Overdue: a nonfiction podcast about parenting and postpartum

Megan Riesgo and Joy Walsh

Welcome to the show that summarizes the stack of parenting and postpartum books you've been meaning to read. Our dynamic duo of certified therapists help build your toolbox for navigating these life stages. One host is navigating how to raise a child firsthand, and the other host is a proud dog mom. Together, they explore modern caregiving with expert takes, relatable anecdotes, and a touch of humor. DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to substitute professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. www.overdueforparents.com

Episodes

  1. Aug 13

    107 The Whole Brain Child part 2 of 2

    Join us as we continue our deep dive into The Whole-Brain Child, exploring Chapters 4-6 and the conclusion. We discuss practical, brain-based strategies to understand how children create memories, navigate complex emotions, and creating a safe learning environment. Theis episode emphasizes the importance of understanding emotions, developing empathy, and fostering a growth mindset in children. It also highlights the role of parents in modeling and teaching these skills to children. Book: The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., & Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. Episode Focus: Part 2 of 2 (Chapters 4–6 & Conclusion) Presented By: Megan Riesgo, LCPC, SEP, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, SEP, PMH-C DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This information is presented for educational purposes only and does not replace therapy or other medical support. If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting, please reach out to Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net Ch 4: Integrating Memory for Growth and Healing 01:52 – Neurons that fire together, wire together 02:30 – Implicit vs. explicit memory 03:06 – Strategy 6: Remote control of the mind (Replaying Memories) 07:20 – Strategy 7: Remember to remember (Making Recollection a Part of Your Family’s Daily Life) Ch 5: Integrating the Many Parts of Self 10:55 - Integrating Different Parts of Ourselves 14:40 – Neuroplasticity 15:00 – Strategy 8: Let the Clouds of Emotion Roll By 15:45 – Strategy 9: SIFT (Sensations, Images, Feelings, and Thoughts) 16:45 – Strategy 10: Exercise Mindsight (Getting Back to the Hub) Ch 6: Integrating Self and Others 18:35 – Insight + Empathy = Mindsight 19:50 – Strategy 11: Increase the Family Fun Factor 23:45 – Strategy 12: Connection Through Conflict (Teaching Kids to Argue with "We" in Mind) Children’s Book We Love 27:23 – The Girl Who Makes a Million Mistakes: A Growth Mindset Book for Kids to Boost Confidence, Self-Esteem and Resilience by Brenda Li References & Resources Dr. Dan Siegel's Official Website: drdansiegel.com The Whole-Brain Child Website: www.wholebrainchild.com Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net Stay Connected Website www.overdueforparents.com Instagram @overdueforparents Megan Riesgo www.riesgosupport.com Joy Walsh www.wellnessconstellation.com

    107 The Whole Brain Child part 2 of 2
  2. Jul 13

    106 The Whole Brain Child part 1 of 2

    BOOK : The Whole- Brain Child 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., & Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D. (Chapters 1-3) Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, SEP, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, SEP, PMH-C SUMMARY Hosts Joy Walsh and Megan Riesgo delve into 'The Whole Brain Child' by Dr. Daniel Siegel and Dr. Tina Bryson, exploring how brain development impacts parenting strategies. They cover brain integration, emotional regulation, and practical ways to nurture a developing mind. The hosts emphasize connecting emotionally before reasoning, parental self-regulation, naming emotions to process experiences, and repairing relationships after conflicts. DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support. -------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS Intro & Ch. 1: Parenting with the Whole Brain in Mind 01:40 "Survive to Thrive" intro concepts 03:20 What is brain integration? 07:05 "Wire and Rewire" 07:35 The River of Life: Navigating chaos, rigidity, and harmony Ch. 2: Two Brains Are Better Than One (Left vs. Right) 09:30 Logic (Left) vs. Feelings (Right) 10:55 Helping kids use both sides of the brain 12:15 Strategy #1 (Connect & Redirect): Connect with the right brain before redirecting with the left 14:50 Strategy #2 (Name It to Tame It): Storytelling to calm big emotions 16:25 Using comics to teach kids about their brain Ch. 3: Building the Staircase of the Mind (Upstairs vs. Downstairs) 18:54 Integrating the upstairs and downstairs brain 20:00 Practical examples and applications 22:55 Strategy #3 (Engage, Don’t Enrage): Appealing to the upstairs brain 23:30 Strategy #4 (Use It or Lose It): Letting kids help find solutions 24:00 Strategy #5 (Move It or Lose It): Moving the body to reset the mind 24:50 Whole-Brain Kids: Modeling regulation and teaching kids these tools References Discussed www.wholebrainchild.com Somatic Experiencing International traumahealing.org Books by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. Mindsight, & The Developing Mind, How Relationships and the Brain Interact to Shape Who We Are, 2nd ed. Children's Book 27:20 Someone Builds The Dream, by Lisa Wheeler & Loren Long ---------------------------------------------------------------- Website ⁠⁠www.overdueforparents.com⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠@overdueforparents⁠⁠ Megan Riesgo ⁠⁠www.riesgosupport.com⁠⁠ Joy Walsh ⁠⁠www.wellnessconstellation.com

    106 The Whole Brain Child part 1 of 2
  3. 10/27/2025

    105 Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts

    BOOK: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts, A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers By, Karen Kleiman (author), Molly McIntyre (Illustrator) Posted date: 10/27/2025 Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C OVERVIEW Episode 105 explores the book by Karen Kleiman, Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts, A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers. Page numbers and links in show notes for listeners to find additional information on topics explored from the source. DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support. If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a resource to connect with is Postpartum Support International ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠⁠⁠⁠ -------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS Book Exploration Trigger warnings: Discussion related to anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, postpartum recovery, psychosis. 3:05 Karen Kleiman, MSW - reference #speakthesecret campaign from Postpartum Stress Center 3:30 (pg. 6) Intrusive thoughts discussion 5:29 (pg. 9) 1 in 7 woman will suffer from symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety. 6:15 (pg.28 & 30) Reference from book about mom having a bad day. 7:10 (pg. 43) “Don’t touch me!” and antidote/script to use to talk with loved ones. 9:25 (pg. 70 & 71) “Too many options” and decision fatigue. 13:15 (pg. 93) What if thinking and catastrophic thinking patterns 15:10 (pg. 130- 131) “Health Professionals” discussion on how to ask for support. Provides script for advocacy. 17:39 (pg. 147) “Accept uncertainty” Discussion of motherhood and chaos. 18:16 (pg. 123) Psychological diagnoses references and supports. “Psychosis”- discussion about the importance of medical intervention 20:35 (pg. 150) “Be your own best advocate” I got this self care affirmation/ mantra support quote. 21:20 (pg. 152/3) “Guidelines for healing” Further resources available at end of book. Additional book by author, Karen Kleiman, MSW- What About Us? A New Parents Guide to safeguard your over-anxious, over-extended, sleep-deprived relationship. Children's Book We Love 24:16 If You Give A Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff Illustrated by Felicia Bond ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay Connected Website ⁠⁠www.overdueforparents.com⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠@overdueforparents⁠⁠ Megan Riesgo ⁠⁠www.riesgosupport.com⁠⁠ Joy Walsh ⁠⁠www.wellnessconstellation.com⁠⁠

    105 Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts
  4. 08/13/2024

    104 Raising Good Humans - part 4 of 4

    BOOK 1: Raising Good Humans, A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE  PART 4 of 4: Chapter 7 Solving Problems Mindfully & Chapter 8 Supporting Your Peaceful Home  Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C OVERVIEW Episode 4 explores chapter 7 & 8 of Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE book, Raising Good Humans, A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids. Page numbers and links in show notes for listeners to find additional information on topics explored from the source. DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support. If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a resource to connect with is Postpartum Support International ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠⁠⁠⁠  -------------------------------------------------------- CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS Book Exploration - Chapter 7 Solving Problems Mindfully  00:45 (pg. 126) Normalizing conflict; mindfulness as the foundation for conflict-resolution. 01:20 (pg. 126) Conflicting needs example. 01:55 (pg. 126-129) Authoritarian vs. permissive parenting. 03:30 (pg. 130) Finding the middle path; meeting everyone's needs. 04:45 (pg. 130) Latin root of discipline (disciplina). 06:10 (pg. 132) 5 Win-Win steps: Identify, Brainstorm, Evaluate, Decide, Check In. 07:50 Five Why’s technique. 10:50 (pg. 136) Talking out problems vs. power struggles. 11:10 (pg. 136-137) Sibling conflict: self-regulation, role modeling, and coaching. 13:25 (pg. 138-139) Sibling conflict cheat sheet & tending to both kids. 15:20 (pg. 142) Identifying child's vs. parent's needs. Ch. 8: Supporting Your Peaceful Home 19:00 (pg. 144-145) Connection and positive feedback loops. 21:30 (pg. 150-151) Daily rhythm concepts. 22:20 Resource: Big Little Feelings 22:45 (pg. 152) Test Drive Routine & Kim Payne's Simplicity Parenting rhythms. 24:45 (pg. 155-160) Kim Payne’s Simplification Steps. 25:30 (pg. 153) Maria Montessori’s methods for independence. Tools: Melissa & Doug & For Small Hands. 26:50 (pg. 158-161) Simplifying toys and clutter. 27:00 (pg. 161-162) Progress over perfection via the Mindful Mama Podcast. Unconditional love begins with self-acceptance and diligent mindfulness practice.

    104 Raising Good Humans - part 4 of 4
  5. 08/01/2024

    103 Raising Good Humans Part 3 of 4

    Book Featured: Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE Episode Focus: Part 3 of 4 (Chapters 5 & 6) Hosts: Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C EPISODE OVERVIEWIn Episode 103, hosts Megan and Joy dive into Chapters 5 and 6 of Hunter Clarke-Fields’ Raising Good Humans. This episode focuses on communication, exploring how reflective listening builds deep connection and heals family dynamics. We unpack the vital question—"Whose problem is it?"—and learn why parents don't need to fix everything. Featuring insights from Somatic Experiencing and Thomas Gordon's "I-Messages," we share practical shifts for caregiver boundaries, everyday language, and the core mantra: Connect Then Correct. CHAPTERS & HIGHLIGHTS00:30 – Chapter 5: Listening to Help and Heal (Choice of words matters) 01:45 – Unpacking "A Mindful Approach to Problems" 02:00 – Reframing behavior: Children are just trying to get needs met 02:40 – The boundary question: "Whose Problem Is It?" 03:00 – Why we don’t need to solve all of our children's problems 03:30 – Age-appropriate communication and "we problems" 05:25 – Slowing down to explore a child’s perspective 06:45 – Regulating the stress response via somatic exercises 07:30 – "How Listening Heals" (Adults grounding their own nervous systems first) 08:10 – Flexibility, self-compassion, and non-judgmental listening to cultivate connection 09:50 – "What Not To Say": Real-world examples and scenarios 12:10 – Barriers to Communication: The impact of dismissing feelings 12:40 – Acknowledging growth friction: "Change Isn’t Easy" 13:35 – "Reflective Listening In Action" 14:35 – Learning to "Pay Attention Mindfully" 16:00 – Using reflective listening to bridge to deep empathy 17:00 – Ch. 6: Saying the Right Things 17:45 – Looking at caregiver needs through Maslow’s Hierarchy 18:50 – Modeling healthy boundaries by honoring your own 19:00 – Recognizing the deep value of caregivers for little humans 20:15 – Keeping perspective: "Children are immature by definition" 21:20 – Shifting intentions by shifting language 21:35 – The conflict trap: The problem with aggressive "You-Messages" 22:30 – Shifting the dynamic: Exploring "I-Messages" 23:00 – Thomas Gordon's 1970 Parent Effectiveness Training framework 26:20 – Expecting resistance: Why "I-Messages" require repetition 27:40 – The core mantra: "Connect Then Correct" 28:00 – Grounding speech: "Using the Friend Filter" 29:15 – Kids' Book Review: The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld 30:30 – Wrap-up: Hunter Clarke-Fields’ Mindful Parenting course & Mindful Mama podcast RESOURCE & SUPPORT LINKSSomatic Experiencing Resources: traumahealing.orgParenting Support: Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.netDISCLAIMER: This podcast does not substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace therapy.

