Spill the Baby Tea with Helen
Learn more about “spill the baby tea with helen”
Welcome to Spill the Baby Tea!! I’m your host, Helen Wu-Wang, and I am so excited to create a space for all of us to candidly talk about all things motherhood and parenthood. As a first-time mom to a 1-year-old baby boy and a busy working parent, I am here to share with you all what it is really like to juggle both. From breastfeeding and all the ups and downs of that journey, to why my husband Philip and I decided not to show our baby’s face on social media, to what my confinement period led by my super traditional Chinese mom was like, to finding the balance between entrepreneurial aspirations and being a present and intentional parent... there’s so much to cover. For those of you who know me from the ABG podcast, you know I’m going to keep it real with y’all. We’re in this together!
All Episodes
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In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Spill the Baby Tea, I’m joined by none other than my husband, Philip! As a dad to our almost 3-year-old baby boy, Philip opens up about his journey through fatherhood, the challenges and joys of raising a toddler, and how he balances his multiple careers with family life. We dive into questions submitted by you (our amazing listeners!) covering everything from navigating the mental load of parenting to maintaining our partnership through the rollercoaster of early parenthood. Whether you’re a mom, dad, or simply curious about what makes our family tick, this episode offers a candid peek into our lives as parents and partners.
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In this episode of Spill the Baby Tea, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my career journey—from my early days as a valuation manager at Ernst & Young to the big, scary leap into content creation and podcasting. Many of you might be navigating big life or career transitions yourself, or wondering what it's really like to follow a passion outside of the corporate world. I’ll be sharing the highs and lows of both paths: the perks and pressures of working for a global firm, the hard truths about climbing the ladder, and why I ultimately walked away to create something of my own. I also share in this episode some real talk on financial preparedness and advice for making a successful transition. Let’s dive into the path less traveled, and find out if becoming a content creator is as dreamy as it sounds ;)
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In this episode of Spill the Baby Tea, I’m diving into one of the most challenging yet essential aspects of parenting—discipline. As my own 2 (almost 3) year-old toddler reaches that age where boundaries and lessons are really starting to push my buttons! I’ve been exploring the best ways to approach discipline that feel supportive, nurturing, and effective. When do we start disciplining our little ones, and how do we do it in a way that feels right for our families? From positive discipline to time-ins, natural consequences, and setting clear but compassionate boundaries, I did the research so you don't have to. We’ll talk about how to stay calm (even when it’s really hard!) and teach our kids important lessons in a loving, gentle way. If you’re navigating this phase or just getting ready for it, I hope this episode offers some helpful tips and encouragement!
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In this episode of Spill the Baby Tea, I’m getting deeply personal as I share my experience with acupuncture on our journey to conceive again after the heart-wrenching loss of our first pregnancy. After our miscarriage, I found myself searching for anything that could help us heal and increase our chances of bringing a little one into our lives. Acupuncture seemed like a gentle, holistic approach, but what I wasn’t prepared for was the emotional toll—on top of the physical discomfort and financial strain. I’ll take you through what it’s like—the sadness, the frustrations, the small moments of hope, the crying in the car... the weight of it all. If you’ve ever been curious about acupuncture for fertility or are navigating your own fertility journey, this episode is for you <3
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Today, we’re uncovering the secrets to finding the perfect daycare that will set your little one on the path to success. We’re talking about the must-ask questions, tips for navigating the application process, and how to spot the red flags before it’s too late. Whether you're just starting the search or drowning in options, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to make a confident and informed choice. Get ready to feel empowered and excited about this important milestone in your child’s life!
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In this episode of Spill the Baby Tea, I'm diving into the wild and sometimes messy world of fully potty training a toddler boy by 2.5 years old. Potty training is no joke, and trust me, we’ve had our fair share of challenges -- like that one time we had a major potty accident at Disneyland (yes, it’s as chaotic as it sounds). I'll be sharing all the tips and tricks that helped us get through this milestone. From choosing the right potty gear to figuring out the best timing and techniques, I’ll walk you through what worked for us and what didn’t, so you can find your own path through this milestone. Whether you're in the thick of potty training or just getting ready for it, this episode is here to offer support, encouragement, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in and let’s navigate this potty training journey together!
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How do friendships change once we become parents? It's something I definitely didn't consider much when I was pregnant, with a million thoughts swirling through my head. Now that we're 2.5 years into the parenting journey, I feel equipped to share my personal anecdotes and challenges regarding how parenthood has impacted certain relationships. From the awkward moments of feeling left out of group chats to the complexities of scheduling around nap times and family commitments, I offer my experiences and insights on navigating these changes. I also highlight the importance of open communication, the role of mom friends, and how to keep friendships strong amidst the chaos of parenthood. Whether you're navigating this journey yourself or just curious about what your parent friends are going through, this episode offers advice, relatable stories, and a sense of camaraderie as we explore the evolving dynamics of friendships in the journey of parenting.
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to become a mommy influencer? Today, I bring on Esther Park, a friend and rapidly rising star in the social media world. She shares how she grew her followers from 12,000 to nearly 200,000 in just over a year. As a content creator myself, this episode was fascinating to me, and I learned so much! She shares her secrets to creating genuine, relatable content, and her strategies for rapid growth and audience engagement across various platforms. Esther also opens up about the challenges of balancing motherhood with a public persona, maintaining privacy for her family, and navigating the ever-changing social media algorithms.
Whether you’re an aspiring content creator, a fellow mom, or simply curious about the influencer life, Esther’s tips and experiences will inspire and enlighten you. Tune in to learn from one of the most dynamic mommy content creators today.
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In this enlightening episode, we explore the powerful intersection of acupuncture and fertility with Michelle Oravitz, a licensed acupuncturist and author of "The Way of Fertility." Michelle shares her personal journey from struggling with irregular periods to finding healing through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Her experiences led her to transition from a career in architecture to becoming a fertility health expert. We dive deep into how acupuncture works, especially in the context of reproductive health, and discuss the synergies between Eastern and Western medicine. Michelle also provides practical advice on improving fertility and overall well-being, including key acupressure points listeners can use today at home! (Who knew the ears were an access point to the entire body??) Tune in to discover how ancient wisdom can help awaken your reproductive potential and transform your health.
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Whether you’re a parent or someone who has faced the heavy weight of grief, this episode is dedicated to you. From the initial shock and denial to the eventual steps towards acceptance and hope, I share my journey with grief after my miscarriage, delving into what it means to grieve, how to navigate through grief, and the importance of community and support. I also share what I’ve learned about the seven stages of grief after loss.
Writing these words have been both a cathartic and challenging process for me. I recount the moments of despair and the gradual rediscovery of hope, the days when it felt impossible to move forward, and the small victories that reminded me of my inner strength. By sharing my story, I hope to create a space where we can openly discuss our grief, honor our losses, and find comfort in knowing that we are not alone. This journey has taught me that while grief may be a solitary experience, healing is often found in the shared connections we make with others. Thank you for allowing me to share this part of my life with you.
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Today's topic is a tough one, so I want to give a heads-up: we’re diving into the difficult subject of miscarriage. Cue: “Bigger Than the Whole Sky” by Taylor Swift.
About a month ago, I went through a miscarriage, and as a hopeful mom of two, it was the single most devastating thing I’ve ever experienced in my life. It's a heavy but necessary conversation, and today, I share my own experience with this heart-wrenching loss aiming to break the silence and stigma surrounding miscarriage. It's crucial to shed light on this topic because, sadly, it's more common than many realize.
I offer insights on how to support a friend or loved one navigating a miscarriage. Practical help, like offering to watch their kids or bringing over nourishing meals, can make a world of difference. And if words fail you, simply being present and offering a listening ear can mean everything. I also touch on what not to say, like minimizing their grief with phrases like "at least" or comparing their loss to something else. It's all about being mindful of our words and actions during such a sensitive time.
Through sharing my journey and the outpouring of love and support I received, I hope to encourage more open conversations about miscarriage and grief. Together, we can create a space where sharing our pain leads to more healing and understanding.
And for those who have experienced or are experiencing a miscarriage, I hope this episode helps you to feel seen. Please know that your pain is valid, your loss is real. And most of all, you are not alone, and you are loved.
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Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to raise your child in another country?
In today’s episode, I bring my old high school friend, Connie Ma, onto the podcast to chat about the unique experience of raising a family abroad, particularly in Taiwan. Connie shares her journey from the United States to Taiwan, highlighting the challenges and joys of integrating into Taiwanese society. We discuss language immersion, educational systems, parental support, and cultural differences in parenting practices. Connie also shares her experiences with postpartum confinement in Taiwan, providing insights into the benefits and drawbacks of this tradition. Throughout the episode, you’ll gain a valuable perspective on the complexities of expat parenthood and the enriching experiences it offers.
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On this episode of Spill the Baby Tea, I bring on my husband, Philip, to dive into the intimate topic of why we made the decision to keep our baby's face hidden from social media. As parents navigating the complexities of modern parenthood in the digital age, we share all of the reasons considered, as well as our reflections (2 years later) behind this choice. From concerns about online privacy and data security to protecting our child's autonomy and emotional well-being, we explore the multifaceted aspects of parental privacy.
Whether you're a parent, soon-to-be parent, or simply curious about the evolving landscape of digital parenting, this episode invites you to consider the nuanced decisions families make in protecting their children's privacy while navigating this new social age.
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I knew I’d be emotional the first week of daycare, but I didn’t expect to be an emotional WRECK and sick for weeks! Okay, I don’t want to scare anyone from putting their child in school because stay in school kiddos, but I did want to capture what it was like to send our little one into the WILD of the school environment. I share sick kid tips that other mama friends have shared with me that have been SUPER helpful for us, about how we prepared our brave lil warrior the weeks leading up to daycare to ease some of that inevitable separation anxiety, about the tearful goodbyes, and the surprising turning point that left me in a puddle. It’s an intense milestone of parenthood. Now that we’re a month in, we have newfound strength from enduring the process, and I could not be prouder of our little one (and me!), but damn, was it tough to get here.
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Helen shares the highs and lows of the Wang family’s first-ever vacation with a 25-month-old toddler. From flying with a potty-training tot to exploring the beautiful island of Oahu, Helen spills the details of surviving a longer than 5-hour flight and her top 3 must-visit places on the island. Helen also delves into her takeaways and hot tips for family vacations, including a controversial yet ingenious hack for a parents' night out. Whether you're a parent, parent-to-be, or just curious about family adventures, this episode is filled with relatable stories and helpful insights.
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Pause for a moment and ask yourself, what is your one word for 2024?
Today, Helen shares her chosen word of the year. Reflecting on the challenges of juggling work, family, and personal aspirations, she candidly discusses societal pressure to achieve and fulfill checkboxes, realizing the need for a shift towards a more intentional and focused life.
Her word for 2024 is "LESS," symbolizing a desire to prioritize meaningful experiences, creative projects, and connections over a hectic and busy lifestyle (which, to be honest, is all we’ve known). The episode concludes with Helen sharing words of wisdom from her audience about their words for 2024, promoting themes like resilience, self-love, balance, and more.
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As a follow-up to the last Spill the Baby Tea episode, Helen invites her husband, Philip (@wongfuphil), to share his perspective on the highs and lows of parenthood. They revisit the cons discussed in the previous episode, adding new insights such as the challenges of maintaining a sense of self, the struggles of making time for each other, and the unexpected lifestyle shifts. They also explore additional pros, including the opportunity for personal growth, healing from past trauma, and the unexplainable love that comes with being a parent.
Whether you're a seasoned parent or a soon-to-be mom or dad, this episode offers a candid and relatable conversation about the beautiful complexities of raising a child. Tune in to gain insights, share a few laughs, and feel the warmth of the Spill the Baby Tea community.
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Buckle up for the ride of a lifetime – parenthood! In this episode, Helen takes you through the ups and downs of motherhood and parenthood, from the unparalleled wonder of seeing the world through your child’s eyes to the feeling of overwhelming responsibility and the very real, and very scary, financial strain. If you're on the fence about having a child and curious about what awaits, join Helen as she lays out a checklist of pros and cons. This episode also captures a 2-year reflection of parenthood.
