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Waves of Joy

Shauna Dittl

Life happens for you, not to you. Learn how to breathe in joy and positivity amidst challenging circumstances. The most profound awareness can permeate through you as you demystify happiness and turn failure into feedback. The time we spend together will teach you how to live simply, leave the mundane, travel the world, and radiate joy. Told from everyday life experience, passion, and vulnerability.

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20 episodes
Avg 28 min
English

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#270
August 10 · 24 min
Wired + Tired, Extreme Fatigue, Disaster Lab Work: A Past Reality I Never Wanted To Relive
What happens when your body starts telling a story you thought you had already left behind? In this episode, I’m getting personal. I had been feeling so exhausted yet wired, and not quite like myself, so I decided it was time to take a deeper look at what was actually going on. And when my lab work came back, I found myself face-to-face with a reality I promised myself I wouldn't see again. It was a quick reminder that your body is always talking to you. The fatigue, the changes in energy, the sleep, the mood, the hormones, these aren't things we should simply learn to live with or push through; they are clues, asking us to slow down and pay attention. This experience also reinforced something I believe deeply: you can't put a price on your health. Taking care of yourself doesn't have to mean choosing conventional medicine or natural medicine. There is value in working alongside both your medical doctor and your naturopathic doctor, looking at the whole picture and using the right tools at the right time. And sometimes, natural doesn't cut it. Sometimes medication is the right answer. Taking medication when you need it doesn't mean you've failed, it means you're taking care of yourself. At the end of the day, you are your own best advocate. No one knows what it feels like to live in your body better than you do. Learning to listen to those signals, asking questions, getting the right testing, and finding practitioners who will actually listen can change everything. Your body is always talking. The question is: are you listening? 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#269
July 6 · 30 min
Another Year Older, A New Nanny, Less Screens, 529-College Fund, and Maybe Another Baby?
Today, we’re deep diving into a life update and everything that’s been going on during my two-month hiatus from recording. We chat about turning 36 and all the thoughts that come with entering another year of life, motherhood, and family planning. We also get into the quest to cure boredom with screens, how it can actually make the problem worse, and the honest truth that sometimes we hand our kids screens to make our lives easier, not necessarily theirs. We also chat about setting up a 529 college fund, why it felt important to start thinking about our baby’s future early, and how even small steps now can create a foundation for whatever path she chooses later in life. In addition, what it’s like training a new nanny, from teaching her how to cook our baby’s nourishing meals to helping with cleaning and becoming part of our family’s daily rhythm. And of course, the big question: is it time for another baby? As another year passes, the clock starts talking a little louder, and there are some things you just shouldn’t ignore. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 References The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#268
May 4 · 14 min
Daily Poops + Why I’m Never Hangry Anymore
There was a time not that long ago where I could feel it coming. That shift. The irritability… the edge… the feeling like I needed to eat right now or everything in me was going to unravel. And I used to think that was normal. I used to think that was just me being busy, or not eating enough, or training too much. But recently, something changed. And I didn’t even notice it at first. I just realized one day I wasn’t getting hangry anymore. Not the urgency. Not the emotional drop. Not that almost panicked feeling around food. And at the same time—and this might sound small, but it’s not—I realized my body had found a rhythm in another way too… I was going to the bathroom every single day and at the same time every single day. No effort, no second guessing, just consistency. And if you know, you know… that kind of regularity changes how you feel in your body. And as someone who studies physiology, and also lives in a very real human body—this made me pause. Because hunger is supposed to guide us, it’s not supposed to hijack us. And digestion… it’s not just about what we take in, it’s about what we’re able to let go of. So in today’s episode, I want to talk about something incredibly simple that shifted that experience for me in a really profound way—and that’s psyllium husk. Sometimes the most powerful medicine isn’t complicated—it’s something as simple as giving your body the structure it needs to function the way it was designed to. References: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26561625/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23885994/ Eat Dirt by Dr Josh Axe 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS Connect With Me: https://shaunadittl.com/ Vivo Barefoot 10% Discount: Vivo Barefoot Code VIVOPRO10 https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#267
April 13 · 22 min
When Childcare Falls Apart (and So Do You)
This week, I’m opening up about something that has completely shaken me—our nanny quit. What followed was more than just a scheduling scramble. It sent me into a spiral of stress, tears, and some really hard questions… including whether I can realistically continue pursuing medical school while being the mom and wife I want to be. But the truth is, this isn’t just my story. Finding reliable, high-quality childcare right now feels nearly impossible—and so many women are quietly carrying the weight of that reality. The pressure to “do it all” starts to crack when one piece (like childcare) falls apart. This has felt unbelievably heavy, overwhelming, and at times defeating. And in the middle of that, I’ve had to come back to what I know keeps me grounded. In this episode, I talk about: Why childcare feels so hard to figure out (and why it’s not just you), the emotional toll this takes—and what this week has really looked like for me, the identity tension between ambition, motherhood, and partnership and how I’m actively managing the stress in real time. Because when everything feels like too much, I come back to what I can control: nourishing my body with healthy food, moving every day, and finding moments to laugh—even in the middle of the chaos. These small things aren’t trivial—they’re vital during stressful seasons like this. If you’re in a season where life feels overwhelming and you're questioning everything, this episode is for you. You are not alone in this. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 Podcast Episode: Everything Will Be Okay, As Soon As You Are Okay With Everything BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS Connect with Shauna https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/ https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#266
March 9 · 1 hr 2 min
Rhythm of Conception: What You Didn't Know About Fertility Acupuncture, PCOS & AMH Levels with Annie Vedeler L.Ac
Infertility is more common than many women realize, yet it can feel incredibly isolating when pregnancy doesn’t happen as expected. In this episode, fertility acupuncturist, Annie Vedeler L.Ac dives deep into the most common causes of infertility, what AMH levels actually mean, when it's time to seek help, types and causes of PCOS, what fertility testing looks like and lifestyle factors that can significantly impact reproductive health. At the center of this conversation is the role of acupuncture in fertility care. How does it support hormone balance, improve circulation to reproductive organs, and work alongside modern treatments like IVF? We explore how this ancient practice helps regulate the nervous system and support the body’s natural reproductive rhythm. Infertility affects both the body and the heart, and this episode offers both practical insight and hope for women navigating this journey. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 Connect with Annie for Questions or Treatment Book Recommendations: It Starts with the Egg by Rebecca Fett Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis Making Babies by Sami David Find a Fertility Acupunturist NEAR YOU! https://aborm.org/ SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#266
February 23 · 25 min
Adult Friendships: Why They're Harder Than Dating
We schedule date nights. We put work meetings on the calendar weeks in advance. We block time for workouts, studying, client calls, business planning. But we don’t schedule friend dates. Somehow we expect friendships to just… survive. In high school and college, proximity did the work for us. You saw the same people every day. You studied together. Ate together. Walked to class together. Friendship was built into your environment. Now? There’s no built-in proximity. No shared dorms. No accidental late-night conversations. If you don’t intentionally create time, it doesn’t happen. And then life gets full. Babies. Businesses. Marriage. Deadlines. Dreams. And friendships quietly move to the bottom of the list — not because they don’t matter, but because they don’t feel urgent. Add to that the fact that we’re more emotionally mature now. We’ve been hurt before. We have boundaries. We have standards. But we don’t always have the communication skills to match that growth. So instead of saying, “I miss you,” we withdraw. Instead of asking for more effort, we assume we’re too much. And suddenly, you can have a beautiful, full life… and still feel lonely. Today I want to talk about adult friendships — why they feel harder than they used to, why they matter more than we admit, and how to build them intentionally in the middle of a very full life. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#265
January 26 · 41 min
An Infant Abroad: A Holiday Trip That Tested Us