    103 Raising Good Humans Part 3 of 4
  6. 07/22/2024

    102 Raising Good Humans Part 2 of 4

    Book Featured: Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE Episode Focus: Part 2 of 4 (Chapters 3 & 4) Release Date: July 22, 2024 Hosts: Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C EPISODE OVERVIEWIn Episode 102, hosts Megan Riesgo and Joy Walsh dive into Chapters 3 and 4 of Hunter Clarke-Fields’ Raising Good Humans. This episode explores why mindful parenting must start from within. We discuss how practicing self-compassion impacts our ability to model healthy behavior, and how we can navigate heavy emotions without reacting in anger. Featuring insights from experts like Brené Brown, Kristin Neff, and Tara Brach, we share practical mindfulness tools—including the RAIN framework—to help you break reactive cycles and parent with genuine patience. CHAPTERS & TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Show introduction01:00 – Intro to Chapter 3: Practicing Compassion—It Begins With You02:25 – Shame vs. guilt: A look at Brené Brown’s research03:40 – Why self-compassion is key (kids model our behavior)04:05 – Brené Brown’s Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto (brenebrown.com)04:50 – Defining self-compassion with Kristin Neff, Ph.D.07:26 – Loving-kindness exercises (audio: raising-goodhumansbook.com)10:55 – Modeling kindness and empathy in daily moments11:10 – Why empathy is a parent's ultimate superpower13:00 – Why self-care is vital to offering empathy to others13:30 – Quieting the critical, judgmental inner mind14:50 – "When we practice patience, we are less reactive"16:25 – Grounding mantras for practicing patience19:00 – Finding peace in "good enough parenting"20:30 – Ch. 4: Sitting with temporary emotions & habitual reactions22:00 – Staying playful and keeping developmental stages in perspective24:30 – Mindfulness skills with meditation teacher Tara Brach25:30 – Unpacking critical voices from our roots and upbringing26:00 – Generational parenting & Bluey (S3E25 "Fairytale")27:00 – The RAIN Method (audio available at raising-goodhumansbook.com)27:40 – Normalizing and expecting children's strong emotions28:30 – Navigating tantrums & the power of silent presence30:40 – Somatic awareness: Tuning into physical stress signs31:50 – Moving slowly to allow for nervous system recovery34:05 – The Book with No Pictures by B.J. NovakRESOURCE & SUPPORT LINKSBook Companion Site: raising-goodhumansbook.comParenting Support: Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.netDISCLAIMER: This podcast does not substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy.

    102 Raising Good Humans Part 2 of 4
  7. 07/12/2024

    101: Raising Good Humans Part 1 of 4

    Book Featured: Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE Episode Focus: Part 1 of 4 (Chapters 1 & 2) Release Date: July 13, 2024 Hosts: Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C EPISODE OVERVIEWIn Episode 101, hosts Megan Riesgo and Joy Walsh kick off a 4-part series on Hunter Clarke-Fields’ Raising Good Humans. This episode explores the critical foundational steps of mindful parenting: learning how to keep your cool and disarm your emotional triggers. We discuss how mindfulness can break the cycle of reactive parenting, why our children have an uncanny ability to surface our own unresolved past experiences, and how anger physically impacts a child's brain. Packed with practical exercises—from mindful eating to physical stress-release skills—this episode provides immediate, actionable tools to help you ground your nervous system and parent from a place of calm presence. CHAPTERS & HIGHLIGHTS00:00 – Show introduction 06:30 – The daily check-in: How using a mood tracker provides a quick mindfulness reset 07:30 – Defining mindfulness with insights from scientist and author Jon Kabat-Zinn 08:40 – Introducing author Hunter Clarke-Fields, her Mindful Mama podcast, and companion resources (mindfulmamamentor.com) 09:30 – The Raisin Exercise: A practical, sensory tool for experiencing mindful eating 10:20 – Finding the humor: A fun parenting reference to the show Parks and Recreation 11:15 – Unpacking the book's core support framework for sitting mindfulness meditation 11:40 – Digital tools for stillness: Exploring the Insight Timer meditation app 16:10 – Ch. 2: Disarming Your Triggers (The deep value of bringing awareness to past wounds) 17:54 – Facing the mirror: "Children have an uncanny ability to reveal our unresolved issues" 18:30 – Breaking the cycle: Self-compassion exercises to unpack how your own upbringing shapes you 19:10 – Essential reading additions: Discussing Lindsay C. Gibson’s books on healing from emotionally immature parents 20:20 – The neurology of reactivity: How caregiver anger and yelling activate the fear center of a child's brain 22:56 – Proactive baseline care: Lowering overall stress through sleep, movement, and community connection 24:00 – Real-time regulation: The value of intentional parenting breaks, deep breathing, and "shaking out" physical emotional energy 24:50 – Grounding your inner dialogue: Mindful mantras, including "I am a Ninja Mom" 28:15 – A powerful reminder for consistency: "Remember, what you practice grows stronger" 30:10 – Children's Book Exploration: A review of emotional literacy and somatic awareness in My Body Is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings by Mallika Chopra RESOURCE & SUPPORT LINKSAuthor's Companion Site: mindfulmamamentor.comParenting Support: Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.netwww.overdueforparents.com DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace therapy.

    101: Raising Good Humans Part 1 of 4

About

Welcome to the show that summarizes the stack of parenting and postpartum books you've been meaning to read. Our dynamic duo of certified therapists help build your toolbox for navigating these life stages. One host is navigating how to raise a child firsthand, and the other host is a proud dog mom. Together, they explore modern caregiving with expert takes, relatable anecdotes, and a touch of humor. DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to substitute professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. www.overdueforparents.com