Today, she uses her lived experience to break the stigma, educate families on early warning signs, and remind mothers that full recovery is possible. In this episode, we explore: The critical differences between postpartum depression, anxiety, and postpartum psychosis.Early warning signs, sleep deprivation, and the fine line between mania and "super mom" energy.Her experience inside a UK Mother and Baby Unit (and why the US healthcare system desperately needs them).Navigating long-term recovery, relapse, and healing as a family.Before we dive into the heavy stuff, we kick things off with our signature "Our Turn for a Tantrum" segment—venting about unsolicited parenting questions and the chaotic 4:00 PM pre-dinner snack hour! 🍷😅 ⚠️ Content Note: This episode discusses severe mental health crises, intrusive thoughts, and postpartum psychosis. Please listen with care. Support & Resources: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)Postpartum Support International (PSI): Call 1-800-944-4773 or text "HOME" to 741741🔗 Connect with us: Instagram: @breakroommmsocial

    Episode 22: Surviving Postpartum Psychosis & Finding Recovery with Jade Lloyd

  2. Oct 6

    Episode 21: Held in the Dark: Navigating Your Teen's Eating Disorder and Finding the Light

    (00:00:00) Episode 21: Held in the Dark: Navigating Your Teen's Eating Disorder and Finding the Light (00:00:05) Welcome to Breakroom Mom with Jennifer Hope Longenecker (00:02:56) The Reality of Eating Disorders in Teens (00:06:44) Writing a Book with Your Child: A Unique Collaboration (00:17:56) Signs and Symptoms of Eating Disorders (00:22:48) Navigating Treatment Options and Support Systems (00:30:35) Recovery, Relapse, and Self-Care for Families (00:36:30) Addressing Diet Culture and Body Image Issues (00:38:21) Closing Thoughts and Resources (00:38:27) Book and Website Information [Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions about eating disorders, anorexia, and disordered eating behaviors. Please prioritize your mental health and skip this episode if this topic is triggering for you.] As a mom, our first instinct is to immediately jump into "fix-it" mode when our kids are hurting. But what happens when your teenager is battling a secret illness that is completely out of your control? Today on the Breakroom Mom podcast, we are sitting down with certified mental health coach Jennifer Hope Longenecker. Together with her daughter, Heather, Jennifer co-authored the book Held in the Dark, a raw and supportive guide for parents walking alongside a child with an eating disorder. Jennifer vulnerably shares the exact moment she realized Heather was struggling, the heavy weight of a mother's guilt, and the crucial lessons she learned about treatment, relapse, and caregiver burnout. Whether you are currently in the trenches of a child's mental health crisis, or you just want to know what hidden warning signs to look out for, this episode is packed with grace, wisdom, and practical guidance. In this episode, we talk about: The subtle, hidden signs of a teen eating disorder (including purging through exercise) How to stop blaming yourself and release the heavy weight of "motherhood guilt"Breaking down the different levels of treatment: Outpatient, IOP, PHP, and ResidentialHow to approach your teen about getting help without making them feel corneredWhy caregiver burnout is so real, and how to protect your own peace during a crisisUnderstanding that relapse is just a hurdle, not an erasure of recovery progress  Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Get Jennifer's Free Bonuses: Includes recorded messages for parents and teens, private Facebook community access, and conversation starters for kids in residential treatment: jenniferhopelongenecker.com/bonusesRead the Book: Order Held in the Dark by Jennifer Hope Longenecker & Heather LongeneckerFind a Support Group: Visit Feast-ed.org for resources and weekly support groups for families and loved ones.Connect with Breakroom Mom! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! It helps other moms find our community. Instagram: @breakroommomsocial

    Episode 21: Held in the Dark: Navigating Your Teen's Eating Disorder and Finding the Light

  3. Sep 14

    Episode 20: Traditional Eye Patching Wasn’t Working: How Digital Therapy is Revolutionizing Lazy Eye Care with Valerie Jenkins

