It Takes a Village Podcast

About It Takes a Village Podcast

It Takes a Village is a podcast that celebrates the enriching and multifaceted journey of being a woman in today’s world, with a special focus on life in rural communities like the Gunnison Valley of Colorado. Each episode explores the triumphs and trials of motherhood, the challenges of running a business in a mountain town, and the deeper connections that make small-town living so unique. From women’s health to building lasting friendships and navigating family life, we share heartfelt stories, practical advice, and expert insights to inspire and empower. Join us as we create a supportive, uplifting community where women can connect, learn, and thrive. It Takes a Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for growth, connection, and shared experience.

Publisher

Liberty Lyons, Megan West, Brieanna Radford

Category

education · kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Feb 2025

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

19 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   8 Oct 2026

   School's In: The More You Know with Special Guest, Corrine Jaeger

   So THAT’S What They’re Doing All Day This week, we’re talking early childhood with someone who has a pretty unique perspective on it: Corrine Jaeger, Gunnison-Hinsdale Early Childhood Council Coordinator, former early childhood educator, mom to a teen, and Brieanna's sister. Corrine knows early childhood from both sides. She’s spent years working in the field, and she’s also raising a tiny human of her own. We talk about what’s actually happening developmentally during these early years, what happens inside a classroom all day, and some of the things parents might not realize their child’s educators are watching, noticing, and working on. We get into the Pyramid Model, EQIT, social-emotional development, and what it looks like when parents and educators really work as a team. Corrine also talks about resources available to people working in early childhood and why parents should pay attention to those handouts coming home in backpacks (yes, even the ones that get crumpled at the bottom). And we talk about something that goes beyond the classroom: how parents can share their experiences and advocate for the children and families in their communities. Basically, there is A LOT happening in those years, and probably a lot more happening in your child’s classroom than you realize.

2. 

   10 Sept 2026

   Waitlisted...Who’s Watching the Kids?

   Finding childcare is hard enough. Finding childcare in a small mountain valley? That’s a whole different game. In Episode 5 of Season 2 of It Takes a Village, we finally talk about the childcare of it all, one of the biggest logistical challenges facing parents and families in our community. How early do you actually need to start looking? (Spoiler: during pregnancy) What happens when every center is full, and the waitlists seem endless? What do families do when a childcare center suddenly shuts down? And how do you make it work when there simply aren’t enough spaces for all the kids who need them? We talk about the realities of childcare scarcity, the stress of waitlists, center closures, scrambling for backup plans, and the creative—and sometimes downright ridiculous, solutions parents come up with to keep their families functioning. Because childcare isn't just about finding someone to watch your kid while you work. It affects jobs, finances, family planning, mental load, relationships, and whether parents can participate in the community at all. And in a small valley, where space is limited and options can disappear quickly, the problem can feel especially complicated. So, if you've ever found yourself wondering “How the hell am I supposed to find childcare?”, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned Amazing Glamping Adventures (Megan's camping company!) (https://amazingglampingadventures.com/) UPK - Universal Pre-School (See if you qualify) (https://upk.colorado.gov/) Gunnison Early Childhood Council (https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/897/Gunnison-Hinsdale-Early-Childhood-Counci) Gunnison Valley Sitters (Facebook Group) (https://www.facebook.com/groups/942978502390673/)

3. 

   13 Aug 2026

   Honey, I Shrunk Myself: Rediscovering Yourself in Motherhood

   Becoming a parent changes everything, including you. In this episode of It Takes a Village, we're talking about one of the biggest, and often least discussed, transitions of parenthood: identity. What happens when the person you were before kids feels like a distant memory? How do you hold onto your career, friendships, hobbies, and sense of self while raising tiny humans who need so much of you? We explore the guilt that can come with wanting time alone, the pressure to always put yourself last, and the challenge of becoming a parent without disappearing into the role. Whether you're in the thick of early parenthood or years into the journey, this conversation is a reminder that taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's part of showing up for your family. You don't have to choose between being a great parent and being yourself.

4. 

