146: Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Values with Dr. Jessica Lederhausen

Rewrite the Mother Code with Dr. Gertrude Lyons

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Jessica Lederhausen, a dentist and public health advocate, about how she is rewriting her mother and grandmother codes, embodying her values, and publishing her recent book, Oral.

Jessica’s journey of mothering is distinctly different from the norm. She embraces being different from what’s expected of a “normal” mom and imparts the importance of maintaining personal values to her children. Even as a grandmother, she fully embodies the role of grandmother that works for her, which isn’t the same as the stereotypical spoiling-the-grandchildren one!

Jessica shares how she navigated the differing mother codes of Sweden and the U.S. We discuss what it’s like to grow up in a culture that doesn’t outwardly discuss values but picks them up by the behavior of the people around you. We then discuss her latest book, Oral, and the accompanying course she recently launched, each a significant birth in her life!

You’ll also hear about:

• (03:51) Jessica’s areas of mothering
• (08:30) Grandmothering
• (12:54) Role models can be hard to come by
• (18:32) Mothering in Sweden vs U.S.
• (26:15) Mothering the self
• (37:04) Birthing a book
• (46:13) Shaping our mother codes
• (47:39) Dr. Gertrude’s wrap up

Curious about how oral health impacts your whole body? Check out Dr. Jessica Lederhausen’s new book and course to learn more!

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Resources mentioned in the episode:

• Join me at TedxOjai in February 2025

Connect with Dr. Jessica Lederhausen, DDS MPH

Learn more on Jessica’s website

Buy Jessica’s book Oral

Enroll in The Lagom Method Bootcamp

Follow Dr. Gertrude

Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s website

Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram

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