    (00:00:00) Episode 20: Traditional Eye Patching Wasn’t Working: How Digital Therapy is Revolutionizing Lazy Eye Care with Valerie Jenkins (00:00:05) Welcome to Breakroom Mom with Valerie (00:00:59) The Pancake to Separate Meals Transformation (00:02:46) DIY Craft Disasters and Parental Frustration (00:04:20) Understanding Amblyopia: The "Lazy Eye" Condition (00:08:29) Oliver's Journey with Amblyopia (00:22:44) Luminopia: A New Approach to Treating Amblyopia (00:33:41) Parental Advice for Eye Care and Treatment (00:36:17) Marketing Insights from a Personal Experience (00:37:43) Closing Remarks and Contact Information What happens when traditional medical treatments turn every day into a battleground? In this episode of Breakroom Mom, we sit down with Valerie Jenkins, Head of Marketing at Luminopia, to talk about navigating an amblyopia (lazy eye) diagnosis and the emotional toll of standard treatment options like eye patching.Valerie brings a unique, highly empathetic perspective as both a mom who has lived through the daily struggle of pediatric vision care and an insider leading marketing for cutting-edge health tech. We dive deep into: The Reality of Eye Patching: The emotional hurdles, daily tantrums, and compliance struggles families face with traditional care.A Screen-Based Solution: How Luminopia uses popular movies and TV shows as prescription digital therapy to treat lazy eye.Overcoming Mom Guilt: Advice for letting go of blame when your child receives a developmental or health diagnosis.Pediatric Eye Care 101: What parents should do if they suspect a vision issue in a young child.Working Mom Survival: Navigating startup life, balancing career demands, and practical "mom cheat codes" for busy schedules.Whether you're managing a complex medical diagnosis or just looking for real-talk encouragement on balancing career and family, this episode offers a comforting reminder that you're not walking this path alone. 🔗 Connect & Learn More: Discover Luminopia’s screen-based therapy: https://luminopia.com/https://www.facebook.com/luminopia https://www.linkedin.com/company/luminopia/Subscribe to Breakroom Mom on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or iHeartRadio so you never miss an episode!Leave us a review and let us know your favorite takeaway from today's conversation.#BreakroomMom #ParentingPodcast #Amblyopia #LazyEye #Luminopia #PediatricHealth #MotherhoodUnfiltered #WorkingMomLife #ParentingSupport #MomGuilt #DigitalHealth

    Episode 20: Traditional Eye Patching Wasn’t Working: How Digital Therapy is Revolutionizing Lazy Eye Care with Valerie Jenkins

  4. Sep 4

    Episode 19: Is It Just Stress, or Is It Perimenopause? What Every Mom in Her 30s & 40s Needs to Know

    (00:00:00) Episode 19: Is It Just Stress, or Is It Perimenopause? What Every Mom in Her 30s & 40s Needs to Know (00:00:05) Introducing Kate Williamstone: Perimenopause Expert (00:00:14) The Personal Journey into Perimenopause Support (00:05:32) Defining Perimenopause and Menopause (00:08:45) Unexpected Symptoms of Perimenopause (00:19:55) Navigating the Healthcare System for Perimenopause (00:21:00) Intuitive Eating and Body Image During Perimenopause (00:30:43) Tracking and Advocating for Perimenopause Care (00:39:25) Navigating Perimenopause Products and Treatments (00:40:11) Red Flags in Hormone Replacement Therapy (00:41:22) Navigating Medical Support for Perimenopause Insomnia out of nowhere? Unexplained fatigue? Sudden mood shifts? If you’re a woman in your late 30s or 40s assuming these symptoms are "just stress" or "part of being a busy mom," this episode is your wake-up call. In this episode of Breakroom Mom, host Julie sits down with Kate Williams Stone, a non-diet perimenopause coach dedicated to helping women navigate midlife hormonal shifts with clarity, confidence, and self-compassion. After surviving her own midlife health rollercoaster—including breast cancer, fibroids, and anemia—Kate turned her journey into a mission: equipping women with trauma-informed, feminist, and non-diet tools to feel energized and at ease in their changing bodies. In this episode, we unpack: Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the actual difference, and why are so many modern moms completely blindsided by early symptoms?Surprising Symptoms: The signs you might not realize are tied to hormonal shifts (and why changes can happen even if your period is regular or absent due to BC, IUDs, or PCOS).The "Hormone Blood Test" Trap: Why getting told "your levels look normal" can be misleading, and what questions you should actually ask your healthcare provider.The Diet Culture Trap: How to ditch midlife restriction and use intuitive eating and hormone-honoring habits to fuel your body.Symptom Tracking & Advocacy: Practical tools to track your patterns so you can walk into doctor appointments feeling prepared and ready to be heard.Real Talk at Home: How to open up about perimenopause with your partner and kids without shame.Plus, stay tuned for our signature "Turn for a Tantrum" segment and Kate’s go-to working mom cheat code Connect & Resources: Download Kate's free Perimenopause 101 Guide: katewilliamsstone.com/gynFollow Kate on Instagram: @katewstoneFollow Breakroom Mom: @breakroommomsocial

    Episode 19: Is It Just Stress, or Is It Perimenopause? What Every Mom in Her 30s & 40s Needs to Know

  5. Aug 5

    Episode 18: Building a Resilient Immune System- The Groundbreaking Science Behind the Infant Gut Microbiome

