Chick Chat

Have you ever started a new habit feeling completely motivated, only to fall off a few days or weeks later and wonder, “Why can’t I ever stick with anything?”

I can totally relate, and if you're a mom... you might feel the same, too. For so many moms, we need to know that the answer isn’t a lack of discipline. Perfectionism, overwhelm, unrealistic expectations, and the way we’ve been taught to approach habits can really make lasting change much harder than it needs to be.

In this episode of Chick Chat, I sit down with Monica Packer, habit and identity coach, host of the About Progress podcast, and author of the book Sticky Habits. As a recovering perfectionist and mom of five, Monica knows firsthand how difficult it can be to pursue personal growth while managing the demands of motherhood.

Together, we discuss:

Why so many women struggle to make habits stick

The “hidden habit saboteur” that may be getting in your way

Why self-care can feel almost impossible for busy moms

What we’ve been taught wrong about building habits

What actually makes a habit sustainable

Monica’s five categories of Sticky Habits

Where to start when you’ve tried routines before and nothing seems to last

How one tiny shift can begin creating real momentum

What to remember when you’re convinced you simply aren’t disciplined enough

If you’re tired of starting over or feeling like you have to completely overhaul your life to make progress, this conversation offers a much more realistic way forward for us women.

Learn more about Monica and her work at aboutprogress.com and follow her on Instagram @aboutprogress.

🎧 Tune in to hear how you can let go of perfectionism, work with the life you actually have, and finally build habits that stick.
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Naming your baby is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in the early years as a parent (and one of the most emotional). Some people have names picked out since childhood. Others scroll baby name lists for hours, feeling totally overwhelmed because they haven't found "the right one." And once you add in opinions from your partner, your in-laws, and your fourth cousin twice removed… it’s a lot.

That’s why we’re so excited to share this week’s episode of Chick Chat, where we’re talking all things baby names with professional baby name consultant (yes, that’s a real thing!) Colleen Slagen, founder of Naming Bebe.

Colleen is a former nurse practitioner turned viral baby-naming expert whose work has been featured on NPR, Today, The Washington Post, and ABC News. With a unique blend of research, psychology, and creativity, she helps parents find names they genuinely love — names that feel meaningful, stylish, and totally “them.”

Whether you're naming your first baby or trying to match a sibling set without sounding cheesy, Colleen’s insights will help you feel way less stressed and way more confident. In this episode, we cover:


What a baby name consultant actually does (and why it’s not just for celebrities)


How to start the name search when nothing feels right


What to do when you and your partner can't agree on a name


Naming siblings without being too matchy-matchy


How to pick a name that grows with your child


Baby name "drama" — like when someone steals your favorite name


Tips for handling family pressure or traditions


The top baby name trends of the moment


Common naming regrets (and how to avoid them!)

If you’re in the middle of name-storming (or just love talking about baby names as much as we do), this episode is such a fun listen. Colleen’s advice is practical, thoughtful, and filled with ideas to help you pick a name that you’ll love and be proud of for years to come.

And don’t forget to follow Colleen at @namingbebe, visit namingbebe.com for naming services and inspiration, and check out our SHOW NOTES for more details about the episode!
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Starting solids is a major milestone, but it can also be one of the most confusing times for new parents. When should you start? What foods are best? And how do you keep things safe and enjoyable?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Krupa Playforth, board-certified pediatrician and founder of Warm Heart Pediatrics, known online as @thepediatricianmom. With her signature blend of clinical expertise and relatable, real-mom advice, Dr. Playforth breaks down everything you need to know about introducing solids, whether you’re going the puree route, trying baby-led feeding, or somewhere in between.

We cover:


Signs your baby is ready for solids


How to reduce choking risks


The biggest myths about baby-led feeding


Creating positive mealtime experiences


Easy, nutrient-rich foods to start with


Tips to prevent picky eating from day one

If you’ve been feeling nervous or unsure about starting solids with your baby, this episode will leave you feeling informed, supported, and ready to move forward with confidence.

Listen now & check out more at our SHOW NOTES!
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Think big feelings are just for toddlers? Think again.

In this episode, emotional development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell joins me to explore how to raise emotionally intelligent and connected kids, especially during the often-overlooked elementary years.

Together, they dive into:


Why big kids still have big feelings (and what to do about it)


Nervous system regulation and how it impacts behavior


Signs of dysregulation in parents and children


Alyssa’s F.A.C.T.S. acronym for staying calm in hard moments


The 5-step CEP Method to support emotion processing


Simple mindset shifts that help you connect instead of react

Whether your child is dealing with defiance, anxiety, or meltdowns, or you’re just feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers tools, compassion, and clarity for the emotional ride of parenting.

Learn more about Alyssa’s work at seedandsew.org and follow her on Instagram at @seed.and.sew. For all the SHOW NOTES, go to: https://www.baby-chick.com/big-kids-bigger-feelings-podcast/
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Grief in motherhood isn’t always about the loss of a loved one. Sometimes it’s the quiet ache of losing parts of yourself... the identity you once had, the dreams you imagined, or the version of motherhood you thought you’d live.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with Mel Parent, nurse practitioner, fitness instructor, and founder of The Hive Method, to talk about the hidden grief many mothers carry and how it affects our minds, our bodies, and our ability to show up in daily life. After losing her own mother, Mel brings a deeply personal perspective to this conversation and offers science-backed, heart-forward guidance on moving from survival mode to feeling fully alive again.

We’re unpacking:


The different types of grief in motherhood (and why it’s more common than you think)


How unprocessed emotions can show up as physical symptoms and burnout


The duality of grief — holding space for both joy and pain


How movement and nervous system support can be powerful tools for healing


Small, sustainable shifts that help you feel grounded, strong, and like yourself again

Whether you’re deep in a hard season or walking alongside someone who is, this episode will remind you: you are not broken, you are not alone, and healing is possible.
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