

Mother Up
Gianna DeMedio Simon and Kacie McDonnell Hosmer
We’re Kacie and Gianna: gal pals, champagne lovers, and two moms who think motherhood is the most rewarding job we’ve ever had. But, man, were we not prepared for some of the fine print in the job description. Specifically, balancing being a mom and being YOU. It seems society only allows women to be sexy OR covered in spit-up. But WE want to be both. We want a connection with our children and partner that doesn’t come at the cost of the relationship with our own selves. We want to feel confident, beautiful, strong, vulnerable, nurturing, and bold.
The connections we’ve made through our careers in media and our propensity to being social butterflies and collecting friends wherever we go means we’ll bring you a wide range of guests that will add value to your physical, mental, and emotional toolbox.
We’re so glad you’re here. Now let’s Mother Up!
The connections we’ve made through our careers in media and our propensity to being social butterflies and collecting friends wherever we go means we’ll bring you a wide range of guests that will add value to your physical, mental, and emotional toolbox.
We’re so glad you’re here. Now let’s Mother Up!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2024 • 55min
Lead the Way: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Confident Kids
Are you tired of feeling overwhelmed by your child's behavior? You're not alone. Parenting can be a rollercoaster, but it doesn’t have to be a battle.
This week, Join K&G as they explore the art of Leadership Parenting with expert Lisa Bunnage.
Lisa, the ultimate brat buster and parenting coach, will share her proven strategies for building strong, respectful relationships with kids of all ages. Discover how to maintain authority while nurturing your child's growth.
Topics discussed include:
The core principles of Leadership Parenting
The power of consistency and setting boundaries
Essential tips for navigating the teenage years
The importance of delayed gratification and effective discipline
The subtle differences between maternal and paternal roles
Balancing leadership with nurturing
Lisa's top-rated advice for parenting toddlers
Get ready to transform your parenting journey and create a happier, healthier family dynamic!
Resources:
Brat Busters Website
Lisa on Instagram
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/

Jul 29, 2024 • 1h 4min
Pediatrician Shares Integrative Approach to Medicine, Social Media, and Development
This week on Mother Up, we're breaking down the conventional approach to pediatric care with the revolutionary Dr. Joel Warsh M.D.
As a pioneer in integrative pediatrics and medicine, Dr. Warsh challenges the one-size-fits-all model, emphasizing the unique needs of every mom and child. He will walk us through vaccination facts, why nourishing your child from the inside out is key to lifelong health, and best practices for the basics of child care.
We'll delve into the SEEDS approach, the magic of probiotics, and how to navigate the overwhelming world of social media while protecting your mental well-being.
Plus, get expert advice on prenatal nutrition to set your baby up for a healthy start!
Topics discussed include:
Delayed vaccine schedule
What can people find by reading Dr. Joel’s book?
It’s not going to be always a one-size-fits-all for parents or the kids
What is the SEEDS approach?
Probiotics for kids
Social media are driving adults into mental health issues
It’s important that we spend a lot of money on our food to avoid chronic diseases
How do you see the landscape of pediatric care evolving and changing?
What do you eat when pregnant?
Resources:
Parenting At Your Child’s Pace by Dr. Joel Warsh
Dr. Joel’s Website
Dr. Joel’s Instagram
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/

Jul 22, 2024 • 47min
Confidence in Relationships: Our Love Stories, The Turbulence, and How We Got Back On Track
Gianna and Kacie are here this week with an audience request on relationships! They’re spilling the tea on how they met their husbands, the “breaks” they took along the way, and what it really takes to feel secure in your love life. From self-love to setting boundaries, they’re covering it all.
And, they’ll make you think twice about going on that second date. Get ready for some girl talk and cute love stories! Listen now.
Topics discussed include:
Do you start with self confidence or confidence in your relationships?
Setting the parameters on how you run your life
Redefining confidence and success
Overcoming tough decisions in your relationship
“What if this is your last first date?”
Is there no such thing as a second date?
Doubts in a relationship
How do you gain confidence in the relationship again after getting back together?
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/

Jul 15, 2024 • 1h 9min
Beyond the Pill - What They're Not Telling You About Birth Control
We’ve taken it, you’ve probably taken it, EVERYONE knows about it… but do we really know the truth about birth control? This episode we welcome a guest who has dedicated years of her life to exposing the secrets an truths about the pill.
Abby Epstein is a film director who knows what's up. We're talking hormones, cycles, and the pill's impact on everything from PCOS and endometriosis to diabetes, heart disease, and even depression.
But that's not all! Abby's here to debunk those pesky period myths and shed light on hormonal imbalances before and after pregnancy. Plus, get ready for a surprising parenting strategy that you need to hear. Know better, and do better. Listen now.
Topics discussed include:
What's the real deal with the pill? Explore how it works beyond just preventing pregnancy.
Period myths debunked! Enough of the confusion, let's get the facts straight.
The pill and health: Can it impact other health conditions?
Hormonal roller coaster? Pre and post-pregnancy imbalances and how common they are.
The surprising key to parenting: Benign neglect? Buckle up for an unexpected parenting strategy!
Resources:
Sweetening the Pill by Holly Grigg Spall
The Business of Birth Control
The Business of Being Born
Connect with Abby Epstein
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/

Jul 8, 2024 • 34min
50 Episodes Stronger: Mother Up!'s Best of the Best
It's a milestone celebration for the pod! Kacie and Gianna are popping the bubbly (mom-mosa for Kacie) as they hit episode 50. This special episode is a look back on their podcasting journey as moms, friends and no colleagues!
They reminisce about the incredible guests, the hilarious (and sometimes tearful) moments, and the biggest lessons they've learned along the way. They'll also share some of the most impactful takeaways you shared, reminding us all why this supportive mom community is so special.
Let's raise a toast to 50 episodes of real talk, laughter, and the incredible journey of motherhood together! WAY MORE TO COME!
Topics discussed include:
Feeling a sense of community and safe space in the podcast
K & G’s biggest takeaway of working together
Mother Up Merch? Yes please!!
Upcoming guests
Our fav lessons we’ve learned
Always ask questions, don’t take anything at face value
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/

Jul 1, 2024 • 57min
Redefining Success and Shifting Perspectives on Achievement in Motherhood
Buckle up, moms! Kacie and Gianna are redefining "success" through the wild and wonderful lens of motherhood. They'll dish on the toddler trenches – the chaos, the wins, and how they stay sane (or try, at least) through it all.
They’re going deep on the vision of success, the happiness connection, and why quality time with your loved ones (and yourself) matters most. Let's build a support system, ditch the guilt, and find joy in the journey. Tune in and reimagine your path to a more fulfilling life.
Topics discussed include:
Surviving the toddler trenches.
How to redefine success by celebrating small wins?
What is your vision of success?
Success can correlate with happiness, not money
Motherhood shares surprising parallels with mortality
Success is about having the flexibility and quality time with the people you love
Success can also be helping your community
Has there been a rise in depression because societal expectations of success aren't leading to fulfilling lives?
Do it because it brings happiness to others
Two mindsets for success: Growth Mindset and Fixed Mindset
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
We are BIG BELIEVERS in therapy here at Mother Up. Let our sponsor BetterHelp connect you to a therapist who can support you - all from the comfort of your own home. Visit https://betterhelp.com/motherup and enjoy a special discount on your first month.
If you have any questions about the brand relating to how the therapists are licensed, their privacy policy, or therapist compensation model, check out this FAQ: https://www.betterhelp.com/your-questions-answered/

