Just This

Amanda Scharpf and Jennifer Renee

A podcast that dives into everything around being and becoming a mother. From pre-conception to years post birth, covering the practical details to the unseen energetics.

  1. OCT 30

    The Line That Lives In Us: Fertility, Birth and Ancestry

    In this episode we explore the deeper meaning behind honoring our ancestors. While this is relevant and magical anytime of year (and we explain why) it is especially potent around the end of October and beginning of November — a sacred time when many cultures believe the veil between worlds grows thin. Jen and I chat on the roots of traditions like Halloween (Hallow's Eve), Samhain, and Día de los Muertos, and reflect on how these rituals invite us to remember where we came from. We reflect on our own experiences, practices and connections to ancestors (which is actually very little) and weave together themes of lineage, ancestors, fertility, birth, postpartum and healing, offering some practical ways to honor your ancestors — even if it's totally new to you or you don’t know your full family history. Ancestral connection isn’t just about the past; it’s about reclaiming the wisdom that still lives within us and using it to guide our lives today. 00:00 — Introduction to Ancestry and Halloween 01:24 — The Meaning of Halloween & the Ancestral Veil 02:08 — Personal Reflections on Lineage 03:52 — Bringing Ancestral Awareness into Daily Life 04:26 — Simple, Heartfelt Ways to Connect 04:46 — The Link Between Ancestry and Birth 06:27 — Why Ancestral Stories Matter 08:19 — Modern Rituals to Honor the Old Ways 09:22 — Healing Through Ancestral Connection 15:06 — Closing Reflections and Encouragement Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 🫶

    19 min
  2. OCT 24

    Meditation in Motherhood: A New Shape of 'Stillness'

    They say life is a meditation — but that truth really lands once you become a parent. 🌀 Parenthood invites us into a living meditation, one that rarely happens on a cushion. It’s found in midnight feedings, deep breaths between cries, and the tiny pauses that bring us back to the present moment. In this episode, we talk about how meditation has evolved for us since becoming parents — what presence, awareness, and ritual look like when there’s little personal space and constant motion. It’s not about perfection or stillness, but learning to find peace within the beautiful chaos of daily life. 00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic: Meditation 00:45 Defining Meditation: Beyond the Stereotypes 02:20 Meditation Practices and Personal Experiences 06:03 Meditation in Postpartum and Parenting 08:28 Integrating Meditation into Daily Life 18:30 Tips and Techniques for Meditating Parents 21:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 🫶

    25 min
  3. OCT 7

    The Energetic Connection Between Parents and Babies/Kiddos

    Our babies and kiddos can feel us — deeply. Science is finally catching up to what many parents and caregivers have intuitively known for a long time: our moods, our energy, our nervous systems are in constant conversation with theirs. In this episode, we explore the invisible thread that connects parent and child — how being grounded becomes their pillar for safety, and how their presence can mirror back what’s happening within us. We share personal stories and professional insights on staying nourished, rested, and resourced enough to keep that tether strong. We also talk about what it means to communicate (even from day one, or before birth), how community support changes everything, and how setting boundaries and honoring our own emotions creates more ease and harmony at home. This episode is an invitation to remember: the most powerful parenting tool you have isn’t in a book or a class — it’s your energy. 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic  00:25 The Energy Connection Between Parent and Child  00:50 Coaching and Community Support  01:23 The Importance of Parental Energy  04:37 Communication with Babies  13:06 Balancing Attention Between Siblings  18:07 Concluding Thoughts Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 🫶

    19 min
  4. SEP 25

    Back to Work After Baby: Honoring Emotions & Finding Ease

    Going back to work after maternity leave can feel like stepping into two worlds at once—your heart is still with your baby, but your head is expected to show up at work. It can simultaneously bring up mixed emotions of excitement, anxiety, sadness, relief and more. In this episode we acknowledge all the messy emotions, give some insight to practical hacks, and honor the quiet resilience it takes to return to work after baby. Whether you’re on the fence of if you will even return to work, dreading that first day back, or already juggling daycare drop-offs and Zoom calls this episode has a little something for everyone. You’ll hear: 00:01:00 Why honoring your emotions is the first step to surviving this transition. 00:03:00 How to ease back into work without burning out (and why “bare minimum” is enough). 00:06:00 The art of asking for help—at work and at home. 00:09:00 Comfort hacks for baby (and for your heart) 00:12:00 Pumping, meal-prepping, and why your self-care is non-negotiable. 00:16:00 The big question: Should I even go back to work? (and how to answer it without guilt). 00:19:00 Why your career can wait—but your kids won’t stay little forever. Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 🫶

    28 min
  5. SEP 12

    Evidence vs. Intuition: Balancing Science and Soul in Motherhood

    We live in a culture that often elevates data and evidence as the ultimate guides for decision-making. And intuition—our inner compass, our “ancient technology”— is often forgotten, or not given as much credit. Often people are confused on how to balance evidence with inner guidance. When you throw in the non-linear and very unpredictable topic of conception, birth and newborn life (for baby and parents) the question of when to turn to evidence and when to tune into intuition can before even more confusing. In this episode, we explore the delicate dance between these two elements. Through personal stories and professional insights, we unpack how these two approaches can work together (and sometimes clash). From breastfeeding to co-sleeping, circumcision to sleep training, we share how parents can find balance, trust themselves, and make choices that feel both informed and aligned. 00:00 Introduction: Intuition vs. Evidence 01:08 Balancing Evidence and Intuition 01:55 Breastfeeding and Personal Evidence 03:03 Evidence in Parenting Practices 05:06 Cultural Practices and Evidence 07:21 Presenting Unbiased Information 10:40 Making Choices Out of Love vs. Fear 11:42 Trusting Intuition in Parenting 20:28 The Role of Doulas in Supporting Intuition 22:45 Conclusion: Embracing Intuition and Evidence Together Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 🫶

    28 min
  6. AUG 22

    7 Things We Swore We’d Never Do As Parents (…and Totally Did)

    Societal expectations give us a far from real picture of what we all 'should' be doing as parents. If you have experienced the gap between parenting ideals and reality - welcome to the club. In this episode, we explore the very real (and often humbling) list of things parents swore they would never do as a parent… and then totally did. From screen time to sugar bans to how we respond to our kids behavior. It was a fun question to ask and humbling to see just how human and connected our responses were. In addition to diving into the top answers we got from others we asked, we share our own personal stories and how our perspectives shifted once we were “in it”. Hint: balance often works better than rigid rules. 🤫 We hope this episode makes you feel less alone and reminds you that every parent is doing the best they can in their own unique circumstances. 00:00 Introduction: How the topic came up and why it hits home for so many parents 02:00 Mom shaming, guilt, and shifting perspectives once you’re in the parenting trenches 04:00 The screen time debate — from “never before age 4” to finding moderation 10:00 Co-sleeping realities and why many parents end up doing it 17:00 Losing your cool, repairing with your kids, and forgiving yourself 21:00 Public tantrums — why they challenge adults more than kids 25:00 Sugar bans vs. reality, and modeling balance instead of restriction 32:00 How motherhood evolves your identity and shifts your priorities Resources: EPISODE: Mom Shaming & Mom Guilt EPISODE: The Many Forms of 'Co-Sleeping' - One Size Does Not Fit All EPISODE: Discovering First Foods EPISODE: Navigating the Many Shifts of Motherhood MOVIE: Captain Fantastic Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis⁠ We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at ⁠www.justthis.site⁠. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 🫶

    35 min
  7. AUG 6

    Education Outside The Box: Unschooling, Homeschooling, and Everything in Between

    In this episode, we delve into the topic of various schooling (and unschooling) options for our kiddos. Traditional schooling, homeschooling, unschooling and all the in betweens. Jen and Amanda delve into their personal experiences and decisions around this (which have changed and shifted as our lives have) weighing the pros and cons of each method. They highlight the importance of tailoring educational paths to each child's unique needs AND also the practicalities of parenting in a modern world and juggling work/school/etc. for ourselves. We hope this episode inspires you and allows you to personally consider options that are a best fit for your child and family. 00:00 Introduction: To School or Not to School? 01:08 Exploring Schooling Options 02:26 Public, Private, and Charter Schools 04:44 Homeschooling vs. Unschooling 06:52 Personal Experiences with Unschooling 09:01 Challenges and Adaptations 13:09 Balancing Work and Unschooling 19:56 Homework and Learning Approaches 23:34 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: Homeschooling vs Unschooling The real differences between public, private, and charter schools How to choose what fits your child, not what looks good on paper Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show.

    29 min
  8. JUL 10

    Mama, Lover, Human: Navigating Dating While Parenting

    Dating as a single parent can feel like its own adventure. Juggling raising your kids, tending to your own needs, and navigating the dating world can feel like a lot. But it can also be fun and for many parents out there it is a part of the wholeness of themselves that pours into their larger family lives. Jen and Amanda chat about experiences in the dating world as a parent, experiences as a kid with a dating parent and our takes on how to surf the dating waves of life both on apps and IRL. We touch on how dating in your own life can be an amazing model and tool for our kids to learn about connection, communication and honoring feelings and desires of ourself and others in the world. Jen gives some hot tips on the logistics of meeting people and finding/managing childcare without breaking the bank to go on dates. This conversation is a reminder that it’s okay to break old patterns, trust your own timing, and model what healthy love looks like for your kids — in a way that feels true for you. Here’s what we cover: 00:00 – Welcome: Dating as a Parent 00:33 – Single Parenting & Dating Perspectives 01:41 – Re-Entering the Dating World After Divorce 03:34 – Balancing Parenting and Romance 04:59 – When (and How) to Introduce a New Partner 06:56 – Challenges & Real-Life Strategies 08:54 – Finding a Good Match for You 11:05 – Why Flexibility Matters 12:53 – Honest Dating Stories 15:54 – Setting Intentions That Feel Good 25:17 – Final Reflections & Encouragement Resources: BOOK: Big Pussy Energy⁠: She guides women to reclaim sensual self-love. BOOK: ⁠Pussy by Mama Gena⁠: A Reclamation, guides women to step into their natural, radiant power Have questions? Any other topics you want us to chat on? Leave us a voicemail here: https://www.speakpipe.com/JustThis We are excited to share more episodes with you on topics that light us up and that YOU want us to talk about. Join in on the convo and tell us what you are loving or wanting more of at www.justthis.site. If you enjoyed this episode and found value in it, we would be incredibly grateful if you could take a moment to leave us a review. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Know someone that could benefit from this podcast or episode? Sharing is caring AND it also help others discover our show. 🫶

    30 min
5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

A podcast that dives into everything around being and becoming a mother. From pre-conception to years post birth, covering the practical details to the unseen energetics.