The Squeeze - Allison Kuch: Navigating Life Off the Field

Episode Date: October 2, 2024

This week, Tay returns for another girl talk episode, this time featuring Allison Kuch, creator and host of the Sunday Sports Club podcast! Allison kicks things off by sharing how she met her husband, Isaac Rochell, and discusses her journey to finding an identity beyond being an NFL wife and mother. She candidly reflects on her experiences with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, emphasizing how taking time for herself and having open conversations with her husband were essential for her mental health. Allison also discusses the boundaries she’s set with social media, including her decision not to share her daughter online, dives into the challenges of frequent relocations due to Isaac’s NFL career, and explains why she nearly stepped away from social media altogether. To wrap up, Allison shares the motivation behind her podcast, Sunday Sports Club, and what listeners can look forward to in her episodes!Be sure to find Allison on Instagram https://instagram.com/allisonkuch/ and TikTok https://tiktok.com/@allisonkuchListen to Allison’s podcast here: https://linktr.ee/sundaysportsclubpodcastTo email us your questions or share your story, you can reach out to [e-mail] sure to rate, review, and follow the podcast so you don't miss an episode! Plus, follow us on Instagram:The Squeeze:  https://instagram.com/thesqueeze/Tay Lautner: https://instagram.com/taylautner/Taylor Lautner: https://instagram.com/taylorlautner/& TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@thesqueezepodcastTo learn more from The Lemons Foundation, follow  https://instagram.com/lemonsbytay/ and visit lemonsbytay.comEpisode Sponsors:No more shady buisness. Ritual's Essential for Women 18+ is a multivitamin you can actually trust. Get 25% off your first month at ritual.com/THESQUEEZE. Start Ritual or add Essential for Women 18+ to your subscription today.Use code SQUEEZE at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. ZitSticka is offering listeners 15% off the custom JONBOY UNDERCOVER patches on Amazon or zitsticka.com with code JONBOY2024 while supplies last.Produced by Dear MediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Auto-hure with Sunny Cars feels as if the children Not me be seen. Kiselstramble, Zandvorda. Actis forcare, verdwine, vacancy can chaotic

but who'sorgalos an auto-hurt says, One dos, no stress. No, no-vervicted costs, always fullledgird. So,

would auto-hue without your re-sadviseur or sunnycars. The following podcast is a dear media production. Finding my identity outside of being

Isaac Rochelle's wife or being a football player's wife. Love him, so I want to support him and like everything with football. I, like, who am I? Am I just following around my husband and that's all I am? No, I feel like sometimes I'm like, we obviously have the same name. I went to an event recently checking in, told her my name, read it. She was like, oh, like sad you were, you know, you're disappointed that it's me. If you had to have an accent, which would it be in why?

This is easy. Yeah. Sounds like sexual or like seductive. They've been trying to get us over there. The country? Uh-huh. That's like such a subtle. Like, yeah, the country has been like,

going to give me over there. Oh, no, my friend. About the country. I don't know. Maybe like the tourism board is like there are in my DMs. What's been like the biggest thing being a new mom and going through those hormones? Communicating with my husband. Having the conversation with him, I was like, yeah, I'm just like so anxious. And he was like, what does that feel like? Oh, it's crazy that I am a mom. Oh my God. I can get emotional. Um, when life gives you lemons, what do you do with them? Over here at the squeeze, we talk about it. Welcome to the squeeze. Yeah, thanks. Thanks for having me.

Jump on in. Okay, so we start every episode off this little jar. A little segment we call Citrus Got Real. There's questions in there. If you want to pull one. And sorry, it's a little far. I have long arms. Okay.

If you had to have an accent, which would it be in Y? Oh, this is easy. Australians. Like, yeah. I just feel like Australians sound like sexual or like seductive. Okay. I have a lot of my close friends are Australian, so thinking of them sounding seductive sounds funny in my mind. But it's actually crazy how different, they're all, like, we have probably like four or five Australian, like close friends.

And they're all from like different areas of Australia. So like one of them, like one of my like best girlfriends, she's like, she sounds like twangy. Like they're like version of like a southern twang. And they say that she has like a. Bogan accent because it's like gross. But interesting. And then our friends are like from like proper like city, Sydney. And they like sound more like.

I didn't know that there were different accents. It's just like the how they, the emphasis. I think it's just like thicker. Yeah. To be honest. Just how it's. Yeah. I've never been to Australia, but I really, really want to go.

I haven't been either. They've been trying to get us over there. I have a list in my phone. The country? Uh-huh. Oh my gosh. That's like such a subtle Like yeah the country has been like trying to get me over there

Oh no my friend Not the country I don't know maybe like the tourism board is like They're in my DMs I We really want you to come out today You know with social media like nothing surprises me anymore So true. Okay

It's so true No my friends not not the country of Australia Maybe they'll DM me now You're a big deal No big deal No big deal I think mine would be British. British? Yeah. Really. How do you feel about a French accent? Yeah. Me too. Yeah. I'm like, but I've also heard that like when you go, I've never been to Paris or like France or anything. So I've heard that people can sometimes be rude towards Americans. Yeah. Which like, granted, like we're not all the best. So it makes sense. But yeah, I don't know about a French accent. Yeah. That's how, that's how I feel too. But like if you have one, don't be a French accent. Yeah. That's how I feel too. But like if you have one, don't be a French.

Yeah, we still love you. It's fine. Okay, so are you from Michigan? Yes, I am from Michigan. Okay. Where in? Like an hour outside Detroit. Growing up, I always, I was like, yeah, I'm from Detroit. I'm not from Detroit.

I'm from, it's like Rochester, Utica. Okay. I don't know how to describe it. I do like the typical, like the Mitten thing. It's an hour. I want to say north of Detroit. Okay. My parents are going to listen to this and be like, that's not true.

It's okay. Not at all. That's so funny. So where you went to college? Michigan State. Where'd you go? I didn't go anywhere, but where go blue all the way? Oh, my God.

I had a feeling that's what you were going to say. So I prep myself and it was fine. It's a good thing that I was not the best today. You know what? That's funny. I feel like everybody that doesn't go to U-A-V-Event, but they're U-VM fans. I'm like, Walmart Wolverine. Yeah.

Taylor will probably have a good response to that one. I'll let him listen to this episode. But no, where he's from Michigan. He's from Grand Rapids. Okay. He, yeah. I used to drive through Grand Rapids all the time because my now husband went to Notre Dame. And so from Michigan State, I would always go through Grand Rapids and then go down to South Bend.

Yeah. How far is that? Like two and a half hours. Oh, okay. But South Bend is like 15 minutes off of the border of Michigan. Okay. So they didn't sell alcohol on Sunday. So we'd always like drive across the board.

That is so funny It's like so accurate I love states like that It's so random When did you guys meet? We met sophomore year of college Okay So we were both 19 back in 2014

Okay So very young How 10 years ago How did you meet though? Through my sister's boyfriend At the time Okay We played football at Notre Dame

And then I went down to visit because at that point he was like part of our family they were dating for like two and a half years at that point so I went down to visit and while it was down there I went to a party and then I met Isaac oh my gosh that's so sweet and he was playing football but obviously

like college football you just like never know like no no you never know so that's why whenever I get hate about people being like oh you knew he was going to the NFL I'm like no not really like he when he got drafted

to the NFL. He had drafted with a few other people, like, from Notre Dame. And, like, he's the only person still in the NFL from his draft class. Okay. So I'm like, how was I supposed to know that? Yeah. Yeah. I was going to ask, like, how is that? Because I feel like, I feel like we're very similar, but different in, in that aspect. Because I feel like I get people saying that I married my husband for certain reasons that are not the case. Um, And I'm sure that has like been the case for you. Yeah, absolutely. I'm like, so he doesn't have a good personality?

Like, tell me he's ugly without telling, like, okay. So you don't think he's attractive or like smart or funny. I'm like, okay, that's fine. Yeah. I hate when people just like put it all towards one trade. Like, oh, it must be their money. I'm like, or he's hot. And he's like really nice.

Yeah. Then I know. I want to ask you, do you feel like you ever like, is this is this something? that I really struggle with. Not really, but it comes in waves. Struggle with like your identity and like figuring out who you are. Me like being a wife and like being Taylor's wife is like, you know, the thing I'm most proud of in life. For sure. But sometimes I'm like, what else am I? Like what other titles am I? Like do you ever struggle with that? A million percent. I think especially right now because my husband's a free agent, like I feel like I've been following him and like his dreams for

so long and like I love him so I want to support him and like everything with football. Yeah, I think for a second, I think it's our first move out of Los Angeles. He went to the Indianapolis Colts and I was like, wait, like, who am I? Am I just following around my husband? And that's all I am. All I am is his wife, which that's not a bad thing to just be his wife. But I, yeah, I think finding my identity outside of like being Isaac Rochelle's wife or being a football player's wife was a little hard in the beginning. And then I think I got the hang of it. And like, I was like, okay, I'm confident in this. And like, now he's able to support me in my dreams in this way. But now that I'm a mother, I'm like, wait, I have to do that again. And like find my identity outside of just being like

Scotty's mom. So it's always how do you, how do you feel like you have been able to do if there is an answer there? I think it's like falling back in love with like what you like to do. I think ever since coming a mom. Like, I love my daughter so much. So I like doing everything that revolves around her, which is like making pierres or like hanging out with her, buying her toys, or like going shopping for her. So then I have to like reel myself back in like, okay, if you have an hour to yourself, like let's go out and like do something for Allie. Like what does Allie like to do? Does she like to go shopping for herself? So I think that's been something I've been trying to figure out. I definitely don't have it down Pat, though. Yeah. No, I feel like sometimes I'm like, this is the best. I love being

a wife like I that's like my number one thing and then like I went to an event recently and we obviously have the same name and so his name our name was on a paper and I was like checking in when I told her my name she like found it and then read it and she was like oh and like looked at me and I was like oh well that was a little like sad you were you know you're disappointed that it's me and not my husband so like there's things like that that happened that I'm like that kind of like set me back a little bit. Yeah, I feel like that that's got to be hard because, I mean, did you have a social platform before you got married? No. I didn't do anything before we were dating. I mean, we, I mean, when we started dating, I like slowly had a following, but yeah, no, it's definitely been amplified

over the past couple years. Yeah. How do you think it you've been finding your identity outside? I think in things like a lot of work, which is something that I probably need to like, work on is not just in work, but, you know, having like the nonprofit and doing this, even though we do it together, like, I still like find myself in it as an individual, which I think is cool. But someone recently was like, what, like, what hobbies do you have? What do you do for fun? And I was like, oh my gosh, I don't even. I literally look to Taylor and I was like, what the frick do I do for fun? Like, I don't know. No, when it comes to, people ask my hobbies, I'm like, uh, I have no idea. Yeah. Like, I don't. Like,

How do I? And I just, I feel like us moving around all the time. I also don't have like a huge friend group. So I'm like, when people are like, oh, like, what are your hobby? Like, hang out with friends? Like, do you like to go to the beach? It's like, well, I don't want to go to the beach. Just like me and my husband and my daughter.

Well, obviously I do sometimes. But I think like a big group of friends sounds more enjoyable. For sure. So we're trying to get there. Where, take me through your moving. Oh, my God. Process. Sorry.

Like, do we, how long do we have in this podcast? I'm strapped. I'm strapped. Okay, so Isaac and I graduated from college and he got drafted to the Los Angeles Chargers. Okay. So he was there for four years. I ended up moving out there. I bounced around a few different cities. We eventually moved in together so that this starts us together. So then his first offseason in 2020, he was up for a new contract. We moved to Arizona for four months to redo our Airbnb. Okay. And then he signed with the Indianapolis Colts. So we moved to Indiana, bought a house there.

And then after his contract was up there, we sold that house and moved to an apartment in California. And then at the end of that off season, we bought a house that's where we're currently redoing right now, moved from California to Cleveland, lived there for six months, lived in Vegas for two weeks, and then moved out of Cleveland, moved out of Vegas, moved back to California, then moved back to Vegas for, six or seven months, moved to Texas, and then moved back to California. And how long have you been here now? Four months. Okay. So, yeah, we're currently living in a rental house.

Okay. And then we're waiting for our house to be done being renovated. And I'm not moving out of that house until I'm dead. Like, I will not move again. Yeah. How do you feel settled? How do you feel? Because even like when I'm gone for little trips,

but I'm always coming back here and it takes me in it to be settled. But you like don't even have settled. No, I feel like it's crazy because right now I'm like the least settled I've ever been

because we're in California and he could get a call at any point to go to a team or not so we could just be here or not be here. So I feel like right now I know that this house is temporary because we can either move

into our finished house or we can move to a different place temporarily. Yeah. So I feel like right now I'm very not settled. But I, I think when I gave birth, I felt very settled because I was like, this is the house that we own. And like, I know that like her memories here and my memories with her being a newborn, like,

all of these are going to remain in this house. I'm like, we'll move back to this house. But like me being pregnant in Vegas and like I was never settled there. Yeah. And I mean, thank God I wasn't because we ended up moving two weeks before I gave birth. So yeah. Yeah. I feel like that's why I'm like when it comes to being at home, it's definitely like my husband, my daughter, like, that feels home to me. Like, wherever my dogs are, that's like home. Yeah. But ask me again when I move into my renovated house. If I don't feel settled there, then we

have a huge issue that we have to figure out. A big problem. Are you before this, like before, like, being with your husband and bouncing around everywhere, were you a planner? No. Okay. No, I'm actually still not a planner. Okay. I feel like that makes me feel like a little bit better about it because, like, I, I plan things like Like very very badly Like it Although you're gonna say Like you're a huge planner

So you're not a good planner No I am a good I am a planner Okay And so having a schedule like that Would like not be well Okay ever Ever

So maybe Do you feel like that's maybe like help So or me not being a planner Yeah or like Totally Have you where you go with the flow Like kind of before that Very go with the flow

Like every year in college, I move departments every year. Like, I'm very good with the flow. Like, I changed my major like five times. I think me being chaotic is very beneficial to the lifestyle that we're currently in. It kind of sucks for every other part of life because I'm like procrastinator and like kind of chaotic still. But for this, I think it's really good. Like me moving two weeks before birth, I feel like people focus on their birth plan.

Like, they don't focus on moving before their birth. Yeah. So I think me being good with the flow has been good. Yeah. Is your husband like that too? No. No, he's planner. He wants to like every night before we go to sleep.

He's like, okay, so what's your schedule for tomorrow? And I'm like, I don't know. I'm just going to figure it out. See, Taylor does that to me. But it's like, I know what's coming tomorrow because I know it's coming in three months from now because I have it all color coordinated in my calendar. Oh, no. But we'll like go to bed.

And now I finally have gotten him on the calendar because I'm like, I'm done telling you these things and I don't want to be responsible for when I forget to tell you these things. So you can click on the Google Cal app and it's there. But my husband hates a Google calendar, which makes things really hard because he wants to know the schedule. I'm like, it's literally right there. It's right there. It's right there. No, we'll get in bed and I'm like, when I'm in bed, it's like, I'm falling asleep. Like my head hits the pillow. I'm off and I'm going to bed. And Taylor's like, so what do we have tomorrow? Or like, I'm really excited about doing this or doing that. I'm like, honey, no, like we can't. You're like, no, my eyes are closed. He's like, what do you think about this? I'm like, no, in the morning. I finally set that boundary and he knows now. But he'll or he'll start to ask. I'm like, don't do it. Look at your phone. Don't do it. Are you a couple that watches TV in bed before you go to sleep or no? No, we watch it on the couch because Taylor does not like watching things in bed. Interesting. And I would live in bed. Yeah. If I could. Before I had a baby, I would definitely like go up to my bedroom and like watch like an episode or two or grace and out of me and just that's like my downtime.

Now, I'll have, like, a couple days a month that are, like, my work from bed days because I work from home. But that's, like, my, like, relax, like, stay in bed and work. But, yeah, that's probably, like, one of our biggest marital fights is that Taylor doesn't like watching things in bed. I'm like, just, I won't fall. See, that, maybe that's wise because I'll fall asleep. Yeah. Well, you're like, my head hits a pillow and I'm going to. Yeah. But I, it happens to me on the couch, too. So it's kind of just, like, inevitable where it happens because I'm very envious that you can just, like, lay down and to sleep because I like lay there and I'm like, oh gosh, I think I forgot to do this. But you're also a planned out person. So according to your plan, you should go to sleep having nothing on your

to-do list. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, don't come to wrong. I do wake up at like 3 a.m. And I'm like, oh, there's like 17 things I need to like write down so I don't forget that I have to do them. But no, that is a hidden talent that I have acquired over the years is I can think my nursing career for that because I worked night shift and I was like had to learn how to sleep. Oh, yeah. I needed to be like, sleep now. Brain needed to shut off because I was not sleeping. So that is like the one good thing that I acquired from that time in my life. Man, maybe I need to be a nurse to figure that out. There are just so many vitamins and supplements out there on the market that it's truly hard to find the ones that are good for you and are going to get the job done. And I truly feel like I've become like very skeptical person when it comes to, vitamins and supplements because there is so many on the market and you just don't know who's telling the truth and which one is actually, you know, truly good for you. And my go-to essential

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but also I annually do this summer clean out. where I just revamp my closet. You guys have probably seen me posting about it. We've been upping our style, getting some new clothes. And one of the things that I have recently gotten that I have loved is Vionics WalkMax Sneaker. It comes in a his and a hers, which is great because that's a perfect gift to get for your boo thing.

But truly, these shoes are perfect for all day where you can wear and walking the dog, running errands, going to whatever you do with your life. finding that shoe that is truly perfect for all day wear, staying active and just on your everyday go is something that I do not take for granted. And another thing that I don't take for granted is user-friendly online shopping experiences. When a website is easy to use, I'm like, yes, at a cart, I'll take 10. When it's not, I just, I leave. I can't. I can't do it. But Vionics website is truly just so user-friendly to the point you can order your sneakers quick and easy. And yeah, they got, they got some good stuff going on. And only is their website great. They got some great shoes. So you can use code squeeze a checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.w.vionic shoes.com. When you log into your account, this is a one-time use only. Let's revamp that shoe game. You guys, you've got to try these sneakers. How has being a mom been?

Being a mom is one of them, it's crazy that I am a mom. Like I don't know how that is. is. Like, I know I grew her and, like, she's my child, but I just don't feel like a mom. Yeah. But I love her so much. And I feel like she's getting to an age where it's just so much fun. Like, she's, like, crawling around and, like, pulling herself up and, oh, my God, I can get emotional. But, like, sitting down and, like, doing my makeup and she's, like, going through all my makeup. It's just, like, one of the best things. Oh, my gosh. And, like, having a daughter is something I always dreamt of. Like, I feel like a lot of guys, like, want a boy. My husband and I just really wanted a girl. And so it's been like everything we dreamt of and more. But yeah, no sleep.

Yeah. I know. Taylor really wants a girl too. And I'm like, that's nice. I kind of want a boy. But I want to, I would be, I think I want a boy because I would be like too obsessed with a girl. Don't get me wrong. I would love my child no matter what. People always seem to like find a reason to hate. Like if you want a certain gender, I'm like, okay, I'm over it. Yeah. No, I just, I just feel like I would need to match every single. It would just be like, oh, right. over the top. I'm not a pink girl. I'm not like a Pocodod or pattern girl, but like the second she popped out was like pink bows, like ruffle this, like coconuts, cheetah. Like it, she makes me a huge girl girlie girl, but I'm not a girly girl. Yeah, I love that. How was your pregnancy? I loved being pregnant. I loved it so much. The first trimester is like not easy for anybody. I was exhausted and then my husband ended up moving and like I had to do a few appointments alone. So like that was, that kind of

made me sad. I feel like the only thing about my pregnancy were my emotions. Like, I cried so much. But I also feel like I was like in a weird life stage where we were moving to Vegas or moving in California or whatever. But I loved being pregnant. I tell my husband all the time, like, if he didn't want more kids, I would probably be a surrogate. But we do want more kids. Yeah. Not going to be a surrogate. I know. I'm always, I like, growing up, I'm an only child. So like, I wanted to be a mom. I wanted to have five kids. and just have like this big family. And then I went to nursing school

and I watched a birth. And I said, I went home and I said, honey, I'm not having a child until I forget what that looks like from that angle. So we're gonna be here for a section. So honestly, like I've, I've seen like the graphic scenes of a C section, but I loved my C section.

I was listening to like my Spotify playlist. Yeah. It was Christmas music. Like it was enjoyable. I think that's what I have to do, especially being a plan. I need to, like, plan one of my good friends. She's had, she has two kids and they were both C-sections. And she's like, I brought my lamp. I brought my, like, my barefoot dreams blanket. I like went in, had my

little speaker playing. And it's exactly that. Yeah. I think that like God knew, like my life had had been so chaotic. He was like, let me just give you one concrete thing. And that's like the birth of your child. But it's exactly that. Like the night before we went out to like mastros and like had like a celebration dinner. And everyone's like, oh, like, what do you? And everyone's like, what do you? your weekend plans. I'm like, I'm having a baby tomorrow. And yeah, the morning of like I got ready, we're listening to music in the house. The house was clean. It was so perfect. And then I had my house little sick. Everything was great. So I highly recommend a C-section. Yeah. And that was planned for you or did you need to have one? She was breach. Okay. So I knew she was breached from like 30 weeks on. So I tried

doing everything possible to get her to like twist. But she was a nine pound baby. So she was not. She wasn't moving. She was comfy. She was. She was. She was like, no, thank you. Yeah. Yeah. Well, I actually, I really want to try the, like, natural quote unquote, whatever that means. I really want to try the other way, which I guess you can after one C-section. But we'll see.

Yeah. Because if I, like, went through all of, like, labor and stuff only to get another C-section, I'd be like, oh, was that worth it? Yeah. Because I left my C-section. No, it's a... I'm curious to see where that leads you next because it's such... Such like a, I don't know, I feel like birth and all of the women's things is like such, everyone has so many opinions, but everyone is so different.

For sure. And like every pregnancy is different. Every birth is so different. Like I have friends that literally first child just popped out. Other friends like completely tore, needed C-Secret. Just like every possible thing. Pregnancy and labor are, well, there's a one, there's a lot of opinions around it. to there are so many different experiences.

Yeah. No experience is the same as anybody else. So when I tell people I love being pregnant, they're like, oh, like, are you bragging? Sorry. But I mean, watch. I'll be pregnant next time and like be throwing up and I'll call you and be like, never mind.

Like scratch that. Don't get pregnant. Take the podcast down. I changed my mind. Right. How was postpartum for you? So postpartum has been a journey. Mm-hmm.

I feel like it's been, there's been a lot of high highs and a lot of low lows. And I mean, it's the biggest hormone change to anybody goes through in their life. So it makes sense. But I also feel like the fact that our identity has been so focused on football. And then my husband got like released from his job. And then I gave birth. And then we were moving. And like I feel like once, because we moved to Texas for like three months and I hated it.

But when we moved there, I feel like I got to. a point where I was like, oh, fuck, I don't like that. Like, I'm sorry if I can't swear on this. You can't. I was like, oh, I do not like this. And it made me so sad because I'm like, I don't want to ever associate any part of like me being sad with my daughter's birth. So I feel like I have to take them out of each other because I'm like, I'm not sad

because I have a daughter. I'm not like sad that I'm a mom. But like me finding myself outside of being a mom. Like I'm totally fulfilled being a mom. But am I fulfilled in like what I want to do in my life out? outside of being a mom. I don't know if I have the answer to that. Yeah. Um, and I just feel like there's so much pressure to like pounce back and be happy. And they're like, okay, well, she's only, I told, I told my doctor. I was like, yeah, I'm like feeling really sad. And he was like,

well, she's only this young ones. So like, get it together. I was like, okay. What? Yeah. Um, so, yeah, doctors are like great at gaslighting you. And you're like, You're supposed to know everything. But yeah, it's been a journey. I went on antitepressants for a while. I just got off of them. And I'm like, I don't know if they actually worked because I feel the same. Yeah. So, yeah, it's been a wild ride. Yeah. I know. I feel like it's so hit or miss with medication and like trying to find like the sweet spot the dosage and the one that works and everything. But a lot of my friends that have had children and the whole like postpartum of it all, depending on. You know, there are some great doctors out there, but majority of the time, you're handed like a pamphlet on postpartum and like that's it. And then you're sent home. And then you're left to your own devices of thinking that you're like literally going crazy. Absolutely. And like I feel like I had the smallest glimpse into what that could look like. I ended up not on purpose, but I went off my birth control because I ran out and then it was a whole, I didn't have a gynaecologist. It was just this whole thing. For like two weeks, I was like, I was so just upside down. I couldn't tell you left from right. Just was, once I figured out what was going on, it made me feel a little bit better. But I was like, I thought I was like spiraling into like the deepest darkest, like depression ever.

And like the fact that just me going off of like my birth control could do that, birthing a child and like going through nine months of being pregnant, sometimes a very traumatic birthing experience and then having to like raise a child and going through all those hormones. Like I, the fact that there is not more like preparation and stuff done. And I feel like help. I think and honestly, I feel like if I were to like point a finger at anything as to like why I felt the way I did other than like my hormones and going through a huge life change. Yeah. I just feel like I had, which I'm not a planner, but I have. had an idea of what my birth would look like and what becoming a mom would look like. And I just pictured, okay, I moved to Vegas. Like, we had our crib, everything set up in like a room. And

then my husband loses his job and I'm like, okay, so now we have to move. And then I end up having a C-section. I'm like, okay, like that's fine. And then I got re-hospitalized two weeks postpartum. And I was forced to leave my baby overnight for the first time at two weeks. And then I was allergic to a medication. I got like a post-op infection. And so then I was forced to be on a medication that I wasn't able to breastfeed on. So I'm like, okay, now I can't breastfeed. And then my daughter stopped latching. I'm like, okay, I guess I'm just in a pump.

And then we move. And I'm like, okay, you know, I'm moving away from all my friends. And like all these changes. And I'm like, and I'm a mom. Like, this is so crazy. And like, I'm still trying to figure out, like, what kind of mom I am and like what I like, what I like, what do I want to follow? And I feel like all those changes just kind of hit me like a ton of bricks.

And that's when I got to a point in Texas. And I was like, we need to get the fuck out of Texas and move back to California because I was like, I don't know if I'm going to survive here. Yeah. I mean, we were all away from all of our friends and family. I don't even know. I mean, I know why we moved to Texas because we were like, oh, like, we don't have anything keeping us in California. But just like, now I just associate home here. Yeah.

Even though we don't have like a huge friend group, I'm like, this is just home. Yeah. So a lot of, a lot of changes. That's a lot. Yeah. And a lot of, I feel like my next birth. be totally different because I'm like, you know what? Maybe I should just schedule a C-section and just know everything is going to be like that I'm, I mean, you can't plan it out that much,

but hopefully it's better. What's been like the biggest thing that you've done for yourself to kind of like keep your mental health in check, you know, being a new mom and going through those hormones? One, communicating with my husband. I feel like it's a huge thing. He, I remember having the conversation with him. I was like, yeah, I'm just like so anxious. And this was like a few years ago. And he was like, what does that feel like? And I was like, oh, okay. And he was like, yeah, I don't know what like being depressed feels like, which I love him for that. But it took him a while to figure out how to like handle my emotions. Yeah. Now he's in a great place where I'm like, hey, I'm feeling really anxious. He's like, okay, go upstairs and watch Crazy Anatomy. I got the baby. I'm like, okay, love that. So I feel like having a

supportive partner and like not even supportive, but somebody you can communicate to. And like, they know a way to help. And two, I feel like taking time to myself, which I hate saying because like I love my, I love hanging out with my daughter so much. But I think space, like for yourself is very healthy. So that could be like, honestly, like I love going to the grocery store and just like getting a fun drink. Like something as simple as that will like change my day. Just like getting out into the sunshine and like taking a ride in the car, listening to a podcast in the car. I feel like it's like the small things that the independence I had before becoming a mom that I'm like, oh, I can still do this. I just have to have somebody watch my daughter. And honestly, she's at the age where she doesn't

cry in the car anymore. So I'm like, she could be in the back, like, listen to the podcast. Yeah. No, that's, that's so important. And I feel like you're, like, being a mom, it's still a relationship. Yeah. The relationship you have with your child, it's not the same, but it's, you know, you have a relationship with your husband. Like, it's still a relationship. So making sure you're having that time to, like, be by yourself. Yeah. Is like so important. I remember when I, like, first started learning that because Taylor and I truly just, like, spend every waking moment together. And I'm, I slowly learned, like, oh, actually, I do need so to Target and, like, just take a lap when I'm, like, feeling a little anxious. And Taylor now knows whenever I want to go to Target.

He's like, are you good? And I'm like, no, I actually just like need to get more. I need something. So that's why I'm going. But, no, it's so cool that you have that in your husband because Taylor had a very similar thing. Like, he had to learn when I was, like, going through. through my depression and whatnot. He had to learn that, you know, it wasn't his fault. And, like, it wasn't anything that he did and he couldn't fix it. Like, he always would just be like,

do you, do you still love me? Like, did I do something wrong? And I'm like, no, honey. It's not you. It's just like, you know, something that's going on in me that I don't really know, like, how to explain. Well, it's crazy because there's not always something to blame or someone. Like, you could just be anxious or overstimulated. Yeah. But I relate to that so hard because my husband and I both work from home and I'm like, I need to like be by myself. Love you. I'm going to go just like work in the other room. Yeah, like when he comes upstairs and like, no, no, no. Like, we don't need to do everything together. It's so funny. I was like, you don't want to hang out with. I'm like, no, I do. I do. I love you so much. But like, just give me like five minutes to go outside. Like, yeah,

give me five minutes so I can even love you more. Yeah. I'm going to miss you in those five minutes. We're back and love you even more. That's so good. I don't know about you guys, but I live by pimple patches. They truly are a lifesaver, and I'm not being dramatic. My favorite is Zit Sticca. They make the fast-acting most potent pimple patches on the market, and they actually just dropped a new collab with celebrity micro-tatoottoe artist John Boy. And for a limited time, you can get ZitStica undercover hydrochaloid patches

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hearts of your life. It's, yeah. And you're like, wait, did I actually show it? I think it kind of happened on accident because initially I was just sharing like, oh, me being an NFL wife, like, come with me. And then when my husband got cut from the Cleveland Browns, I was like, wait, okay, I actually have to update people because like, I can't just show them all, like all the rainbows and sunshine and then be like, never mind. Yeah. So I think that was the first video that was like very vulnerable was when he got released from the Cleveland Browns just because we had an apartment there. And I was like, wait, where do we go from here? Like, is he on practice?

What's going on? Yeah. So I think that was the first, like, introduction. And the feedback I got was so positive. And I think that's been, like, the reason I feel comfortable sharing on social media, because somebody, I mean, being an NFL wife is not very relatable. But, like, going through changes because your husband's job might be and, like, becoming a mom, that's relatable.

I think the boundary that I set is, like, with my, like, I talk about postpartum, but, like, keeping her offline. That's been like my one thing that I'm like, she's private. Not only because she doesn't, she can't give consent to like me share her life. But also just because I feel like people have a lot to say about my journey. Like whatever I share, there's always people who are like in the background like, oh, you blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. You can't feel that way.

So I just want to make sure that I, I don't know, that's like my one thing that I won't do. Yeah. Did you always feel that way that you? weren't going to share your kids? No. Actually, I feel like when I first started on social media, I was like, oh, I can't wait to like have a baby and make her part of it. And then I feel like videos online just like showed me why that's not right. I think that you can do it tastefully for sure. And that's like I'm not knocking on everybody that shares their kid online. But I think there's

a very hard line where you're like, day in the life of Scotty. And it's like, okay, you're just like exploiting that and even like changing. her diaper, like things like that. That just makes me feel so icky. So, yeah, it's been a, it's been interesting, but my husband and I have always been on the same page with it. And initially postpartum, I was like, wait, I should just share, like, share it because she's so cute and like, I love her. And then now I'm happy. I still haven't. I do wish that I could, like, briefly do it. Like, I just feel like we have, like, really cute memories I'd like to share, but I'm like, I don't really need to share them.

Yeah. I know. I always like wonder, like, what I'll want to do. Yeah. It's, I mean, maybe, maybe my opinion will change. Like, I've thought about just sharing one video. I think now people are so like, what does her face look like? Oh my God. I saw her side profile. She has Isaac Snow. I'm like, that's weird. Like, it's like the obsession is weird. Yeah. And I'm like, I'm sure like if people weren't So, like, oh, my God, I saw, like, a snippet of her face. Be careful. I think if people weren't like that, maybe I would show her in the background. Like, I mentioned that.

Like, I don't mind if people see her in the background. As long as you don't know where she's going to school, like, what, like, all the small details of her life. I feel good. Yeah. But then, yeah, you just can't win. Yeah. Yeah.

So, that's very true. And I feel like having a platform like yours, I feel like whenever you're honest, it just, it opens up a door for people to like just come in and like leave comments. We have friends that, you know, share are very like open about things in their life and it just like opens a door for like people to be mean and weird. And it's like, why? Why? I think that like me sharing postpartum, I think will help a lot of women or at least like normalize women going through stuff postpartum. But like there's a ton of stuff I don't share online. And so when people are like, you're so open, like, oh, I do a good job. I do a good job of showing that I'm open, but there are so many things

that I don't talk about. Like, and I think that's, that's a good thing. It's like, I know I have things that are private. People just don't know what they are. Yeah. No, for sure. That's, that's, that's, I feel the same way because people ask us that same question because, you know, having this podcast and sharing stuff that is, they're like, are you comfortable sharing all this? And you're like, I don't share that much. Yeah. It's like 20% of what's actually going on, which is also cool that Me sharing, you know, just parts of this is able to like, it's a reminder I don't need to like share everything. Right. Because you're like, people think I'm vulnerable now. So we're good. Yeah. We're set. We're good. You don't have to answer this, but I'm curious. You hosted a video

a little bit ago that was like I'm like done this close to being done with social media. And yeah. Was there something that happened or were you just like? No. So my husband, he is a free agent. he's been in the NFL for seven years and he's had an incredible career the average NFL player's career is two and a half years and so he's played football since he was like in second grade so it's been a huge part of his life

and right now he's obviously a free agent football season started so like with that comes conversations of like retirement like do I want to retire do I want to hold out and like see if a team will pick me up and it's so crazy because my husband's been sharing like where he's at right now like he's still

training as if he could get a call any point. And he loves football so he doesn't want to give it up. But he's like, yeah, like, I just, I hate sharing this football journey right now because I feel like all of my career has succumbed to just me being on practice squad. And he's like, if you look at my career, I've had like, five years that I haven't been on practice squad. And of course, like now social media is like, oh, like you're on practice squad, like you suck, blah, blah, blah. And it's not like he would retire just because of social media, but he's like, I mean, honestly, like, if social media, wasn't a thing retirement wouldn't even be on the table, but he's like, I just hate all this negativity.

Yeah. And whether you read the comments or not, like, there's still negativity, like, surrounding it. So I feel like that's been something that's just, like, annoying. I know it's not our audience. Like, I feel like we have a really good supportive community. It's just everybody else that feel like they can have an opinion on everything in your life, whether you're a mom or an NFL player, your marriage, you know, like, everybody seems to have an opinion. It's like, you don't have to share it. Yeah. Um, exactly. It gets me going when people say things, comment things like that to your husband. I'm like, you try to get on a practice squad.

Like, even like, you try to get, have been, like, drafted. Like, truly, it just is like, just because someone, like, isn't a Patrick Mahom starting quarterback. Right. Just not mean they're not, like, talented and skilled. And they've spent so much of their life training for this. And, like, the person that's literally typing it, probably, like, I'm not going to be mean. So I'm not going to finish my sentence. But it's just, it's.

It frustrates me. It is so frustrating. And I feel like if I was very raw, like, if I was very open about that conversation, I would say, like, you only need three games every year to get another year of pension. And that's, like, a big sum of money when, like, when you start getting your pension. So it's like, these people are, I'm just like, you're a bit not very smart. Like, tell me you know nothing about football without telling me. But, yeah. Sometimes I just am like, I wish I didn't share this whole NFL journey just because, like, I wish I could share it, but like to a private audience.

I know. But I know that's not really possible. But there's positives that have came from it. And I'm grateful for them. So, yeah. How have you guys like set boundaries with what you share in? Because you do so many, like, vloggy type videos. Like, how do you know when you're not going to do it or setting aside time to like be intentional?

I mean, I think my husband. and I have, I feel like we live like a pretty boring life in a good way. Like, yeah, when he's not on a team at least. So I think if whenever we go to a city, like we just went to Detroit or like if we're going on a business trip, I feel like it's pretty like open season. Like we're trying out new restaurants, doing food reviews, like doing very vlog type stuff. And then when we're home, we're home. I think my husband definitely will like, come to me and be like, hey, I think I'm going to film a workout video later. Like, are you good with that? like, yeah, not like he needs permission, but like, hey, you got the baby.

Yeah. So I think that we have a very good dynamic when it comes to that. I feel like, if I'm like, oh, I want to film this food review and he's like, oh, you know, I was planning on doing that, but like you got it. Yeah. Which I love. It's weird that we both do social media. Yeah.

That's sweet. We have a good dynamic. It's been a learning process for sure. But yeah, I bet. Especially like when you're both doing it. Do you feel like that makes it harder or easier? easier because easier and harder I'm like harder because you like now you're two people that you're like wait we have to set aside time for content for two people but also live this normal life yeah um but easier

because I'm like hey if I if he films this video like I know he doesn't have me in like the top left corner like he has me in the center of the brain yeah that's funny yeah he knows he knows the angles yeah I get um I have always like the one that's like taking like the artsy photos of things and Taylor's like, oh my gosh, that's so cute. Send it to me. And then I sent it to him and then post it. I'm like, bro, just like, give me a photocrat or something. No, Isaac does it all at a time. I'll be taking photos of him and our daughter and he's like, that's so cute, send it to me. And I'm like, can you take a photo of me? Yeah. When can we swap here? Rolls reverse. Yeah. It's so good. That's why we love them. I guess they clearly are fans of our work. So

that's fine. Let's talk about your podcast. Yeah. Sunday Sports. Club. What, what, tell our little lemon drops what it's about. So Sunday Sports Club podcast is, uh, honestly like a big inner sports podcast. Uh, it's not just about sports. It's also like people in and around sports. I, when my husband, uh, in the past few years while he's been playing, I always tend to like, just want to be in the know. I'm like, oh, what team are we playing? I've just always been interested in sports. My dad grew up, like watching football, my brother. So I've always been interested. But I'm like, these sports, I'm like, these sports. sports podcasts are so boring.

And they're just giving me information I don't care about. Like I don't care how many yards like this player got. So and I feel like there's also another side of sports that are so interesting. Like I want to know more about the player's lives. Like their wives' lives. Like nonprofits that they have like very like interesting

because nobody's journey. Like just like pregnancy. Nobody's journey in the sports world is the same. Yeah. And I think it makes sports more interesting. So if you watch a player, you're like, oh, he's this nonprofit for like golden retrievers. Like sick. Like, I love that. Yeah. Um, so then I, so then my podcast has been born Sunday Sports Club. And I'm so excited. I just launched season two. And I have a whole team behind me that is helping me

make everything work. But I'm like, last year I did a lot of like beginner into sports. Okay. It's like teach people about sports. Yeah. So now we have that out of the way. I'm like, let's get some people on like interviews. That's what I love doing. Yeah. Enterving people. I love that. We'll leave a link like down below for people to go listen. to it and then check it out fun i need to listen to it i'm excited because i feel the same way like we we have we had an NFL network on downstairs like we always have like sports going on um but i feel like it's fun to like learn more like learn did you grow up watching football yes not to this extent right um yeah my dad i i i i'm as i said i'm an only child and my dad like kind of raised me

like a son i played every sport he took me to all the sorting events and um yeah i he raised me on sports. But yeah, I watched football then when Taylor and I started dating, he's like, just like, die hard. He's a huge Lions fan. Yeah, but NFL, period. Like, he knows all the stats. He's in 27 fantasy leagues. Like, he's just like, it's his favorite thing. And so I really, like, got to learn it. And it's been something that's, like, really fun because, like, he, I wake up before him. So I'll, like, hear the news about, like, someone getting drafted or someone, like, signing contract. Sometimes I'm like, oh my gosh, did you see about so and so? And, like, it's a fun, like, thing for us to be able to do. And, like, he's a fun, like, thing for us to be able to do.

I think sports are like the perfect thing for like couples, for friends. I think it can bring so many people together. Like going to a football game with like a new group of friends, I feel like is so not intimidating. Yeah. And like anything around tailgating or watching a game. I just feel like it makes people have the, not an extent, not like you need an excuse, but like it gives people an excuse to hang out and like do something. Yeah. No, it's it's very true. Or my husband will just like lock himself. We have a room that has like four TVs in it. Oh God. So he can like have a different game on each. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. And some people are like, do you just like, some days, depending on like my week, I'm like either right there with him like glued or I'm like going to get a facial and like running my errands on my Sunday. You're like, okay, so he's occupied. He's not going to be like, babe, where are you at? Yeah. Can we hang out? What are you doing? Want to watch with me? But no, he's so cute. He's like the game that's on tonight. He's like, what is it? Bill's Dolphins. Yeah. He's like so excited for this. We're going to do this. I'm like so excited. I know. It's fun. It's fun. I love it. Sweet. Okay, well, I have a last little segment. Perfect. It's called Lemon 7. It's seven questions. You can rapid fire. You can go into a monologue, whatever your heart feels when you hear the question. Perfect. You just take with it and run with your bad self. Okay. Number one is what movie or song title best describes your mental health today? Ooh, I don't know a ton of song titles. Movie? The only movie that's coming to mind is how to lose a guy in 10 days. I don't need to lose any guy.

It's because you are losing the negativity that is following, that is there. That is following the football journey. Yes. That's a good one. Yes. Yeah. That's exactly what it is. Number two is how open are you with people in your life when struggling?

My personal life? Oh, no. My husband, 10, like very, very open with him. Even if I'm feeling like a little bit down, I'm like, you know, I'm feeling a little down today. I think I need a coffee. But with any of my friends, probably zero, unfortunately. I think I'm just like very closed off. So yeah, which is not the best thing. So maybe I should change that. But husband 10. Yeah. At least there's one person. The one person. That's true. Okay. If you could follow three social media accounts. what would they be on like any platform? I could, you can.

Three social media accounts that I love. I feel like there are some good, funny ones. I like funny social media accounts. Yeah. So honestly, I'm going to give my husband a shout out. Husband PSA. He has a company. It's like to make husbands better.

And their social media is always like on point. So husband PSA. Next is going to be random. The Los Angeles Chargers, Twitter is so far. funny. Oh my gosh. The girl that runs it, like the memes after they either win or lose a game are incredible. And the third one, I'm like, who do I? Chris Olson. Love that. Yeah, he's funny. He's vulnerable right now. Yeah. But he makes a lot of funny content. Yeah. Left him and the content. I love all of those answers. We really want to go to a charges game

because Harbaugh's the coach now. Oh my God. I forgot about that. Yeah. Yeah. Taylor, we, we were at a concert not that long ago and him and his wife were there and our friend had like walked out. We were like in this one room and our friend had walked out and then saw him in the hall and like knows that Taylor like loves him. And then he was like, Taylor, I have someone for you and like walked in with him. And Taylor literally like saw a ghost like went in my jaw because he was, I was with our friends and Taylor was talking with someone. And so I like watched the whole thing happened. And my jaw like hit the floor. I was like, oh my gosh, Harbaal literally just walked in. And we went over and we were like talking to them and he knows that, you know,

Taylor's a Lions fan and he was like, as long as the Chargers are you're number two. That's all I ask. That's all I ask. You should definitely go. SoFi is a really cool stadium. We've seen concerts there, but I don't think I've been to a game.

Oh my God. Honestly, it's crazy. The way that the light hits the football field, it looks like AI. Whoa. It's beautiful. Okay.

Well, good. Good to know. Number four is what is your favorite form of self-care? A massage. I love a massage or a facial. Anything with spa music and somebody like massaging any part of my body. That sounds weird. I know. I was literally when you started saying that, I was like, if there's calming music and someone's touching me. And I was like, that's probably not the correct way to say it. But we don't need to go there. You get what I've said. I'm truly the exact same way. The girl that I get facials from. She like does the best, like, head massage. And like, I just hold all of my tension in like my neck and I get really bad headaches. And she just like, she knows what she's doing. And it's the best. Have you had a face massage? No. Okay. You have to do that.

I go to this girl in Newport, and she, like, puts her fingers inside and massages my cheeks, and I walk out, and it's incredible. Or a lymphatic facial. Have you done that? Yeah. Anything, like, hard pressing my face feels good. Yeah. Because people don't usually touch my face. I love it. I love.

Love a good touch. Number five is, what is the most misunderstood thing about you? Probably that, like, I can't feel my emotions regarding my husband's career. I feel like a lot of people think, well, whenever I've shared, like, him being released or him being cut, people are like, oh, I can't feel bad for you. Like, you're rich. I'm like, wait. Like, yeah.

So I feel like that's something that has always bothered me. And so maybe that's why I'm like, this is a therapy session. Maybe that's why I've been closed off with friends because I know that like me complaining about my feelings, like people are going through so much worse stuff. But yeah, I think I'm allowed to feel how I feel. It is crazy. Having, because I have some friends still in the NFL, like their husbands are, well, they're not in the NFL. Their husbands are in the NFL. And one girl in particular, I can call her about anything. And I feel like I can actually vent about like whatever my husband's going through at the time. Because she's get, she gets it. Like she's been there. Now I might not call my friend up who has been in the same city for eight years because she probably doesn't get it that much. But I can still vent to them. So yeah. Having friends that can like be that place that you can vent about anything. And they might. not relate to it are the best kind of friends. Yeah, it's so important. Number six is who has had the most positive impact on your mental health? A husband for sure. Or my daughter. I love that. She makes me

happy. Okay. Number seven is if you can go back to one moment in your life, what moment would that be and what would you say to yourself? Oh my gosh. Probably the first few weeks postpartum. I think I just would give myself a hug. I don't know that it would have any secrets to give her. But I think I think just like feeling supported in those first few weeks postpartum, I didn't really feel like I didn't have a huge village. So I wish I could go back and like give myself a hug and tell her everything's to me okay. Because now it's so great. Yeah, I know. Well, thanks for hanging out with me today. This is so fun. I feel like these girl conversations are just like are so important because, you know, we can even if we're talking about

the NFL, like, there's still, like, so much, so much that is, like, relatable to it and what you're going through. So thanks for, thanks for coming and hey. Yeah, thanks for having me on. Of course. We'll leave your podcast below. Go listen to her podcast, everyone. Yeah, have a great rest of your Wednesday, everyone. Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in. this episode.