In this episode Adri sits down with Lauren Puliz, Licensed Marriage and Family therapist and founder of Millennial Mama Therapy, to dive into the emotional and mental shifts that come with parenthood. Lauren shares her journey through matrescence, the complex and often misunderstood process of becoming a mother, and how it inspired her to create a practice that supports moms navigating this life-altering transformation.

Lauren opens up about her own experience as a pandemic mom and the shocking reality of postpartum life—revealing the immense impact of identity shifts, isolation, and lack of support that many mothers face. Together, they discuss why it’s crucial to address the needs of new parents with empathy and community care, and why we need a village to support the postpartum journey.

In this heart-to-heart conversation, they tackle topics like the “fourth trimester,” baby blues vs. postpartum depression, and the cultural expectations placed on mothers to have it all together. Lauren also sheds light on the brutiful (brutal + beautiful) realities of parenthood and provides practical ways for friends, family, and therapists to support new parents in meaningful ways.

Whether you’re a new parent, a friend to someone expecting, or simply interested in learning more about maternal mental health, this episode is a powerful reminder that motherhood is both hard and beautiful—and that no one should have to do it alone.

Guest Bio

Lauren Pulis is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Millennial Mama Therapy, a private practice focused on maternal mental health. Inspired by her own motherhood journey, Lauren now specializes in supporting new and expecting moms as they navigate matrescence and the transformative, often challenging transition into parenthood. Lauren is passionate about creating spaces where parents feel seen, supported, and empowered to embrace all parts of their experience.

Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millennial_mama_therapy/

Website: https://millennialmamatherapy.com/

Resources:

Postpartum Support International (PSI) for maternal mental health resources and training for providers: https://www.postpartum.net/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Lauren’s Journey

03:15 - The Realities of Postpartum: Baby Blues vs. Depression

08:30 - Matrescence: The Emotional Transition into Motherhood

12:00 - Building a Village: Why Moms Need Support

15:20 - Navigating Identity Shifts and Rediscovering Self

18:45 - Cultural Expectations and Gender Roles in Parenting

23:10 - Understanding the “Fourth Trimester” 26:30 - Breaking the Silence on Maternal Mental Health

31:00 - How the Village Can Show Up for New Moms

36:15 - Tips for Therapists Working with New Parents

41:30 - Addressing the Myth of “Having It All Together”

46:00 - Final Reflections on the Brutiful Realities of Parenthood

In this episode, Adri sits down with Naomi Fierro Peña, a soulful artist, community curator, and the founder of That Art Party, a space for BIPOC adults to engage in creative play as a form of self-care and liberation. 🌿

Naomi shares her journey from being a teacher burned out by the pressures of white supremacy culture to creating a business focused on using art, creativity, and play to foster healing and connection in the BIPOC community. The conversation delves into the importance of reclaiming creativity as adults, breaking free from the pressures of perfectionism and internalized capitalism, and creating spaces where creativity doesn’t have to be monetized or productive—it can simply be joyful and healing. 🎨

They explore how That Art Party offers BIPOC adults a safe space to reconnect with their creativity, form meaningful connections, and heal through community and play. Naomi also highlights the importance of collaboration with other BIPOC artists, and how her events foster a sense of belonging, freedom, and self-expression.

This episode will resonate with anyone who’s felt disconnected from their creativity, wants to embrace play, or is looking for community-driven spaces that center healing and joy.

Guest Bio:

Naomi Fierr-Peña is a soulful artist, community curator, and the founder of That Art Party, an art and play space for BIPOC adults. With over 10 years of experience as a teacher, Naomi now focuses on creating transformative and liberatory experiences through creative playdates, bringing healing and joy to her community through art.

Links:

Website https://www.thatartparty.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/that.art.party/

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Naomi’s Journey

04:30 - Burnout and Breaking Free from White Supremacy Culture

08:00 - Creating That Art Party: Art as Liberation

11:30 - The Importance of Creative Play for Healing

16:00 - Internalized Capitalism and Creativity

19:45 - The Healing Power of Play for BIPOC Adults

24:15 - Art as a Tool for Mental Health

28:30 - Building Community Through Creative Play

33:10 - Intentional Living and Curating Meaningful Spaces

39:00 - The Power of Parallel Play and Collaboration

45:00 - Growing Up in San Francisco’s Mission District and Its Influence on Art

50:00 - Final Thoughts: Returning to Your Inner Child"

In this conversation, Adri and Lupe dive into their podcast journey and the concept of 'señorahood,' reclaiming and redefining what it means to embrace adulthood with confidence and authenticity. They share reflections on self-acceptance, self-awareness, and how they’ve learned to set boundaries while embracing creativity and play.

Adri and Lupe discuss the challenges of friendships in adulthood, including the need for intentionality and boundaries to maintain healthy, reciprocal relationships. They also explore the role of social media in connecting with others and finding joy in shared interests.

Together, they reflect on the pressures of internalized capitalism and how to navigate self-worth beyond money or recognition. Lupe opens up about her journey of balancing self-care with nurturing a home environment and the importance of embracing change and aging as part of building community and connection.

Guest Bio:

Lupe Nambo is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and owner of Luna Counseling in Sacramento, California. With a passion for fostering healing through a decolonial, intersectional, and anti-racist approach, Lupe provides a safe and inclusive space for all, while focusing on supporting communities of color.

As a first-generation Latina and daughter of immigrants, Lupe’s journey deeply informs her work, helping clients navigate systemic inequalities and heal from generational trauma.

Outside of her work, Lupe proudly identifies as a certified chillona (crier) with a dash of neuro-spicy flair. You’ll often find her Bookstagramming, crafting creations, cuddling her fur babies, and chasing all of her passions—one tear at a time.

Links:

Website:

https://www.luna-counseling.com/en/home

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/luna_counseling/ and https://www.instagram.com/libros.de.lupe/

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Podcasting

02:30 Exploring Señorahood 06:29 Embracing Identity

09:19 Owning Señorahood

13:54 Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance

17:24 Setting Boundaries and Prioritizing Self-Care

21:07 Cultivating Creativity and Play

25:20 The Role of Reading in Their Lives

28:14 Navigating Friendships: Creating Boundaries and Being Intentional

32:21 The Role of Social Media in Connecting with Others

34:12 Being Open to New Friendships While Prioritizing Time and Energy

36:19 Mutual Understanding and Reciprocity in Healthy Relationships

48:25 Embracing Change and Aging as Part of the Journey

50:54 Cultivating Community and Connection