    (00:00:00) Introduction & "Turn for a Tantrum (00:04:30) From Cancer Research to Infant Gut Health (00:07:30) How the Microbiome Controls 80% of the Immune System (00:09:10) Why Modern Babies Are Lacking Essential Bacteria (00:13:54) The First 1,000 Days & Developing a Healthy Microbiome (00:19:14) The Hygiene Hypothesis: Are We Over-Sanitizing? (00:21:10) Probiotics, Prebiotics & Symbiotics Explained (00:25:30) Decoding Baby Diapers & Stool Fluctuations (00:27:10) Results from the My Baby Biome Study (00:31:25) Practical Advice for Calmer Digestion & Sleep (00:35:50) The Story Behind Persephone Biosciences (00:36:39) Mom Cheat Codes & Favorite Hacks Did you know that 80% of our immune system is located in the gut, yet 90% of modern infants are missing a crucial superhero strain of good bacteria? In this episode of Breakroom Mom, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Culler—a Caltech-trained chemical engineer , CEO and co-founder of Persephone Biosciences , and lead author of My Baby Biome, the largest study profiling the infant gut microbiome in the US. After years of researching cancer therapies , Dr. Culler pivoted her company’s mission after a life-changing conversation about her own six-month-old daughter. Today, she’s uncovering how modern industrial practices—like antibiotics , C-section births , and over-sanitization —are causing a multigenerational loss of essential gut microbes , leaving kids more vulnerable to eczema , food allergies , and asthma. In this episode, we discuss: 🧬 The Gut-Immune Connection: How gut bacteria train a baby's developing immune system during their early years.🧼 The Hygiene Hypothesis: Balancing clean habits without over-sanitizing away beneficial bacteria.🍼 Symbiotics vs. Probiotics: What a "synergistic symbiotic" actually is and why human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) act as fuel for good bacteria.💩 Decoding Diaper Changes: What normal stool fluctuations tell us about an evolving microbiome.💡 Practical Mom Hacks: Reusable smoothie pouches , finding protected weekend time , and what to look for on probiotic labels.Whether you’re pregnant, navigating the infant/toddler years, or just trying to support your child’s overall immunity, this episode provides actionable, science-backed insights for every parent.

    Episode 18: Building a Resilient Immune System- The Groundbreaking Science Behind the Infant Gut Microbiome

  6. Jul 14

    Episode 17: Silent Retreats, Medically Complex Parenting, and Reclaiming Your Peace with Anthony Brenner

    (00:00:00) Episode 17: Silent Retreats, Medically Complex Parenting, and Reclaiming Your Peace with Anthony Brenner (00:00:05) Welcome to Breakroom Mom (00:00:23) Meet Anthony Brenner: Soccer Coach and Mind-Body Connection Expert (00:01:57) A Family of Athletes: Growing Up with ADHD and Expectations (00:09:01) The Tragic Loss and Its Impact on Anthony's Life (00:13:02) College, Career, and Identity Crisis (00:18:59) The Birth of a Family and a Daughter's Struggle (00:26:18) The Ultimate Sacrifice: Playing for Family (00:41:04) A New Chapter: Self-Discovery and Personal Growth (00:47:17) From Soccer Coach to Holistic Life Coach (00:47:52) From Soccer Coach to Holistic Life Coach What happens when the identity you’ve built your entire life around completely falls apart? Former D1 and professional football player Anthony Brenner joins us for a masterclass in resilience, self-reflection, and radical honesty [15:16]. From flunking out of school after a tragic family loss [13:24] to navigating a 14-year journey of severe childhood seizures with his daughter Bailey [26:00], Anthony shares the raw truths of marriage, parenting, and survival. Now working internationally with elite young soccer players [00:30], Anthony blends athletic training with mindfulness to teach kids—and their parents—how to drop the pressure, connect to their authentic selves, and access peace [50:10]. Grab a cup of coffee and join us in the breakroom for an episode that will completely change how you look at your family's daily chaos. Watch the video episode: https://youtu.be/OF4xsetV6eI

    Episode 17: Silent Retreats, Medically Complex Parenting, and Reclaiming Your Peace with Anthony Brenner

  7. Jun 14

    Episode 16: Leaving the LDS Church & Ditching the "Perfect Mom" Script with Audra Phelps

    (00:00:00) Episode 16: Leaving the LDS Church & Ditching the "Perfect Mom" Script with Audra Phelps (00:00:05) Introducing Audra Phelps and Mama Audra (00:06:36) The Challenges of Leaving the LDS Church (00:07:41) The Impact of Purity Culture and Shame (00:13:08) The Struggle with Mental Health and Identity (00:22:20) Education and Career Transition (00:29:08) The Journey of Leaving the Church (00:39:00) Reparenting and Redefining Motherhood (00:44:52) Navigating Family Relationships After Leaving the Church (00:45:41) The Importance of Boundaries in Family Dynamics (00:46:41) Perspective-Taking and Reframing Triggers In this episode of Breakroom Mom, Julie sits down with Audra Phelps, founder of Mama Audra, to unpack the deeply emotional journey of leaving the LDS (Mormon) church and navigating life on the other side. With over 15 years of experience in international education and coaching, Audra now focuses her work on supporting ex-Mormon moms who are grappling with grief, identity loss, and intense mom guilt after a faith crisis. She opens up about her own "mom gut" moment, the sudden isolation of losing a tight-knit community overnight, and how she learned to trust her own parenting intuition without a religious rulebook telling her who to be.As Audra beautifully says: "You already left the church. I help you leave the woman it made you into." Tune in to hear: The "Mom Gut" Moment: The exact turning point where Audra realized she had to leave the church for the sake of her children.Deconstructing Perfectionism: How the "righteous mother" blueprint impacts maternal mental health and how to break free from it.The Identity Vacuum: Navigating the overwhelming loneliness and sudden isolation of losing your social safety net.Reparenting Yourself: Practical, daily steps to shed decades of religious guilt and shame.Generational Healing: How to handle awkward or heavy collisions with believing extended family and grandparents.Culture Shock "Firsts": Laughing through the chaos of experiencing mainstream culture (like ordering coffee or navigating free Sundays) for the first time as an adult.Whether you are navigating a high-demand religion exit yourself, rebuilding your identity from scratch, or simply trying to ditch societal perfectionism as a mother, Audra’s insights offer a powerful masterclass in rewriting your own rules. Connect with Audra Phelps & Mama Audra: Website & Training: https://mamaaudra.com/trainingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamaaudraofficial/Connect with Julie & Breakroom Mom: Instagram: @breakroommomsocialWatch the Video Version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uMpdC-jGcgUIf this conversation resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a 5-star rating and review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—it helps other moms find our village in the breakroom! UPDATE: @mamaaudraofficial is offering Breakroom Mom listeners a 50% discount on their first individual coaching session. Visit https://mamaaudra.com/oneonone and mention PODCAST for the discount. This is open to any woman navigating faith transition after leaving a high control organization (not just Mormons).

    Episode 16: Leaving the LDS Church & Ditching the "Perfect Mom" Script with Audra Phelps

  8. Jun 6

    Episode 15: Ditching the Nuclear Family - The NYC Mommune with Bernie Sinclaire

    (00:00:00) Episode 15: Ditching the Nuclear Family - The NYC Mommune with Bernie Sinclaire (00:00:06) Welcome to Breakroom Mom (00:00:26) The Mommune: A Community of Mothers (00:01:15) Defining the Mommune (00:02:50) The Benefits of Sibling Bonding (00:04:27) Child Support Woes and Viral Dumplings (00:08:17) The Genesis of the Mommune (00:11:21) Navigating the Ask (00:17:20) A Day in the Life of the Mommune (00:25:25) Decorating the Barbie Dream House (00:29:48) Parenting in the Mommune What if the cure for modern motherhood burnout isn’t doing it all alone, but rewriting the rules of what a family looks like? In this episode of Breakroom Mom, Julie sits down with Bernie Sinclaire, co-founder of the viral NYC "Mommune." What started as a youthful college fantasy of a woman-centric "Barbie Dream House" became a necessary, life-saving blueprint when Bernie and her co-parent, Anabelle, found themselves drowning in the isolation of single motherhood. Bernie takes us behind the scenes of their shared Manhattan apartment to reveal how they manage the logistics, split the invisible mental load of raising three kids, and intentionally designed a permanent, woman-centric home. Tune in to hear: The Emotional Turning Point: The raw moment Bernie asked Anabelle to move in, and how they overcame the initial hesitation.Ditching the "Default Parent" Trap: How two mothers successfully divide daily logistics without anyone bearing the brunt of the mental load.Redefining the Village: How outside co-parents, fathers, and grandparents seamlessly fit into the Mommune ecosystem.Explaining it to the Kids: How Bernie talked to her 9-year-old son about their unconventional family structure, and the sibling-like bond the kids share today.Mommune in the City: A sneak peek into the new platform Bernie is building to help women transition from online admiration to finding their own "Anabelle" in real life.If you’ve ever felt like you’re raising your kids in a silo, this episode is a beautiful masterclass in modern village-building. Connect with Bernie & Mommune in the City: Instagram: @berniesinclaireWebsite: https://www.mommuneinthecity.com/Connect with Julie & Breakroom Mom: Instagram: @breakroommomsocialIf you loved this episode, please leave a 5-star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it helps other moms find our village!

    Episode 15: Ditching the Nuclear Family - The NYC Mommune with Bernie Sinclaire
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About

Breakroom Mom is a podcast for "zilennial" parents who are struggling with the unique pressures of raising children in the 2020s. Through this podcast, we will explore why parenting is harder than ever and interview parents and parenting experts so that we can all learn from each other. 

Information

  • Creator
    Breakroom Mom
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Breakroom Mom
  • Show Website
    Breakroom Mom