Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks

In this heartfelt season finale of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley is joined by Chatbooks CMO, and fellow mom, Karen Peterson for a conversation that every parent will feel in their bones. Together, they open up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting milestones, from preschool graduations and big-kid beds to the life-shifting moment of sending a child off to college.

They reflect on the beauty of “lasts and firsts,” the myth of control in motherhood, and the power of reframing painful transitions as sacred moments. Karen shares her personal journey raising her son Gavin, a sought after D1-bound wheelchair basketball athlete who defied the odds after being born with spina bifida. She recounts the early years, where simple, difficult moments like coaxing Gavin through tears with a walker at the back of Costco laid the foundation for the independence and strength he now carries into adulthood.

They also talk candidly about the grief and growth that comes with change, the emotional whiplash of summer parenting, and how moms so often hold themselves to impossible standards. Whether you’re deep in toddler chaos or navigating an emptying nest, this episode is a reminder that you're doing better than you think. 

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5:15 Reframing lasts into firsts 

5:45 We are supporting characters in our children's lives 

7:20 Realizing you have a lot less control than you think you actually do 

9:45 The reality of being a parent of a D1 athlete 

10:56 Our kids are our greatest teachers 

14:00 Every stage of motherhood has hard moments 

15:29 Photos help remind us of all of the hard things we've made it through 

18:48 Life transitions are all about the "and" to process all the feelings 

22:40 You are the perfect parent for your child. You know what your child needs even if other parents judge you. 

25:40 Live in the moment this summer. Chatbooks will be there for you when school is back in session! 

When Neha Ruch left her high-powered career to become a stay-at-home mom, she didn’t see it as stepping back—she saw it as stepping into something deeper. In this episode, Neha, founder of The Power Pause and author of the book by the same name, shares how embracing a career pause led her to a more grounded, intentional version of ambition. She talks candidly about identity shifts in motherhood, the surprising ways her family has grown from her presence at home, and how we can all challenge hustle culture in favor of something more meaningful. This is a conversation for anyone navigating the messy, beautiful in-between of motherhood and self. As Neha says, "it doesn't have to be an identity crisis, it can be an identity evolution". 

5:00 Choosing to leave a career in the height of the girl boss era. 

8:07 Look at the vast gray area between full-time working or full-time staying at home. 

11:30 What language you can use to convey that you are spending your time with your kids instead of "stay at home mom". 

23:30 Goals dignify time. A career pause is not a life pause. 

26:45 The importance of personal development while parenting. 

29:40 A woman's career is a long game. 

33:43 "I resist the culturally induced urge to dream bigger. What if this is my big dream?"

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She’s back! In this special return episode, Vanessa catches up with Myriam Sandler of @mothercould, who first joined The MomForce Podcast three years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Myriam is now a published author, and her new book, Playful By Design, is a tool for parents everywhere to rethink how they approach play at home.

From her viral take—“I hardly play with my kids”—to her genius strategies for cultivating independent play, Myriam shares how creating the right environment (not more Pinterest crafts) is the secret to raising curious, confident kids. As she puts it:

“Yes, I engage and connect with them… but I’ve built a space where they can play on their own and that’s the goal.”

Vanessa and Myriam also dive into:

• The unexpected power of Play Dough  

• Why chia seed goop is a sensory win and a parental cautionary tale

• How to turn “no” moments into easy yeses

• And how Chatbooks photo books are actually made for kids to relive their own stories

This conversation is full of real talk, practical tips, and plenty of laughs—especially if you’ve ever found slime in your carpet! I know you are going to love it. 

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5:35 Why Myriam "doesn't play with her kids" 

9:36 The weirdest thing Myriam has made for her kids. 

10:47 Why Myriam is not afraid of messes at her house 

15:20 How Myriam organizes her family memories 

22:17 What is the balance between sensory play and your sanity as a mom?

29:28 Connection is at the heart of everything 

32:39 How to approach alone time and self care -- without guilt! 

Today’s episode is extra special—it’s our Mother’s Day episode, and I’ve got my oldest daughter, Laken, in the studio with me! I’ve been wanting to have her on the podcast for a long time, and since she was in town this past week, I finally convinced her to sit down and chat about motherhood.

If you don’t already know her, you’re going to love her. She’s the most amazing mom to my granddaughter, Mauve, and she’s been a huge part of this podcast since the very beginning—six seasons ago! She actually wrote and recorded our theme song and has been our audio engineer ever since. I’m seriously so lucky to work alongside her... and even luckier to be her mom.

In this episode, we swap stories, laugh a lot, and share a few lessons we’ve learned along the way as a mother and daughter. It's a little peek into the beautiful (and sometimes messy) reality of family life—from both sides of the generation gap. Think of it as a celebration of the little moments that make it all worth it—and a reminder of why we do what we do at Chatbooks.

We also know that Mother’s Day can bring up all kinds of emotions. For some, it’s a day full of joy. For others, it might feel bittersweet or even heavy. However you’re feeling this year, please know we see you, we’re thinking of you, and we’re sending you so much love. 

Listen to my podcast episode featuring my mom 

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I Am My Mother! 

4:30 Expectations on your first Mother's Day as a new mom 

8:30 What it is like to see your daughter become a mother 

15:00 "Family Fandangos!"

21:15 Moments in your parenting journey when you have to step into the role of mother 

23:20 The drawbacks of parenting in the age of social media

29:01 Why Monthbooks are the greatest gift for a grandma 

33:00 Behind the Scenes of the newest top secret project at Chatbooks

40:00 The ups and downs of parenting through the teen years 

44:00 The different seasons of life and motherhood that you can lean into as an artist

47:08 Mom as a camp counselor/daughter as a camper dilemma 

50:00 "I hope you will do better than we did" 

If you haven’t come across RaQuel yet—aka The Capacity Expert—that’s about to change. With bold, truth-telling videos that are equal parts empowering and uncomfortable, RaQuel is shaking up the mental health conversation in all the best ways. 

Instead of prescribing prevalent self care solutions like bubble baths and spa days, RaQuel invites us into deeper work—work that involves honesty, self-responsibility, and a better understanding of what we’re actually capable of.