We spent three weeks traveling through four European countries with our seven-month-old, and this episode is an honest reflection of what that really looked like, far beyond the highlight reels. We share the unexpected beauty of traveling with a baby: kind strangers who stepped in without being asked, people speaking to our daughter in languages she’s never heard before, and watching her light up as she absorbed new sounds, faces, and rhythms of life. We talk about wandering through centuries-old streets, standing in places layered with history, savoring unforgettable cuisine, and enjoying truly stellar wine that somehow tastes even better when life slows down. We also get very real about the logistics. Pushing a stroller over uneven cobblestones day after day. Timing everything around naps and how flexible (or not) Airbnb check-in times can make or break a day with a baby. Why renting a car in Italy completely changed our experience and allowed us to see places no train could ever take us. And yes, the inhalation of constant cigarette smoke in Rome, something we weren’t prepared for and had to mentally and physically navigate with an infant. This trip wasn’t effortless. Ten days of the flu in 18-degree weather with a sick baby. No food delivery or takeout when you’re too exhausted to leave the apartment. Navigating a hospital through a language barrier when your child is unwell. Changing flights because we were simply too sick to travel. Learning that Europe takes holidays very seriously, meaning closures, limited hours, and quieter cities that require flexibility. And realizing that overbooking ourselves with too many countries cost us precious time, as each flight took away nearly an entire day of presence and rest. We also share the unsung heroes of this trip: the countless farmacias that truly saved us, offering support, medications, and reassurance when we needed it most. This episode is about presence over perfection. About choosing memories even when things are hard. About what traveling with a baby teaches you about slowing down, surrendering control, and meeting life exactly as it is. If you’ve ever wondered whether international travel with an infant is possible, or if you’re craving a more honest conversation about family travel, this one is for you. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#264
Dec 23, 2025 · 33 min
Addressing Your Biggest Travel Fears: An Infant Abroad For the Holidays
This year we are choosing presence over presents. We’re off Europe for the holidays—with a baby—and no, we’re not superhuman, rich, or reckless. We’re just choosing to live our life with our baby instead of waiting for some perfect future version of ourselves. “If part of you is thinking, ‘I could never do that,’ I understand—there was a time I felt that way too.” We’re about to leave for a three-week trip to Europe as a family, with a baby, no presents, and no rigid plan. And yes, it feels a little crazy. But I keep reminding myself that the people around us—on the plane, in the airport, in passing—are just that: passing. Our baby doesn’t need a perfect trip. She needs regulated parents, slow mornings, and the feeling of being carried safely through the world. This episode is an honest look at what traveling with a baby really looks like—and why we’re choosing presence over presents this holiday season. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS Connect With Me: https://shaunadittl.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#263
Nov 10, 2025 · 25 min
From Hair Loss + Formula To Migraines, Mom Friends, and Periods: What They Don’t Tell You About the Fourth Trimester
“No one tells you how much of yourself you’ll lose and find again in the months after birth — in the hair on the floor, the ache in your neck, the silence between feedings, and the friends who make you feel human again.” From hair loss and neck pain to postpartum migraines, mom friendships, and even the truth about baby formula — this episode dives into the unfiltered realities of the fourth trimester that most moms never hear about. We’ll talk about the why behind what’s happening in your body: the hormone shifts that cause hair to shed, the neck and shoulder pain that comes from feeding posture, and why migraines often return with your first period. You’ll learn how nutrition, supplements, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and movement can help you feel grounded again in your changing body. We’ll also go deeper — into the emotional side of postpartum healing. Finding mom friends who truly get it, giving yourself permission to rest, and remembering that your health matters as much as your baby’s. And for those navigating feeding decisions, we’ll explore the differences between European and U.S. formulas (like Kendamil) so you can make confident, informed choices. This episode is for every mother standing in that in-between space — healing, adjusting, rediscovering herself. It’s honest, nurturing, and full of real solutions for the season no one really prepares you for. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 ♥A SURVEY FOR MY MAMAS! ♥ BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#262
Nov 3, 2025 · 50 min
From Stress to Stillness: How Acupuncture Restores Flow With Guest Chris Vedeler, L.Ac
Today I sit down with Chris Vedeler, my acupuncture professor at Sonoran University — a true wellspring of wisdom — to explore the rich philosophy and practical power behind Chinese medicine. We dive deep into the Five Elements and how they mirror our emotional, physical, and reproductive health, from conception through the postpartum journey. Together, we debunk common myths about acupuncture, unpack what’s really happening beneath the needles, and talk about how this ancient medicine supports fertility, balance, and healing. And if you’ve ever wondered, “What if I don’t believe in acupuncture?” — we go there too. You’ll learn why belief isn’t required for your body to respond, and how these time-honored principles still meet the modern person exactly where they are. This episode is a gentle bridge between science and soul — for anyone curious about holistic ways to nurture fertility, recover postpartum, or simply reconnect to the natural rhythms of their own body. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 Connect with Chris: https://www.oasisacupuncture.com/ BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#261
