The Mom Room

Thursday May 21 2026: Welcome back to The Mom Room! In today’s solo episode, I’m diving into one of the most misunderstood topics online: parenting “data.”
After seeing endless debates and ignorant comments surrounding Tuesday's episode with Emily Oster, I wanted to explain what people actually mean when they reference “the data.” Spoiler alert: it’s not one magical study that tells parents how to raise their kids. I break down how research typically works, why the public gets flooded with misleading clickbait headlines from single studies, and how nuance completely disappears once parenting conversations hit the internet.
I also talk about why certain parenting topics trigger such intense emotional reactions, and why I think so much of it is connected to identity, guilt, societal pressure, and the impossible standards placed on mothers.
Then we switch gears into a very personal rant about perimenopause symptoms that completely blindsided me. Sensitive skin? Perioral dermatitis? Melasma? Apparently hormones can wreak havoc in ways I had absolutely no idea about. If you’ve been feeling like your body is suddenly doing strange things for no apparent reason… this conversation might make you feel a little less alone.
As always, this episode is honest, unfiltered, educational, and sprinkled with a healthy amount of ranting. Enjoy!
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Emily Oster, CEO of ParentData, mom of two, economics professor, author of Expecting Better, Crib Sheet, and The Family Firm, joins The Mom Room this week to discuss how data-driven parenting is needed in today's online world full of flashy headlines and anxious parents. As an economist focused on social policy, Emily dives into research around TTC, pregnancy, and parenting, and interprets studies through a thoughtful, nuanced lens. She shares with Renee her findings about breastfeeding, jumpstarting labor, screen time, extracurricular activities, bed rest, and more. If you're a parent trying to keep up with the ever-changing information online and find themselves googling at 2am "what are the effects of ____ on my child?" - this episode is for you!

FOLLOW EMILY
@profemilyoster
Parentdata.org

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Thursday May 14th, 2026: There’s a part of the mental load that no one really talks about… your own thoughts. The constant questioning. The nonstop noise. The invisible checklist running through your brain 24/7.
In today’s solo episode, I talk about a bit of an epiphany I had recently: why am I working so much? Somewhere along the way, I slipped into full workaholic mode and started prioritizing productivity over the things I’m constantly stressed about “neglecting”, home cooked meals, organizing the house, quality time with family, maintaining friendships, slowing down, and actually enjoying my life.
So this summer? I’m embracing a bare minimum summer. Doing what truly needs to get done and letting the rest go. Because I only get one summer where Milo is 7 years old, and honestly? This might be my favourite age yet. The BEST. I don’t want to miss it because I was too busy answering emails or chasing productivity for no reason.
I also get into the exhausting mental gymnastics of motherhood and womanhood… the constant second guessing, guilt, overthinking, and pressure to optimize everything. Why does my brain work like this? Why does it feel like moms carry around so much unnecessary noise in our heads? And why do I know for a fact my husband is not spiraling over whether we’ve done enough reading practice this week?
If your brain also feels like 47 tabs are open at all times, this episode is for you. Enjoy!
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Therapist and mom, Mika Ross, joins Renee this week on The Mom Room for a relatable, honest, non-therapy babble talk about parenting and relationships. In working with couples, Mika has learned the most common types of issues that come up, especially when the couple has children. Mika and Renee discuss parenting a child with ADHD, standards for mothers vs. fathers, resentment, and co-managing parenting, especially in heterosexual relationships where gender roles often present themselves. Mika brings a wealth of knowledge and relatability to this conversation, and answers questions around relationship conflict, including intimacy issues, with real, tangible tools that anyone can take value from. Thank you Mika for joining us and if you enjoyed this conversation, check her out in the links below!

FOLLOW MIKA
IG: @mikaross.therapist
Mika's website

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
Quince - Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/MOMROOM for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.

Wayfair - Get prepped for patio season for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

Little Spoon - Try Little Spoon Formula with their 2 can trial pack (Buy 1, Get 1 free - that’s $30 for 2 cans), which is great if you’re easing into the transition. That’s LittleSpoon.com/TRYFORMULA

Time4Learning - Curious if Time4Learning is right for your family? Visit time4learning.com to explore their curriculum and find the perfect plan for your student. You can get started with a monthly subscription to see just how much your kids enjoy learning on their own terms.

BioOptimizers - If you’re ready to feel more rested, head to https://bioptimizers.com/momroom and use my exclusive code MOMROOM to get 15% off any order.

Perelel - New customers can use code MOMROOM and get 20% off your first order at perelelhealth.com/momroom.

Merit Beauty - Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com.

Skims - Shop Everyday Cotton, and all of my favorite bras and underwear at http://www.skims.com/momroom #skimspartner

FOLLOW RENEE REINA
Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina
TikTok: @thereneereina
Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community
YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast
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May 7th 2026: Ever taken an imitation NyQuil thinking “how different could it really be?” Well… apparently VERY different. In today’s solo episode of The Mom Room, I recap the recent cold that absolutely took me out and the off-brand nighttime cold medicine that somehow managed to derail my entire night instead of helping me sleep. Turns out the non-medicinal ingredients matter more than I ever knew, and I have thoughts.
I also share my honest review of Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden. This review may ruffle a few feathers, but if you know me, you know I can’t fake enthusiasm for a book that didn’t land for me. Let’s discuss.
Plus, I answer a few listener questions, including: what’s one small thing lately that has brought you an unexpected amount of joy? A simple question with surprisingly wholesome answers.
A chaotic cold, questionable pharmaceuticals, controversial book opinions, and tiny joyful moments, a pretty accurate representation of life lately. Enjoy!
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