The Angsty Pod
For more than 2 decades, I have written in a diary almost every single day. And guess what? I saved them ALL. Each week, I will be reading from these archives and getting to know myself from the lens of my 10, 16, 25, and 36-year-old self. We'll explore big topics such as body image, queerness, divorce, addiction, mental health, and friendship. I'll read cringy poems and attempt to find compassion for the painful tenderness of my younger self. Join the drama of me and my guests as we explore our boy-crazy, closeted, angsty selves... one stupid page at a time.
The Angsty Pod
Episode 33 with Kristina Percy
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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