The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast

In this style-meets-substance episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with wardrobe stylist and educator Connie Jespersen of Art in the Find to talk about the mental blocks, mom-life logistics, and emotional hangups we face when it comes to what we wear — and why it actually matters.

Connie brings empathy, wit, and a refreshing no-pressure approach to personal style, reminding us that confidence isn’t about having the “perfect” closet — it’s about getting dressed in a way that actually works for your real life. From dopamine shopping to drop-off outfits to closet organizing h...

In this heartfelt and refreshingly honest episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney chats with Brittinie Tran, co-founder of Hot Mess Express — a women-led, volunteer-powered movement helping overwhelmed women declutter their homes and their minds. What started as a one-time cleaning rescue for a postpartum mom turned into a nationwide community of women supporting women — no judgment, no shame, just pure help.

Whether your junk drawer is a metaphor or a literal disaster zone, this conversation will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even finally donate that pile of old baby clothes in your garage.

As parents, we spend so much time making sure our kids succeed in school, sports, and activities—but are we teaching them the life skills they’ll need to thrive in the real world? From cooking and problem-solving to resilience and independence, these skills are just as important as academics (if not more!).

In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, I sit down with Katie Kimball, a former teacher, mom of four, and the founder of Kids Cook Real Food, to talk about why life skills matter and how parents can start teaching them at any...

Have you ever felt like the weight of the household is constantly on your shoulders? That you’re the one keeping everything running while your partner is blissfully unaware of all the behind-the-scenes work? If so, you’re not alone—and there’s a way out of the cycle of frustration and resentment.

This week, I sit down with Dr. Morgan Cutlip to talk about her new book, A Better Share: How Couples Can Tackle the Mental Load for More Fun, Less Resentment, and Great Sex. She’s here to unpack what the mental load really is, why it fal...

Starting solids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Dr. Whitney is joined by registered dietitian Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC, co-author of Baby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods, to break down everything parents need to know about introducing solid foods with confidence. They discuss common misconceptions, signs of readiness, gagging vs. choking, allergy introduction, and how to encourage adventurous eating from the start. If you're feeling anxious about starting solids or want evidence-based tips to make the transition easier, this episode is for you!

See the fu...

Starting solids can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, Dr. Whitney is joined by registered dietitian Cinthia Scott, RD, IBCLC, co-author of Baby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods, to break down everything parents need to know about introducing solid foods with confidence. They discuss common misconceptions, signs of readiness, gagging vs. choking, allergy introduction, and how to encourage adventurous eating from the start. If you're feeling anxious about starting solids or want evidence-based tips to make the transition easier, this episode is for you!

See the fu...

Conflict in relationships is inevitable—but sometimes we make it even worse than it needs to be. In this episode, Dr. Whitney explores why couples argue, how to approach disagreements in a healthier way, and what to do when communication breaks down. Drawing from relationship research and her own experiences as a working mom, she breaks down the Four Horsemen of relationship conflict (from Julie Schwartz Gottman & John Gottman), explains the difference between solvable vs. perpetual problems, and shares practical strategies for handling disagreements without resentment or blame. Plus, she highlights why the way we navigate conflict matters—not just...

Motherhood can feel deeply isolating, especially in those early postpartum months. But what if there were a structured, research-backed way to connect with other moms going through the exact same challenges—without the guesswork?

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with Alexandra Spitz, founder of New Mom School, to discuss the postpartum loneliness epidemic and why traditional support systems for new moms are failing. Alexandra shares how her organization is redefining postpartum care, providing in-person, research-based education that truly supports new moms in their fourth trimester and beyond.

If you've ever struggled to fi...

Why do so many high-achieving, perfectionist moms struggle with anxiety and burnout? Because we've been taught to equate our worth with productivity. In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares dives deep into the roots of hustle culture, workaholism, and the pressure to always be "on." Drawing from insights in Melissa Clark’s Never Not Working and her own experiences as a pediatrician and working mom, she explores the hidden costs of over-functioning—from mental health struggles to strained relationships. Most importantly, she offers practical strategies for setting boundaries, redefining self-worth, and reclaiming presence over productivity. If you’ve ever felt like y...

In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney dives into the growing epidemic of anxiety in both parents and children. Why are we all so anxious? And more importantly—what can we do about it?

She explores the major cultural and technological shifts that have contributed to rising anxiety levels, from social media and smartphone addiction to the decline of unstructured play and increased parental overprotection. Dr. Whitney also shares practical strategies for reducing anxiety in your family—including setting screen time limits, fostering independence, and advocating for policy changes.

If you've ever...

What if being kind could be fun, energizing, and contagious? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Whitney chats with Brian Driscoll, author of The Goodness Game: Make the World Better and Feel Awesome While Doing It. Brian shares how his runaway journey as a teenager and the kindness of strangers inspired him to gamify generosity. Together, they explore actionable strategies for weaving kindness into everyday life—even when you're a busy parent feeling stretched thin. Learn how to identify your unique "helping style," create a sustainable kindness budget, and build meaningful connections through acts of goodness.

Struggling to balance your own health goals with teaching your kids to love their bodies? Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with Dr. Krista Gonzalez, a triple-board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, to discuss if weight-loss medications like Zepbound, Wegovy, and Ozempic fit into a body-positive parenting philosophy.

Together, they tackle:

In this empowering episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands, to unpack the challenges of creating equity at home. They explore how societal norms, mental loads, and parenting dynamics shape modern families. Brian shares his personal journey of stepping back from his career to support his wife’s ambitions and how that decision changed their family dynamic. Together, they discuss practical strategies for dividing household responsibilities, fostering equitable partnerships, and reframing traditional gender roles.

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In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc, Dr. Whitney Casares dives into a deeply personal and important topic: advocating for neurodivergent children. As a pediatrician and mom to two neurodivergent daughters, Dr. Whitney shares practical strategies for navigating the complexities of raising kids with ADHD, OCD, autism, and anxiety. Whether your child is struggling in school or dealing with miscommunication with educators, you'll learn how to advocate effectively, build strong relationships with teachers, and find the right resources. Dr. Whitney's compassionate, knowledgeable approach will leave you empowered and ready to champion your child's needs.

This week's p...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares dives deep into the systemic issues that working moms face—from the gender pay gap and unpaid labor to the childcare crisis. Join her as she provides practical solutions to help mothers reclaim their power and advocate for systemic change. Whether it's pushing for paid parental leave, advocating for employer-sponsored childcare, or finding support in your community, this episode is packed with actionable advice to ease the mental load that moms carry. Tune in for insights, research-backed strategies, and inspiration for working moms trying to balance it al...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney is joined by two powerhouse OB-GYNs and co-founders of Fem.ed, Dr. Sara Twogood and Dr. Alyssa Quimby from Cedars-Sinai. Together, they tackle the often-taboo topics of sexual health, perimenopause, and the mental load women carry as they navigate motherhood and their careers. This episode breaks down important discussions around:

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with Sam Gardner, CEO and co-founder of Happypillar, and Chloe Picot-Jacobs, Clinical Director of the app, to discuss an innovative approach to parenting that blends technology and evidence-based strategies. Happypillar is designed to help parents tackle common behavioral challenges in children aged 2 to 7, using techniques from Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), enhanced by AI for accessibility and scalability.

Dr. Whitney and her guests dive into the journey of developing this app, which uses AI to give real-time feedback to parents during playtime sessions, helping them im...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney is joined by Heather Salazar, President and CEO of Pink Ribbon Good (PRG). Heather shares her deeply personal journey, from adopting a baby girl whose mother battled breast cancer to her own cancer diagnosis, and how these experiences led her to start PRG—a nonprofit organization providing essential services to families affected by breast and gynecological cancers.

This week's podcast and newsletter are brought to you by Care.com. Care.com connects families with local caregivers, including nannies, babysitters, tutors, senior care providers, dog w...

In this episode, Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a sleep medicine expert, joins the Modern Mommy Doc podcast to discuss restful sleep for kids AND their parents. She and Dr. Whitney explore the challenges toddlers, kids, and teenagers face in getting enough sleep and the impact it has on their mental health. Dr. Brown emphasizes the importance of consistency, routines, and creating a sleep-friendly environment for better sleep. She also addresses the use of melatonin and sleep aids, recommending that behavioral strategies and healthy sleep habits be prioritized before considering medication. Dr. Brown offers resources and courses on her website, www...

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Whitney interviews Carla Naumburg about her new book, 'How to Stop Freaking Out: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Cool When Life Feels Chaotic.'

It's a book for kids all about learning to manage overwhelming emotions. They also talk about the importance of self-compassion and normalizing the experience of losing control. The book provides practical tips and techniques for both kids and parents to regulate their emotions and navigate difficult moments.

Takeaways

May 15, 2024, Momcozy released its annual State of Maternal Support Report shedding light on whether Millennials and Gen Z feel supported in motherhood. The new study surveyed 1,187 pregnant and new moms to reveal that 67% of moms wished for more emotional support and more assistance with childcare or household tasks while 46% craved more social connections.

Listen in as Momcozy's Lalaina Roberts talks more about what the Report found, and why it matters so much for working women.

For more, go to www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Whitney discusses Different Thinkers: ADHD with authors Katia Frederickson and Yael Rothman. The episode focuses on ways parents can support their children if they have ADHD, and on the power of understanding your wiring as a child. They talk about their backgrounds as pediatric neuropsychologists and the importance of understanding brain behavior relationships. They also discuss the accessibility and cost of evaluations and the need for resources to help children understand their strengths and challenges in a kid-friendly way.

For more, go to www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares discusses the reasons why we feel cluttered, such as the chaotic pace of life, the feeling of control that clutter gives us, and the outward sign of an inside problem. She also talks about the importance of decluttering and how it can lead to more freedom, time, and space. Dr. Whitney provides practical tips for decluttering both our physical and mental spaces.

For more, go to www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast

In this episode, Dr. Mark Hauser, author of Vulnerable Minds: The Harm of Childhood Trauma and the Hope of Resilience, discusses the impact of childhood trauma and the importance of understanding adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). He introduces the concept of the five T's framework (type, timing, tenure, turbulence, and toxicity) to understand how to respond to them and highlights the need for professionals and parents to be trauma-informed and aware of how childhood trauma can affect parenting. This conversation also touches on the role of screens in children's lives and the importance of being mindful of their impact.

Parenting is a journey filled with countless decisions, especially when it comes to encouraging our kids to try new activities and experiences. For those of us with neurodivergent children, these decisions can be even more complex.

In this episode, I share my personal experiences and challenges in helping my own child to try new activities, and offer detailed insights and actionable advice for parents facing similar challenges.

Dr. Whitney gets personal on this episode talking about body image, weight, and the world’s standards of health. She talks about why it’s so hard for women to have a positive body image even in the movement of body positivity and how we can help break that cycle for our kids.

For more on this episode, go to www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Dr. Whitney dives deep into why it’s so hard for women to hold their boundaries. We all know that boundaries are healthy, but it’s simply more difficult for women, especially moms, to set boundaries and keep them. This episode gives you practical tips on how to make it happen.

For more on this episode, visit www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast.

Dr. Whitney talks with Lori-Sugarman-Li, author of Our Home: The Love, Work, and Heart of Family, about helping our kids understand the value of contributing to the mental load of home care—and getting them to actually do all those chores on their chore lists.

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For more information on this episode, visit www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast

Dr. Whitney shares the principles she's learned as a solopreneur in the health and wellness space, the failures she's faced, and the truths she wishes she would have known from the very beginning.

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For more about this episode, visit www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast

Dr. Whitney tells a personal story of when her daughter asked her the question we never want to hear as parents, “Am I fat?” She breaks down how she answered and why she said what she did, in hopes that you can be prepared for those conversations in your own family.

Show Notes, Key Takeaways, and More at www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast

In this episode, Dr. Whitney talks with Erin Junker, founder and owner of The Happy Sleep Company about practical strategies to help parents get their babies to sleep deeper and longer. Sleep is such an important part of having joy in the home, whether you’re an adult or an infant!

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To find out more: www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast

In this episode, Whitney talks about the foundational piece that is missing that we must develop BEFORE we start implementing strategies for equity at home and in the workplace: self-worth. We must decide that we are worth fighting for and that we are valuable before we take on the giant systemic issue of inequity. Without it, there’s not much we’re fighting for and we’ll quickly lose steam and settle into societal norms.

To find out more: www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast

In this episode, Dr. Whitney chats with Lauren Chaitoff, author of 108 Awesome Yoga Poses for Kids and founder of Yogi Beans, a yoga and wellness company for children. They chat about ways to incorporate yoga practices into your daily life with your children as well as ways moms and kids can show up for themselves best.

Find out more at www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast

In this episode, Dr. Whitney has a special guest, her youngest daughter Mireia. They talk about what it’s like to have a working mom, what it’s like to have a working mom advocate for her, how she feels it’s going in the Casares house, and Mireia even gives some feedback on Dr. Whitney’s new book, Doing It All.

Find out more at www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast.

In this episode, Whitney talks about the foundational piece that is missing that we must develop BEFORE we start implementing strategies for equity at home and in the workplace: self-worth. We must decide that we are worth fighting for and that we are valuable before we take on the giant systemic issue of inequity. Without it, there’s not much we’re fighting for and we’ll quickly lose steam and settle into societal norms.

Find out more at www.modernmommydoc.com/podcast.

About the Episode:

In this episode, Dr. Whitney chats with Valerie Cockerell, author of Manage Like a Mother. They discuss how, as moms, we can be (and should be) confident in our ability to lead in the workplace, because we have so much experience leading as moms and because of our “mom skills” that can absolutely be translated into “boss skills.” They also chat about how women can stand out in their workplace by using the leadership skills they’re uniquely gifted in.

Read the rest of the Shownotes

About the Episode

Gabby Slome, CEO and Co-Founder of Cooper, and Dr. Whitney talk about the pressure moms feel to do parenting “right” and how unrealistic (and ultimately damaging) that is for parents and for kids. If you want to be an effective parent, it’s all about paying attention to who your individual child is and to the five major parenting “must dos:”

1. Be sensitive and responsive.

2. Model self-regulation.

3. Set limits for yourself and your kids.

4. Allow space for unrestrained skill development.

5. Support internal motivation and resilience...

This episode, Dr. Whitney is joined by Kelly Hubbell, founder and SEO of Sage House, an online platform designed for moms who want to really value their time and make the most of the hours in their days, focusing the most on what matters to them. They talk through the roadblocks working moms come against when trying to balance the workloads in their families and how we can help prepare our children to do the same in theirs.

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Pre-Order My New Book: Doing it All: STOP OVER-FUNCTIONING and Become the Mom...

Dr. Whitney talks with Dr. Alissa Erogbogbo, Medical Director Consultant at Maven Clinic, about innovative, holistic care solutions for women everywhere—and about what it will take to truly support the health of working women worldwide.

@mavenclinic

www.mavenclinic.com

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Pre-Order My New Book: Doing it All: STOP OVER-FUNCTIONING and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be

Discover how to stop doing it all and start doing what matters with this step-by-step guide to reclaiming your life as a working mom, written by an expert in ma...

Today, Dr. Whitney's talking Big Mom Energy—that superpower we all have as modern moms to do it all, all the time. But she's not focused on helping you do more with less. Nope, this episode is all about harnessing that energy and funneling toward your top priorities—the ones that give you purpose, peace, and presence.

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Pre-Order My New Book: Doing it All: STOP OVER-FUNCTIONING and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be

Discover how to stop doing it all and start doing what matters with this step-by-step guide to r...