Waves of Joy

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

The powerful truth that movement—in both body and soul—is often the medicine anxiety longs for. Whether it’s a brisk walk or a brave step toward the unknown, action gives our minds and hearts a place to land when fear takes over. Drawing from neuroscience, personal stories, and soul-deep reflection, this episode is an invitation to get unstuck—not by waiting for the anxiety to leave, but by moving through it anyway. Because sometimes the most healing thing we can do is…anything. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the tender, often unspoken space between motherhood and becoming — that quiet nudge inside you that whispers, “There’s still more for me.” Inspired by powerful words from one of my favorite books, this conversation is for the new mama who feels the ache for change, the longing for something new, and the quiet hope that it’s not too late to follow her dreams. We talk about what it means to stop waiting for the fear to go away and instead begin moving forward with it. Because sometimes the only way to honor the life you want is to carry your grief, doubt, and uncertainty with you — not as baggage, but as companions for your transformation. This episode is about recognizing that becoming a mother doesn’t mean the end of your dreams. You are still allowed to want things. You are still allowed to grow. And you are still allowed to become her. You don’t need a big reveal or a ten-step plan to get started. What you need is a softer question and the space to hear your own voice again. Together, we’ll explore what it means to listen for that voice, to believe in the future you crave, and to take small but powerful steps toward it. Because the truth is, practice doesn’t make perfect — it makes power. And the patterns of the life you want begin with the choices you make today. This isn’t a call to hustle. It’s an invitation to awaken. You haven’t missed your moment — it’s been waiting for you all along. References: Jenna Kutcher 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/

Welcome to another cozy chat on The Waves of Joy— where we keep it real, raw, and a little bit glam. In this episode, we're diving into the beautifully chaotic fourth trimester. We’re talking baby blues (and knowing when it’s more), the supplements that might help, and yes — even a little Botox self-care without the mom guilt. We cover the hot-button topic of co-sleeping vs. the Snoo, and how this mama is blending the two to survive sleep deprivation. Plus: feeding on demand, bottle feeding one meal a day, and the never-ending question — “Is she gaining enough weight?” (Thank you, Hatch scale) Let’s also get into the nitty gritty: swaddling, burping, tiny razor-sharp fingernails, and whether it’s normal to dread the first postpartum shower. And because moms deserve comfort too, we’re talking about those mini sanity-savers: daily walks, a little yoga, and the magical neck relief from the Achedaway heated scraper (yes, please). You’re not alone in the swirl. Let’s laugh, vent, and feel seen together. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 References: Ina May Baby Blues- JohnsHopkins BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS Connect With Me: https://shaunadittl.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/

It wasn’t the birth story we had planned. It stretched me—physically, emotionally, spiritually—in ways I could have never imagined. But through the discomfort, the surrender, and the stillness, I found something deeper: the quiet whisper that God had a bigger plan all along. This isn’t just a story about birth. It’s about faith. It’s about trusting when you can’t see the end. It’s about how the hardest moments sometimes birth the most beautiful ones. So wherever you are—maybe you're expecting, maybe you're healing, maybe you're just searching—I hope this story reminds you: God is in the details, even when we don’t understand them yet. 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/

“The most powerful medicine is empowering people not to need it.” Today, I’m honored to be joined by a special guest and dear friend as we dive into the world of holistic chiropractic care. We’ll explore what true health really means, discuss raising children without vaccines or antibiotics, and touch on so much more. You won’t want to miss this conversation. Dr. Mike Pierce is deeply passionate about educating and empowering individuals to achieve their highest potential in health and performance. As a former athlete, he understands the value of functioning at peak levels and has carried that mindset into his chiropractic work. His journey into chiropractic care began with a powerful personal experience—watching it transform and ultimately save his father’s life. That life-changing event solidified his belief in the MaxLiving philosophy: rather than treating symptoms, true healing begins by identifying and correcting the root cause. Dr. Mike believes the body is designed to heal and function on its own—what it needs most is the removal of interference. His mission is to help people reduce dependency on medications, prevent illness, and live long, vibrant lives full of purpose and vitality. Together with his wife, he’s committed to building happy, healthy families in Chandler, Arizona and beyond. Their shared vision is to support patients in creating the life of their dreams—one rooted in wellness, wholeness, and lasting health. 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 Click here to Connect with Dr. Mike BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS Connect With Me: https://shaunadittl.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shaunadittl/

With just three weeks until our baby girl arrives, this episode captures a tender season of transition. I reflect on the sacred time spent during our baby moon, the waves of Braxton Hicks contractions, our intentions of co-sleeping and the emotional conversations that are shaping us as parents. It’s a vulnerable look into the beauty, fear, and hope that come with standing at the edge of a brand new beginning. References: Sarah Buckley 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/

Inspired by the wisdom of David Brooks, this episode invites you into a deeply reflective conversation about two very different sets of values: resume virtues and eulogy virtues. Join me as we dive deep into the contrast between success and significance, achievement and character, and how shifting your focus can transform not only your life — but your legacy. Whether you're feeling stuck in the hustle or seeking deeper meaning in your path, this conversation is your invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with what truly matters. References: David Brooks 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/

In this special episode, I sit down with my best friend—my fiancé and dad-to-be—as we talk all things fatherhood. From the moment we found out we were expecting to the wild mix of emotions, dreams, and late-night diaper debates, this is an intimate look at the journey we’re walking together. He opens up about how it feels to prepare for this new chapter, what kind of father he hopes to be, and the unexpected ways this experience is shaping his heart and perspective. It’s raw, real, sometimes funny, and filled with love. Whether you're expecting, parenting, or just curious about the beautiful chaos of becoming a family—this episode invites you into our world. 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/

Your safety isn't in your retirement fund or your savings account, it's in your ability to listen to your heart and connect to the guidance moving you toward opportunities that will give you the real security the mind has been promising you all along. In this episode, we dive into some key topics that are on the minds of many in the later stages of pregnancy. We discuss the ins and outs of the Glucose Intolerance Test, review the role of education and choices we have about vaccinations during pregnancy, and explore the increasingly popular option of placental encapsulation. Whether you're approaching your third trimester or just curious about these topics, this episode is for you! 𝓍𝓍𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓊𝓃𝒶 𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒩𝑒𝑒𝒹 & ℒ𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒𝒲𝒽𝒶𝓉𝒴𝑜𝓊𝒟𝑜𝓃'𝓉 BUY SHAUNA'S FIRST BOOK https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BX4HVVLS Connect With Me: https://shaunadittl.com/ Resources The Vaccine Book by Dr. Robert Sears The Vaccine-Friendly Plan by Dr. Paul Thomas What to Expect when you're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff https://www.instagram.com/sonographer_squats/

I believe in sharing your story, you can give a stranger hope, a story to learn from, a reason not to give up. Today I share the trying months prior to conceiving our beautiful healthy baby girl. When you share your failures, every mess has the potential to turn into a message. When you share your scars, you expose the parts of you, that you have worked so hard to heal. When you share your triumphs, you invite others to celebrate the victory with you. And while your life may never be covered in a docuseries or live on the pages of a book, your legacy and your story, when shared, have the power to make someone else feel a little less alone. - Jenna Kutcher References: Jenna Kutcher 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/sonographer_squats/

Do you find that you continuously attract the same people into your life? Are the relationships deeply flawed and ultimately dysfunctional? Today, we’re exploring the idea that true love has no opposite. In romantic relationships, many become addicted to the highs and lows—the intense passion followed by conflict and turmoil. One moment, you're experiencing fiery intimacy, and the next, you're caught in a cycle of blame and emotional manipulation. This rollercoaster is often mistaken for "true love," but in reality, it’s anything but. References: Eckhart Tolle 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/sonographer_squats/