BigDeal Podcast Episode Summary: "Parents in 2025 NEED to Watch This | Kimberly Van Der Beek"

Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Codie Sanchez
Guest: Kimberly Van Der Beek

1. Introduction and Guest Background

In this episode of the BigDeal podcast, hosted by Codie Sanchez, the focus is on modern, unconventional parenting and lifestyle choices that deviate from traditional norms. Codie introduces Kimberly Van Der Beek, renowned as the wife of James Van Der Beek from Dawson's Creek, and highlights Kimberly's multifaceted life as an entrepreneur, mother of six, and advocate for clean wellness and community living.

Codie Sanchez [00:00]: "You might know Kim as the wife of Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek. She has six kids. I don't know how she does that."

2. The Conception Cabin and "Spirit Babies"

A significant portion of the conversation delves into Kimberly's belief in spiritual dimensions of conception. She introduces the concept of "Spirit Babies," drawing from Walter Mackie Chen's book, which posits that certain locations serve as portals for spirit babies to enter the physical world.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [02:34]: "There's this cabin 16. And we've had two different friends conceive in this cabin."

3. Non-Conventional Childbirth Experiences

Kimberly shares her journey through six pregnancies, emphasizing her preference for natural childbirth over medically induced methods. She discusses the roles of midwives and doulas, clarifying their distinct functions during delivery.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [04:26]: "I had midwives, a doula and a couple. I had midwife and doctor sometimes."

She recounts challenges such as dealing with breech positions and advocating for home births despite societal skepticism.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [06:14]: "Everybody told me I was crazy [for choosing a home birth]. And to some degree I listened to them."

4. The Role of Intuition in Parenting

The conversation underscores the importance of trusting one's intuition in medical and parenting decisions. Kimberly criticizes the conventional medical system's reliance on outdated studies and highlights the need for personalized care.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [09:40]: "When we're trying to figure out how to get pregnant, I look all around and all my women friends have struggled."

She advocates for a balance between medical expertise and personal intuition, suggesting that many physicians lack comprehensive training in areas like nutrition.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [12:05]: "Most of them are not [trained in nutrition]."

5. Overcoming Societal Loneliness and Building Community

Kimberly expresses concern over the increasing isolation in modern society and underscores the significance of building supportive communities. She contrasts the communal living arrangements typical in the past with today's fragmented family structures.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [52:36]: "I do not think society supports motherhood. I actually think it is setting mothers up for failure."

She shares her experiences moving from LA to a community-centric lifestyle near Austin, fostering closer relationships and shared responsibilities.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [57:24]: "You know, I see Elon's book here... they're quite communal."

6. Relationships and Partnership

A deep dive into maintaining strong marital relationships amidst the challenges of parenthood reveals the dynamic between Codie and her husband, James. They discuss the importance of open communication, supporting each other through miscarriages and personal losses, and avoiding the vilification of partners.

Codie Sanchez [48:21]: "When James and I went through those back to back... it's like this deep love snuggle."

Kimberly emphasizes the need for both partners to show up authentically and supportively in the relationship.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [49:16]: "You can like intuit who's needing more from you and create a space for it."

7. Homeschooling and Education Approaches

The episode explores Kimberly's transition from homeschooling to allowing her eldest child to attend public school. She discusses the balance between alternative education methods and embracing structured schooling when it aligns with her children's needs.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [59:19]: "In LA, I started a school at my house... my kids don't have all good memories of it because they didn't want structure in their own house."

Her daughter expresses gratitude for the supportive and explorative schooling experience, highlighting the positive outcomes of this flexible approach.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [61:11]: "I'm having the time of my life at public school, and I really appreciate you having the conversations with me."

8. Confronting Conspiracy Theories and Public Perception

Kimberly addresses her experiences with public scrutiny and conspiracy theories, particularly referencing a Rolling Stone article that portrayed her as a proponent of controversial ideas.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [37:02]: "Rolling Stone wrote about me... we're being told they're rare."

She advocates for curiosity and open-mindedness, cautioning against the blanket discrediting of individuals based on popular narratives.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [41:14]: "It was just, I was yelling to the wind because I was watching somebody post a story and then watching it get deleted."

9. Advice for Parents Struggling with Fertility Issues

Towards the end of the episode, Kimberly offers empathetic guidance to women facing challenges with pregnancy. She emphasizes self-compassion, introspection, and community support as crucial elements in navigating fertility struggles.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [68:12]: "The first thing is, you're not alone."

She recommends engaging with supportive individuals, seeking personal peace, and exploring spiritual resources like "Spirit Babies."

Kimberly Van Der Beek [71:08]: "Know thyself... Try to figure out who you are."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Kimberly shares her ongoing projects, including a newborn course aimed at empowering new mothers with knowledge and intuitive practices. The episode closes with an emphasis on the beauty of imperfection in parenting and the importance of embracing one's unique journey.

Kimberly Van Der Beek [76:10]: "Or Mezcal. Yes... I have a mezcal company. Kimasabi."

Key Takeaways

• Trusting Intuition: Balancing medical advice with personal intuition can lead to more fulfilling parenting experiences.

• Community Support: Building and maintaining a supportive community is essential in combating modern societal isolation.

• Open Communication: Transparent and honest communication within relationships strengthens partnerships, especially amidst challenges.

• Flexible Education: Tailoring educational approaches to fit children's unique needs fosters better learning and personal growth.

• Empathy in Fertility Struggles: Offering support and understanding to those facing fertility issues can make a significant difference in their journey.

Notable Quotes

• Codie Sanchez [00:00]: "You can change your life and make a dent on the world."

• Kimberly Van Der Beek [06:38]: "There's no book on your intuitive knowing."

• Kimberly Van Der Beek [16:35]: "They are lonely, they are doing everything."

• Codie Sanchez [41:25]: "Society does not move forward without curiosity and questions."

• Kimberly Van Der Beek [59:22]: "What's important is to be curious. You just keep them curious thinkers and critical thinkers."

Connect with Kimberly Van Der Beek

For more insights and updates from Kimberly Van Der Beek, follow her on Instagram: @vanderkimberly.

This summary encapsulates the depth and breadth of the conversation between Codie Sanchez and Kimberly Van Der Beek, highlighting their shared visions for a more intuitive, community-oriented, and supportive approach to modern parenting.