Chez Nenen… The Podcast
Chez Nenen (“At Godmother’s House”) we gather, we laugh, we learn, and sometimes we cry. No matter why you’ve come, it’s always a feast, and we’re glad you’re here to join us Chez Nenen.
So come on in. The door is open.
Chez NENEN Episode 6 - Honesty and Intentionality: A Sister’s Support and the Power of Community (w/ Frances Bellegarde)
In this heartfelt episode with my dear friend, Frances, we dive deep into the complexities of human resources, the power of community, and the profound journey of postpartum. Frances shares her personal experiences supporting her sister through postpartum, highlighting the importance of intentionality, empathy, and unwavering support. Discover how Frances (a passionate champion of people, process, and purpose) navigates her professional life in HR and her personal role as a dedicated aunt, embodying the spirit of a "maternal benefactor" for her niece and nephew. This conversation explores the essence of building strong family bonds, fostering a supportive community, and facing life's challenges with faith and resilience.
Chez NENEN Episode 5 - Love and Loss: The Role of Compassion and Empathy for Postpartum Parents of Babies in the NICU (w/ Dr. Jess Daigle)
In this episode of the Chez NENEN podcast, Dr. Jess Daigle, a NICU Hospitalist, shares her journey into medicine, the challenges of parenting preterm babies, and the importance of compassion in healthcare. She discusses her personal postpartum experiences, including loss, and how they have shaped her approach to supporting families in the NICU. Dr. Jess emphasizes the need for strong support systems for postpartum families transitioning from the NICU to home and her future aspirations to create a community for NICU families. Our conversation highlights the significance of language and communication in healthcare, as well as balance between one’s professional and personal life.
Chez NENEN Episode 4 - Living Out Legacy: How Much Good Can Happen When Family Steps into the Postpartum Journey with You? (w/ Elizabeth “Liz” Johnson)
In this episode of Chez NENEN, Liz and I explore the often-unspoken realities of postpartum life, the challenges of balancing motherhood and ambition, and the profound journey of building a lasting legacy.
Liz - a wife, a mother of four, and a successful financial and tax advisor - shares her personal struggles with postpartum depression after her youngest, and the pivotal moment when she realized the importance of self-care. She recounts how her mother-in-law's unwavering support became her lifeline, allowing her to not only recover after giving birth but also to launch her own business.
Chez NENEN Episode 3 - Beauty in Community: Redefining Success, Overcoming Discrimination, and Finding Support (w/ Lauren Turner)
Join Lauren Turner and me for an honest conversation about the unexpected journey of balancing motherhood and a career in the arts. Lauren, a mother of seven and accomplished musician, shares deeply personal insights on navigating the professional world while raising a large family. This conversation offers a powerful testament to the strength and resilience found in motherhood, challenging societal norms, and the invaluable role of faith and community.
Chez NENEN Episode 2 - Reclaiming Part 2: Understanding Postpartum's Lasting Impact on Motherhood & Well-being (w/ Vanessa Leveille)
In this powerful continuation of the "Reclaiming" conversation, Jovia Godfrey and Matrescence Expert Vanessa Leveille dive deeper into the often-misunderstood realities of motherhood and postpartum recovery.
They challenge the notion that postpartum is a short-lived phase, highlighting research that suggests it can span a decade or more, with continuous recalibration of a mother's body and mind. Vanessa emphasizes the critical need for "joy work" –
Chez NENEN Episode 1 - Reclaiming Part 1: Navigating Postpartum Identity, Cultural Identity, and Self-Reclamation (w/ Vanessa Leveille)
Join Vanessa Leveille and me on the Chez Nenen Podcast as we delve into the multifaceted journey of motherhood, identity, and cultural influences. This episode, 'Reclaiming,' explores themes of self-reclamation, the expansion of self post-motherhood, and the unique challenges and beauty of mothering within immigrant cultures.