Oct 13, 2025 · 18 min
Parent, Not People-Pleaser: Setting Boundaries with Childcare Help
Sometimes protecting your peace means losing what isn’t aligned. In this episode, I share a story about setting simple house rules — and what unfolded when those boundaries were met with resistance. It’s not really about a nanny. It’s about the quiet strength it takes to lead your home with clarity and confidence — even when it costs you comfort. We’ll talk about why boundaries aren’t about control, how guilt often disguises itself as kindness, and why standing firm in your values creates safety for your children and freedom for you. Your home is your sanctuary. The people you invite into it should honor the rhythm, respect the rules, and reflect the love you’re building inside those walls. If you’ve ever doubted yourself after setting a boundary, this episode is your reminder: you’re not being too much — you’re being true. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#260
Oct 6, 2025 · 24 min
Firing My Pediatrician: Red Flags In Healthcare
The energy in the room matters as much as the credentials on the wall. In this episode, we're talking about a tough but necessary truth: sometimes the person in the white coat isn’t the right one for you or your family. Whether it's a pediatrician, specialist, or any healthcare provider, there are moments when trust is broken, your concerns are dismissed, or your instincts tell you something's off. We’re unpacking the moment I knew it was time to move on, the red flags I couldn’t ignore, and the non-negotiables we all need to hold onto when it comes to our health — especially our children’s. Because at the end of the day, you can respect credentials and still demand care that feels right. References: The Vaccine Book by Robert Sears 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#259
Sep 29, 2025 · 18 min
How Could I Possibly Do Both?
As I step back into naturopathic school while caring for my baby, one question keeps echoing in my heart: How can I possibly do both? The sleepless nights, the endless studying, the tug between being present in class and present as a mama—it often feels overwhelming, even impossible. But I’m beginning to see that “impossible” is really just fear mixed with uncertainty. With each small step, it starts to shift into something more manageable, even meaningful. The truth is, the hardest seasons often become the ones that shape us most. Whether you’re beginning a new season, returning to something you love, or standing at the edge of a big transition, this conversation is for you. Together we’ll explore why those impossible feelings aren’t signs to stop—they’re invitations to grow. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#258
Sep 15, 2025 · 23 min
Your Future Self Can’t Wait Any Longer: My 10-Year Letter
What do you believe you can’t do now, but future-you knows you can? In this episode, I take you on a journey ten years into the future — inspired by Debbie Millman’s “10-Year Plan for a Remarkable Life.” Together, we’ll step into the life waiting for us a decade from now: where we live, the love that surrounds us, the health we embody, the work we’ve mastered, and the happiness we define for ourselves. I’ll guide you through reflective prompts and visualization, inviting you to imagine in vivid detail what your remarkable life could look like. This isn’t about daydreaming — it’s about aligning with the version of you that already exists, waiting patiently in the future. Whether you’re craving clarity, longing for hope, or simply curious about what’s possible, this practice will give you space to pause, dream, and write your own 10-year letter. The future belongs to those who begin envisioning it today. References: Debbie Millman 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS Connect With Me: https://shaunadittl.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#256
Sep 1, 2025 · 21 min
Mama Meltdown To Letdown
In this episode, I open up about the invisible weight of motherhood—the emptiness that comes when you pour yourself out day after day until you feel hollow inside. I share a raw and vulnerable moment of nursing struggles, when my baby girl’s cries at the breast left me heartbroken and defeated. When my 4-month-old began screaming during feedings, I felt crushed. I worried it meant something was wrong with my milk—or worse, that I was failing her. What I’ve since learned is that this is often just a phase: at this age, babies are more aware, more impatient, and sometimes simply overwhelmed. It doesn’t mean you’re broken, mama. It means your baby is growing. Here's what I’ve learned—and what so many mamas don’t hear often enough: this is a really common stage. Around three to four months, babies become so much more aware of the world. A ceiling fan, a dog barking, even just the sound of someone walking by—suddenly, everything is more interesting than feeding. They get distracted easily, pull off, cry, and it can feel so defeating. In reaching out for help, I found more than just practical advice. My lactation consultant’s words carried a depth of wisdom I didn’t even realize I needed. This is a story of meltdowns, milk, and the surprising ways we find ourselves being filled back up. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#255
Aug 25, 2025 · 29 min
No More Sleep Debates. No More Burnout. Just Parenting, the European Way
Parenting in America often feels like a constant cycle of sleep debates, snack battles, and burnout. But what if it didn’t have to be that way? In this episode, we dive into the European style of parenting — a refreshing philosophy that blends calm authority with respect for both children and parents. Drawing inspiration from Bringing Up Bébé and her own journey as a mother, she explores how principles like “the pause,” structured family meals, independent play, and maintaining a strong parental identity can create a more balanced home. Rather than centering life around chaos and exhaustion, the European approach invites us to raise capable, resilient children while also preserving joy, patience, and wholeness as parents. References: Pamela Druckerman 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#254
Aug 11, 2025 · 22 min
Spend It While You Can
What if the best experiences of your life aren’t meant to wait until retirement? In this episode, I share the story of my unforgettable backpacking trip through Europe — a trip that still pays me “memory dividends” years later. We’ll talk about the Go-Go, Slow-Go, and No-Go years from Bill Perkins’ Die With Zero, and why timing is everything when it comes to creating a life filled with joy, stories, and connection. This isn’t just about travel — it’s about choosing experiences over excuses, and making sure your life story is written by you, not lived vicariously through others. References: Bill Perkins 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS Connect With Me: https://shaunadittl.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#253
Jul 28, 2025 · 24 min
Offline and In Tune
This week, I unplugged. After a full social media detox, my screen time dropped by 84% — but what I gained was far more meaningful than a number. I realized I wasn’t being intentional with my time, and it made me ask a hard question: Why did I feel the need to fill the quiet with other people’s lives? Even though I wasn’t mindlessly scrolling, I was still consuming — checking, watching, and staying connected in ways that slowly pulled me away from being present in my own life. Stepping back created space for deeper presence with my daughter, the excitement to volunteer and write fetal echo board questions, and reconnect with the self-care rituals that already ground me — acupuncture, chiropractic, lifting, and hot yoga — not as a to-do list, but as a sacred space to reset. I began integrating the wisdom of The Daily Dad, showing up not just as a parent, but as a fully engaged human in my daughter’s world. I reached out to friends through real conversations, ones that felt slower, deeper, and more nourishing. Join me as I reflect on what happens when we consciously disconnect to fully reconnect with ourselves, our people, and our purpose. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#252
Jul 21, 2025 · 23 min
Find What You Love + Do It Full Time
Everyone thought I was crazy for leaving a secure, successful career as a perinatal sonographer to go back to school and pursue my doctorate. I had built a life in a field I loved, but something deeper kept calling me. A quiet, relentless pull to help people heal from the inside out. In this episode, inspired by the book Grit by Angela Duckworth, we’re talking about interest — the essential, often underestimated spark that begins every journey of passion and perseverance. Duckworth says, “Figure out what you enjoy doing most in life, and then try to do it full time.” Today, I’m sharing how I followed that exact advice — and why it was the grittiest, most grace-filled decision of my life. Whether you're at a crossroads or just starting to explore what lights you up, this conversation is a reminder: Your interest isn’t random. It’s a whisper from your purpose. And you are allowed to build your life around what you love. References: Angela Duckworth 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/
#251
Jun 30, 2025 · 21 min
Year 35, A Softer Kind Of Power: It's Not About Reinventing, It's About Realigning
Birthdays have a way of stirring reflection. In this tender, honest episode, I share what I’m choosing to take with me into this next chapter—and what I’m finally ready to leave behind. It’s not about reinventing myself, but about realigning with who I truly am. I’m taking grace, gratitude, stillness, authenticity, empowerment, and a soul-aligned hustle that honors my values. I’m leaving behind fear, surface-level conversations, comparison, and the constant pull to live in the future. I’m learning that growth isn’t always about adding more—but about letting go of what no longer fits. This is an invitation to do the same. Take what you need. Leave what you don’t. And step forward lighter, clearer, and more at home in yourself than ever before. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/

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