   9 Jul 2026

   Are We Okay? Navigating the Invisible Weight of Parenting

   Nobody hands you a report card when you become a parent, but somehow it can still feel like you're constantly being evaluated. In this episode of It Takes a Village, we're talking about the emotional weight of parenting, the parts that don't always make it into the milestone posts or parenting books. From wondering why parenting feels so much harder than you expected to navigating grief, sleep deprivation, potty training pressure, and the reality that every child has a different temperament, we're unpacking the invisible mental load so many parents carry. We also share stories about shielding our kids from pressure and shame, handling big feelings, adult relationships, and the trap of comparing your family to the carefully curated versions we see from other parents. At the heart of this conversation is one question: How do you know you're doing okay when nobody is grading parenting? If you've ever wondered whether you're messing it all up, or if everyone else somehow knows something you don't, this episode is for you. It's an honest conversation about letting go of impossible expectations, embracing the child you have instead of the one you imagined, and remembering that "doing okay" often looks a lot messier and individualized than we expect.

5. 

   11 Jun 2026

   Are They Okay? First Foods, First Fevers, First Fears

   Season 2, Episode 2 of It Takes a Village takes a different path. Instead of structuring this season strictly by age and milestones, we’re shifting toward conversations centered around shared experiences, emotions, and the realities of parenting that don’t always fit neatly into timelines. Because the truth is: milestones can be helpful, but they can also create pressure, comparison, and fear. In this episode, we catch up on some major life updates, a new puppy, a life-changing trip through Croatia and Greece, and the emotional closing of a business chapter, while diving into the hazy, overwhelming, beautiful stretch between 3 months and 1 year old. This season of parenting is packed with firsts: first foods, first fears, first teeth, first illnesses, first moments of independence. We talk about introducing solids, allergies, choking anxiety, and the strange realization that you are responsible for teaching another human literally everything, how to eat, sleep, poop, process pain, and exist in the world, even though you can’t remember learning any of it yourself. We also unpack the emotional side of teething, the fear that comes with seeing your child experience pain for the first time, and how differently every child develops. Some babies get all their teeth at once, others over years. Some hit milestones early, others don’t. So, how much weight should milestones really hold? When should you trust the charts, and when should you trust your gut? This episode is a reminder that parenting rarely follows a straight line — and that sometimes the most important thing you can do is listen to your child, yourself, and the people you truly trust.

6. 

   14 May 2026

   Mind the Gap! Small Humans, Massive Milestones

   Welcome to Season 2 of It Takes a Village! 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.

7. 

   12 Feb 2026

   Special Episode: Tough Topics, Tougher Village with Lana Athey

   This special live episode of It Takes A Village Podcast was recorded at the Gunnison Arts Center, a place that holds deep history for two of our hosts, Megan and Brieanna, who once worked within its walls and helped shape its creative community. Returning to the GAC not just as organizers, but as storytellers, felt like coming home with a new purpose. 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 Gunnison Tough "How to Get Help" - https://gunnisontough.com/how-to-get-assistance/ (https://gunnisontough.com/how-to-get-assistance/) Gunnison Tough Programs - https://gunnisontough.com/programs/ (https://gunnisontough.com/programs/) Living Journeys Support Groups - https://livingjourneys.org/assistance/ (https://livingjourneys.org/assistance/) GVH Cancer Screening Access Fund - https://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/our-services/cancer-care/cancer-screening-access-fund/ (https://www.gunnisonvalleyhealth.org/our-services/cancer-care/cancer-screening-access-fund/) Women's Wellness Connection for women over 50 - https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/260/Womens-Wellness-Connection (https://www.gunnisoncounty.org/260/Womens-Wellness-Connection)

8. 

   12 Jan 2026

   SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!

   Join It Takes A Village Podcast for a special community-centered day at the Gunnison Arts Center on January 16th. The afternoon begins with a live podcast recording at 4 pm, featuring honest conversation, shared stories, and a little audience interaction, because this Village believes in learning and growing together. We’re thrilled to welcome special guest Lana Athey from Gunnison Tough, bringing her perspective, experience, and voice into the conversation. This live recording is pay-what-you-can (or free) with first-come, first-served seating. 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

9. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Sleigh Queen: The Season One Sendoff

   The hosts reflect on the first season of "It Takes a Village Podcast," sharing insights on motherhood, family traditions, and listener stories during the holiday season, highlighting the importance of community.

10. 

    9 Oct 2025

    The Interviews: Rural Maternal Care, Climate Anxiety, and Shifting Birth Trends with Jessica Eckhardt

    Researcher Jessica Eckhardt explores the evolving landscape of rural maternal care, discussing hospital closures, prenatal care gaps, and the impact of historical misconceptions on modern medicine in an interview.

