Twiniversity Podcast with Natalie Diaz

In this episode of the Twiniversity Podcast, Natalie talks with Christy-Faith, homeschool advocate, author of Homeschool Rising, education expert, and twin mom, about home-based learning, school-aged twins, and why homeschooling looks very different today than it did a generation ago.

Christy-Faith shares her own path to motherhood, including secondary infertility, IVF, fraternal twin girls, a surprise fourth baby, and the hard reality of parenting twins through the early years. She also opens up about her professional background in education, including running a learning intervention and tutoring center in Los Angeles before eventually choosing home education for her own family.

Natalie and Christy-Faith talk honestly about the fears many parents have around homeschooling - socialization, academics, family support, whether it is “too weird,” and whether parents are qualified to do it. Christy explains why she prefers the term home-based education, because modern homeschooling can include co-ops, live online classes, outside teachers, homeschool pods, interest-led learning, and a strong community.

The conversation also explores what happens when school is not working for your child. Natalie shares her own regrets about not exploring more flexible school options when her twins were younger, including the feeling that her kids were on a “runaway horse” in a system that did not always fit who they were.

This episode is a validating and thought-provoking conversation for twin parents who are questioning the traditional school path, wondering what options exist, or simply wanting permission to ask: Is there another way to educate my kids?

Connect with Guest:

Website: https://christy-faith.com

Book: Homeschool Rising - https://christy-faith.com/book-homeschool-rising

⭐ New to Christy-Faith? Start with Episode 101 - the New Homeschooler Series is the best place to begin.https://youtu.be/K9XUTDsiB70

The Christy-Faith Show www.youtube.com/@christy-faith
tiktok.com/@christy_faith
instagram.com/christy_faith_homeschool 
facebook.com/ChristyFaithHomeschool
pinterest.com/ChristyFaithHomeschooling

EPISODE THEMES 📝

⦿ Christy-Faith’s journey through infertility, IVF, twins, and a surprise fourth baby

⦿ Why the newborn twin phase can feel impossible - and why it does get better

⦿ The pressure twin parents can feel around breastfeeding, education, and “doing it right”

⦿ Why homeschooling is more mainstream and flexible than it used to be

⦿ Why Christy-Faith prefers the phrase home-based education

⦿ How co-ops, live online classes, pods, and outside teachers can support homeschool families

⦿ The difference between running from school and running toward something better

⦿ Why school may not reward every child’s strengths

⦿ Nat’s honest reflection on education regrets with her own twins

⦿ How parents can start asking better questions about what their kids actually need

 

GIVEAWAYS 💰

🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year. 

For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership 

✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/

Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️

Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout

Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout

Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout

CONNECT WITH US 🎙️

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity

X: twitter.com/Twiniversity

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity

Email: [email protected]

CHAPTERS 

00:00 - Why more parents are considering homeschooling today

01:40 - Christy-Faith’s journey through infertility, IVF, and twin motherhood

05:35 - Surviving the newborn twin years and finding hope after NICU life

08:00 - Breastfeeding twins, feeding pressure, and letting go of mom guilt

15:35 - Breaking the old myths about homeschooling and socialization

20:30 - Modern homeschool resources, online classes, co-ops, and dual degree options

25:20 - Nat’s honest regrets about school struggles and parent advocacy

27:05 - What home-based education can actually look like for families

32:00 - Creating a customized, holistic learning experience for each child

35:00 - What to do when school is no longer working for your child

40:00 - Helping kids feel empowered and have a voice in their education

45:55 - Why skills-based learning matters in an AI-driven future

46:35 - Rethinking ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, and neurodiversity

48:10 - Asking what’s strong instead of what’s wrong with your child

50:35 - How to start the homeschool conversation with your family

51:35 - Where to find Christy-Faith’s book, Homeschool Rising

In this episode of the Twiniversity Podcast, Natalie talks with Laura Liepold, a registered dietician and twin mom, about premature twins, NICU life, and the reality of feeding babies who arrive much earlier than expected.

Laura shares how her identical twin boys were born at 29 weeks and 4 days after signs of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, also known as TTTS, appeared suddenly during a routine appointment. What followed was an urgent C-section and a long NICU stay - 63 days for one twin and 86 days for the other.

Natalie and Laura dive into what NICU feeding can really look like, from pumping and feeding tubes to fortified breast milk, bottles, triple feeding, and thickened liquids. Laura explains how her background as a registered dietician helped her understand the medical side, but nothing could fully prepare her for experiencing it as a mom.

The conversation also explores the emotional weight of feeding premature twins - wanting to breastfeed directly, realizing bottles were working better, learning sideline feeding, managing different calorie recipes, and eventually choosing to exclusively pump for the first year.

This episode is a practical and validating conversation about NICU survival, preemie feeding, and learning to adapt when your birth and feeding journey looks nothing like the plan.

EPISODE THEMES 📝

⦿ Laura’s unexpected identical twin pregnancy and early delivery at 29 weeks

⦿ Navigating TTTS, an urgent C-section, and a long NICU stay

⦿ What feeding premature twins can actually look like in the NICU

⦿ Pumping, fortified breast milk, bottles, and feeding tubes

⦿ Why triple feeding twins can quickly become overwhelming

⦿ Letting go of the original breastfeeding plan and adapting to each baby

⦿ Managing thickened liquids, sideline feeding, and different calorie recipes

⦿ Coping with NICU life by focusing on what you can control

GIVEAWAYS 💰

🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year. 

For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership

✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/

Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️

Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout

Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout

Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout

CONNECT WITH US 🎙️

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity

X: twitter.com/Twiniversity

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Twiniversity Podcast, Natalie sits down with Stefanie Michaela, a mom of five - including two sets of twins - for a real, honest, and surprisingly relatable conversation about what it actually looks like to raise a big family while still pursuing your own identity and passions.

Stefanie shares her journey from having a singleton to being completely blindsided by twins... and then experiencing that surprise all over again. From the initial shock and overwhelm to eventually finding rhythm, structure, and confidence, she opens up about what it truly takes to manage the chaos of parenting multiples - twice.

The conversation dives deep into the "secret sauce" of raising twins twice, including the importance of structure, scheduling, and accepting that perfection is not the goal - survival and connection are. Stefanie also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of managing five kids, from logistics like cars, travel, and sports schedules to emotional challenges like making sure each child feels seen and supported.

Beyond parenting, Stefanie opens up about rediscovering herself after years of focusing solely on motherhood. After stepping away from the music industry, she found her way back and rebuilt her career - proving that it’s never too late to pursue something that fulfills you. Her story becomes a powerful reminder that motherhood doesn’t have to be the end of your identity - it can be the foundation for something even bigger.

Natalie and Stefanie explore how modeling passion, discipline, and self-worth for your kids can shape who they become - and why showing up for yourself is just as important as showing up for your family.

This episode is a refreshing and honest look at the reality of raising multiples, building a strong family foundation, and reclaiming who you are along the way.

 

EPISODE THEMES 📝

⦿ The reality of having twins twice and why it’s more common than people think

⦿ The emotional shock of finding out you’re having twins after a singleton

⦿ Why structure and scheduling are critical when raising multiples

⦿ Managing logistics - cars, space, travel, and daily routines with five kids

⦿ The importance of family dinners and connection, even when they’re chaotic

⦿ Balancing one-on-one time vs. family time in a large household

⦿ Raising independent, helpful kids through shared responsibility

⦿ Navigating sports, activities, and the complexity of multiple schedules

⦿ Rediscovering your identity after motherhood and pursuing personal passions

⦿ Modeling ambition, discipline, and self-worth for your children

⦿ Letting go of perfection and focusing on what works for your family

⦿ Why "having it all" looks different - and is still possible

 

GIVEAWAYS 💰

🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year. 

For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership

✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/

Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️

Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout

Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout

Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout

 

CONNECT WITH GUEST 💌

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stefaniemichaelamusic

IG: https://www.instagram.com/stefaniemichaelamusic/

 

CONNECT WITH US 🎙️

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity

X: twitter.com/Twiniversity

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Twiniversity Podcast, Natalie sits down with Tracey-Alexis Dixon, a mom of 18-month-old twins, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about navigating twin pregnancy, advocating for yourself in the healthcare system, and redefining what a “healthy” pregnancy really looks like.

Tracey shares her unexpected journey to discovering she was pregnant with twins and how that moment shifted everything - from her fast-paced, community-driven lifestyle to a more intentional, health-focused approach to motherhood. From staying active during pregnancy to building a strong support system, she opens up about the mindset and habits that helped her feel grounded through it all.

