Content Note: This episode mentions suicidal ideation, suicide, drug abuse, a car accident, and mental health in a way that might be hard for some listeners. Please take gentle care. If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime.

---

In this episode, I dive headfirst into something I was avoiding during my last episode.

In the summer of 2016, on the cusp of adulthood, my mother left. I thought I remembered it correctly, but reading back on these diaries, I realize my memories aren't my memories. My memories. It's such a strange sensation to read what's true instead of what I've imagined to be true for 20+ years. But, in this episode, I am trying to be brave.

There's some pages ripped out and so much sadness, which I always thought was anger.

I also read more about what's going on with Corey. Louis re-enters my life. I am in a horrible car accident and severely depressed. It's a tough episode but worth listening to.

The essay I refer to in this episode can be found here: https://themondayclub.substack.com/p/sharing-a-cigarette-with-my-mother

For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com

Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords

To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you!

Find my books here <3

------------

Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868

9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime

CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

Content Notes: This episode centers around postpartum anxiety and depression. It might be a tender one for some listeners.

---

Kristina Percy (she/ her) is an actuary by training who has somehow found herself the author of a book of poems, almost none of which are about math.

In 2019, she started writing e-mails to herself and her kids to work through what would later be diagnosed as postpartum anxiety. For over a year, it manifested as an all-consuming, uncontrollable rage.

In this episode, Kristina generously reads some of those e-mails and doesn't hold back. Excuse me while I gush over how brave and honest my friend is. <3

Through tears and courage, Kristina shares how she made it to the other side. One of my favourite lines from this interview was, "I had so much support once I asked for it."

In 2024, Kristina's book Both True was the runner-up in Button's 2024 Poetry Chapbook Contest. It was one of five books I gave a 10/10 rating in 2025 and think you absolutely need to read it. You can find it here: https://buttonpoetry.com/product/both-true/ Listen to the end of this episode to hear Kristina read a brand new poem titled, I Had a Baby and Now Anything Will Make Me Cry.

Here is the article by Minna Dubin that was referenced in the interview: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/parenting/mother-rage.html

If you are in need of postpartum support, you can text “Help” to 800-944-4773 anytime or go to PSI's website: https://postpartum.net/get-help/

For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com

Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords

To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you!

Find my books here <3

------------

Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868

9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime

CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

In this special edition BIRTHDAY episode, Yoda answers a few listener questions including:

- Why Doula of Words?

- How has sobriety impacted your writing practice?

- Are you ever worried someone will read your diaries?

Yoda also goes deep into her poetry archives and reads several deep, dark poems, which we really hope you enjoy! <3

Thank you so much for listening! We couldn't do this without you!!!!!!!!!

For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com

Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords

To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you!

Find my books here <3

------------

Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868

9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime

CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support