Sometimes the most powerful preparation isn’t for the birth you want—it’s for the one you might actually have.

This week, we host labor & delivery nurse, advocate, and author Jen Hamilton to talk about her debut book Birth Vibes—and wow…we were not emotionally prepared (in the best way). Birth Vibes fills the void between books that explain pregnancy and parenting books. That between space? Actually bringing your baby into the world? THIS IS THE BOOK to help you prepare for the decisions you may need to make in those important, and sometimes scary, moments.

As a nurse, Jen has spent over a decade in ER and obstetrics, supporting families through some of the most vulnerable, intense, and life-changing moments imaginable. In this conversation, she shares how her concept of “birth vibes”—a blend of your values, preferences, and vision—can help you advocate for yourself and feel grounded, even when things don’t go according to plan.

We talk about:

• Why informed consent is more than just a signature—it’s true understanding
• How nurses (and patients) can balance information without overwhelm
• The importance of connection before checklists in medical spaces
• What it actually looks like to advocate for patients—even when it’s uncomfortable
• The reality of systemic racism in maternal healthcare and why it must be addressed
• Preparing not just for your ideal birth—but for the unexpected, too

Jen also shares behind-the-scenes stories from writing her book (including what didn’t make it in), how her own birth experience shaped her work, and why honoring all birth stories—including loss—was non-negotiable.

And we have to say…this book unlocked something for us. Whether you’re currently pregnant, supporting someone who is, or still processing a past birth experience—this conversation (and Jen’s work) offers language, clarity, and a whole lot of healing.

This episode is for:

• Expectant parents
• Birth partners and support people
• Anyone who has ever had a complicated or confusing birth experience
• Healthcare providers who want to lead with more compassion and connection
• Anyone who loves Jen Hamilton’s humor and voice

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about birth—it’s about being seen, heard, and respected in your most vulnerable moments.

Links:
Purchase Birth Vibes
Jen Hamilton Website
Jen Insta, TikTok, Youtube

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Before we even get to today’s topic, Anne & Sarabeth find themselves on a meaningful side quest—talking about how we support our kids’ safety when it comes to consent and bodily autonomy. Whew…nothing like easing in with a “light” topic.

From there, we explore the idea of peace (not peas 😉), inspired by a recent Peace Walk—including one we did with our own kiddos on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

And because this is us, we don’t stay in one lane for long—touching on everything from birth plans to personal finance to navigating truth in an age of AI and digital fakes. It’s a little winding, a lot real, and exactly the kind of conversation we hope makes you feel less alone.

A few takeaways on peace:
• Some forms of peace are a privilege.
• It’s okay to take a break—for your own mental peace—when you can.
• Fight for something, not just against something.
• Peace is powerful—and it requires strength.• And sometimes…silence can be bought with cosmic brownies 🤣

Links:

Don’t hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It)

The Breaking News

Mama’s Gonna Make It Episode 5: Dear Theo

Mama’s Gonna Make It Episode 43:Resilient Parents for Thriving Kids with Deb Armstrong Branch

Walk for Peace

Crayola Colors of the World Skin Tone Crayons

Work with The Podfather Tim Beeman! Book now

A couple clarifications:

• Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City. Not Mondavi… the winery 😅Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself.

• We mention interviewing Isabel Sanchez of MES Financial Coaching- that finance themed episode will be released later in season along with our Creativity Episode! 🤩

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Sometimes the hardest part of anything is getting started.

Ashley Honbarrier eliminates that barrier to growing your own food with her nonprofit Happy Roots—providing therapeutic horticulture to communities of all ages, from 2 to 102 and beyond.

In this episode, we talk about what happens when access meets intention… and how something as simple as a garden box can shift not just what we eat, but how we feel.

Ashley shares ​about Earth Day Jam and how it led to the creation of Happy Roots—a nonprofit now serving schools, families, and communities through hands-on, nature-based education.

We get into:

• how Happy Roots began and why removing barriers matters
• “dirt therapy” and the real mental health benefits of getting outside
• the power of school gardens (and why kids will try what they grow)
• simple, approachable ways to start gardening—especially if you feel overwhelmed
• what it looks like to garden with kids, communities, and across generations
• how growing something can build patience, confidence, and connection

This conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t need all the answers. And you definitely don’t need a green thumb.

You just have to start.

About Ashley:

Ashley Honbarrier is the Founder and Executive Director of Happy Roots, a North Carolina–based nonprofit focused on school gardens, sustainable agriculture, and therapeutic horticulture. She also serves on the North Carolina School Garden Network Advisory Board and is the founder of Earth Day Jam.

For nearly a decade, she has helped communities connect to their food, support mental health, and build stronger local systems through hands-on education and gardening access.

​Links:

• Happy Roots: https://www.happyrootsnc.org/
• Earth Day Jam: https://earthdayjamnc.com/
• ​Samantha Fox @mothersfinesturbanfarm
• ​Link to garden kit form

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit