BDA Baby (Before, During and After Baby)

Latest Episodes:

Melasma, Motherhood, and Making Moves: Jordan Harper’s Barefaced Success Story Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In this pre-baby, pre-recorded episode, I sit down with Jordan Harper, founder and CEO of Barefaced, to explore her incredible journey of launching a thriving skincare brand while navigating the chaos of motherhood.
We kick off by tackling pregnancy-specific skincare challenges, like melasma, and Jordan shares her expert insights on how to care for your skin during this unique time. But the conversation doesn’t stop there—we delve into her entrepreneurial journey, which began when she had an 8-month-old and was pregnant with her second child.
Jordan opens up about the challenges of building a business while balancing the demands of motherhood, her time-management strategies (hello, time-blocking!), and the key books that help her reset her focus each year. Her story is one of resilience, innovation, and passion, and it’s packed with actionable advice for anyone striving to balance multiple roles while pursuing their dreams.
Tune in for an inspiring episode that’s all about taking risks, trusting your instincts, and redefining what’s possible as a mom and entrepreneur!
Get glowing with 15% off Barefaced! Use code BDABaby to save 15% on a one-time purchase. Valid for new and returning customers. Limit to one use per customer. (link here: https://go.shopmy.us/p-11881861)
Code Expires 2/24/2025 at 3:00 A.M. EST
Check out Jordan’s book recommendations below:
Essentialism: https://amzn.to/3DMCtPL
Atomic Habits: https://amzn.to/4053G7P
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Regulating our Emotions with Dr. Marc Brackett Feb 17, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Marc Brackett joins us to talk all things social and emotional learning for ourselves as well as our kids. Dr. Bracket is the director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and the author of the book Permission to Feel. In todays episode, he shares tips on how to help our children lean social and emotional intelligence, as well as ways we can use these tips for ourselves. Dr. Brackett explains that as parents, our role is to help our kids by co-regulating their feelings. To do this, we need to practice regulating ourselves as well. Dr. Brackett created the How We Feel app with these processes in mind. The app can help people get better insight into their emotional wellbeing, and Dr. Brackett and I talk about how to use the app in our day to day lives.
Order Dr. Bracketts book Permission to Feel: https://marcbrackett.com/permission-to-feel/
Download the How We Feel app: https://howwefeel.org/
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Is LA’s Air Safe? Harvard Experts Weigh In on Wildfire Smoke & Health Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

The recent Los Angeles wildfires, including those in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, have left many of us with big questions about air quality, safety, and health impacts—especially for pregnant people, children, and those with respiratory conditions. As a native Palisadian, this issue is personal to me. My family evacuated, and like so many others, we're trying to navigate life after the fires.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lindsey Burghardt (Chief Science Officer at the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard) and Joe Allen (Director of the Healthy Buildings Program at Harvard) to get expert insights on:
- What’s actually in wildfire smoke and why urban fires are different
- How air quality affects adults, children, and newborns
- The long-term health risks of smoke exposure
- Best practices to protect yourself and your family
- We also discuss practical tips for monitoring air quality, reducing exposure, and making informed decisions about outdoor activities as cleanup efforts continue.
Protecting your health and home from wildfire smoke is essential—especially in the aftermath of Los Angeles wildfires. Here are expert-recommended resources to help you stay informed and take action:
Reducing Wildfire Smoke Exposure at Home

3 Ways to Minimize Risk Indoors: https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/3ways-reduce-risk-wildfire-smoke-home/
How Close is Too Close? Distance & Precautions After a Fire: https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/wildfire-distance-precautions-protect/

Air Quality & Filtration Tools

Find the Right Air Purifier for Your Home: https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/tools/air-cleaner-calculator/
How to Choose an Air Quality Monitor for Your Space: https://hbr.org/2023/11/its-time-for-companies-to-monitor-workplace-air-quality
HEPA Vacuum Recommendations for Post-Fire Cleanup: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/do-you-need-a-vacuum-with-a-hepa-filter/

Health & Development Impacts of Wildfire Smoke

How Wildfire Smoke Affects Early Childhood Development: https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/briefs/wildfire-smoke-early-childhood-development/
The Health Impacts of Wildfires: FAQs & Science-Backed Answers: https://hsph.harvard.edu/environmental-health/news/health-impacts-of-wildfires-frequently-asked-questions/
36 Expert-Approved Tips for a Healthier Home: https://healthybuildings.hsph.harvard.edu/research/homes/36-expert-tips-for-a-healthier-home/
Healthy Buildings & Air Safety: https://www.hup.harvard.edu/books/9780674278363

Children & Wildfire Smoke: Expert Guidelines

CDC: How to Protect Kids Before, During & After a Wildfire: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/risk-factors/wildfire-smoke-and-children.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/air/wildfire-smoke/children.htm
AAP: Wildfire Safety Tips for Parents: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Wildfires-Information-for-Parents.aspx

Stay Updated & Monitor Air Quality
Follow the Center on the Developing Child:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/developingchildharvard/#
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HarvardCenter
Check Real-Time Air Quality in Your Area: Visit https://www2.purpleair.com/?srsltid=AfmBOootARbKiqOQCank9wrmaayiHbPF61HyylLEegWqaPZOHZmtmKpf
Expert Recommendations for Air Filtration: Use a MERV 13 air filter (https://amzn.to/4jRHg2R) in HVAC systems and HEPA filters (https://amzn.to/3WTk1eU) in portable air purifiers & vacuums.

Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Cora Jakes Coleman on Adoption Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Cora Jakes Coleman joins us today to talk about all things adoption! She shares her profound and challenging journey to motherhood. Cora shares how her PCOS diagnosis led her to reevaluate her path to motherhood. We discuss how motherhood transcends biological ties and how important nurturing and consistency are to children. Cora talks about her journey fostering and adopting her two children and emphasizes the importance of embracing adoption as a gift. Cora encourages others facing similar struggles to keep faith. Our conversation is heartfelt and emotional as Cora shares her journey to motherhood with us.
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Chriselle Lim on Balancing Motherhood and a Career Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Chriselle Lim joins us today to talk about the challenges of balancing motherhood and a career. She shares her experience as a working mom and mother of two young girls with us, highlighting her innovative childcare solution, Bumo. We discuss Bumo, which is a childcare solution that also offers date night care service, as well as educational programs for children. We discuss the importance of spending quality time with your children. Chriselle talks about her feelings of mom guilt while managing her professional responsibilities. Chriselle emphasizes the need for support for working parents and the importance of creating a nurturing environment for both children and parents. Our conversation is insightful, positive, exciting, and supportive as Chriselle talks about the unique balancing act many parents are so familiar with.
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Camila Alves McConaughey on Picky Eating Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

Camila Alves McConaughey joins us today to share her new book, “Just Try One Bite”. Her new book is a hilarious take on picky eating with adults. Camila shares her journey in the kitchen, her experiences as a mother, and her efforts to introduce her children to healthy foods with us. She shares numerous insights on making cooking enjoyable for both adults and children, and she highlights the importance of involving children in the kitchen to foster a positive relationship with food. Throughout our conversation, Camila shares creative strategies for overcoming picky eating. She encourages parents to keep things simple and to engage their children in discussions about food choices. Our conversation is insightful, positive, and empowering as Camila shares invaluable advice about picky eating.
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Breaking the Postpartum Silence: How Anya is Redefining Recovery with Jane Baecher Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

This episode was recorded before my baby arrived, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you!
Days before I had my baby, I spoke with Jane Baecher, founder of Anya, about the profound lack of support for mothers during the postpartum period—a gap that inspired her to create a company focused on healing and recovery. Anya was born from Jane’s personal postpartum struggles and her realization that many mothers are left to navigate this challenging phase alone, with little guidance or resources.
In our conversation, Jane shares how Anya addresses this white space by providing tools, products, and information that support moms during the weeks, months, and even years after birth. We discuss everything from societal stigmas around postpartum recovery to the importance of nourishment, rest, and self-care. Jane also explains how traditions from other cultures inspired her approach, creating solutions that truly prioritize the well-being of mothers.
This episode is a powerful reminder of the changes we need to see in postpartum care and how one company is working to redefine recovery for moms everywhere.
Shop Anya here: https://amzn.to/41FdEiE
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Brooklyn Decker on Maternal Health and Postpartum Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Brooklyn Decker joins us today to share her postpartum and motherhood experiences. She shares the challenges many women face with pregnancy and postpartum care. Brooklyn speaks about the lack of preparation many women face regarding maternal health, particularly the physical and emotional aspects of giving birth. Brooklyn shares about her collaboration with Bodily, a brand dedicated to supporting mothers. Throughout our conversation, Brooklyn emphasizes the importance of open and honest conversations about maternal health, as well as better support for new mothers. We discuss the important topic of maternal mortality and why it is important for moms to share their experiences with others. Brooklyn shares her impactful motherhood experience with us all, aiming to destigmatize the challenges of motherhood while promoting better care for mothers.
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Building Boundaries and Raising Resilient Kids with Dr. Becky Kennedy Dec 12, 2024

Show notes

This episode was recorded before my baby arrived, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you!
This week on BDA Baby, we sit down with Dr. Becky Kennedy to tackle some of the biggest parenting challenges today. With the holidays approaching, many of us struggle with setting boundaries for our kids—especially with family. Dr. Becky offers a fresh perspective, reframing boundaries as something we will do rather than placing expectations on others.
We also dive into the challenges of managing technology with kids and how to keep them safe in today’s digital world. Dr. Becky introduces us to her company, Good Inside, which offers valuable resources to help parents raise resilient, confident kids in an ever-changing world.
Tune in for a practical and empowering conversation just in time for the holidays!
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Maegan Brown (The BakerMama) on Cooking with Children Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

Maegan Brown, better known as The BakerMama, joins us today to discuss her new book Brilliant Bites: 75 Amazing Small Bites for Any Occasion. Maegan talks to us about her journey in the culinary world and how she involves the whole family in the kitchen! She speaks about the importance of involving children in cooking from a young age. Maegan encourages parents to create a welcoming kitchen environment where kids can participate in meal preparation. Maegan shares how the recipes in her new book are designed to be approachable and customizable, making them even suitable for picky eaters!
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

BDA Baby (Before, During and After Baby)

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected