Recovered & Rambling: Shannon is Pregnant, Reality TV Dramas & Why Nervous System "Hacks" Are Bullshit
secret’s Out!
If you’ve been listening to the podcast or following me on social media for a while, you know I’m usually an open book. But for the last eight months, I’ve been holding onto a secret that has completely consumed my life, my energy, and my physical space.
I am pregnant.
And before you think, "Oh, how cute and new!" I am actually eight months along. I’m in the home stretch, and I am finally ready to talk about why I’ve been so quiet, how I navigated the "trenches" of a very difficult pregnancy, and what this means for my journey as an anxiety recovery coach.
The "Never Say Never" Moment
If you’re an OG follower, you know I’ve said for years that I was "one and done." After having my daughter Amelia seven years ago, the trauma of that pregnancy and postpartum period convinced me I could never do it again.
But life has a funny way of changing your plans. Meeting my partner, Patrick, shifted my perspective. We had big conversations about the future, and eventually, I made the decision to try again. Making that choice was a massive exercise in the very tools I teach: sitting with uncertainty and trusting my body.
The Reality of the "Trenches"
I won’t sugarcoat it, this pregnancy has been incredibly hard. I was sick from five weeks until about week 25. There were days during my Panic to Peace program where I had to lead sessions from my bed because I physically couldn’t stand up.
When you’re in a hard season, it’s easy to feel like you’re doing a "shitty job" at everything—especially as a mom. I felt the weight of "mom guilt" as Amelia watched me struggle. But through this, I’ve had to remind myself of the same thing I tell you: I am human. Seeing me be "real" and navigate hard things is actually a powerful lesson for my daughter. It proves that we don't have to be flawless to be capable.
300 People and a 5-Year-Old’s Intuition
Speaking of being a mom and navigating hard things, Brittany shared a big win in this episode.. She recently spoke at a gala for a nonprofit she volunteers for—standing up in front of 300 people to share their mission & how others can make a difference. This is something that would have been unthinkable for her just a year or two ago.
The coolest part? Her 5-year-old daughter, Gianna, instinctively knew her mom was nervous and joined her just to hold her hand while she spoke. It was such a beautiful reminder of how intuitive our kids are. They don't need us to be perfect; they just want to be with us. That simple act of connection was better than any "regulation" hack in the world. It reminded us both that while we’re busy worrying about how our anxiety affects our kids, they’re often busy being our biggest, most intuitive supporters.
Summer House, RHORI, and the Art of Escapism
Of course, it’s not a "Recovered and Rambling" episode without some Bravo talk. Brittany and I dove deep into the Summer House drama. We have some controversial thoughts on the West, Amanda, and Ciara situation. While West’s behavior is a masterclass in "fuck boy" energy, I also feel for Amanda. Going through a public divorce while struggling with mental health puts you in a vulnerable place where you don't always see clearly.
We also touched on the absolute chaos that is the new Real Housewives of Rhode Island. It’s juicy, it’s immediate, and it’s the perfect brand of "healthy dissociation" when you just need to turn your brain off and watch someone else’s life go off the rails.
The Truth About "Nervous System Regulation"
On a more serious note, I had to get something off my chest. I am constantly bombarded by companies asking me to sponsor products that claim to "fix" your anxiety or "regulate your nervous system" in 30 days.
Please, be careful. Healing isn't something you can buy in a box. When a company makes bold, life-altering promises from their product, it’s a red flag. Real recovery comes from building internal self-trust, not from an external gadget or a "magic" supplement. Nothing chips away at your progress faster than putting all your hope into a product and then feeling like a failure when it doesn't work.
What’s Next?
Just because a baby is coming doesn’t mean A Healthy Push is stopping. I’m still here! In fact, my YouTube channel has officially launched, and there is so much new content coming your way soon. I’m leaning into long-form videos and specific "audio guides"—my version of meditations—designed to help you through those panicky moments in the car, at work, or wherever you need a supportive voice.
Please go follow along, and I’d love for you to let us know what you want to see on there! I’ll also be putting out solo episodes soon to deep dive into the logistics of this pregnancy, the labor prep, and the postpartum plan.
Thank you for being part of this community and for holding space for me while I was in the trenches. We’re just getting started! 💕
ready to stop doing it alone?
Inside my 10-week program, Panic to Peace, I’ll guide you through this work step by step and you’ll be surrounded by people who truly get it.
You don’t have to stay stuck. Healing is possible and it’s closer than you think.
Come hang out with me on Instagram → I'd love to connect with you!
