Quiet Confessions, Episode 13: Pocket Friends, Big Milestones, and Back-to-School Nerves

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In this week’s Quiet Confessions, Chelsea reflects on the unexpected connections that have grown out of the podcast — friendships that started in DMs and have become daily lifelines. 

They share the gratitude and disbelief of reaching 100 episodes and closing in on 7,500 downloads, and introduce listeners to fellow Vermont parenting podcasters, Pondering Parenthood.

The episode then shifts to back-to-school season: the excitement and anxiety of sending their youngest to preschool, the changing routines, and the emotional ups and downs of a neurodivergent household navigating transitions. 

From pocket friends to podcast milestones to the bittersweet start of a new school year, this is a heartfelt mix of celebration, vulnerability, and connection.

Key Takeaways

• Unexpected connections can be life-changing: The podcast has led to deep, meaningful friendships with people from around the country and the world — proving connection doesn’t have to look a certain way to be real.
  
  
• Hitting 100 episodes is a huge milestone: Chelsea reflects on starting the show in a dark time and never imagining it would grow into a global community.
  
  
• Gratitude for every single listener: Nearing 7,500 downloads is a reminder that every listen matters and that the podcast has impact far beyond what Chelsea first imagined.
  
  
• Introducing new local voices: Fellow Vermont parenting podcasters Pondering Parenthood  Podcast bring fresh perspectives and will be guests on Quiet Connection in Season 6.
  
  
• Back-to-school season brings mixed emotions: Excitement for new beginnings is paired with anxiety about change, especially in a neurodivergent household where transitions take time.
  
  
• Separation anxiety is real for parents too: Past trauma and postpartum mental health challenges make school transitions particularly triggering — and therapy plays an important role in managing it.
  
  
• Anxiety means caring: Feeling nervous about change is a sign of deep investment in children’s well-being, not a flaw. 

Sound Bites

• “Connection doesn’t have to look a certain way to be real.”
  
  
• “I never imagined this little podcast would spark friendships across the world.”
  
  
• “Every single download means someone chose to spend their time here.”
  
  
• “Anxiety means I care — it means I want my girls to feel safe and supported.”
  
  
• “Sometimes back-to-school is equal parts pride, gratitude, anxiety, and chaos.”

Support the show

Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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