Episode 12: Beyond the Glam with Stephanie and Brett Gottlieb

The first First couple on We Didn’t Turn Out Ok and I learned so much! In this episode I sit down with my close friends Stephanie and Brett Gottlieb. Stephanie is a jewelry designer and entrepreneur known for her jewelry brand, Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry which she founded and is now the Creative Director of. You may know Stephanie for her social media presence, where she showcases her designs and gives a behind-the-scenes look at her business and personal life all while balancing it all with motherhood. It’s safe to say she’s the definition of a mom boss. Brett, her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, is a real estate mogul who didn’t hold back when it came to discussing the realities of parenting. Together, they opened up about the challenges and unexpected lessons of raising their two children - pulling back the curtain on the parts of parenting that many, especially those with public platforms, often keep private. They got real about everything: the differences in parenting their son versus their daughter, the never-ending juggle of work and family, and how their own upbringings influence their approach to parenting today. What this conversation drove home for me? That no matter who you are, parenting is a constant learning process. We all struggle, we all grow, and we all have to find ways to accept what we can’t control - while working to connect with and support our kids in the best way we can. Key Takeaways: Pushing kids to participate isn’t the answer. Honoring their readiness and process - no matter how hard it is - is key. Attention-seeking is often a deeper need for connection. In Steph and Brett’s case, their son’s behavior sometimes demands attention, but they realize that what he really needs is the right balance of boundaries and connection. Parenting alongside other parents is hard. Differences in approach can make you feel like the “bad cop.” Even when you delegate, the mental load often defaults to moms. Steph shared how, despite leaning on Brett, she still feels the need to control and “own” a lot of parenting decisions. Mom guilt is real, but setting clear expectations helps. When kids understand and accept boundaries, the guilt shifts into acceptance for everyone. If you’re going to listen to any episode, let it be this one - a real reminder that parenting struggles and growth don’t discriminate. Even when you’re the mastermind behind the necklace Taylor Swift wore to the Super Bowl. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices