The Messy Mama Podcast
By Taryn
The Messy Mama PodcastNov 18, 2020
39. Rising Through Pregnancy After Child Loss with Justina
After being told for years that she would most likely never get pregnant, Justina and her husband Dan had finally come to terms with their reality. Needless to say, they were completely shocked and over the moon excited when they found out they were expecting their miracle baby boy, Carter.
Justina had a smooth and healthy pregnancy until 23 weeks, when things took a drastic and unexpected turn. Caused by an incompetent cervix, Justina delivered their son severely premature at only 24 weeks and two days, and their unexpected NICU journey began. They quickly got acquainted with the NICU life that was consumed by pumping breastmilk, beeping monitors and pure chaos. Despite the odds, Carter was doing everything to be expected from a 24 weeker, but Justina and her husband hadn't quite comprehended the severity of his preterm birth.
Things quickly changed on Carter's third day of life, and Justina and Dan were left with a devastating decision. Carter passed away peacefully in his Dad's arms that evening, taking a piece of his parents heart with them. Carter's parents have worked tirelessly to not only keep Carter's memory alive, but to honour his sweet life. From their devastating loss, Justina and Dan created Carters Cause, which is a foundation to help support other families who are walking similar journeys.
You can visit https://www.carterscause.org/ to find resources on the NICU, Infant Loss and so much more goodness, or find them on Instagram @carterscause.
38. Rising Through Down Syndrome - an Unexpected Diagnosis with Brittany
Since having sweet Henry, Brittany has added 'Down Syndrome advocate' to her many roles and she genuinely couldn't be happier.
What is it like receiving a completely unexpected diagnosis? How has society conditioned us to view people with disabilities? How are some easy ways to help our children deeply practice inclusion?
All things answered by this beautiful mama on today's episode!
Find Brittany and Henry on Instagram at: brittanymaycaffet
37. What Does a Doula Do?!
On today's episode, Lindsey comes on and shares her experience as a doula in Calgary, Alberta. She walks us through all the ins and outs of being a doula, and what you can expect if you hire one. We cover everything from how doulas support women during their pregnancy, all the way through to postpartum.
36. Rising Through Preeclampsia and Preterm Delivery
At just 22 weeks Tabitha was admitted into the hospital with severe preeclampsia. She was retaining 30lbs of fluid, her face was so swolen that her eyes were almost forced closed, her blood pressure was absolutely the light the roof, and she truly felt like she was going to die. She spent weeks on bedrest and monitored extremely carefully, as they were worried for both her and her sons life. She managed to keep her baby in for 3 weeks, and delivered him severely premature at just 25 weeks gestation.
Join us on todays episode as Tabitha shares what it felt like to go misdiagnosed for so long, what her symptoms of preeclampsia were, and her traumatic and fast delivery.
35. Setting and Holding Boundaries with Therapist Kristi Yeh
I learned the importance of setting boundaries very early on in my motherhood journey.. Derek and I take a lot of pride in our parenting and have a tons of conversations about how we want our kids to be raised. But, something I found was that even though we had boundaries set and had talked about different scenarios, others (family, friends and even strangers) were overstepping and it often left me feeling overwhelmed and upset. The missing piece was HOLDING our boundaries and learning how to respectfully verbalize our expectations to others.
In this episode, Kristi gives a ton of great advice around how to have the necessary, and sometimes hard, conversations, how to hold our boundaries, when we should hold strong on our boundaries and when we can bend, and even walks us through some examples of having hard conversations.
Let's go chat, mamas!
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Come hang out with us on Instagram!
The Messy Mama Podcast: @themessymamapodcast
Kristi Yeh: @parentselfcare
34. Rising Through a Rare Form of Dwarfism with Erica
But, that all came to an abrupt halt at 20 weeks when Nia was misdiagnosed with a lethal disease. Erica and her husband spent weeks learning and praying, trying to figure out what the best move for their family was.
After many scans and tests, the Drs were finally able to diagnose Nia with a rare form of Dwarfism, and while the chances of survival were low, they never lost faith.
Join us as Erica shares the intimate details of their pregnancy, what it was like to have a horrendous misdiagnosis, what it was like delivering a baby who had such a low odds of survival, and hear how 3 year old Nia is doing today!
33. 10 Things To Know About The NICU with Anna Zimmerman and Taryn Argue
While our experiences and roles within the NICU are very different, we both believe that the NICU is such an incredibly special place, and are so grateful for it.
In this episode we cover everything from who is involved in taking care of NICU babies, what your baby needs to accomplish in order to head home, how to feel supported while you navigate the hospital stay, and everything in between!
This joint episode is brought to you by Mighty Littles Podcast and The Messy Mama Podcast.
Join our communities on Instagram!
Taryn and The Messy Mama Community: @themessymamapodcast
Anna and The Mighty Littles Community: @mightylittles
32. Rising Through Surrogacy with Angelina
In today's episode we hear of Angelina's journey to motherhood. While it started off with IVF, losses, and ultimately, news that it is unsafe and life threatening for her to carry a baby, it also includes her story of creating their family through surrogacy.
Angelina shares about how she went about finding a surrogate, what it is like to watch another woman grow your babies, and the blessings that her surrogate, Shaylene, brought to her.
Let's go chat, mamas!
31. Rising as a Surrogate with Ariel
I remember before I had my eldest baby, surrogacy was something I just kind of THOUGHT that I would do. The idea of being pregnant and bringing a baby into the world for someone who physically can't was something I knew would bring me so much joy.
Through todays conversation with Ariel, I learned that there is SO much that goes into surrogacy that isn't always thought or talked about!
How does a family member become matched with a surrogate? Who is it that utilizes surrogacy? What is the process of surrogacy like? How does it feel to birth a child that biologically and legally isn't yours? Do you get paid to be a surrogate? And perhaps the hardest realization of all, is that like any other pregnancy, loss and miscarriage are very real.
Ariel answers all of these questions and so much more as she shares her journey of welcoming 2, soon to be 3, surro-babies into the world!
Let's go chat, mamas!
30. Let's Talk About Vaginas with Vagina Coach Kim Vopni
Have you ever been chatting with a girlfriend and felt reassured when she admits that she also... leaks? BEEN THERE! But did you know that just because incontinence is actually very common, it isn't normal, and is actually VERY treatable?!
Today's guest, Kim Vopni, is here to talk all about vaginas and a healthy pelvic floor.
Are you uncomfortable, yet? GOOD! We need to normalize these conversations!
What are signs of an unhealthy pelvic floor? Should you leak after having a baby? Is there anything we can do to prevent tearing while delivering our babies? What about prolapse? How do we talk to our kids about their body parts in a way that helps them feel empowered and educated?
ALL questions that I ask Kim on today's episode!
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Kim's Credentials!
BA in Psychology and a Post Graduate Diploma in Health and Fitness
Restorative Exercise Specialist™
Certified Personal Trainer
Certified Pre/Post Natal Fitness Consultant
Certified Fitness For Fertility Specialist
Certified Pfilates Instructor
Hypopressive Method trainer.
Please visit Kim's website to learn all of the ways that she can support you!
www.vaginacoach.com/
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A big thanks to Heritage Baby for being this weeks sponsor!
Kayleigh uses such a beautiful colour palette and the softest European Linen to create really stunning slings, loveys, bibs and blankets.
Each carrier purchased from Heritage will also support Plan International Canada. This gift will save lives by providing malaria medications, antibiotics and other important medicines, as well as supplies , such as stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and delivery table.
You can find Heritage Baby and her beautiful products on Instagram @heritagebabydeisgns, and can follow the link in her bio to shop!
29. Rising Through SMA Type 1 // Life For Lucy
28. Embracing & Loving Our Bodies Through Change with Logan Russell
Perhaps that shame came from our weight or shape, and its ability to do what we ask of it. Maybe it was caused by what we see in the media and how beauty is portrayed. Or maybe the shame stemmed from what others have said about the way our bodies look.
How do we achieve true self acceptance? How can we finally break through diet cultures harsh views and truly accept and resepct our bodies?
Logan Russell shares about her early struggles with self acceptance, and the breaking point that made her realize that her worth is not determined by her bodies size or weight.
27. Rising Through IVF with Kelsi
26: The Reality of Raising Black Children in 2020
I'm so thankful for today's guest, Ima, who is coming on to share her personal experience in raising black children. We are going to be hearing about some of the racial injustices her and her husband, Marcus, have personally experienced, some of the fears they have around raising black children, the unjust treatment black mothers face within the healthcare system, the racist acts her children have already endured, and how we, as moms, can help shape our kids to be inclusive, anti racist and accepting of everyone.
Let’s go learn, mama’s.
25. Rising through Adoption with Sonya
With adoption always being on Sonya’s heart, and a plan in her and Drew’s parenthood journey, now felt like the perfect time for them to dive in and start the process of adopting their first child.
What are some common fears adoptive parents experience? What are the logistics of adoption? How do you choose who’s baby you will soon get to call your own? Can you really love a baby that you didn’t grow in your own tummy?
These are all questions Sonya answers as we chat about her journey to becoming Jayce’s mama!
24. Plus Size Pregnancy + Birth and Trusting Your Body
There is an alarming amount of false information on the internet that has lead us to believe that women who exist in larger bodies are incapable of having a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
There is also an alarming amount of women who have had traumatic or negative experiences with healthcare providers, leaving them feeling anxious and uncomfortable to seek medical help.
This week we are hearing from Jen McLellan, host of The Plus Mommy Podcast and a plus size pregnancy and birth educator. She is on a mission to change the way healthcare providers see and treat women in large bodies, and help moms feel confident in their ability to carry and birth their babies.
Join us as Jen shares her story of being an advocate for plus size women and what her journey to motherhood and learning to not only accept, but love herself has looked like!
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Are you plus size and looking for additional support while you are TTC, pregnant or giving birth? Visit Jen's website to learn how she can support you OR for more information!
https://plussizebirth.com/
Jen's Plus Mommy Podcast:
https://plusmommy.com/
Instagram:
@plusmommy
@plussizebirth
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SPONSOR!
Today's episode has been sponsored by Ashley, owner of Millie's Little Closet. She is a mama to two littles who runs her business with one kiddo strapped to her back, while her other plays at her feet. I have absolutely loved getting to know Ashley and can't say enough great things about how this Canadian mama runs her business!
Find her adorable and affordable kids clothes by visiting her on Instagram @millieslitlecloset
23. Rising through Birth Trauma with Taylor
I think it's safe to say that we all have a certain level of nervousness and fear when we are preparing to deliver our babies. But, we put our confidence and trust in our healthcare providers to do what is best and safest for us, and believe they have our best interest at hand. Are there women who have beautiful experiences while bringing their little babes into the world? Absolutely! But the reality is that there are a lot of moms who leave the hospital feeling violated, taken advantage of or simply in complete shock from what they just went through.
Today we are hearing from Taylor. A mom who sat in the NICU while her sons brain was closely monitored, and he was rigorously tested for brain damage. Her story isn't one any mama hopes for, but she knows that by sharing it, it can allow other moms to know their rights and learn when, and how, to advocate for themselves.
Ep. 22: Restitution and Reframing Our Kids Misbehaviour to Mistakes with Parent Coach Myla Leinweber
Have you ever found yourself frustrated with your kids and saying things like "you know better!" or "you could put your shoes on by yourself yesterday!" I know I have.
On today’s episode we are learning from parent coach and expert, Myla Leinweber. What is restitution, and why is it important? How can we model it for our kids? And do our kids misbehave, or make mistakes? Myla covers all of these questions and gives us some incredible tools to improve our every day parenting, making it a little less chaotic, and a lot more joyful.
Let's go learn, Mamas!
21. Rising Through Child Loss with Karisa
Karisa's worst nightmare came true when her sweet girl, Mieya, suddenly and unexpectedly passed from SIDS when she was just 3 months old.
