In this episode of Exception Seekers, Jacklyn Frias shares an honest and deeply personal conversation about the transition into motherhood, identity shifts, and her experience with postpartum depression.

Before becoming a mom, Jacklyn describes a structured, confident life rooted in routine, fitness, and a clear sense of self. But after the birth of her first child, she found herself navigating an unexpected and isolating struggle with postpartum depression, one that challenged both her personal identity and professional beliefs as a therapist and trainer.

Through her journey, Jacklyn reflects on the limitations of “prescribed paths” to health and happiness, and how lived experience reshaped her perspective on empathy, support, and what it truly means to meet people where they are.

A major turning point came through practicing self-compassion, not as a checklist item, but as a deeply felt, embodied experience of validating her own emotions. She shares how this simple but powerful shift became a cornerstone of her healing.

The conversation also explores the ongoing process of redefining identity in motherhood, the often-unspoken grief that accompanies major life transitions, and the pressure many women feel to appear “okay” while silently struggling.

Jacklyn now brings this lived experience into her work, fostering spaces rooted in authenticity, compassion, and real human connection—reminding others that they are not alone.

Important Messages

Lived experience changes how we show up for others: What once felt like “just do it” advice evolved into deeper empathy. Understanding someone’s reality requires more than logic - it requires context and compassion.

Postpartum depression can be invisible: Even as a therapist, Jacklyn didn’t immediately recognize it in herself. Many people mask their struggles while appearing “fine” on the outside and often what we need most is to feel seen and understood - not fixed or redirected.

Self-compassion is a skill, not a slogan: True self-compassion goes beyond “being nice to yourself;” it’s about deeply acknowledging your reality the way you would for someone you love. Reframing how we speak to ourselves, by imagining how we’d support a friend, can be a powerful starting point.

Identity shifts in motherhood are complex and ongoing: Becoming a parent isn’t just an addition to life; it’s a transformation that often involves grief, growth, and redefinition. From changes in identity to unmet expectations, there is a continuous process of grieving versions of life that no longer exist

In this episode, we sit down with Emily Beauchamp, a full-spectrum doula and founder of Growing Together Doula Services. Emily shares how her own experiences with pregnancy, postpartum struggles, and breastfeeding challenges led her to pursue a career supporting families through the entire perinatal journey.

We explore what a full-spectrum doula actually does, from fertility and pregnancy to birth, postpartum, and grief and loss. Emily explains how doulas help bridge important gaps in care, like providing education, emotional support, and practical guidance that many parents don’t receive within the healthcare system.

The conversation also dives into maternal mental health, the realities of postpartum life, and why the idea of “it takes a village” is more important than ever. Emily highlights how small acts of support, like bringing a meal or simply showing up, can dramatically impact a parent’s wellbeing and the health of families and communities.

This episode is an honest and compassionate look at the transition into parenthood, the invisible work of caregiving, and how we can all play a role in supporting new parents.

Important Messages

“You don’t know what you don’t know:” Many parents aren’t aware of the questions to ask during pregnancy and birth. Doulas help provide education about options, resources, and decision-making. Seeking support is actually a powerful way to build the support system families need.

The biggest gap is often postpartum support: While much focus is placed on birth, the postpartum period can be the most challenging and long-lasting stage, yet many families feel unprepared and unsupported. Modern families often lack the intergenerational and community support that historically helped new parents.

Small acts of support matter: Simple things, like bringing food, helping with errands, offering practical help, can significantly improve maternal mental health, relationships, parenting, and the emotional well-being of other children in the home.

In this episode, Colleen sits down with Jarvis Strong, Executive Director of the Escarpment Corridor Alliance, to explore the winding path that led him to a meaningful career in conservation leadership.

Jarvis shares how his journey was anything but linear, moving through multiple roles and periods of uncertainty before finding work that truly aligns with his values. He reflects on the power of mentorship, the impact of someone believing in you at a pivotal moment, and how building strong relationships has shaped both his personal growth and professional direction.

The conversation highlights the importance of connection, not just in career development, but in cultivating confidence, belonging, and self-worth. Jarvis speaks candidly about early struggles with self-esteem, the turning points that shifted his trajectory, and why finding work that “ticks the boxes” in its purpose, impact, and sustainability matters more than chasing titles or retirement countdowns.

For young people (and the adults who support them), this episode is a reminder that careers don’t have to follow a straight line, mentorship can be life-changing, and believing in someone might be the spark that changes everything.

Important Messages

Belief can be transformative: Some of life’s most powerful learning happens outside the classroom, and when someone chooses to believe in you, it can shift your entire sense of self-worth and direction.

Meaningful work looks different for everyone: Career paths are rarely linear, and sometimes we need to meander to find something that aligns with our values. Growth often comes through experimentation and risk.

Relationships are foundational: Learning how to connect with people from different backgrounds builds resilience and belonging, and folks who have worked at camp are particularly skilled at this – those “camp skills” really transfer further than you think. Camp leadership, youth work, and community involvement build valuable lifelong competencies.