11. 

    11 Sept 2025

    The Interviews: Building a Village with Katie Thomas of Project Hope

    Advocacy Director Katie Thomas of Project Hope shares vital insights on recognizing abuse, offering support, and accessing resources for those affected in this interview.

12. 

    14 Aug 2025

    The Interviews: Feeding Your Baby Your Way with Kelsey Weaver

    Host Kelsey Weaver interviews lactation consultant Kelsey Weaver about navigating the diverse realities of infant feeding, empowering parents to ditch guilt and embrace personalized choices.

13. 

    10 Jul 2025

    The Interviews: Rebuilding the Village with Louise Perry

    Motherhood therapist Louise Perry discusses naming mothers' experiences to meet their needs, exploring cross-cultural parenting support, and navigating shifting expectations with partners in this interview episode.

14. 

    12 Jun 2025

    Titty Time: The Many Ways to Feed a Baby

    Podcast hosts Megan, Liberty, and Brieanna discuss the various methods of infant feeding, including breastfeeding, formula, and pumping, and explore the challenges and emotional aspects involved.

15. 

    8 May 2025

    Baby Blues & Battle Scars: The Postpartum Shock

    In this raw and honest episode, Liberty, Megan, and Brieanna open up about the often-overlooked reality of life after birth. From the jarring moment you bring the baby home to the isolation, monotony, and emotional rollercoaster that follows, your hosts share their personal experiences with postpartum depression, the impact (or absence) of paternal leave, and what they wish they had known about matrescence. Most importantly, they explore the powerful ways we can show up for new moms, and truly be the village it takes. Resources Mentioned: Meal Train App - Google Form for Special Issues Episode:

16. 

    10 Apr 2025

    Push It Real Good: Getting Honest About Birth

    In this deeply personal episode, we dive into the full spectrum of labor stories, because no two births look the same. From slow-building inductions and marathon pre-labor to the classic Hollywood-style water breaking and everything in between, we talk about what it really felt like to bring our babies into the world. We share stories of C-sections, epidurals, pitocin, and the curveballs that changed our carefully laid birth plans. It gets emotional, it gets intense, and at times, it's even a little funny. Most of all, it's real. This episode is about the moment we became parents and the wild, powerful journey it took to get there. Resources: Contraction Tracking Apps: Contraction Timer & Counter, Storky, Freya

17. 

    27 Mar 2025

    Episode 3: Waddling and Waiting: The Journey Through Pregnancy (Part 2)

    From the moment that second line appears to the final stretch of the third trimester, pregnancy is a wild, emotional, and sometimes downright chaotic ride. In this episode, we share our personal journeys—the joys, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. We talk about miscarriage, the rollercoaster of wanting (or not wanting) to be pregnant, unexpected complications, hospital stays, hormone-fueled meltdowns, bizarre cravings, and the long, slow wait for baby’s arrival. Whether you’ve been there, are there now, or just love a good pregnancy story, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: UCLA Meditations - https://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful/guided-meditations

18. 

    12 Mar 2025

    Episode 2: Waddling and Waiting: The Journey Through Pregnancy (Part 1)

    From the moment that second line appears to the final stretch of the third trimester, pregnancy is a wild, emotional, and sometimes downright chaotic ride. In this episode, we share our personal "pee on a stick" stories, and what went down when we found out we were, in fact, pregnant. Whether you’ve been there, are there now, or just love a good pregnancy story, this episode is for you. 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/

19. 

    12 Feb 2025

    Meet the Village: Who We Are & Why We’re Here

    Welcome to It Takes a Village! In this first episode, we introduce your hosts and share the story behind this podcast. We’ll dive into our mission—creating a space where women in the Gunnison Valley can connect, share their experiences, and support one another through the ups and downs of motherhood, business ownership, and community life. Plus, we’ll break down our episode structure, what you can expect moving forward, and how you can be part of the conversation. Let’s build this village together! **Colorado moms! Megan mentioned this incredible resource so you can find kid-friendly activities anywhere you go. Give @slidesandsunshine a follow on Instagram.

Who has been a guest on It Takes a Village Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Jessica Eckhardt
• Katie Thomas
• Kelsey Weaver
• Louise Perry

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

13

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact It Takes a Village Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.