The conversation goes deeper into the realities many women don’t talk about - especially the unique challenges Black women face in maternal healthcare. Tracey candidly shares her experiences navigating bias, medical uncertainty, and the critical decision to switch providers late in her pregnancy to ensure a safer, more supportive birth experience.

Natalie and Tracey also explore the importance of advocacy, the role of doulas, and why trusting your instincts as a parent can completely change your experience. Through honesty, vulnerability, and real-life insight, this episode highlights how preparation, support, and self-advocacy can lead to a positive and empowering twin pregnancy and delivery.

This episode is an inspiring reminder that while every twin journey is different, you have more control than you think - and the right support can make all the difference.

EPISODE THEMES 📝

⦿ What a “healthy” twin pregnancy really looks like beyond the basics

⦿ Navigating a twin diagnosis and the emotional impact of early pregnancy

⦿ Staying active and building supportive routines during pregnancy

⦿ The importance of advocacy in maternal healthcare

⦿ Black maternal health disparities and real lived experiences

⦿ Why switching providers can change your entire birth experience

⦿ The role of doulas and having an advocate in the delivery room

⦿ Balancing fear, research, and mindset during a high-risk pregnancy

⦿ How support systems shape pregnancy and postpartum outcomes

⦿ Empowerment, education, and preparing the next generation of parents

 

GIVEAWAYS 💰

🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year. 

For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership

 

✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/

 

Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️

Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout

Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout

Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout

 

CONNECT WITH US 🎙️

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity

X: twitter.com/Twiniversity

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of the Twiniversity Podcast, Natalie sits down with Jeremy, a twin dad raising 9-month-old boy-girl twins with his fellow twin wife, for a refreshingly honest and often hilarious conversation about what twin life really looks like from a dad’s perspective. 

From navigating wildly different baby personalities to reflecting on his own experience growing up as a twin, Jeremy shares how his expectations of twin parenting have already been exceeded—and why he’s embracing the chaos with curiosity and humor. 

The conversation dives into the surprising realities of twin relationships (including the fact that not all twins are close), how upbringing shapes parenting choices, and what it means to raise twins as individuals while still honoring their unique bond. 

Along the way, Natalie and Jeremy swap stories about relationships, parenting philosophies, and the infamous carrot cake incident that perfectly captures the unpredictability of family life. This episode is a candid, relatable look at modern twin parenting, filled with insight, laughter, and reassurance that there’s no one “right” way to raise twins—just your way.

#TwinDad #TwinParenting #RaisingTwins #Twiniversity #TwinLife #BoyGirlTwins #TwinParents #ParentingMultiples #DadLife #TwinPodcast #ParentingPodcast #MomAndDadLife #TwinCommunity #NewParentLife #TwinSupport

EPISODE THEMES 📝

⦿ A twin dad’s perspective on raising boy-girl twins

⦿ How twin childhood experiences shape parenting styles

⦿ The reality of different twin personalities from infancy

⦿ Expectations vs. reality in early twin parenting

⦿ Twin relationships: close vs. independent dynamics

⦿ Navigating parenting decisions as a twin raising twins

⦿ Building connection and individuality in twins

⦿ The role of environment, upbringing, and lifestyle in raising multiples

⦿ Why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to twin parenting

 

GIVEAWAYS 💰

🎉 YOU'RE INVITED: Need more support, join us each month for our Twiniversity Virtual Meeting. Meet Nat and Lauren and bring them your biggest twin life challenges each month of the year. 

For dates and more details visit. www.twiniversity.com/Membership

✔️Subscribe to the Twiniversity Email Newsletter! https://www.twiniversity.com/subscribe/

Expecting twins? Twiniversity has you COVERED with online classes! ⬇️

Breastfeeding Twins: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/HTaVcGhH/checkout

Twins After Singletons: https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/hegrd8Ez/checkout

Baby Safety (CPR, First Aid, Car Seat Safety, Childproofing): https://twiniversity.mykajabi.com/offers/AccFMLk8/checkout

 

CONNECT WITH US 🎙️

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Twiniversity

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/twiniversity/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Twiniversity/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twiniversity

X: twitter.com/Twiniversity

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/60TDcDJoEtQHwqLzZ8L9rX?si=9734d507f23845e6

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/twiniversity

Email: [email protected]