So many folks (including Kris Jenner!) have become huge fans of the Butterfly Swaddle, the all-in-one swaddle and sleep training system. In this episode, we are excited to speak with Monica Bykov, a registered nurse, newborn care specialist, leading sleep training expert, inventor, and founder of the Butterfly Swaddle.  As a highly experienced RN who worked in the NICU and began offering in-home newborn care, Monica has connected with the newborn childcare community due to her diverse work experience. Monica experienced the frustrations that many newborn care specialists and parents of n ..read more

The back-to-school season is here, and as we transition from beach days to book bags, literacy takes center stage for school-aged kids. In this episode, we are thrilled to speak with Monique Dupree, a nanny for over 20 years and an extraordinary advocate for inclusive children’s books. Known as “Nanny Miss Monique” through social media, she has connected the childcare community to the literary world through book reviews, local in-person and virtual storytime readings, and interviews with authors and illustrators. Join Shenandoah and Danielle in a wonderful conversation with Monique about the ..read more

In this episode, Shenandoah and Danielle get to speak with the talented (and hilarious) band, Bug Friend! Bug Friend is everyone's new favorite band, and is comprised of seasoned musicians and extraordinary parents, Mikey The Rad Scientist and Kaylee Cole. Mikey and Kaylee are a husband and wife team that creates music and content for kids of all ages. They like to sing about science, art, emotional intelligence, waking up or going to sleep and they sure do love a good dance party! Mikey has been writing and performing songs for children as Mikey the Rad Scientist for the last decade. He’s al ..read more

We are so honored to host the remarkable Lauren Wilson - a highly-skilled Postpartum Doula, Elite Newborn Care Specialist, owner of Barefoot Babies, and devoted Infant/Toddler Nanny on the pod this week! In this episode, Lauren, a nonbinary professional, shares their unique journey of authenticity and self-expression within the somewhat conservative domain of childcare and nannying. In this candid conversation, they open up about their experiences navigating gender identity and professionalism, and the vital importance of self-care amidst the demanding overnight shifts and long hours that come ..read more

Content Warning: This episode includes topics of motherhood, fertility, and childbirth. In the second episode of Season Four, we welcome the inspiring Andrea Heuston – CEO of Artitudes, Speaker Coach, and a passionate advocate for women owning their stage. Andrea is not only a successful entrepreneur and best-selling author, but also a courageous mother with a powerful story to tell. Andrea opens up about her personal journey through infertility and the path that led her to adoption. She shares her wisdom on tackling life's challenges head-on, harnessing inner strength, and finding joy and gr ..read more

It's the start of a new decade! We're kicking off the new year by discussing the ins and outs of leaving a position and highlighting some examples of what to consider before giving notice at a position (and what to be prepared for even if you think you're leaving in a very respectful way!) In this episode, Shenandoah and Brandy share anecdotes of how they've left positions in the past and provide advice for any listeners thinking of moving on from their current job. No one sings on this episode. Sorry! Want to tell us about your own experiences with quitting a job? Want to compliment our voc ..read more

In this week's episode, Brandy speaks with educational extraordinaire Soon Kim about the importance and value of educators during this pandemic. Soon shares advice on how families can navigate their children's education while at home and discusses how to "upend the status quo" when pursuing education at home rather than following traditional standards and practices ..read more

In this episode, we take a dive into the very en vogue land of BOUNDARIES - those things that you sometimes don't even know exist until something happens that makes you feel icky. Consider this sort of a 'boundaries primer' since our guess is that boundaries will be popping up again and again, and get some insight into the early lives of Brandy and Shenandoah and why they grew up so 'uniquely ..read more

How do you find and plan activities when traveling to unknown destinations on a moment's notice? Where can you wander with your nanny kids early in the morning before cities are buzzing yet? How do you manage your downtime and time off when traveling with a family and balancing being an employee and a roommate?  In this episode, Shenandoah and Brandy discuss the ins and outs of planning both fun and educational activities and outings while traveling with a family as a long-term nanny or travel nanny ..read more

This week we are joined again by Adventure Nannies' Director of Communications, Danielle Sadler, as well as educational specialist Mr. Chazz and nanny and consultant Nanny Kim On the Go as they discuss racial and other types of biases. Mr. Chaz and Nanny Kim share their expertise and tips on how to curb children from developing different types of biases and how to handle situations where children show signs of adhering to biases as well as avoiding passing your own internalized biases on to children you interact with. To learn more about Mr. Chaz, please visit his Patreon page here: https://w ..read more