Balancing Act with Kristen Doute and Luke Broderick
Cloud10
Welcome to Balancing Act. We’re gathered here today to get through this thing called life! Kristen and Luke know we’re all out here doing our best to balance li...
The Real Side of Pregnancy: Overcoming Fears, Anxiety, and Finding Yourself Again with Dr. Sterling Part 1
Episode 150. This week, Kristen is joined by Dr. Noa Sterling, mom of three and board-certified ObGyn with a mission to transform the pregnancy and postpartum journey. Dr. Sterling is also the founder of Sterling Parents, the first membership designed to truly address the emotional and mental load of pregnancy.
In this candid and emotional episode, Kristen and Dr. Sterling dive into the complexities of pregnancy—discussing the real, raw, and often overlooked challenges that many face during this transformative time. From the fears of whether you’ll ever feel like yourself again, to the overwhelming anxiety of googling every symptom, Dr. Sterling opens up about her own experience. She shares the story of her first pregnancy, where at just six weeks in, she was thrust into a world of discomfort and uncertainty. This conversation isn’t just about the physical changes but also the emotional journey, and how important it is to acknowledge and discuss the difficult parts of pregnancy, rather than brushing them aside because a baby is on the way.
Dr. Sterling is launching a pregnancy app in Summer 2025!
Sponsors:
Marley Spoon: Head to MarleySpoon.com/OFFER/DOUTE and use code DOUTE for up to 27 FREE meals!
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49:17
Rebranding with Brittany Cartwright & The Valley Trailer!
Episode 149: This week, Kristen is joined by her bestie Brittany Cartwright! Brittany opens up about why she decided not to change her last name after marriage and shares all the exciting details about her podcast rebrand, When Reality Hits! They dive into the trailer for Season 2 of "The Valley," breaking down the scenes and discussing the moments that surprised them the most. Kristen even reveals some shocking things she had no idea even happened!
The conversation shifts to all things motherhood, with Brittany sharing her experience transitioning into her new self after becoming a mom, battling mom guilt, and finding peace amidst the chaos. They discuss everything from birth plans to what Brittany was most worried about when she first became a mom and what she’s learned along the way. Brittany gets real about breastfeeding, and shares which purchases have been the most helpful (and what’s been a total waste) when preparing for a baby.
Oh, and who are Brittany and Kristen’s hall passes? Tune in to find out!
Sponsors:
ZocDoc: Stop putting off those doctor appointments and go to Zocdoc.com/DOUTE to find and
instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
Bilt: Start earning points on rent you’re already paying by going to joinbilt.com/DOUTE
Magnetic Me: Go to MagneticMe.com today – new customers will get 15% off their first order!
Rula: Head on over to Rula.com/DOUTE and take the first step towards better mental
health today.
Follow us: @kristendoute @luke__broderick
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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1:01:45
Southern Charm, IVF, and Baby Number 2 with Mercedes Javid (Part 2)
Episode 148. In Part 2 of Kristen's chat with Mercedes "MJ" Javid, she gets real about her IVF journey, her pregnancy experience, and the unexpected events that led to her bed rest before her due date. MJ shares how maintaining a positive mindset played a crucial role throughout the process.
The two dive into their future family plans, with MJ offering her perspective on why Kristen shouldn't wait for long to have her second baby. Plus, they dish on the drama from Southern Charm and MJ opens up about her new podcast, Heal to Feel!
Sponsors:
Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/doute for 30% off your first order, plus a free $60 gift!
Acorns: Head to acorns.com/doute or download the Acorns app to get started
Laundry Sauce: Our listeners get 20% off your entire order when you use code DOUTE at laundrysauce.com
Magnetic Me: Go to MagneticMe.com today – new customers will get 15% off their first order!
Marley Spoon: Head to MarleySpoon.com/OFFER/DOUTE and use code DOUTE for up to 27 FREE meals!
Bilt: Start earning points on rent you’re already paying by going to joinbilt.com/DOUTE
Follow us: @kristendoute @luke__broderick
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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55:00
Toxic Friendships, "The Traitors", & Motherhood with Mercedes Javid (Part 1)
Episode 147: This week, Kristen is joined by Mercedes "MJ" Javid, star of Bravo's Shahs of Sunset, The Traitors Season 2, and Realtor at The Agency. Kristen dives into MJ’s experience of filming Shahs shortly after the birth of her son, Shams. MJ shares what it was like juggling motherhood and filming, offering Kristen some valuable tips on what to expect as a new mom.
The conversation also takes a trip down memory lane as they reflect on how different the Los Angeles nightlife was back in the day. As they reminisce, they discuss how they'd approach their time on reality TV differently now, touching on toxic friendships from the past, self-worth, and building confidence. Kristen gets real about moments when she felt inferior to some of her Vanderpump Rules co-stars. They also chat about this season of The Traitors, and so much more! Tune in now!
Sponsors:
Laundry Sauce: Our listeners get 20% off your entire order when you use code DOUTE at laundrysauce.com.
Magnetic Me: Go to MagneticMe.com today – new customers will get 15% off their first order!
Marley Spoon: Head to MarleySpoon.com/OFFER/DOUTE and use code DOUTE for up to 27 FREE meals!
Bilt: Start earning points on rent you’re already paying by going to joinbilt.com/DOUTE.
Follow us: @kristendoute @luke__broderick
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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47:11
“Beyond the Baby Blues” with Rebecca Fox Starr
Episode 146. This week, Kristen is joined by Rebecca Fox Starr: author, writer, wife, mother and founder of “Mommy, Ever After.” Rebecca started her blog in 2010 after the birth of her daughter, when she realized that no one was speaking honestly about the difficulties, fears, boredom, loneliness and mixed-emotions that come along with all of the happy enchantment of motherhood.
Kristen and Rebecca dive deep into the important conversation around normalizing anxiety, depression, and the overwhelming feelings many experience during pregnancy. Rebecca discusses her books, with her first being “Beyond the Baby Blues: Anxiety and Depression During and After Pregnancy,” and offers insights on how to breathe through the changes in your body and mindset.
Kristen opens up about dealing with social anxiety and the stigma surrounding medication during pregnancy. They also dive into the fears of childbirth and share practical tips for coping with anxiety during this transformative time.
Rebecca answers listener questions about topics like OCD, returning to work post-pregnancy, and the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression. Plus, they explore the importance of setting both internal and external boundaries to protect your mental well-being.
Tune in for a candid conversation about mental health during pregnancy and how to nurture yourself along the way.
Check out Rebecca’s books here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Rebecca+Fox+Starr&i=stripbooks&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYYuwq0ykSRqz_ifiwPvFzm5eaRcakotzh8fZDNlLWX2taw2XUUDuSsBSM_aem_a-QbByot4GVXf1IN0EBZUA&ref=mw_dp_a_s
Note: This podcast provides general information about pregnancy and is not meant to serve as medical advice related to your individual needs. If you have questions, please talk to a medical professional.
Sponsors:
Go to MagneticMe.com today – new customers will get 15% off their first order
Use code DOUTE for 20% off + free shipping at Manscaped.com
Follow us: @kristendoute @luke__broderick
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
About Balancing Act with Kristen Doute and Luke Broderick
Welcome to Balancing Act. We’re gathered here today to get through this thing called life! Kristen and Luke know we’re all out here doing our best to balance life, love, work, play, family, friends, downfalls, and dreams. Life is full of ups and downs, and adulting can be hard. Kristen and Luke are still here to get REAL from both the female and male perspective, from very different walks of life.. unfiltered and vulnerable.
Like Dr. Seuss says, “Be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life's a great balancing act.”