Jun 24, 2024 • 1h 3min
Gender Roles, Relationship Dynamics and Embracing Femininity in a Masculine-Dominated Society with Monica Yates
This week we’re joined by trauma healer, embodiment coach, and period whisperer Monica Yates to discuss the challenges of balancing motherhood with personal identity, the importance of embracing one's femininity, and the weight of societal expectations. Over the last 7 years, Monica has become an expert in helping women step out of their masculine armor, tap into their core feminine desires, and live a life in alignment. Through the use of trauma healing, inner child healing, womb clearing, womb activation, subconscious reprogramming, embodiment, somatic work, and other modalities, she has helped thousands of women heal their cycle, reconnect with their period, break their trauma cycles and no longer be triggered by their past.
Topics discussed include:
The importance of not resenting oneself or one's partner in a relationship
The connection between bedroom desires and real-life dynamics
Strategies for effective communication and expressing needs in relationships
The power of saying no and fostering a safe, respectful environment
Addressing misconceptions of feminine behavior and creating supportive environments
Exploring the impact of societal pressures on women's mental and physical health
The controversial views on gender roles and the maternity vs. gender pay gap
Embracing traditional values while managing a non-traditional lifestyle
Addressing childhood experiences and societal influences on personal identity
Practical advice on finding balance and maintaining identity in motherhood
Connect with Monica:
https://monicayateshealth.com/
https://www.instagram.com/monicayateshealth/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWLeWRWbV3uuP7Os96UzVow
https://monicayateshealth.com/pages/feminine-as-fuck-the-podcast
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com

Jun 17, 2024 • 55min
The Weight of Mom Guilt: Strategies for Self-Care and Compassion
Kacie and Gianna discuss a topic that can likely resonate with all moms and that is mom guilt. They explore the pressures of balancing motherhood, personal well-being, and societal expectations. From confronting negative self-talk to the impact of social media (and keeping up with the Joneses), this episode is a must-listen for any parent feeling overwhelmed. They also touch on the often-overlooked "dad guilt" and discuss actionable self-care tips. Tune in to hear more on coping mechanisms when it comes to mom guilt and strategies to find peace amidst the chaos of parenting.
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com

Jun 3, 2024 • 1h
The Neurodivergent Mom: Managing ADHD for Better Parenting with Patricia Sung
Struggling with intrusive thoughts, postpartum anxiety, and frequent hobby hopping? Is it hormones or are you neurodivergent? On this week's episode, Patricia Sung dives into the unique challenges moms with ADHD face, offering insights and support to help them feel seen and understood. As an ADHD mom herself, Patricia Sung shares what it looks like to navigate adult ADHD and provides practical strategies to confidently manage family life. She hosts Motherhood in ADHD, a Top 5 Parenting podcast, where she encourages moms with relatable stories and actionable advice. She is a hobby-hopping, anxious adventurer, willing to try almost anything once.
Topics discussed include:
- How ADHD affects motherhood
- How we can be successful with our ADHD through motherhood or any goal
- What it means to hobby hop (a common ADHD characteristic)
- Hyperfixation and Emotional Receptivity
- Engaging in creative activities for therapeutic benefits and managing ADHD
- Navigating ADHD in professional settings
- Non-medical strategies for managing ADHD symptoms
- How environmental factors and emotional upbringing influence emotional receptivity in individuals with ADHD
Connect with Patricia:
www.motherhoodinadhd.com
www.instagram.com/motherhoodinadhd
www.facebook.com/motherhoodinadhd
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com

May 27, 2024 • 53min
Swimwear, Sunblock, and Safety: The Mother Up Guide to a Safe and Fun Summer
Squirrely girls are back and talking about all things summer safety as we officially enter the warm weather season! Kacie and Gianna dive into discussions on water hazards, the importance of swimwear visibility, and personal experiences with water activities. From planning summer getaways to a fun game of summer trivia, this episode is packed with tips and insights to keep your summer safe. So, grab your SPF, put on your favorite swimsuit, and tune in for a fun and informative episode on staying safe and enjoying the sunny season ahead!
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com


