The Thoughtful Advocate

What does turning 30 really feel like? Does life get better after 30? How do you balance motherhood, friendship, healing, and building your dreams?

In this honest life update, I’m sharing what turning 30 taught me, how motherhood has changed me, what my birthday looked like as a mom of two, and the small moments that reminded me what really matters.

From Facebook Marketplace wins and budget parenting hacks to friendship, gratitude, postpartum recovery, and learning how to slow down, this episode is a real conversation about growing up without losing yourself.

We also talk ab...

Turning 30 felt different than I expected.
In this episode of The Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, Elizabeth Teo shares the truth about leaving survival mode behind, healing from a difficult twenties, becoming a mother of two, and stepping into a new chapter of life.

From a family trip to Niagara Falls to navigating postpartum recovery, road tripping with babies, protecting kids online, and reflecting on childhood trauma, this episode is part life update, part time capsule for her sons, and part reminder that life does not end at 30. Sometimes it begins.

In this episode:

• Do...

Did you know that 94% of your brain's gray matter changes during pregnancy? In this episode, Elizabeth Teo breaks down the real science behind what happens to your mind, body, and identity when you become a mother. This is not just a role — it is a complete biological and emotional transformation called matrescence, and almost no one is talking about it.

Elizabeth explores why so many mothers feel like they have lost themselves, why that feeling is actually a sign of growth, and how motherhood quietly builds the boundaries, strength, and self-awareness you never knew you needed. If yo...

In this heartfelt life update, host Elizabeth Teo opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of welcoming baby Jack while navigating life with two under two. From tearful minivan moments to surviving the newborn phase on zero sleep, Elizabeth reflects on childhood nostalgia, a hard-won second C-section recovery, unexpected generosity from strangers, and the profound realization that the family she prayed for as a little girl is finally here. If you have ever felt stuck in a dark place and wondered if life could get better, this episode is for you.

Topics covered: newborn life, postpartum recovery, C-section...

Most people think codependency only happens in toxic relationships. Mine was the opposite. In this episode, I'm sharing my personal experience with codependency inside a genuinely loving, healthy relationship, where the real wounds were coming from inside me all along.

I cover what codependency actually is, why it develops from childhood trauma and anxious attachment, the signs most people search for but don't always recognise in themselves, and how I slowly healed by learning to truly love myself for the first time at 29.

If you've ever needed constant reassurance from a partner, felt crushing anxiety...

At 38 weeks pregnant, exhausted, and running on no sleep, the last thing I needed was last minute cancellations and early departures from childcare I had planned and paid for. But that is exactly what happened. And instead of speaking up, old Elizabeth just said it was fine.

In this episode I am getting honest about what it cost me to be too nice for too long, and what finally pushed me to hold my boundaries firmly, even when it felt uncomfortable.

We talk about why caregiving relationships make it harder to hold the line, what...

We are officially one week away from meeting our second baby and I am sharing all the life updates in this one! From my very first attempt at cutting my toddler's hair (spoiler: the bangs did not go as planned) to everything that actually happens leading up to a planned c-section that nobody really talks about: weekly OB appointments, the hospital pre-call, bloodwork, the antibacterial wash prep, and what to expect the day of.

I also share a Greek yogurt crepe recipe that my toddler is obsessed with and that has become a go-to breakfast in our...

Everyone told you your twenties would be the best years of your life but what if they were wrong? In this episode, Elizabeth breaks down why your thirties might actually be when life finally clicks. From emotional stability and stronger boundaries to deeper relationships and a growing income, the data points to one surprising truth: 36 is the happiest age for most people, and most wouldn't trade their thirties to go back. If you're dreading turning 30 or still surviving your twenties, this episode will completely shift your perspective on what's waiting for you on the other side.

Mental health support for moms isn't optional, it's essential. In this episode of Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, I'm getting real about why finding a therapist BEFORE baby arrives is one of the most important things you can do as an expecting mom. With 1 in 5 women experiencing postpartum depression and mental health issues responsible for nearly 20% of pregnancy related deaths, this conversation is life saving.

I share my personal experience finding therapists for both pregnancies, why waiting until after birth makes it harder, and the specific support systems every parent needs. Whether you're expecting your first or second baby...

Having a baby is hard. Having two under two? A whole different level. In this episode of the Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, Elizabeth Teo gets real about what to actually expect from labor and delivery nurses, how to build a support system before your baby arrives, and her honest fears about navigating life with two little ones.

She breaks down the Doers, Listeners, and Resources framework her therapist shared with her so you can map out your village before baby comes, and shares what postpartum recovery actually looks like when you are not doing it alone.

...

Planning a baby shower in 2026? Discover why small, intimate baby showers are trending and get sustainable party favor ideas that guests actually use! In this episode of Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, I share our second baby shower experience including popular games like diaper pong, Kahoot baby trivia, and baby food guessing. Learn why bear themed parties are hot right now, how to do a successful diaper raffle for multiple diaper sizes, and sustainable alternatives to wasteful party favors including soaps, seed packets, and plants. Perfect for second time moms, baby sprinkle planning, or anyone wanting an eco friendly baby shower...

Thrived in high school but struggling in your 20s? You're not alone. Real stories about career anxiety, comparison, and finding your path after university.

Welcome to the Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, hosted by Elizabeth Teo. If you graduated with honors but can't find a job, if you're watching everyone else succeed while you feel stuck, or if you're questioning every decision you've made, this podcast is for you.

Elizabeth shares her honest journey from being a straight A student at University of Toronto to struggling through internships, depression, and the harsh reality that prestigious degrees don't...

Join me for an honest 35 week pregnancy update as I share my experience preparing for a scheduled c-section, the relief of finally being on maternity leave, and how we tackled our chaotic bedroom. I'm discussing the differences between spinal blocks vs epidurals, the science behind third trimester fatigue (your blood volume increases 50%!), why multitasking while pregnant is so draining, and how visual clutter actually increases anxiety according to neuroscience. Plus, I share tips on cooking with a toddler, finding the best board books at the library, and why organizing before baby #2 has helped me breathe again. If you're a...

Does having a baby change your marriage? YES, and we need to talk about it more. In this episode, I share our real experience of how our relationship changed after having our first child, backed by psychology research on marriage after kids.

What You'll Learn: ✨ Why your first child is the hardest (and why no one can prepare you) ✨ The science behind marriage satisfaction drops after babies (67% of couples experience this!) ✨ Real talk about postpartum depression, C section recovery, and dysphoric milk ejection reflex ✨ How sleep deprivation affects your relationship (new parents lose 109 minutes of sleep per night...

Welcome to the Thoughtful Advocate Podcast. I'm Elizabeth Teo, and today I need to tell you something that took me years to admit: being "too nice" almost destroyed me.

For most of my life, I was the person everyone could count on. The friend who dropped everything, who never said no, who was available 24/7. I thought I was being a good person. Turns out, I was just being a doormat, and people took full advantage of it.

In this deeply personal episode, I'm sharing three painful lessons that changed my life:

Lesson 1: Why...

Baby number two is coming and I'm sharing everything I'm thinking and feeling before our lives change forever. If you're pregnant with your second baby, wondering what it's really like having two kids under two, or preparing for a toddler and newborn at the same time, this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

🤱 Second Baby Reality Check

...

After months of searching, we finally found our ideal nanny through NannyServices.ca! You can use my referral link here: https://nannyservices.ca/refs/814547 In this episode, I share our complete nanny search experience, including why we decided to pay for a service and how it paid off immediately. Our new nanny lives just 10 minutes away and connected instantly with Ace, even handling diaper changes (a huge milestone!).

I'm also diving into exciting 2026 plans as we prepare for baby number two. From planning a bear-themed baby shower to navigating my third trimester challenges, I'm opening up about t...

This isn't your typical New Year reflection. Join me for an unfiltered look at 2025, the year that shattered my expectations and rebuilt me from the ground up.

I'm sharing:

Discover why doing nothing might be the most important thing you do today. In this honest episode of The Thoughtful Advocate, host Elizabeth Teo shares her powerful realization about rest, productivity, and motherhood after both her 11 month old son Ace and herself fell ill.

Learn how to recognize when your baby is sick (even without a fever), navigate the challenges of caring for a sick infant under one year old, and why our cultural expectations around productivity are fundamentally flawed. Elizabeth breaks down the signs parents should watch for, shares practical tips for managing childhood illness, and...

Parenting an 11 month old taught me that preparation saves you from midnight pharmacy runs. In this episode, I share the baby essentials that genuinely saved us when my son got his first real fever, including medications to stock ahead, thermometer tips, and safe sleep strategies. Learn what actually works for sick babies under 1 year old, how to handle fevers without panicking, and why having multiple diaper stations changes everything. I also talk about the reality of asking for help (when our nanny quit), splitting parenting shifts to prevent burnout, and why convenience isn't laziness with a newborn. Plus, real...

Discover how to save hundreds on baby clothes with Facebook Marketplace finds! In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible $10 baby bundle haul and reveals the best frugal parenting tips for dressing your little one without breaking the bank. Plus, get practical advice for traveling with an 11 month old, including what to pack (and what to skip), airport survival strategies, and making family vacations work on a budget. From formula and diaper travel hacks to pool day adventures in Florida, learn how to give your baby amazing experiences while staying financially smart. Perfect for expecting parents, new moms and dads...

Learn how to save thousands on baby clothes, toys, and gear using Facebook Marketplace, thrift stores, and baby swaps. Practical tips from a real parent who spent under $60 on 100+ outfits.

Expecting a baby or already drowning in baby expenses? The baby industry wants you to believe you need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on designer cribs, brand new strollers, and perfectly decorated nurseries. Here's the truth: babies don't care about brands, and neither should your wallet.

In this comprehensive guide, discover exactly how one parent saved thousands of dollars on baby essentials without...

Raw, honest talk about returning to work as a new mom. When your nanny quits with 2 days notice, your 10 month old has separation anxiety, and you feel like you're failing at everything.

In this deeply vulnerable episode, I share one of the hardest weekends of my life as a new mom. Just 12 days after returning to work, our nanny quit with only 2 days notice, leaving me feeling like I'm failing both as a mother and an employee.

If you're a working parent struggling with:

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the hardest transitions parents face. In this raw and honest episode, I share my emotional first week back at work after 10 months with my baby, and why it was so much harder than I expected.

If you're a parent dreading going back to work, currently struggling with the transition, or trying to decide between daycare vs. nanny care, this episode is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

Discover the dramatic shift in fatherhood from Boomer dads spending just 2.6 hours weekly with kids to modern fathers tripling their involvement. This episode explores how Millennial and Gen Z dads are revolutionizing parenting by attending pediatric appointments, handling night feedings, sharing mental load, and becoming true co-parents. Learn how increased father involvement reduces maternal depression, improves child development, and transforms family mental health. We examine cultural expectations across generations, the impact of the women's movement, workplace challenges, and why this parenting evolution matters for mothers' wellbeing. From changing diapers to managing schedules, today's engaged fathers are breaking outdated "provider...

Discover why outdoor time is essential for child development and learn Scandinavian parenting secrets from "There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather." In this episode, we explore the science behind why children need daily outdoor play, plus share environmental good news including Chile's marine protection expansion and the EU's right to repair law. 

In This Episode: ✅ Why Nordic babies nap outside in cold weather (and the research behind it)

✅ How outdoor time reduces myopia risk and improves sleep quality

✅ Book recommendation: "There's No Such Thing as Bad Weather" by Linda Åkeson McGurk  

✅ 10 m...

Think child labor ended with old black and white photos? Think again. In this eye-opening episode, we uncover the disturbing history of child labor in America from 7-year-old textile mill workers to brutal 'breaker boys' in coal mines. Discover how children were beaten, exploited, and denied education for decades before reform finally came.

But here's the shocking part: 160 million children are STILL trapped in child labor worldwide in 2025. That's 1 in 10 kids. We explore where this is happening, why climate change is making it worse, and what can actually be done to stop it.

Plus, we...

Welcome back to The Thoughtful Advocate! I'm your host, Elizabeth Teo. In this episode, we're getting real about sustainable living while exhausted, parenting struggles, and celebrating environmental victories that give us hope.

Grab your favorite cozy drink (mine's a chai with oat milk!) and let's dive into honest conversations about eco-friendly choices, family life, and finding magic in everyday moments.

What We Cover:

Electric Lawn Mowers: I share my childhood story of my dad's robot lawn mower from the 2000s (complete with boundary wires!) and my husband's recent purchase of an electric mower...

Tired of doom scrolling? This episode delivers the positive environmental and humanitarian news you won't see in mainstream media. Discover how 350+ political prisoners gained freedom in Nicaragua, learn about Ocean Cleanup's massive 30 million kilogram milestone fighting the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, and celebrate the Iberian lynx coming back from near extinction.

We're breaking down why conservation works, how communities fight back (Leonardo DiCaprio's new film analysis), and why Thanksgiving traditions matter more than ever. Plus: honest reviews of the hottest 2025 movies including One Guy After Another and Sinners, behind the scenes at the One Piece Symphony in...

Discover why friendship is the secret to long-term relationship success, backed by science and real experience. In this episode, host Elizabeth Teo shares 10+ years of marriage wisdom, explaining why marrying your best friend beats the "bad boy" romance trope. Learn how shared interests, trust, and genuine connection create relationships that last.

Plus, celebrate environmental victories including New York's heat pump revolution and the Hague's groundbreaking fossil fuel ad ban. Get recommendations for fall favorites like Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, Harry Potter marathons, and Gilmore Girls rewatches.

Also covered: the harsh reality of Ontario's daycare waitlists...

Tired of doom scrolling? Discover the positive changes happening right now in 2025! In this uplifting episode of the Thoughtful Advocate Podcast, host Elizabeth Teo breaks down real progress across four critical areas: renewable energy breakthroughs (US hits 51% clean energy milestone!), child labor accountability legislation, sustainable fashion innovations, and gun safety reforms at the state level.

Plus, explore heartwarming culture recommendations including the viral film "Nonnas" about grandmothers cooking authentic Italian food, and discover community initiatives like Little Free Libraries and dementia-friendly restaurants in Japan that are bringing people together.

Perfect for anyone seeking hope, positive...

Ever wondered how to actually get started in sustainability careers? Host Elizabeth Teo breaks down the real, messy truth about building an environmental career, no perfect path required.

What you'll discover:

Are you exhausted from trying to be perfect all the time? Do you spend hours editing emails, feel sick when you think you'll disappoint someone, or say yes when your whole body is screaming no? You're not alone, and you're not broken, you're experiencing trauma responses that once kept you safe as a child.

In this deeply personal episode, I share my journey of understanding perfectionism and people pleasing as survival strategies rooted in childhood trauma and conditional love. Growing up in an environment where mistakes felt dangerous and love depended on performance, my nervous system learned...

Join Elizabeth Teo on The Thoughtful Advocate as she sits down with Isaiah Hernandez (@queerbrownvegan), the viral environmental educator with 123K+ Instagram followers who's redefining climate activism for 2025.

In this powerful conversation, Isaiah shares his journey from facing environmental injustice in LA to becoming a globally recognized climate educator featured in Vogue and The New York Times. Discover how his Mexican-American heritage and queer identity fuel his unique approach to environmental justice, why he turned down Berkeley's master's program to focus on his upcoming book "Dear Environmentalist" (2027), and how he's building sustainable income as a creator in...

What are the benefits of having children? How do you bond with your baby? Does parenthood really change everything?

Join Elizabeth Teo on The Thoughtful Advocate Podcast as she tackles Google's most-searched parenting questions with raw honesty. As a first-time mom to 8-month-old Ace, Elizabeth shares the unexpected joy of motherhood that transformed her from an independent career woman into someone who dreams of being a stay-at-home mom.

In this episode, you'll discover:

Feeling climate doom from endless bad news? This episode answers the questions everyone's Googling: Can big companies really help climate change? Do individual choices matter? Which companies are actually sustainable?

Discover surprising success stories including Microsoft's $1B climate fund, a Danish company that cut emissions by 87%, and how Tesla forced the entire auto industry to go electric. Plus, learn about simple apps saving 200M+ meals from waste.

We tackle the most searched climate questions:

Join host Elizabeth Teo as she sits down with Niha Elety, climate activist, sustainable fashion designer, and co-founder of Tega Collective and Understory. In this inspiring episode, Niha shares her journey from biomedical engineering student to building two successful impact organizations while maintaining her 9-5 job.

Niha shares her transformative journey from Dallas, Texas to spending 7 formative years in Hyderabad, India (ages 11-18), where she discovered sustainable living practices and direct relationships with farmers and artisans that shaped her entire worldview.

From childhood memories of her grandmother buying vegetables from balcony vendors to cutting up...

From "good Asian girl" to unapologetic activist, Katy Ho's transformation will inspire anyone who's ever felt caught between worlds. In this powerful conversation, the writer behind Bad Asian and contributor to Feminist opens up about growing up in conservative Calgary, meeting feminist icon Gloria Steinem, and why being "bad" is actually revolutionary.

What You'll Learn:

In this episode of The Thoughtful Advocate, host Elizabeth Teo sits down with Eugenia Chow is an environmental educator and content creator who went from growing up in Hong Kong to living and working on a wildlife reserve in Kenya. Eugenia shares her incredible journey into climate advocacy, showing that you don’t need a science degree to make a real impact in conservation and environmental education.

We explore how she uses food as a tool for climate justice, what it’s like to live on a wildlife reserve, and why culturally informed climate solutions are k...

From Actress to Sustainability Content Creator: Christine's Journey to Intentional Living

Join host Elizabeth Teo on The Thoughtful Advocate as she sits down with Christine, better known as @eco.amical, an actress and mom turned sustainability content creator who's inspiring millions to live more intentionally. In this candid conversation, Christine shares her unexpected journey from auditioning rooms to viral TikTok videos, proving that authentic content creation can change both lives and the planet.

What You'll Learn: