Meltdowns & Milestones: Welcome to the Toddler Years.

In Episode 1, Mind the Gap (3 Months–1 Year): Small Humans, Massive Milestones, we catch up on what happened during our break, reflect on the Season 1 interviews that changed us the most, and dive headfirst into one of the hardest transitions of early parenthood: the pressure to “have it together” long before anyone actually does.

We talk about returning to work, bringing babies to work, the impossible choices many families face around maternity and paternity leave, and the emotional whiplash of trying to balance identity, finances, caregiving, and sleep deprivation all at once. We also unpack the endless flood of parenting advice, from mommy boards and Facebook groups to family, friends, and strangers on the internet, and how overwhelming it can feel trying to figure out whose voice to trust.

Because at three months postpartum, the world often expects you to be fully functioning again… even when you’re still learning how to survive. And somewhere in the middle of all the noise, expectations, and opinions, you realize only you truly know what you and your baby need.

The room was full in the best way: parents, kids, friends, and neighbors gathered together, with little voices and shifting chairs welcomed rather than silenced. Instead of feeling disruptive, the presence of children felt like proof of the very thing this podcast stands for: that community doesn’t require perfection or quiet, just honesty and belonging.

Each audience member who stepped up to the microphone asked a thoughtful, brave question, turning the live recording into a shared conversation rather than a performance. With Lana Athey of Gunnison Tough as our special guest, the dialogue moved between strength and vulnerability, personal stories and collective resilience, weaving a powerful reminder of what it means to show up for one another.

And then, as the evening continued, the community stayed together for the screening of Butterfly in a Blizzard. Watching the film in the same space, surrounded by the same people who had just shared stories and questions, made the experience even more profound. It was a night of connection, courage, and community, a living example of what it truly means to say: it takes a village.

Resources Mentioned

1. Gunnison Tough "How to Get Help" - https://gunnisontough.com/how-to-get-assistance/
2. Gunnison Tough Programs - https://gunnisontough.com/programs/
3. Living Journeys Support Groups - https://livingjourneys.org/assistance/
4. GVH Cancer Screening Access Fund - https://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/our-services/cancer-care/cancer-screening-access-fund/
5. Women's Wellness Connection for women over 50 - https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/260/Womens-Wellness-Connection

In the evening at 7 pm, stay for a screening of Butterfly in a Blizzard, a powerful and deeply personal film that explores resilience, connection, and lived experience. The podcast is proud to co-sponsor this screening in support of storytelling that sparks empathy and dialogue. Film tickets are $10.

Attend one event or join us for the full day. However you choose to participate, you’re invited to show up, connect, and be part of the Village.

Movie Tickets: https://www.gunnisonartscenter.org/film-screening-events

We talk about the traditions that bring our families joy, and what this past year of conversation and connection has meant to us. Plus, we hear from some of our incredible listeners; your stories, your moments, and your reminders that none of us are doing this alone.

Join us as we wrap up season one with gratitude, laughter, and maybe a little exhaustion left over from Halloween. Here’s to the village we’ve built, the magic we’ve made, and everything still to come. We'll see you in season 2!

Our Socials and Email

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/It-Takes-A-Village-Podcast-61570095071374/

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Gmail: itavillagepodcast@gmail.com

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Podcast Website: https://it-takes-a-village-podcast.captivate.fm/

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Our Guests

Louise Perry:

The Grove in Gunnison, CO - https://www.thegrovemotherwellness.com/

Mother Sage Motherhood Therapy - https://www.mothersagetherapyservices.com/

Kelsey Weaver:

Mountain Mamas Cafe - https://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/our-services/obstetrics/family-birth-center/support-for-new-parents

Katie Thomas:

Project Hope - https://www.hope4gv.org/

Jessica Ekhardt:

Google Scholar Search: Jessica Eckhardt

• Integrating Sociological Perspectives into Obesogenic Research
• Race, Environmental Inequality, and Physical Health

Jessica shares how she first became interested in women’s health and paints a candid picture of the changing landscape of maternal and infant care in rural communities. We dive into hospital closures, gaps in prenatal care, and the lingering impacts of historical misconceptions, like “female hysteria”, on modern medicine. Jessica also sheds light on why midwifery is often seen as a gold standard of care, and the promising grassroots and policy efforts working to bridge maternal health disparities.