What is SIDS? What causes it? What does life after losing a child look like? Karisa shares the intimate details of Mieya's passing and how her and her family keep Mieyas memory alive for her little siblings.
20. This Season is Going To Be Fun!
Season 1 Wrap Up!
19. Not4Sale - Human Trafficking and the Sex Trade
How does exploitation happen? Who are the exploiters and sex traffickers? How can we, as parents, keep our children safe? How can we talk to our kids about this really uncomfortable topic?
These are ALL questions we had one we learned about Not4Sale, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing women and children from the sex trade. We are so grateful that they are on with us and are answering all of our questions!
Let's go chat, mamas!
18. Parenting in a Pandemic with Mama Psychologists
Helping our kids through tantrums, trying to be productive with our days, maintaining our adult connections and navigating the day to day challenges of motherhood is NO easy task. Add the COVID-19 pandemic to it, and some days can feel almost impossible.
For this weeks episode we are so excited to be chatting with two Psychologists, Caitlin and Chelsea.
They share SO much incredible knowledge that they have gained through their work, and their motherhood journeys. We talk about how to stay connected with our family and friends through this challenging time, how we can help our kids through their big emotions, and how to navigate the grief that a lot of us are experiencing as more and more events are being cancelled.
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Find Caitlin and Chelsea on both Facebook and Instagram:
@mamapsychologists
Visit their website to see the services they offer:
www.bemindbodytherapy.com
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This weeks episode is brought to us by Honey Suckle Swim Company. They have created full coverage, SUPER cute, UVF 50 infant swimming suits and hats.
Instagram: @honeysuckleswimcompany
Website: www.honeysuckleswimcompany.com
17. Mom Brain
Walking into a room and not being able to remember why, putting your keys in the fridge, forgetting your diaper bag full of your essentials, and even... forgetting your newborn babies name. YEP, you read that right!
Baby brain is SO real and something we have learned to just LAUGH about! Come hear our most embarrassing mom brain moments and have a good giggle!
16. Supporting Mamas through the NICU
Join us in this weeks episode as we wrap up our NICU series by chatting about some of the complications that can cause preterm labour, the different gestations babies are born at and what severity of prematurity they fall into, and most importantly, how we can SUPPORT families while they navigate their NICU journeys.
15. NICU SERIES - Melissa + Thanatophoric Dysplasia (rare dwarfism)
Paisley is currently a happy, fiesty, sweet 7 month old who brings her family so much joy. But, as you can imagine, it didn't come without an immeasurable amount of obstacles, terrifying days, and a lot of unknown.
Join us as Melissa shares the highs and lows of their pregnancy, their 183 day NICU stay, and life at home with a medically fragile baby.
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Find Melissa and Paisley on Instagram and Facebook at: @PrayersforPaisley
14. NICU SERIES - Ebony + a Micro Preemie
Ebony is a fierce mama who advocates hard for their little girl, Reign. After experiencing pregnancy loss and infertility, they were over the moon with excitement when they found out they were expecting their rainbow baby. Little did they know, the hardships weren't over and they would be welcoming their micro-preemie at only 26 weeks gestation.
Join us as Ebony shares her experience with preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, her emergency c-section, and their 80 day stay in the NICU after delivering Reign at 26 weeks.
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Find Ebony and Reign on Instagram: @andsheshallreign
Visit their website: www.andsheshallreign.com/
13. NICU SERIES - Sydney + Triplets
Sydney and her husband Kyle entered parenthood with a BANG and were blessed with three of the sweetest girls! Their journey to welcoming their triplet daughters did not come easy and their path was anything but straight. It seemed like they were tested time and time again, yet they came out stronger, with their hearts (and arms!) more full than they ever could have imagined.
Join us as Sydney shares about her high risk triplet pregnancy, their journey through the NICU with the girls, and how they adapted to living out of a hospital for nearly half a year!
12. NICU SERIES - Derek, Taryn + Two Preemies
This weeks episode is the FIRST of our NICU series. When Derek and I started family planning, we really had NO idea that our journey would consist of 2 premature babies, and spending over 13 weeks in the NICU.
Before we had Tate we had never stepped foot in a NICU, let alone seen a baby that was covered head to toe in tubes and wires that were physically keeping him alive. We learned very quickly that the NICU was a complete roller coaster that forced us to feel every emotion under the sun. While we were incredibly grateful for a beautiful little boy, we were overwhelmed with fear, anxiety, and uncertainty every single day for the next 7 weeks, until we were finally able to bring Tate home to us.
After undergoing many procedures and a surgery, we were so hopeful that our next baby would be born full term and healthy. After finding out at 29 weeks that I was in preterm labour, we spent the next two weeks trying to be there for Tate, while navigating bed rest, hospitalization, and eventually another preterm delivery.
Our little girl, Reese, spent the next 6 weeks in the NICU, overcoming the many hurdles and obstacles that premature babies face. We juggled life with a newborn in the NICU, and a toddler at home, and felt the pull of having two kids who needed us, but in very different ways.
Join us as Derek and I share what it was like experiencing the NICU for the first time, navigating it again with a toddler, and the rollercoaster we faced in order to create our family.
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This weeks Sponsor is The Sandra Schmirler Foundation.
IG account: sandraschmirler
The foundation was created in 2001, in memory Sandra Schmirler, who was a loving wife and Mom to two beautiful girls. She is a Canadian curling icon who captured three Canadian championships, 3 World Championships and skipped her team to a gold medal at the Olympics in 1998.
They are the only national foundation devoted solely to helping fund the purchase of life-saving equipment for babies born too soon, too small or too sick, just like mine were. They raise their funds through initiatives like curling bonspiels, golf tournaments, online contests, and Crowd Sweeps at major curling events. One of their major fundraiser is the annual telethon on TSN at the Scotties tournament of Hearts that I shared about on our Instagram page while Derek and I answered phones for it this year in Moose Jaw.
You can find the Sandra Schmirler foundation on Instagram, Facebook and by visiting their website sandraschmirler.org
You can donate $5 right now by texting SANDRA to 4578, or by visiting their website at any time.
11. Spotlight - Rising with Postpartum Anxiety, PTSD & OCD
Intrusive thoughts, repetitively checking on the sleeping baby, and having a racing mind 100% of the day. This was Kayla's reality for months.
Chances are, you know someone personally, or have heard a story of a woman who suffers with postpartum anxiety or depression. But did you know that postpartum OCD and PTSD are also common diagnosis? What does that mean? What does it look like?
Tune in as Kayla shares her journey through these hard diagnosis after having their beautiful boy, Jackson. She shares how her every day life looked, when she finally hit her breaking point, and how she healed herself to get back to her fun-loving self!
Let's chat, mamas!
* Please note that we touch on sensitive topics like suicide, intrusive thoughts, and share stories that may be triggering for others.
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KAYLA'S INFO:
Instagram:
Mother May I: MotherMayIYXE - This is the Non Profit organization that Kayla has co-created to help raise awareness around Maternal Mental Health. Their clothing line focuses on spreading positive affirmation, and all proceeds are donated to the appropriate initiatives.
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SPONSOR:
Rosalyn Summach.
Labour and Delivery Nurse
Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Sleep Coach
Rosalyn offers both breastfeeding and pre-natal classes via her provate practice.
Find her on Instagram at: rosalyn.themamacoach
Check out Episode 10 and Episode 10 part 2, to hear a Q+A with Rosalyn, where we covered the questions you mamas provided us on prenatal, labour and delivery, babies sleep, postpartum healing and breastfeeding!
10. Part 2 - Breastfeeding Q&A w/ Rosalyn Summach
The mom gig can be so tough. And beautiful. And stressful. And rewarding. With the pendulum of parenthood swinging back and forth daily and the array of conflicting information at our fingertips as to what is "right and wrong", it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and inadequate. That is where Rosalyn, a Registered Nurse and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant may enter in for you; a source of information and qualified support. To create and hold a safe space that is filled with empathy and free of judgement so that you may make the informed decision as to what is right for you. Join us in this weeks episode for another Q&A with Rosalyn Summach, this time answering all of your questions on BREASTFEEDING!
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Rosalyn's Information: IG: @rosalyn.themamacoach
How to connect for support: https://linktr.ee/rosalyn.themamacoach
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Resources referenced in the episode: Consuming Alcohol While Breastfeeding, from infantrisk.com: https://www.cfp.ca/content/cfp/48/1/39.full.pdf Use Your BRAIN - Questions to ask when faced with decisions in pregnancy, labour, birth and the fourth trimester: https://www.thevbaclink.com/interventions-use-your-brain/ Breastmilk Storage Guidelines: https://ibconline.ca/information-sheets/expressing-breast-milk/ General Breastfeeding Resources: https://ibconline.ca/information-sheets/
10. Part 1 - Labor, Delivery & Sleep Q&A w/ Rosalyn Summach
The mom gig can be so tough. And beautiful. And stressful. And rewarding. With the pendulum of parenthood swinging back and forth daily and the array of conflicting information at our fingertips as to what is "right and wrong", it can leave you feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and inadequate. Whether it is you and your partner gaining confidence and feeling empowered well before your first contraction of labour through one of our prenatal classes; supporting you through your breastfeeding journey, or coaching you through reading your little ones cues to guide them to find sleep with the least about of stress and tears. My mission is and always will be, to meet you exactly where you’re at, regardless of what that may look like and work together to uncover the solutions that fit your uniquely individual family circumstances.
ROSALYN on IG: @rosalyn.themamacoach
HOW TO CONTACT & REQUEST SUPPORT: https://linktr.ee/rosalyn.themamacoach
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Rosalyns Credentials: Registered Nurse International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Sleep Coach
09. Working Moms vs SAHM's: The good, bad and the messy!
There is NO denying that being a Mom is a 24/7 job. Whether you work out of the home, stay at home with your kids, or do a combination of the two, we see you. In this episode we chat about some of the challenges, and some of the beautiful parts, that come along with either role. Whatever your family dynamic, just remember that you are respected and supported here mama. Let's go chat!
08. Spotlight - Rising with Hypotonia
07. Parenting in Public
Have you ever been in the middle of trying to navigate your toddlers tantrums and realize that the entire Walmart is watching you? Or maybe you feel the need to quiet your kids in the waiting room in fear that others will be annoyed of their happy squeals and giggles. We have all been in situations where we feel judged for our parenting. Sometimes it even feels like we can't get it right. But how are our children going to learn what is or isn't appropriate behaviour if we never have the opportunity to teach them? Join us as we talk about the awkward times we've personally had (like on airplanes!) and our thoughts on killing our kids curiosity in order to please others. Come chat, mamas!
Restaurant kit referenced: @busytoddler on Instagram!
06. Children's Love Languages
Have you ever taken the time to learn what your personal Love Language is? We both have, and have found it extremely helpful within our marriage. But, did you know that your kids ALSO have love languages? Once you figure out what it is, you can use them to help them grow through the hard times, and feel safe, seen and loved every day!
In this episode we chat about what our own LL’s are and how we have overcome challenges in our marriages by utilizing them, and what we THINK our kiddos are, too!
Come chat, mama!
05. Pre-Mom Reality Check
In this episode we laugh about how naive we once were, how much has changed since becoming a Mom and how tempting children leashes and mini vans really are! Come laugh with us, mama!
04. Spotlight - Rising With Down Syndrome
03. Self Care as a Mom
02. Mom Guilt
Let's chat, mamas!
01. The Mom's on the mic
Todays episode is short + sweet! We share a glimpse into who WE are, our stories as mamas, and why we have created The Messy MamaPod!
Come chat with us!
Season 1 Trailer
Hey Mamas, and WELCOME to Season 1 of The Messy Mama Podcast! Here's a quick look at what you can expect this season!