This episode of The Best Letdown, we sit down with our friend Alexandria to talk about birth, postpartum, and the mental load so many of us carry in silence. From VBAC recovery and body changes to postpartum rage and shared parenting, we talk about what it looks like to be honest—with yourself and the people around you. Alexandria shares openly about her experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, and the fear that keeps so many from reaching out for help.

Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussion of postpartum depression and suicidal ideation. Please take care while listening.

If you or someone you love is a new parent in a military family, support is available through Military OneSource.

This one is honest, raw, and full of reminders that you are not alone—even when it feels like you are.

Loving Day marks the anniversary of the 1967 Supreme Court decision in Loving v. Virginia, which struck down laws banning interracial marriage in the United States. The case was brought by Mildred and Richard Loving, a Black woman and a white man, whose love and determination helped change history. Celebrated every year on June 12, Loving Day is a reminder of the ongoing fight for racial justice and the right to love freely.

This episode of The Best Letdown, we’re joined by our childhood bestie Jenna Urdiales to talk about all the things—grief, healing, identity, faith, and the unpredictable turns life takes. Jenna shares her story of losing a child and the deep grief that followed, walking through a breast cancer diagnosis, starting a new church community, and raising her littles through it all. We talk about how to hold joy and sorrow at the same time, what it means to rebuild your life more than once, and the power of showing up when things get messy. This one is tender, honest, and a reminder that even in the hardest seasons, we are not alone.

Show Notes:
In this episode, PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is mentioned in conversation. PMDD is a severe, hormone-related mood disorder that affects people in the luteal phase of their menstrual cycle. It can cause intense irritability, depression, anxiety, and physical symptoms that disrupt daily life. If you think you or someone you love might be affected by PMDD, we encourage you to talk to a provider who understands hormone health and mental wellness. You’re not too sensitive—and you’re definitely not alone.

In this episode, we sit down with our brilliant friend Mahogany Sexton—a licensed clinical social worker, mother, and truth-teller. Mahogany shares her journey into social work, the importance of listening to one's body, and the distinction between self-care and survival mode. We delve into topics like faith, parenting, identity, grief, and the courage it takes to say, "This isn't working for me." It's a conversation filled with wisdom, warmth, and the reminder that you're not alone.

Whether you're pumping, commuting, or taking a moment for yourself, we're here with you. As always—no baby required.

In this episode, Kristal Locke shares her postpartum journey, navigating the challenges of motherhood, work, and faith. We discuss the pressures of being the default parent, the complexities of healing, and the importance of community support. Come hang with us.

This episode of the Best Letdown we had the privilege of sitting with our friend BonnieJean Thomas to talk about infertility, miscarriage, and what it feels like when your body doesn’t cooperate with your plans. We also talk about walking through a cancer diagnosis (twice), parenting through it, and the beauty of community that doesn’t run when things get heavy. This one is honest, hopeful, and full of gentle reminders that you're not alone.

This week, we sit down with our friend Katie Mesanko to talk about the messy, sacred, and surprising road to motherhood. From infertility and adoption to IVF and raising a mixed-race family, Katie’s story is rooted in grief, grace, and the power of and. We talk about what it means to keep showing up—for your kids, your partner, and yourself—when life looks nothing like you imagined. This conversation holds space for the pain and the beauty, the hard and the holy.

In this episode of The Best Letdown, we talk with our friend Rebecca about the many ways motherhood takes shape — through birth, adoption, surrogacy, and survival. We dive into the realities of intrusive thoughts, mental health, and what it really means to rebuild. It's honest, heavy, and hilarious in all the right ways.

Content Warning:
This episode discusses mental health struggles including intrusive thoughts, severe anxiety, suicidal ideation, hospitalization, and postpartum mental health challenges. Please listen with care.
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. You can call or text 988 in the U.S.

Show Notes:

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

• Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net

• International OCD Foundation: www.iocdf.org

In this episode of The Best Letdown, we’re joined by our friend and fellow IBCLC Emily Ager. It’s full of laughter, connection, and the kind of conversation that goes in all the best directions.

We touch on growing up, friendship, work, and the things we’re all still trying to unlearn. This one felt like a sleepover, a therapy session, and a comedy show all in one.

We’re so glad you’re here.