The conversation then takes a thoughtful turn toward declining birth rates and the complex web of factors influencing family planning today, from climate change anxiety to economic pressures and shifting gender norms. Jessica unpacks global parenting trends, policy strategies, and cultural changes that shape how families are built and supported in today’s world.

This episode is an insightful look at where we are, how we got here, and what it will take to create a future where families and rural communities can truly thrive.

Resources Mentioned:

• Contact Your Local Colorado Officials
• Sora Midwifery Community - Home Birth & Midwife Services within 80 Miles of Salida, Colorado
• The Black Birth Collective
• Grand Junction Birth Collective
• Gunnison Mentors
• Brothers Helping Brothers 
• Gunny Bike Bus
• Meal Train
• Gunnison Valley Humanity Posse 
• Robert Putnam, Author

Read More From Jessica:

Google Scholar Search: Jessica Eckhardt

• Integrating Sociological Perspectives into Obesogenic Research
• Race, Environmental Inequality, and Physical Health

In this episode of It Takes a Village, we sit down with Katie Thomas, Advocacy Director of Project Hope of Gunnison Valley. Together, we talk honestly about the realities of abuse and stalking, and the critical resources available right here in our valley for those affected. Katie shares the signs of abuse to look out for, how friends and loved ones can offer meaningful support, and what it really looks like to walk through the doors of Project Hope.

This conversation is all about breaking silence, building safety, and reminding our community that no one has to navigate abuse alone.

Resources Mentioned:

Project Hope: https://www.hope4gv.org/

Gunnison Valley Food Pantry:

Men's Group - Brothers Helping Brothers: https://gunnisoncountryfoodpantry.org/

Project Hope is at the Hikers' Center in Lake City once a month!

Gunnison Rec Center: https://www.gunnisonco.gov/departments/parks___recreation/index.php

Resources Mentioned

Mountain Mamas Cafe: https://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/our-services/obstetrics/family-birth-center/support-for-new-parents

Charlotte Briel Wombs of the World: https://www.wombsoftheworld.com/

Modela Pumps: https://www.medela.com/en-us/breastfeeding-pumping

Meal Train: https://www.mealtrain.com/

Resources Mentioned:

The Grove in Gunnison, CO - https://www.thegrovemotherwellness.com/

Mother Sage Motherhood Therapy - https://www.mothersagetherapyservices.com/

How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids by Jancee Dunn - https://www.amazon.com/Hate-Your-Husband-After-Kids/dp/0316267104

Dr. Aurelie Athan - https://www.matrescence.com/

Chelsea Robinson - https://www.mamasmodernvillage.com/

Caregiver Conversations - https://www.gunnisoncountylibraries.org/events/

The Good Mother Myth: Unlearning Our Bad Ideas About How to Be a Good Mom by Nancy Reddy - https://www.amazon.com/Good-Mother-Myth-Unlearning-Ideas/dp/1250336643/

Mindfulness for Kids Classes at The Grove - https://www.thegrovemotherwellness.com/events

Links for Resources mentioned in the episode:

Earth Mama - https://earthmamaorganics.com/collections/breastfeeding-support/products/organic-nipple-butter

Lanolin - https://lansinoh.com/collections/nipple-creams-care

Legendairy Milk on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/legendairymilk

Resources Mentioned:

Meal Train App -

Google Form for Special Issues Episode:

Resources: Contraction Tracking Apps: Contraction Timer & Counter, Storky, Freya

Resources Mentioned:

UCLA Meditations - https://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful/guided-meditations

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

UCLA Mindful Guided Meditations:

https://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful/guided-meditations

Liberty's Incredibly Accurate Sedona Psychic - Erin:

https://mysticalbazaar.com/sedona-psychic-readings/

**Colorado moms! Megan mentioned this incredible resource so you can find kid-friendly activities anywhere you go. Give @slidesandsunshine a follow on Instagram.