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As Helen's world expands with her now-toddler, her relationships with her mommy friends have grown deeper and more significant. Cathy Nguyen is one of those friends! When Helen was pregnant, Cathy thoughtfully dropped off her pregnancy pillow, pack and play, and breast friend and said - “Take this, you’ll need it.” For Helen, it made a world of a difference to feel that level of unasked-for support. In this episode, they talk about how friends have supported them as they go through one of the biggest transitions of their lives, how child-free friends have shown up for them, and how we as mommy friends can best show up for each other.
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There is nothing more frightening than what is happening in the world right now. How do we talk to our kids about conflict and war? As parents, we can only hope to create a world where our children can feel safe to navigate his/her own emotions. In this episode, we cover some tips on how to approach the conversation of tragic world events with your child and provide them with support and comfort.
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How we parent our children will affect their mental health and relationships well into adulthood. In this episode, we discuss the 3 main parenting styles: authoritarian, permissive, and authoritative, with each style representing different approaches to discipline, rules, and communication. Each style has its ups and downs, but ultimately, the best approach depends on your child's temperament, age, and needs, as well as the cultural and societal norms they're accustomed to. Join me in this conversation through the world of parenting styles and discover the importance of finding the right blend that works for your family.
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Join me for a deep dive into the world of bridal self-care as I share EVERYTHING I did to feel my absolute best on my special day. From teeth whitening to laser treatments, skincare routines to hair transformations, to what I used to exfoliate my body and even soften my feet (TMI), there’s no gatekeeping here! And I’d do it all again to feel as confident as I did on my wedding day. Tune in for tips and inspiration to help you feel your most radiant self, whether you're a bride-to-be or simply on a self-care journey.
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Never in all the years I've dreamed up my wedding did I think I’d have my baby by my side. Never could I imagine, even now, not having our lil kiwi head right there with us. Our little man reveled in every moment of the day -- calling out to us with his cheerful "mama baba!" during the ceremony, effortlessly floating from one guest to the other, his infectious energy lighting up the dance floor. He definitely had the best time of his tiny little life and became a true highlight of our wedding.
This episode is dedicated to how we planned the logistics of having our baby at our wedding, as well as recounting some of the more special moments of how we incorporated him into our wedding.
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Babies seem to find fun in just about anything. But, there are instances when we observe our littles nestled within their playpens, faces resting gently on their mats, while their tiny thumbs seek comfort. As parents, we can’t help but ask ourselves: "is my baby bored?!” In today’s episode, we explore how our household has embraced the concept of bite-sized weekday adventures, sharing strategies for dispelling those hints of non-nap time monotony.
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Our first Q&A for STBT!! I answer a few of your burning questions this week ~ what’s my desire for a second child now that I have a toddler? What’s the biggest noob parenting mistake I’ve made (that you can learn from)?? How much did I tear down there when giving birth?!
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Have you ever wondered how your parents raised you versus how you would raise your own children? My mom would tell me these stories about how we were weaned off diapers by the age of 1, that talk about SIDS and safe co-sleeping was not a popular topic of conversation, that we were spanked as a form of discipline, and organic foods? Who needs that! On this episode, I bring my mom, Momma Wu, on to talk about the differences between parenting as an immigrant mother in the 1990s and parenting as a second-generation Asian American, now, in the 21st century.
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Today’s guest answers all of life’s burning questions. “I feel like I’ve lost myself. I don’t know who I am anymore. How do I find myself again?” “How do I live a more intentional life?” “I want to be present for my family and make Partner, but how can I do both?” “What are some tactical ways to overcome burnout?”
Bea Kim is an Executive & Life Coach who primarily serves working parents, high-potential leaders and executives, and she has worked directly with larger companies like Google, Adobe, and Facebook. She is also a group coach for the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Helen here! I am all about tactical advice, and less about the woo-woo (even though Wu is my last name ;)). Bea Kim provides just that in this episode – tangible ways to lead a more intentional life. Straight from our editor: “Bea is so insightful and such a great speaker! I feel like I learned a lot that could be applied to my life, even though I'm not a parent.”
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