Mom Curious

Hoff Studios

Honest conversations about motherhood, womanhood, and the spaces in between. Hosted by Daniella Rabbani, Mom Curious is a podcast produced by Hoff Studios featuring culturally relevant conversations with artists, leaders, and everyday women saying the quiet part out loud about the lives we’re living. All are welcome. New episodes drop weekly. Welcome to Mom Curious. Follow Daniella Rabbani and the podcast on Instagram! @daniellarabbani @momcurious And watch the full episodes on our YouTube!

  1. Episode 157:  Childless By Choice with Natasha Vaynblat on Identity, Expectation, and Opting Out

    4D AGO

    Episode 157: Childless By Choice with Natasha Vaynblat on Identity, Expectation, and Opting Out

    Honest conversations about motherhood, womanhood, and the spaces in between. Hosted by Daniella Rabbani, Mom Curious is a podcast produced by Hoff Studios featuring culturally relevant conversations with artists, leaders, and everyday women saying the quiet part out loud about the lives we’re living. What happens when you don’t follow the script? In this episode of Mom Curious, Daniella sits down with comedian and performer Natasha Vaynblat to talk about her show Childless Freak and the complicated, often misunderstood experience of not having children. Through humor, storytelling, and sharp cultural observation, Natasha explores what it means to exist outside one of society’s most deeply ingrained expectations. Natasha Vaynblat’s show “Childless Freak” is coming to Joe’s Pub on April 28th at 9:30pm. GUEST BIO Natasha Vaynblat (@natashavaynblat⁠⁠ ) is a comedian, writer, and performer known for her sharp, thoughtful work exploring identity, culture, and the expectations placed on women. Her show Childless Freak blends humor and storytelling to examine what it means to live outside traditional narratives around motherhood. AFFILIATE LINKS & MENTIONS Tickets for Natasha’s performance at Joe's Pub are here: https://publictheater.org/performances-jp/2026/n/natasha-vaynblat-childless-freak/ Book your recording at Hoff Studios $30 off WTHN Acupuncture Booking with code MOMCURIOUS30 More Info on EVOLV GLP-1 Supplements Follow @momcurious and the host @daniellarabbani  on Instagram Subscribe, rate, and review - it helps get the word out about the show and keeps these conversations going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  2. Episode 154: Stress, Change, and the Tools to Cope with Dr. Rachel Goldman, author of When Life Happens

    MAR 24

    Episode 154: Stress, Change, and the Tools to Cope with Dr. Rachel Goldman, author of When Life Happens

    In this episode of Mom Curious, Daniella sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Rachel Goldman to talk about her new book, When Life Happens, and the tools we actually need to navigate stress, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm. As a specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy with a holistic approach to health, Dr. Rachel works at the intersection of mental health, behavior change, and real life. This conversation offers practical ways to manage stress, shift patterns, and move through difficult moments with more clarity, flexibility, and self-compassion. GUEST BIO Dr. Rachel Goldman is a clinical psychologist, speaker, and author specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy and a holistic approach to health. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and maintains a private practice in New York City. A sought-after media expert, Dr. Rachel has been featured in outlets including TIME, The New York Times, CNN, and USA Today, and has appeared on major stages and podcasts. She is the author of When Life Happens, a book focused on helping people manage stress and create meaningful, lasting change. AFFILIATE LINKS & MENTIONS Dr. Rachel’s highly anticipated debut book WHEN LIFE HAPPENS Book your Podcast Recording at Hoff Studios $30 off WTHN Acupuncture Booking with code MOMCURIOUS30 More Info on EVOLV GLP-1 Supplements Follow our Guest @drrachelnyc on Instagram Follow @momcurious and the host @daniellarabbani on Instagram Subscribe, rate, and review - it helps get the word out about the show and keeps these conversations going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
  3. Episode 153: The Future of Wellness Is Ancient: Michelle Larivee on Acupuncture and Preventative Care

