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. 7 OCT

    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
  2. 25 SEP

    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
  3. 12 SEP

    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
  4. 22 AGO

    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
  5. 6 AGO

    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
  6. 10 JUL

    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
  7. 20 JUN

    Anal Insights: Unconventional Prep for Birth and Parenting

    We’re coming in hot with a spicy topic today. A topic that may very easily feel repelling to some of you. Or maybe it peaks your interest. Maybe both? Giving compassionate informative information is 100% part of our goal in this podcast just as much as coming from a raw, real and often unique perspective to help navigate the many twists and turns one can find themselves on from preconception to post-birth. This topic flowed from inspiration and as far as we can see is a pretty unique parallel shared with regards birth, parenting and tapping into sexual magic and powers. It’s full of juicy info and tips. And regardless of how you move forward with the info and ideas shared in this episode, we promise it’s a good listen.  Some of the topics covered in this episode: 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:32 Why Discuss Anal? 02:11 Anal and Birth Preparation 04:42 Addressing Common Concerns 07:03 Mental and Emotional Benefits Parenting and Beyond 12:12 Practical Tips and Encouragement 19:59 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. 🫶

    26 min
  8. 4 JUN

    The Importance of Connection in Parenthood

    Feeling overwhelmed, isolated, or just craving real connection in parenthood or motherhood? You are NOT alone. One of our most popular episodes over the past couple of years has been on finding mama friends ("Kindred Spirits: Finding Genuine Friendships in Motherhood"). We were both surprised and also not surprised at this little stat in our podcast analytics. Finding connection in parenthood can be difficult. AND it can be the lifeline we are all looking for as we feel lost at sea, somewhere in the void of our past identity and new identity we are journeying towards. In this episode, we talk about the power of community, why friendships during parenthood are a total game-changer, and how you can start building your support system no matter what stage of the journey you are in (even if you're starting from scratch). Some of the topics we explore in this episode include: connection and friendship in parenthoodthe importance of communitychallenges of connecting during postpartumthe role of social media in finding communitiesevolving friendships and self-identitypractical tips and resources for finding connections Resources: EPISODE: Kindred Spirits: Finding Genuine Friendships in MotherhoodEPISODE: Navigating the Identity Shifts of MotherhoodBreastfeeding Circle: La Leche League TOGETHER - an intimate mom's group from pregnancy into postpartum 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.

    32 min
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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.