The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast

I was at the grocery store with my nine-year-old. She'd had a hard day (the class bully had gone after her) and she wanted everything. Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Brioche with Nutella. Red velvet cupcakes. Whipped cream straight from the aerosol can. And I said no to most of it.

In today's episode, I'm talking about why. I'm also talking about why I think the "let kids eat whatever they want, whenever they want" message that's everywhere in the body-positive parenting space is missing something really important.

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Mentioned in this episode:

When we become doctors, lawyers, or teachers, there are exams, certifications, and years of preparation. But when we become parents, we’re handed a newborn and sent home.

Dr. Debbie Raphael—a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist—became a mother at the same time she began her child psychiatry fellowship. That unusual overlap gave her a rare opportunity: she was learning the science of child development at the exact moment she was living it. Over time, she began journaling about that experience, eventually turning those reflections into her forthcoming book, Carry My Strength, which explores the emotional and ps...

Potty training can feel like one of the most stressful milestones in early parenting. There’s pressure from preschool deadlines, advice from every corner of the internet, and the nagging feeling that your child is the only one who hasn’t figured it out yet. But what if potty training struggles aren’t really about behavior at all?

In this episode, Dr. Whitney talks with Dr. Quiara Smith, a pediatric pelvic health occupational therapist and founder of Aloha Integrative Therapy, about the many biological, sensory, and developmental factors that influence toileting.

They discuss why constipation, sensor...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with obesity medicine specialist Dr. Matthea Rentea to unpack the complicated, often controversial topic of weight, metabolism, and health.

They discuss why muscle and sleep play critical roles in metabolic health, and why many people struggle with food “noise.” They also talk openly about GLP-1 medications, diet culture, and how parents can model healthier relationships with food and bodies for their kids.

This honest conversation explores the science, psychology, and lived experience behind weight and health without shame or oversimplification.

Read...

Parenting can bring enormous joy but it can also put significant strain on relationships.

In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with registered clinical counselor Martina Nova, author of Same Page Parenting, to talk about one of the most common challenges couples face after having children: getting on the same page.

They discuss the invisible mental load that many parents (especially mothers!) carry, why conversations about parenting and division of labor often go sideways, and how couples can communicate more effectively when emotions run high.

The conversation also explores how family-of-origin experiences shape...

In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with professional organizer MaryJo Monroe, founder of ReSPACEd, to talk about realistic home organization strategies that actually work for busy families, especially those navigating ADHD, autism, and neurodiversity.

Together, they explore how organization can reduce overwhelm, save time, and support emotional regulation without creating more stress. From decluttering kids’ spaces to creating ADHD-friendly routines and realistic systems families can maintain, this episode offers practical tools for building homes that support real life — not perfection.

Learn more here.

What happens when a child grows up feeling “different” without the language to understand why?

In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with author Nancy Lasater to discuss her novel Farmer’s Son, a powerful story exploring dyslexia, identity, family dynamics, and the lifelong impact of being misunderstood as a child.

Together, they explore how learning differences shape confidence, why many neurodivergent kids come into their own on their own timeline, and how parents can shift from rigid expectations toward supporting who their child truly is. This episode is a t...

What does it really mean to be a good daughter...and why does it feel so exhausting for so many women?

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares is joined by Dr. Allison Alford, communication scholar and author of Good Daughtering, to explore the invisible emotional labor daughters carry across generations. They unpack how caregiving, obligation, gender expectations, and the “sandwich generation” collide...and why redefining daughtering is essential for women’s mental health, identity, and self-preservation. This conversation is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to earn your worth by overextending yourself and that you’re already...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with Alyssa Campbell, parenting educator, school consultant, and bestselling author of Big Kids, Bigger Feelings, to talk about why the elementary and middle school years can feel surprisingly hard for kids and parents.

They unpack what’s really going on beneath meltdowns, shutdowns, and “they’re old enough to know better” moments, including how nervous systems, sensory processing, and neurodivergence shape kids’ behavior. Alyssa shares powerful stories from her own family and from her work in schools, showing why regulation—not perfection—is the foundation...

In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with Dr. Jay Gargus and Dave Justus from NeuroQure to discuss the power of early clarity when it comes to autism detection and why earlier intervention can fundamentally change outcomes for children and families.

Dr. Gargus explains the science behind early behavioral therapies and why their impact goes far beyond short-term skill-building. Research shows that early, evidence-based interventions can lead to measurable, lifelong improvements in IQ, social skills, independence, and educational placement, often determining whether a child can thrive in mainstream education or requires ongoing specialized support.

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What if the stories we struggle to share are the very ones that could help someone else feel less alone?

In this deeply moving episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with physician and author Dr. Rebecca Thompson to talk about her powerful collaborative memoir, Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love. The book weaves together the real-life stories of 22 women navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, adoption, medical trauma, foster care, grief, and the countless unexpected turns that shape family life.

Dr. Thompson shares the origin of the...

In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with Kishshana Palmer, speaker, coach, and author of Busy Is a Four-Letter Word: A Guide to Achieving More by Doing Less. Together, they dive into what happens when moms finally decide to step off the hamster wheel of over-functioning and start living with more intention, joy, and rest.

You’ll hear:

💡 Why busyness has become the new badge of honor and how it’s isolating us

🧘🏾‍♀️ Kishshana’s Five-Star Wellness Plan to help you identify where you’re out of alignment (physical, em...

In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with Jordyn Kovaleski Gorman, a licensed pediatric feeding specialist, speech-language pathologist, and founder of Eat Play Say, a global parenting resource reaching families in over 100 countries.

Together, they unpack one of the most stressful parts of early parenthood: feeding babies and toddlers — and how to do it with less anxiety and more confidence.

You’ll hear:

🍎 Why starting solids feels so overwhelming (and how social media makes it harder)

🥕 The truth about iron, variety, and “healthy fast foods” that actually...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney is joined by Kahlila Robinson and Sarah Gertzenzang, co-authors of The Self-Regulation Workbook for Children Ages 5–8. Together, they dive into the critical role self-regulation plays in kids’ emotional well-being—and how parents can support it at home.

Dr. Robinson and Sarah share why they created a resource that’s accessible, practical, and ready-to-use—a workbook parents can read one night and apply the next morning. They explain why self-regulation isn’t just about what kids learn at school, but about what’s modeled at home—and how parents’ abi...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with pediatric psychologist, author, and parent coach Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart to talk about how to actually love the teen you have, not the one you imagined, hoped for, or thought you’d get. Together, they unpack how to stay connected to your teen through the chaos, what to do when your kid calls you “bruh,” and how to manage your own emotions when your child’s behavior pushes every button you have.

Dr. Lockhart shares stories from her own life, including her rocky teen yea...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney reconnects with longtime friend and colleague Dr. Ann-Ming Yeh—Stanford-trained pediatric gastroenterologist, integrative medicine specialist, and author of Constipation Conquered: A Holistic Guide to Your Child’s Constipation.

Together, they tackle a surprisingly common (and often frustrating) parenting challenge: constipation in kids. Dr. Yeh shares why she wrote her new book, how she blends evidence-based medicine with integrative approaches, and what parents can realistically do to help their kids—from picky toddlers to neurodivergent kids with unique needs.

This conversation is practical, reassuring, and yes—so...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with Liat Ron, filmmaker and producer of the new documentary Fear and Now. The film shines a light on how fear and trauma often shape the birthing experience—and how tools like hypnobirthing can transform it into something calmer, safer, and even enjoyable.

Liat shares her own journey of discovery as she dove into the world of birth work, learning that women don’t have to choose between medicine and empowerment. Instead, it’s about reframing birth as an experience where parents can feel i...

In this episode of the Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with Miyaeva Renae—full-time creator, business owner, and intentional mom—to talk about the real side of new motherhood.

Miyaeva opens up about the anxiety and overwhelm she faced after having her son, Stetson, and the rituals that helped her navigate postpartum life with more calm and self-compassion. From calling on her mom and her village for support to learning the importance of asking her fiancé for breaks, she shares how she learned to prioritize her own mental health while caring for her baby.

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GLP-1 medications are everywhere—ads, social feeds, fridge drawers—and our kids notice. In this solo episode, Dr. Whitney lays out when to bring GLP-1s up (rarely), when to respond (when your child asks), and exactly how to keep the conversation grounded in health, not aesthetics. She covers common myths teens absorb online, what’s appropriate for kids (and what’s not), real risks and benefits, and simple scripts you can use to push back on diet-culture messaging—without shaming bodies of any size.

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This episode is brought to you by Suvie:

If dinne...

Parenting regret is one of the last taboos in modern family life—yet hundreds of thousands of parents admit to feeling it. In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with MedCircle host Kyle Kittleson to unpack this hidden reality.

Together, they dive into:

Many of us grew up learning that exercise was about punishment or performance: “No pain, no gain.” “Burn off that cookie.” But what happens when we want something better for our kids? In this episode, Dr. Whitney unpacks her own complicated relationship with movement, how diet culture sneaks into exercise, and practical ways parents can help kids see movement as care, joy, and connection. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a reluctant mover, or somewhere in between, you’ll learn how to shift the conversation away from shame and toward lifelong well-being.

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This episode is...

In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Kaelynn Partlow—autism advocate, therapist, speaker, and star of Love on the Spectrum—to talk about what parents, educators, and professionals often miss when it comes to understanding and supporting autistic kids.

Kaelynn’s videos have provided powerful insights into how autistic children think, feel, and communicate. Together, she and Dr. Whitney unpack some of the most pressing challenges families face, while offering concrete strategies to better support neurodivergent kids at home, in school, and beyond.

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This episode is brought to you by Suvie:

I...

In this special solo episode, Dr. Whitney gives a heartfelt preview of her upcoming children’s book, My One-of-a-Kind Body: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Me (out October 20). Designed for kids ages 7–12, the book helps children build body confidence, body literacy, and lifelong wellness habits—without shame.

But this episode isn’t just for kids. Whitney reads the powerful letter to parents from the beginning of the book, offering an honest reflection on what it really takes to raise body-confident kids in today’s image-obsessed world. She breaks down:

In this eye-opening episode of the Modern Mommy Doc podcast, Dr. Whitney sits down with child sleep experts Dr. Andrea Roth and Dr. Allison Shale—two clinical psychologists and co-authors of The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep: A Tired Caregiver’s Workbook for Every Age and Stage. Together, they break down the myths, shame, and unrealistic expectations that surround sleep training and offer compassionate, evidence-based advice that actually meets parents where they are.

This episode is your permission slip to stop blaming yourself, throw out the cookie-cutter advice, and start working with your child’s unique temperam...

Are you living your actual life or just scrolling, swiping, and going through the motions? In this inspiring and energizing episode, Dr. Whitney chats with bestselling author and behavior change expert Karen Salmansohn about what it means to escape a “near-life experience” and truly start living with joy and intention.

Karen’s book, Your to Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out, flips the script on how we think about mortality. Her goal is not to scare us, but to wake us up. Together, Whitney and Karen explore what it loo...

You know that moment when you find yourself scrolling late at night, looking for parenting advice you already know deep down? That’s what we’re talking about today: why so many of us have lost touch with our own gut as moms, and how we can get it back. In this honest, no-fluff episode, Dr. Whitney breaks down how information overload, social pressure, and fear have drowned out our inner voice—and how to rebuild trust in your own knowing. You’ll leave this episode with a deep breath, a little more clarity, and a reminder that you’re allowed...

“Why can’t I just be normal?” It’s the question that plays on loop in the minds of so many moms—especially when life feels chaotic, your kids are acting out, and every other parent seems to have it all together. In this raw and research-backed episode, Dr. Whitney unpacks the hidden shame driving that question and why vulnerability—not perfection—is the real superpower of motherhood. She shares personal stories, science-backed takeaways, and five ways to challenge shame and redefine “normal” for your family, on your terms.

For full show notes, go here.

We’re not supposed to say it out loud, but here it is: working moms grieve too. We grieve missed milestones, canceled bedtimes, and the tiny, invisible moments no one else sees. In this episode, Dr. Whitney Casares opens up about the emotional weight of “having it all” and the myth that we can be everywhere at once. She shares how to name the grief, process it with mindful self-compassion, and redefine what it means to show up for your kids (and yourself). If you’ve ever felt torn between ambition and motherhood, this one's for you.

See the...

Ever feel like you’re drowning in laundry, mental load, and school forms—and somehow still supposed to be creating magical family memories and raising emotionally healthy, body-confident kids?

In this episode, Dr. Whitney sits down with Christine Landis, founder of Peacock Parent and the concierge delegation service Proxy, to talk about exactly how parents can offload the stuff that’s draining them—and do it proudly. Christine isn’t just preaching about letting go of perfection—she’s built an entire platform that helps families figure out what to delegate, how to find trustworthy help, and why it’s not s...

Feel like you’re constantly battling your kid over screen time?

Wondering if their love of Roblox, TikTok, or skincare influencers is harmless—or harmful?

Overwhelmed by all the fear-based headlines about what tech is doing to your kid’s brain?

Same. That’s why this week’s episode is a must-listen.

Dr. Whitney sits down with Erin Walsh—social scientist, parenting expert, and author of It’s Their World: Teens, Screens, and the Science of Adolescence—to dig into what’s really going on with our kids and their screens. Spoiler: It’s not...

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...