    MAR 17

    Episode 153: The Future of Wellness Is Ancient: Michelle Larivee on Acupuncture and Preventative Care

    What if the most modern approach to health is rooted in something thousands of years old? In this episode of Mom Curious, Daniella sits down with Michelle Larivee, founder and CEO of WTHN, to explore why ancient medicine is having a contemporary resurgence. After pivoting from a career in finance to building a wellness company centered on acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, Michelle set out to make preventative care accessible, approachable, and grounded in science. Together, they discuss what acupuncture actually feels like, how it supports stress regulation, fertility, postpartum recovery, hormones, sleep, burnout, and perimenopause, and why more women are prioritizing sustainable rituals over rigid routines. Michelle also shares what it’s been like to build a growing company while raising children and how she balances ambition with presence. This conversation examines how to care for your health proactively, how to shift from “sick care” to preventative care, and how small, consistent practices can create meaningful change. Listen, share with a friend, and follow Mom Curious wherever you get your podcasts. GUEST BIO Michelle Larivee is the founder and CEO of WTHN, a modern wellness company focused on making acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine more accessible. A former finance executive, she pivoted careers to build a mission-driven business rooted in preventative care and sustainable wellness. Michelle is passionate about helping women integrate ancient practices into modern life in ways that feel practical, grounded, and empowering. AFFILIATE LINKS & MENTIONS Book a Recording at Hoff Studios $30 off WTHN Acupuncture Booking with code MOMCURIOUS30 More Info on EVOLV GLP-1 Supplements Follow @momcurious and the host @daniellarabbani on Instagram Subscribe, rate, and review - it helps get the word out about the show and keeps these conversations going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
  4. Episode 152: One Bad Mother: EJ Dickson on Shame, Judgment, and Who Gets to Define “Good”

    MAR 10

    Episode 152: One Bad Mother: EJ Dickson on Shame, Judgment, and Who Gets to Define “Good”

    What does it mean to be labeled a “bad mother” in the age of the internet? In this episode of Mom Curious, Daniella sits down with journalist and author EJ Dickson to discuss her new book, One Bad Mother, and the cultural forces shaping how we judge, define, and police motherhood today. As a reporter covering internet culture, gender, and politics, EJ brings a sharp lens to the public narratives that turn women into headlines. Together, they explore how online outrage cycles amplify shame, why motherhood remains such a powerful cultural battleground, and how digital platforms reward moral extremes. They discuss identity, performance, and the pressure to be both visible and flawless in a world that is always watching. Listen, share with a friend, and follow Mom Curious wherever you get your podcasts. GUEST BIO EJ Dickson is a journalist and author covering internet culture, gender, and politics. Her reporting examines how online communities shape real-world power, relationships, and identity. She is the author of One Bad Mother, a book that investigates the cultural narratives and moral panics surrounding motherhood in the digital age. Known for her incisive cultural analysis and thoughtful reporting, EJ brings clarity and nuance to the rapidly shifting world of online discourse and its real-life consequences. AFFILIATE LINKS & MENTIONS Book your podcast recording at Hoff Studios $30 off WTHN Acupuncture Booking with code MOMCURIOUS30 More info on EVOLV GLP-1 Supplements Follow @momcurious Host @daniellarabbani Subscribe, rate, and review - it helps get the word out about the show and keeps these conversations going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
  5. Episode 151: When Global Conflict Hits Home - Gazelle Sharmahd & Walid Phares

    MAR 6

    Episode 151: When Global Conflict Hits Home - Gazelle Sharmahd & Walid Phares

    What happens when global conflict becomes deeply personal? In this episode of Mom Curious, Daniella sits down with human rights advocate Gazelle Sharmahd and Middle East expert Dr. Walid Phares to discuss the escalating tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Gazelle’s advocacy began after the abduction of her father, Jamshid Sharmahd, a German-American dissident who was kidnapped in 2020 and taken to Iran. His case became an international human rights story and transformed Gazelle’s life, moving her from private citizen to outspoken advocate for political prisoners and freedom movements. Joined by foreign policy scholar Walid Phares, the conversation explores the broader geopolitical context surrounding Iran’s ruling regime, the role of the IRGC, and how these global conflicts affect families, civilians, and the future of democracy in the region. Together, they discuss resilience, advocacy, and the emotional toll of fighting for justice on the world stage. This conversation examines what happens when the fight for freedom begins at home - and why understanding these conflicts matters to all of us raising the next generation. Listen, share with a friend, and follow Mom Curious wherever you get your podcasts. GUEST BIO Gazelle Sharmahd is a human rights advocate and freedom activist who has spoken internationally about political prisoners, authoritarian regimes, and the fight for civil liberties following the abduction of her father, Jamshid Sharmahd. She works to raise awareness about human rights violations and advocates for political prisoners around the world. Dr. Walid Phares is a Middle East expert, foreign policy analyst, and author specializing in geopolitics, counterterrorism, and international security. He has advised policymakers and governments on global security issues and frequently appears in international media to discuss developments in the Middle East. Together, they co-host the podcast War & Freedom, where they explore global politics, human rights, and the future of democratic societies.AFFILIATE LINKS & MENTIONS To Book at Hoff Studios: https://www.nycpodstudio.com/home-mc $30 off WTHN Acupuncture Booking with code MOMCURIOUS30 More Info on EVOLV GLP-1 Supplements Follow @momcurious and the Host @daniellarabbani Guests: @walidphares @freejamshidsharmahd Subscribe, rate, and review - it helps get the word out about the show and keeps these conversations going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    38 min
  6. Episode 150: Come Alive Anyway: Shannon Watts on Fear, Failure, and Finding Your Fire

    MAR 3

    Episode 150: Come Alive Anyway: Shannon Watts on Fear, Failure, and Finding Your Fire

    What if midlife isn’t a winding down - but a lighting up? In this episode of Mom Curious, Daniella sits down with activist, author, and founder Shannon Watts to discuss her new book, Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age. Before founding Moms Demand Action, Shannon was a Fortune 500 communications executive and later a stay-at-home mother of five. Her journey into activism wasn’t linear - it was sparked by outrage, shaped by failure, and fueled by a willingness to grow through fear. Shannon opens up about leading one of the largest grassroots movements in the country while navigating ADHD, introversion, and a fear of public speaking - and why those very traits made her uniquely suited to lead. She shares the “fire formula” she developed after years of organizing women, why failure looks different for women than it does for men, and what it means to build your life from the inside out. Listen, share with a friend, and follow Mom Curious wherever you get your podcasts. GUEST BIO Shannon Watts is the founder of Moms Demand Action, one of the largest grassroots movements working to address gun violence in the United States. A former Fortune 500 communications executive and mother of five, she transformed a Facebook group into a nationwide network of volunteers advocating for legislative and cultural change. She is the author of Fired Up: How to Turn Your Spark Into a Flame and Come Alive at Any Age, a book about helping women build their lives from the inside out, withstand blowback, and turn their spark into sustained fire. Shannon speaks nationally about leadership, civic engagement, and the power of collective action. AFFILIATE LINKS & MENTIONS Book your podcast session at Hoff Studios $30 off WTHN Acupuncture Booking with code MOMCURIOUS30 Info on EVOLV GLP-1 Supplement Follow @momcurious and the host @daniellarabbani on Instagram Subscribe, rate, and review - it helps get the word out about the show and keeps these conversations going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min
4.9
out of 5
43 Ratings

About

Honest conversations about motherhood, womanhood, and the spaces in between. Hosted by Daniella Rabbani, Mom Curious is a podcast produced by Hoff Studios featuring culturally relevant conversations with artists, leaders, and everyday women saying the quiet part out loud about the lives we’re living. All are welcome. New episodes drop weekly. Welcome to Mom Curious. Follow Daniella Rabbani and the podcast on Instagram! @daniellarabbani @momcurious And watch the full episodes on our YouTube!

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