I brought questions straight from our MomForce community to this conversation, and RaQuel delivered. You're going to be challenged, in the best way, and inspired to think differently about your own capacity.

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5:00 Why RaQuel is disrupting the mental health space. 

6:05 Capacity is strength 

7:15 Why don't the self care practices society prescribes work?

9:43 The power of choice and how to avoid playing a victim 

11:00 Does a diagnosis limit your capacity? 

14:51 What to do about volatile emotions during pregnancy

17:49 When do you know it's time to get professional help? 

21:45 How to explore your relationship with responsibility 

22:30 How to find low cost therapy 

27:50 Feeling discomfort is an opportunity to grow 

34:40 Why we pathologized struggle 

Today's episode is a special one that is close to my heart. I am sharing my unexpected journey from dreaming of Broadway to becoming the co-founder of Chatbooks. Growing up in a family of 12, I learned the power of big dreams and resilience, I was especially inspired by strong women in her life.

I pursued vocal performance in college, but after getting married young and starting a family, my path shifted. Years later, overwhelmed with mom life, a simple moment with my youngest child sparked the idea for Chatbooks—proving that sometimes, our biggest opportunities come from unexpected places.

In this episode I share the early struggles of entrepreneurship—running out of money, making mistakes, and launching ideas that flopped. But a viral video changed everything, reinforcing that fear and failure are just part of the process.

I encourage you to embrace discomfort, take action even when it’s messy, and recognize the value of your own stories. The dream you start with may not be the one you end up chasing, but what matters is having the courage to pursue something. I hope a part of my journey can inspire yours. 

Let's connect! Find me on Instagram @vanessaquigley

Tamron Hall is a two-time Emmy Award-winning TV host, executive producer of her own syndicated talk show Tamron Hall, veteran journalist, and bestselling author. She’s spent decades honing her interviewing skills—from breaking news to deep, heartfelt conversations on the Today show. And today, we’re diving into something that is the driving force of everything she does– curiosity. 

Curiosity has shaped her ability to connect deeply with people and has influenced the way she approaches motherhood. It’s also the inspiration behind her latest book, Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid, a beautiful celebration of wonder, exploration, and the power of asking questions.

In this conversation, we’ll explore why curiosity is more than just a skill—it’s a superpower. One that opens doors, deepens relationships, and sparks lifelong learning. We’ll talk about how curiosity has shaped Tamron’s journey, how we can cultivate it in ourselves and our kids, and why asking the right questions can change everything.

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3:24 How Tamron became Grand Marshal for Black History Month at Disney World 

5:52 Tamron's story of IVF and becoming a mother at 48

7:01 Tamron's experience with fear after the pandemic 

9:11 Why curiousity is an opportunity to combat fear in all of our relationships 

18:41 Taking community for granted 

22:55 Trying to save your child from feeling uncomfortable and learning why that is harmful

29:36 What one thing we can do to bring more curiousity into our lives

Moms, let’s be real—parenting is a wild ride, full of ups and downs, curveballs, and unexpected turns. But what if there was a way to make those ups and downs a little easier to handle? That’s where your mental health baseline comes in.

Today, I’m talking with my friend Julie Taylor, a writer, mom, and someone who just gets it. We’re breaking down what a mental health baseline is, how to boost it, and why taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

And trust me, Julie is the perfect person for this conversation—not only does she have a way of making deep topics feel so relatable, but she also speaks from raw, personal experience. A little over a year ago, Julie lost her infant son at birth—a loss that completely changed her understanding of resilience, grief, and what it truly means to rebuild your emotional baseline.

Her wisdom comes from lived experience, and I know her perspective will resonate with so many of you.

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8:30 How to determine your baseline in mental health 

14:45 Julie's experience with grief 

21:00 Do what you say you're going to do for a mental health boost 

23:15 Trust the times and seasons 

24:10 Try something new, or return to a past hobby 

26:15 Not meant to stay in survival mode 

29:00 What helped Julie the most going through grief 

32:30 How to choose connection with your kids that makes a difference 

44:00 You're doing better than you think you are 

45:30 Tell your friends the good in them 

47:00 Our limitations are invitations for collaborations 

Welcome to another Enter the Chat episode of the MomForce Podcast—where we break down the parenting topics that matter most. Today, we’re diving deep into the balance of emotional validation and setting boundaries with child development specialist, Dr. Siggie Cohen. If you’ve ever struggled with being both the ‘safe space’ and the authority figure in your child’s life, this conversation is for you. Seriously, if your child has ever said "Your the meantest mom ever" –don't fret. Dr Siggie gives us some tools to help us keep our cool. 

Dr. Siggie Cohen is a Child Development Specialist with more than 30 years of experience and 1.6 million people following her advice and guidance online. She empowers parents to be calm and confident, with real life examples to learn from. 

I know you will enjoy hearing from Dr. Siggie, she has so much wisdom to share!

Check out her parenting courses here 

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6:50 Has Dr. Siggie ever made a parenting mistake? 

14:15 Big decisions that require life experience are yours 

23:00 No one likes to feel misunderstood 

25:05 The chaos of parenting 

31:45 The do over 

36:15 All of your kids percieve experiences differently 

40:00 Why is parenting so stressful? 

43:30 What are healthy risks that your kids can take? 

47:20 Don't close the door, keep the conversation going 

Emily O'Laughlin started Doing Great Clothing Co when she saw her son Nathan beginning a new chapter: post-high school and ready to work. She noticed that jobs that fit his abilities were few and far between. So she decided to create the solution, even though Emily and her husband both have full-time jobs. 

The mission of Doing Great Clothing Co says, "We're passionate about our chance to make concrete changes in the world of special needs. Our mission is to pave the way for those with
disabilities to reach those crucial developmental milestones and score meaningful employment."

If you are in the early days of a diagnosis with your child, or want to be a better ally and support to those you know with disabilities, or anywhere in between -- listen to this episode! Emily shares some tough experiences and challenges that have helped her and her family get to the point they are at today. 

Check out Doing Great Clothing Co. 

Doing Great Jobs: A Guide to Creating a Small Business for People with Disabilities 

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2:05 How Doing Great Clothing Co was born

5:35 Emily's experience raising a child with special needs 

7:30 Learning empathy 

10:15 A poignant experience in Emily's early motherhood 

14:00 Education experiences with Nathan 

17:30 You are the CEO of your family 

19:55 Concentrate on the joy of your child 

Prepare yourself folks for so much wisdom from Jillian Harris. If you follow Jilian you know she is an absolute dynamo. A true powerhouse—She's an entrepreneur, cookbook author, interior designer, and the creator of The Jilly Box. I love her Jilly box, it's a quarterly subscription box that showcases women entrepreneurs and small businesses. It sold out now but I'm on the Insider wait list! 

Jillian is based in Canada and she first captured hearts as a contestant on The Bachelor and later made history as the first Canadian Bachelorette. But Jillian’s story goes far beyond her TV beginnings. While building an inspiring career and raising a beautiful family, she battled burnout and sought to regain balance all while supporting a loved one through mental illness.

She's raw, she's real, (she even swears a little) and. I know you’re going to love her. 

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6:00 How Jillian organizes her family memories 

8:40 How to remember the daily magical moments 

10:35 Growing up with a mother that has a bipolar diagnosis 

19:30 What caused Jillian to hit major burnout and how she has dug herself out of it

25:00 How to create rituals that spark joy like "turndown service"

27:00 What it was like when Jillian experienced a wildfire in Canada and her property burned to the ground. Plus, the amazing opportunity that came out of it. 

31:00 The relationship advice she wishes she had during her younger years on The Bachelor franchise 

33:45 How to keep the overwhelm away and not get stressed out. 

35:00 What is next for Jillian 

Becs Gentry is a beloved Peloton instructor, elite runner, and inspiring new mom. Known for her motivational energy and infectious positivity, she’s built a global community of fitness enthusiasts who turn to her for more than just workouts—they come for her life lessons.

Recently, Becs completed an extraordinary feat: The Great World Race—7 marathons, in 7 days, on 7 continents, starting with a marathon in Antarctica! In this conversation, we dive into what that incredible adventure was like, as well as the day-to-day realities of balancing motherhood, a demanding career, and a rigorous training schedule.

Becs offers a fresh take on resilience, self-care, and finding joy in every step of the journey. Get ready to be inspired and step into the new year with a mindset that’s energized, guilt-free, and full of possibility! 

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3:00 A photo with a fun backstory, spoiler alert: pregnancy announcement! 

5:00 Why Becs approaches goals with the "brush up" mentality 

7:20 Put your sparkle back in January 

9:45 Has Becs always been a runner? 

12:40 How the Great World Race experience was mentally for Becs 

13:50 The strength of mothers 

16:15 Things in parenting that push you to your limits 

19:00 Forward is a pace 

25:50 Getting more movement in as a family 

30:35 Chatting while looking at photos = elaborative reminiscing 

Karalynne Call, the mastermind behind Just Ingredients, shares her incredible journey from struggling with depression to becoming a beacon of hope for clean living and holistic health. Karalynne shares her personal story of hitting rock bottom and how learning about the connection between nutrition and mental health became a turning point in her life.

She offers practical tips for making small but impactful changes in your family’s diet, easy ways to clean up the products in your home, and how prioritizing wellness can create a ripple effect in your overall happiness. 

Whether you’re curious about clean living, looking for ways to support your mental health, or just need a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom. Listen to hear how small changes can lead to big transformations.

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4:30 Karalynne's struggle with depression 

8:25 Karalynne's experience on medication 

14:00 How to find trustworthy sources of information 

20:15 Gluten, dairy, and allergens 

25:00 Substitutes for caffeine 

30:45 Eczema tied to gut health 

35:00 Are there better choice snacks at the store?

43:00 Karalynne's photo hack for her kids 

Caitlin Creer is an interior designer known for creating timeless designs from California beach houses to colonial estates in Connecticut. She's also a mom of five, so you know she's got some real-life wisdom to share about juggling design projects around the country, family life, and everything in between.

In this episode Caitlin answers your design questions and shares what trends she is tired of and the ones she wants to see more of. Whether you're a design junkie or just trying to figure out how to make your house feel more like home, this episode is packed with inspiration, tips, and plenty of relatable mom moments.

Check out Caitlin's brand new book, An Intentional Home, to see more of her beautiful work and stories. And be sure to check out her store Foundation Goods. 

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3:00 A return to color in design 

5:15 How Caitlin got into the design world 

9:15 Caitlin's memory of home growing up 

14:00 How to create a plan for your home that is unique to you 

17:15 How to refresh a room without spending a fortune 

20:15 Great sectional for families?

24:30 Organizational tips for busy families 

31:15 No one lives in a picture perfect house 24/7 

I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah Molitor to the MomForce! Known to nearly 800,000 followers as @modernfarmhousefamily, Sarah is a mom of seven and an absolute ray of sunshine. As a fellow redhead, I knew right away we were kindred spirits!

In our chat, Sarah opens up about a powerful lesson she learned: words matter. She shares how, as a new mom navigating a tough season in her marriage and adjusting to a new place, her words began to reflect negativity. But one eye-opening phone call changed everything, inspiring her to shift her perspective and set her on a mission to help others communicate with grace, purpose, and love.

I know you’ll love this conversation! Sarah’s wisdom and experience is very relatable. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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Sarah's new book Well Said 

3:00 Sharing her family story online 

9:00 How Sarah decides what not to share online 

13:30 Learning the lesson that "words matter" 

17:15 Words of encouragement are free 

23:30 How to get away from the victim mindset 

24:30 Words of encouragement for first time mom Sarah 

26:30 How Sarah holds onto what matters 

I am so excited to have Jenny Keller, the “Cookie Queen” herself, on the podcast today! I first met Jenny back in the very early days of Chatbooks and before she'd opened herJenny Cookies bakery–we were both sponsoring the Santa's Secret Workshop in West Hollywood–an event bringing together celebrities and their families to celebrate the holiday season while supporting charitable causes. Well,Jenny, always up for a party, was there with her incredible cookies and her infectious smile and as soon as we met we became fast friends! I soon realized that she was also friends with many of the celebrities there as she'd made a name for herself by planning and catering some of their own star studded parties. A lot has happened since then and Jenny's inspiring journey is now taking a dramatic turn and in this episode she shares all the details! She opens up about the ups and downs of running a business while raising a family, how she creates meaningful family traditions, and the unexpected joys of having older kids. And you won’t want to miss her heartfelt insights on capturing the beautiful, messy, and real moments of family life. So join us as we chat about family, memories, and all the sweet in-betweens of motherhood. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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1:30 How Vanessa and Jenny met 

7:00 What is a Jenny Cookie and how did that name happen?

14:30 Party and hosting tips and tricks 

22:30 How motherhood changes as your kids get older 

25:00 Accept that your kids are not going to be your mini me 

28:00 Family traditions can be out of the box 

35:00 Big changes at Chatbooks 

39:00 Family mottos and how to create one 

41:30 What is next for Jenny 

Summer Adamson is an influencer and advocate for children with Down syndrome, sharing her daughter Jayne's 'extra' with the world, by showing all of the things she can do with her diagnosis. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Summer shares how the diagnosis came as a surprise on the day of Jayne's birth. She talks through how she has found support and resources for her daughter. Summer also shares how we all can learn how to reach out and be more inclusive. 

Summer recently released a children's book based on Jayne's life called, A Little Extra Jayne. You can follow Summer on Instagram @a_little_extra_jayne. If you want to share the book in your classroom there is a FREE Teacher Resource Guide available for educators. Email hello@jumellepress.com for the link. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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3:00 Dan and Shay suprise 

5:30 The day Jayne was born 

10:45 What Summer wishes she had known when learning about Jayne's diagnosis 

16:30 How they told Jayne about Down Syndrome 

19:00 Jayne's sibling support 

24:00 How to be more inclusive 

Corrine Stokoe is the founder of fashion deal site Mint Arrow and a mom of five. She lives in sunny Southern California and hosts the Mint Arrow Messages Podcast. I consider Corrine a friend and loved diving deep into the topic of codependency and how it affects relationships. In this episode, Corrine shares her personal journey, revealing the struggles she’s faced with codependency and how it impacted her as a mother and partner. You will learn about the signs of codependency, ways to break free from harmful patterns, and how to foster healthier, more balanced relationships. Tune in to hear Corrine's expert advice and heartfelt stories as she encourages moms to reclaim their independence while maintaining strong, supportive connections with loved ones. 

3:15 How Corrine started Mint Arrow and what she feels called to do now. 

5:00 What is codependency? 

8:10 In-law coping tips 

10:35 Running your life around keeping everyone happy

14:15 Why Hollywood is lying to you about marriage 

18:05 What do you wish you knew before you got married?

21:05 Needing validation 

24:45 Good mother daughter relationships

33:00 Chatbooks reminding you about being a good mom 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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Cassandra Curtis, along with her business partner—actress and fellow mom, Jennifer Garner—has built a company that’s revolutionizing the way we feed our kids, with fresh, organic foods that make a difference. But behind the growing Once Upon a Farm brand is a woman who, like all of us, is balancing the beautiful chaos of motherhood, business, and family. In today’s conversation, we’re diving deep into Cassandra’s personal story, her passion for family memories, and the special moments that have shaped both her business and her life as a mom. 

2:30 Cassandra's favorite photo

4:00 How Once Upon a Farm began 

9:00 How Jennifer Garner joined the company as a cofounder 

12:30 The weirdest foods Cassandra has created during product testing 

19:00 How Cassandra captures her family narrative 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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Phil's my Pharmacist has answered thousands of moms health questions with his 1M+ TikTok audience, but rewind to 2020 and he didn't even have social media. During this episode Phil shares what got him to begin to share his health advice on the internet. We touch on a lot of hot health topics including: 

• Supplements: What are the hard and fast rules to follow?
• ADHD: Can vitamins help the symptoms?  
• Germs: How to avoid the common cold with kids in school. 
• Sleep: Why is everyone talking about magnesium?

2:00 How did Phil become "Phil's My Pharmacist" 

5:00 Why you should talk to your pharmacist

7:00 How do we know who to trust when it comes to our health? 

8:00 What about things like red40? 

10:30 Phil's favorite video to film 

12:00 Supplements, what ones should we actually take? 

18:30 ADHD and supplements and the different types 

24:30 Different kinds of magnesium 

30:00 How to sleep better 

36:00 Are probiotics important? 

38:30 Weight loss help 

40:00 What one item should you have in your house? 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen are the founders of Slumberkins, a brand that’s reimagining how parents approach emotional learning with their kids. As a former family therapist and special education teacher, they have poured their hearts into creating over a dozen characters and stories to help guide kids through emotions, and they are having  a big impact on parents too. In fact, they just published a book, All Feelings Welcome, just for parents, to embrace the full range of emotions, so we can break the cycles of burnout and over-pleasing.You're going to love hearing how their journey started, how Slumberkins has grown from it's humble beginnings, to Shark Tank, to an Emmy-nominated TV show. It’s a conversation full of heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you. 

5:00 How Slumberkins began 

10:30 Being kind to ourselves 

17:45 How Chatbooks is part of the Slumberkins story 

23:30 How the character Otter is helping military families 

24:20 Family transitions during divorce 

34:00 Be the friend that captures others motherhood moments 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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If you’ve spent time on Instagram or Pinterest then it is likely that you have seen Becki Owens work. She is one of the most sought-after interior designers known for her clean, modern, and inviting design aesthetic that millions have tried to replicate. When we recorded this episode with Becki last year I was so impressed with how down-to-earth she is when there are so many things she could brag about! So let me do some bragging for her… she has an exclusive furniture collection with Sam's Club called "Details by Becki Owens", Becki also partnered with Kuka Home to debut the "Becki Owens Home" collection, she has an ongoing collaboration with Surya, a paint collection with Dunn-Edwards, a line of lighting fixtures with Hudson Valley Lighting, and a line of delicious signature scents with Pura. She has a new product-focused Instagram page called Becki Owens Living that's dedicated to showcasing her own curated collection of home decor and furniture items along with some of her favorite design tips. 

So you can see why I was so thrilled to have her on the podcast to have her answer some of your toughest design questions! Like… What to do with a huge blank wall? Or how to swap out your "boob lights" for something a little more tasteful–c'mon you konw what I mean right?! Becki is the best and I know you're going to love learning from her and hearing why, with all she does, motherhood is priority #1!

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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10:00 - How Becki got started in the design world 

22:00 - What to replace boob lights with in your home 

25:00 - What to do with a giant blank wall 

30:00 - Becki's dream client 

33:00 - Behind-the-scenes as an interior designer is not as glamorous as it looks 

35:30 - How Becki decorates for the holidays 

41:00 - How Becki Chatbooks and saves her family memories 

45:00 - What's next for Becki 

I'm willing to bet that struggling with body image and self worth is quite common for many of us. Almost daily I have to remind myself that how my body looks is the least important and interesting thing about me. But when I hear my teenage and young adult daughters body shame themselves I get down right angry. In my effort to find resources to help me help them I came across a book authored by sisters Lexi and Lindsay Kite called "More than a Body. -that book changed me! Both Lexi and Lindsey have PhDs in the study of body image and media from the University of Utah. Their research focused on harmful media messages, and they are considered experts in body image resilience and media literacy so I was thrilled when Lexi accepted my invitation to be a guest on the podcast a couple of years ago.  

A little more about Lexi and Lindsay: growing up as twins they faced constant comparisons about their appearance from friends and strangers alike. As the years went by they both found themselves critical of their bodies, so much so that they gave up something they both loved to do - competitive swimming. 

Years later the sisters went on to study body image and founded the nonprofit organization Beauty Redefined. For more than 10 years, the Kite sisters have been spreading their “More Than A Body” message. 

In this encore episode you will learn strategies for cultivating self-compassion and resilience and ways mothers can model body positivity. I  encourage you to listen with your daughters and/ or sisters and talk about your takeaways together. It has created some wonderful, healing conversations in my house.

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6:00 What is body image resilience?

7:00 What to do when you see a photo of yourself you don't like 

9:00 Thinking of your body as a project instead of an instrument 

11:00 How to face insecurities 

17:00 How to talk to daughters about body image 

24:00 Media literacy for kids 

33:30 Young girls and clothing 

38:30 Telling your daughters they are beautiful 

52:00 Magical Everyday Moment 

Wedding season is here and it is a great time to reminisce on your own love story. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast we are diving into the topic of "Empowering Relationships,"  with some incredible guests who share their insights on how to strengthen relationships. Hear from influencer and author Sazan Hendrix, professional dancer Jenna Johnson of Dancing with the Stars, design queen Julia Marcum, ballerina extraordinaire Misty Copeland, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Camila McConaughey as they discuss their personal experiences and offer tips to be a better partner. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from these amazing women and enhance your own relationships!

2:00 Forbidden love with influencer and author Sazan Hendrix 

5:30 Professional dancer Jenna Johnson on working with her spouse

7:45 Family movie night and date night traditions with Julia Marcum of Chris Loves Julia 

9:30 Misty Copeland on growing up with a single mom and how amazing single parents are. And how grateful she is for her supportive partner. 

10:40 Camila McConaughey on how she keeps curiousity alive in her marriage with Matthew McConaughey. 

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In this episode of The MomForce Podcast titled "The Power of Showing Up," Vanessa Quigley chats with Dr. Tina Bryson, an expert in parenting and child development. They explore the essential role of the "4 S's" – Safe, Seen, Soothed, and Secure – in fostering secure attachments and emotional resilience in children. Dr. Bryson highlights that showing up consistently and empathetically is crucial for a child's development and well-being.

This episode is packed with practical parenting tips and insights into creating strong family bonds, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their parenting skills.

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Dr. Lisa Damour has been a huge resource to me on my parenting journey. She the mother of 2, the host of one of the top parenting podcasts Ask Lisa, and a New York Times bestselling author three-times over–In fact she wrote 2 of my all time favorite parenting books Untangled and Under pressure and I've heard amazing things about her latest book The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. I was so honored to have her as a guest on the Momforce Podcast years ago to talk about the deteriorating mental health of kids and teens these days.

In this encore episode you will see that Lisa is a welcome voice of reason committed to  “Untangling Family Life” as she calls it. I love how she's able to explain calmly and rationally how we can best help our kids. In this conversation we talk a lot about stress and I love her nuanced approach–so often we assume it's bad and try to avoid it at all costs. But really, the stresses of life, are not only inevitable but can also be beneficial in certain contexts. especially for adolescents, as it's what helps them learn to navigate challenges and build resilience. I know you will love learning from Lisa and gleaning from her wisdom for your own family.

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Addiction can be a heavy topic which is why I am so glad we have Moira Kucaba at the helm of the conversation! She bravely shares her story and shows that there is always a path forward – and it is usually not a straight line. 

As a high achieving student and athlete Moira fell into alcohol and substance abuse during her high school years. Soon she found herself completely taken over by her addictions. By age 21, she confronted her addictions head-on, transitioning from alcohol and drugs to battling an eating disorder for a decade. Through her recovery process, Moira credits her faith and supportive community for helping her gradually reclaim her life. 

Now, as a thriving entrepreneur, devoted mother of two, and esteemed career coach, Moira's resilience shines through. Join us as she shares invaluable insights and tools for confronting life's challenges. She shares what has helped keep her sober for more than 20 years

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As we head into Mother’s Day this year I want to share some wise words from some of the women who have joined me over the years on The MomForce Podcast. Through 5 seasons we've talked about everything from infertility, to adjusting to life with a newborn, to how to get your teenagers to talk to you. I hope you can take this super-cut episode as my little Mother’s Day gift to you!  

Time codes: 

2:00 Sharon McMahon

5:40 Myriam Sandler

8:03 Jennifer Borget

11:25 Ralphie Jacobs 

15:22 Myriam Sandler

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Join Abby Cox as she shares her inspiring journey from small-town farm life to residing in the governor's mansion in Salt Lake City. Growing up in the small town of Fairview, Utah she never imagined herself living a life in politics. Since becoming First Lady, Abby created the “Show Up” initiative, which invites everyone to show up in their community through service opportunities. 

This year she has refocused her efforts on the larger nationwide initiative of “Disagree Better”. Meant to help ease the political discourse that has gotten so impassioned over the years. 

During the conversation, Abby shares how she has personally learned how to “Disagree Better”. She explains what she does when she disagrees with her husband or kids on political issues, how we can better understand each other, and why it is important to never stop doing the work. 

Known for her incredible talent on the dance floor, Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy has helped so many women who struggle with infertility feel seen and known as she has shared her journey to becoming a mother. We originally aired this episode last year and had an incredible response from our community so I wanted to share it again. Jenna’s adorable baby boy Rome is now 1 and has accompanied her on tour with the Dancing with the Stars team. 

Jenna is a bright light in the dance community and you're going to love learning more from her including what it was like meeting her husband on Dancing with the Stars and how they ultimately fell in love and started their family. 

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What jeans should I be wearing?! Fashion designer, content creator, mom of three, and style educator Merrick White is answering that question and so many more during this episode of The MomForce Podcast. She has been in the blogging space for more than a decade and shares daily fashion tips to help guide us all. Merrick is responding to questions from the MomForce community about how to do a successful closet cleanout, how to find your personal style, and of course – what  jeans will make you feel good! I know you will love this episode and what Merrick has to say about fashion in motherhood. Not only that she shares a great guide for teaching our teens and tweens about making appropriate clothing choices. You don’t want to miss it! 

Time codes: 

5:35 Jeans 101 

13:30 Finding your personal style 

14:45 Postpartum fashion 

16:30 Capsule wardrobes 

20:00 Criteria for a closet clean out 

22:00 What Vanessa should keep and what she should get rid of 

30:15 Selling clothes and organizing a clothing swap 

40:00 The pajama pants trend and how to help teens make appropriate clothing choices 

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World famous ballerina Misty Copeland has an incredible story to share. When she discovered ballet at the age of 13 she was living in motel rooms and struggling to find a place to sleep on the floor between her five siblings. Thanks to a ballet class offered at the Boys and Girls Club and a mentor that took special interest in her abilities, Misty was on pointe shoes within three months of starting classes. A true prodigy, she began performing professionally less than a year after that. 

Misty’s mentor and teacher from the Boys and Girls Club invited her to live in her home so that she could provide the stability Misty needed to focus all of her time and energy on ballet. From there Misty continued to excel in every aspect of the ballet world. 

On June 30, 2015, she became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theater's 75-year history. Since that time she has used her voice to promote inclusion and diversity in ballet through her foundation. You are going to love hearing from Misty.

Time codes: 

00:50 Photos of her son Jackson that have a fun backstory 

13:30 Support your kids dreams and listen to them 

14:00 How to be a hands on parent and nurture your kids interests 

15:00 If Misty will have her little boy do ballet 

17:30 The importance of representation in ballet and the steps Misty has taken through her foundation and philanthropy to make that happen 

19:50 Why Misty is hopeful for the future of diversity and inclusion in the dance world 

21:30 How to help move diversity and inclusion forward wherever you are 

26:25 Misty’s ultimate mom hack secret 

28:00 The role journaling has and still does play a part in Misty’s life 

29:30 Creating a Chatbook of her little family and sending it to relatives as a surprise 

31:15 Misty on growing her family and writing her next children’s book, Bunheads 2 

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Becoming a first-time mom is quite the adjustment period. I knew that I wanted to be there for my oldest daughter as she began her motherhood journey but I did not want to be overbearing or step on any toes.  Going into the experience of becoming a grandma I wanted to be as helpful as possible so I reached out to this amazing MomForce community for advice. You all shared heartfelt experiences and tips that I decided to pack into this mini episode for you. From freezer meals to the nighttime shift I am truly grateful for everything that was shared. Thank you for sending your thoughts and if you are about to become a mom or grandma I know that you will find something helpful in this episode! 

The joy that our new granddaughter has brought into our family cannot be overstated. If you want to see a few of my favorite moments so far find me on Instagram @vanessaquigley. 

Time codes: 

00:55 Vanessa’s experience having her babies 

1:40 Treat the new mom like your baby, get her everything she needs 

2:30 Don’t ask to hold the baby constantly, help with everything else around the baby like cooking and cleaning

3:45 Let the new parents do the baby stuff, you help run the household 

4:30 Let the new mom hold the baby 

5:00 How to be proactive but not presumptuous 

5:20 How to help with meals and snacks

6:00 Be a gatekeeper for unwanted visitors 

6:15 Run all the errands 

7:00 The night shift 

8:05 How to reassure the new parents that they can do it and are totally capable

9:00 Take all the pictures and videos 

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Marriage takes work! That is the lesson Nate Quigley shared the first time he was on The MomForce Podcast. For round two, Vanessa and Nate dig deep into their marriage, and what has worked and what hasn't! They open up about how good communication helps them navigate conflict while fostering greater connection. Nate shares why "birding" is his favorite date night activity and Vanessa tells why she has fully embraced it over the years. They also weigh in on the worst marriage advice they were ever given.

Tune in to hear the Quigleys share the ups and downs of their relationship and how they just launched a new app to help strengthen families called Hey Fam! This episode originally aired in February of 2023. 

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Audrey Roloff, a former collegiate athlete from Portland, Oregon, captivated audiences during her love story with reality TV star Jeremy Roloff. Their relationship grew thanks to handwritten letters back and forth despite being primarily long-distance and culminated in a televised wedding on “Little People, Big World”,  watched by millions. After exchanging vows and welcoming their first daughter, the couple chose to step away from the TV spotlight.

Transitioning to entrepreneurship, Audrey and Jeremy have built Beating 50 Percent, aimed at helping couples beat the statistic that half of marriages will end in divorce. In this podcast episode, Audrey shares insights from their book "Love Letter Life" and offers practical tips for nurturing connection with your spouse. She is also a dedicated Chatbooker and shares how she uses photo books to strengthen her family. 

Tune in to hear Audrey's candid reflections on sustaining a successful marriage beyond the glitz of reality TV, and discover how the Roloffs are making a lasting impact beyond the screen.

Time codes: 
3:00 Redhead connection 

4:30 Getting ready for baby number four 

5:15 Little People, Big World journey 

6:55 Getting married on the show with millions of people watching 

8:00 Stepping away from reality TV

9:00 The art of writing letters to your spouse 

13:45 Beating 50 Percent 

15:50 The "52 date night challenge" and prioritizing your marriage 

17:30 Finding joy in your partner's joys 

20:50 What questions to ask to build connection in your relationships 

27:01 How to lock in memories 

29:00 Tricks for taking family photos 

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If your child is spirited, independent, and strong-willed, you might feel like you're at your wit's end with parenting. That's where Mary Van Geffen comes in as the go-to parenting coach for moms dealing with Spicy Ones™️.

Parenting these kids can be isolating and tough, but Mary knows firsthand that having support and a community makes it easier to embrace and understand your lively and determined child.

As the international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones™️, Mary specializes in helping capable individuals who feel overwhelmed by motherhood. She encourages them to stay calm, be kind, and stand firm in their parenting approach. Mary offers online parenting classes and her popular 8-week group program: Moms of Spicy Ones, is designed to empower moms with the confidence to adopt gentle and respectful parenting practices, even if it's different from how they were raised.

Time codes: 

3:00: How the Spicy One term came to be

10:30: Twenty percent of kids are difficult, strong-willed, and determined 

16:00 Tantrums are part of human development and human development is messy

35:30 How to use “the do-over” in family situations 

42:00 How to see the good in your child 

44:00 How to participate in Mary’s courses  

Check out Mary Van Geffen’s website 

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Erika Peterson has built a health and fitness empire with her husband JJ over the past 10 years. This episode originally aired in January 2023. Today Clean Simple Eats is made up of health products, more than 800 recipes, fitness programming, and a large community that supports each other through various challenges. 

Erika is a mom to four kids, during the conversation she candidly shares what brought her to start Clean Simple Eats. More than a decade ago she was dealing with postpartum depression and looking at ways to positively impact her life and change up her diet. She started making healthier treats and recipes and sharing them online. Just weeks into her changes she began to feel better and the recipes began to snowball online. 

She shares the key to sticking with a healthier lifestyle and how you can get your kids involved. 

Time codes: 

3:00 Having teenagers 

4:30 A fun family photo in Hawaii with an interesting backstory 

7:50 Living in Hawaii 

8:15 Building Clean Simple Eats 

9:05 Having people believe in you when you are starting something 

11:15 Starting to make healthy swaps in her diet 

13:00 Posting on Instagram and beginning partnerships 

13:45 Finding people that believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself 

17:45 All about small changes for big results 

20:10 The magic of bulk prep and make things you know your family will eat 

22:40 How she creates all the protein flavors like bananas foster and cookies and cream

29:15 How Erika and JJ have worked together for 10 years 

38:15 What is the real key to success and sticking to their longterm health 

45:00 Photo organization  

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Eva Chen is a recognizable face and name to many. She began her career as a magazine editor and has since become the head of fashion partnerships at Instagram. Not only that but she hosts shows like Next in Fashion and has written many children’s books – and it just so happens her newest one comes out today! 

Eva is a delight.  She is authentic as she shares her career and regular busy mom life – including what her daily life looks like in New York City – I loved to hear about her experiences as a wife, mom, friend, and business powerhouse. You are going to love hearing from her. 

Time codes: 

1:00 Family life in New York City 

1:20 Getting a family dog 

2:45 School pickup 

13:17 Finding your own beehive instead of village and how to create one 

15:49 Social media is moving away from a super manicured, perfect mom stereotype and showing more of the authentic side of parenting. 

16:50 Why she does not compare her life to anyone elses. 

21:26 Why Eva is all about low maintenance friendships during this season of her life 

22:58 How to be transparent in relationships and let other people help you when you need it 

Order We Are Golden

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Artist Morgan Harper Nichols has inspired millions of people with her poetry, music, artwork, and affirmations. In this conversation from December of 2022, Morgan shares what it was like to find out that she is on the autism spectrum at the age of 31. In addition to that, Vanessa shares her experience getting an ADHD diagnosis last year. They both share their journeys of self discovery since those diagnoses. Listen to this episode to hear why Morgan chose to write a book about finding peace and her practical tips for everyday life. Since recording this episode Morgan has continued to share her words and art with the world as well as go back to school to earn her Master's Degree. Congrats Morgan!  

Morgan shares daily affirmations and encouragement on Instagram @thestorytellerco and @morganharpernichols

Time codes: 

2:59 A favorite photo of her family that captures an everyday magical moment 

5:32 Morgan’s journey of finding out she was on the autism spectrum 

7:25 How she finds time to create art 

8:20 Where Peace is a Practice came from 

10:47 Morgan’s motherhood experience 

17:07 How breathwork can change your life 

19:52 Morgan’s boundaries with social media 

22:24 Autism and social events 

34:18 Different communication styles 

38:08 Why Morgan loves to journal

42:36 A recent family photo that has become a favorite 

44:43 Photo organization tips 

47:24 What is next for Morgan 

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Since Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm was on the podcast in May of 2023 a lot has changed! She is expecting her eighth child very soon and has grown her follower count from 2 million to more than 8 million. 

She not only competed in the Mrs. America pageant, but she won! An amazing clip of her talking on stage about the empowering beauty of childbirth went viral. And as of today, she is just weeks away from delivering her 8th child! And she competes in Mrs World in January. I don't know how she does it! But more than 8 million people get to follow along on Instagram and TikTok as she shares her idyllic life at Ballerina Farm, catching glimpses of her daily life on the farm milking the cows, making gorgeous sourdough bread, and cooking with her kids. 

Hannah was so lovely and generous when we recorded this episode – sharing her journey from Julliard and the big city to farming in the small town of Kamas, Utah. She truly is one of the nicest people I know–and one of the most patient. You're just going to love hearing from her and what is next for Ballerina Farm! 

Time codes: 

2:20 Hannah’s childhood in the flower shop and being homeschooled 

4:03 How she ended up dancing at Juilliard 

5:28 Hannah’s first pageant and why she started doing them 

7:43 Getting married and living in New York City 

10:16 Why they started Ballerina Farm with pigs 

15:07 Getting the kids involved on the farm 

16:53 Being real on social media 

24:06 Hannah and Daniel on having more kids 

26:45 The experience of birth 

31:56 Date night and screen time 

41:00 Beauty in imperfect photos 

43:11 What’s next for Ballerina Farm 

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Unlock the secrets to a restful night's sleep for both parents and little ones with Toddler Sleep Coach Jessica Berk on this episode of "Enter the Chat." If you're struggling with bedtime battles, midnight wake-ups, or nightmares, Jessica has the answers you've been searching for. As a certified sleep expert, she has successfully guided countless families in establishing and maintaining effective sleep routines. From toddlers to older kids, Jessica shares invaluable insights on making bedtime a breeze. Plus, she unveils a foolproof plan for holiday travel, ensuring a seamless return home. Dive into this must-listen episode for practical tips on addressing common sleep issues and reclaiming peaceful nights for your entire family.

Time codes: 

2:41 What is the best age to move a child from the crib to a bed?

4:09 Playing musical beds every night and how to create new habits 

5:43 How are your kids falling asleep at bedtime? 

9:00 Handling things at bedtime around 7 PM is a lot more doable then waking up in the middle of the night 

15:48 What to do about monsters under the bed and other nightmares 

20:15 The best universal bedtime and why it is important 

20:54 How to get older kids to go to bed at a reasonable time

21:30 What to do about siblings that share a room and keep each other up talking at night 

24:27 The average amount of sleep every age group should be getting 

25:12 The best ways to handle holiday travel and not mess up sleep routines 

29:21 Free toddler sleep masterclass 

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Stephanie Nielson began sharing her life in 2005 through her blog the NieNie Dialogues, she centered her writing on home life and motherhood. Then in 2008, she was in a fiery plane crash with her husband Christian. They both survived but she was badly burned over more than 80 percent of her body. She then wrote her New York Times bestseller, “Heaven is Here” about the entire experience. 

During our conversation, Stephanie shares what life looks like now that kids are growing up and moving out of the house, what daily little things make all the difference in creating a happy home, and how simplicity is key to making holiday time extra special. Stephanie is a delight and inspiration – I know you will love hearing from her. 

Time codes: 

5:43 Seasons and the beauty of change 

8:38 Why Stephanie’s story has touched so many lives 

13:24 How to turn a bad day around 

18:11 Raising teenagers and young adults 

21:42 Full circle moment for Stephanie with the Arizona Burn Center 

34:38 The importance of documenting her family’s life 

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Dubbed “The Godfather” by Vanessa, Susan Peterson is a well known name in the entrepreneur world. Known for her super successful baby moccasin and bag brand, Freshly Picked. Susan started Freshly Picked at home with her sewing machine making every pair of leather shoes by hand. She started to grow and decided to go on Shark Tank. Since her appearance on the show years ago, she has built an incredible brand and is working on three more.  

In this first ever live episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and Susan answer questions from a studio audience comprised of female founders and entrepreneurs. They touch on everything from handling the mental load at home to knowing when you need funding. Not only that but Susan emphasizes the value of mentorship, the reality of facing failures, and the importance of mental health in your journey. Listen in and be inspired! 

Time codes: 

02:54 The First Q4 Experience & Marketing with Kourtney Kardashian

5:32 Gifting Dad a Christmas Book Mishap

7:58 Making Genuine Connections

9:42 Finding Purpose in Business

12:25 The Fear of Failure

14:54 Advice for Moms Stepping into Entrepreneurship

19:15 Supporting Other Women's Businesses

20:46 The Hardest Part of Susan's Entreprenuer Life

23:20 Funding and Accountability in Business Growth

27:59 Starting a Business After 13 Years Home with 4 Kids

32:55 What Susan is Doing Next 

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Known as “The Car Mom”, Kelly Stumpe is a go-to expert when it comes to finding the perfect car for your family. she provides invaluable insights such as the ideal car for accommodating multiple car seats, optimal trunk space, and top safety features in the event of a crash. Explore Kelly's expert advice as she addresses questions from our MomForce community, offering valuable tips on what features to prioritize when choosing a car and which models to avoid. Don't miss her verdict on the timeless minivan vs. SUV debate. Elevate your family's driving experience and learn a few new things before visiting your next car dealership. 

Time codes: 

2:35 What car should I buy for my family?

2:53 What car does Kelly drive?

5:38 SUV or minivan?

8:05 What carseats are best if you need to fit three across on one row 

10:16 Safety mistakes people make when it comes to carseats 

12:26 Used cars 

14:35 Teen driver safety tips 

19:45 How to be safe on the road 

25:23 Camera roll organization 

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If you’ve spent time on Instagram or Pinterest then you’ve likely seen Becki Owens work. She is one of the most sought-after interior designers, known for her warm and inviting aesthetic that millions have tried to replicate. She has countless product lines and collabs – and today she is answering some of your toughest design questions! Things like what do I do with this huge blank wall or what do I replace all my outdated lighting with!? 

I know you will enjoy hearing about Becki’s journey to where she is today, her family life, and the role motherhood plays in her day-to-day schedule.  Join us as we delve into Becki's world, learn from her expertise, and gain inspiration for your own interior design projects. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a homeowner seeking practical advice, this episode has something for everyone. 

Time codes: 

5:40 Becki’s personal style 

8:22 How to find your style and stick to it in your home 

9:22 How to do a color story for your home design 

13:40 Following trendy decor 

14:30 Becki’s favorite scents for home 

17:40 How she keeps her family as her number-one priority 

21:45 What to do with a small bedroom closet 

22:40 What to do with a giant blank wall 

23:30 LVP or carpet in a basement with kids and dogs

36:50 Holiday family photos  

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Do you ever leave a family gathering and think, “I feel like I missed the opportunity to have a real deep conversation and connection”? In the midst of mealtimes or festive get-togethers it can be easy to be swept up in the busy tasks of it all. In this episode, Vanessa sits down with her sisters Leah and Shelly to talk about Thanksgiving and how they are going to make it meaningful this year. From teaching teenagers the art of making the perfect homemade roll to playing old family videos in the background there are a ton of ideas shared in this episode that could work for you and your family. 

Tune in to hear how to make your upcoming family get-togethers meaningful and fun! 

Time codes: 

1:00 Thanksgiving plans 

2:15 Talking to teenagers and young adults

3:15 Crafting at family get-togethers 

4:05 Gingerbread houses and games 

5:15 Conversation cards 

6:30 Old family videos 

7:00 Sprinkle Chatbooks around the house for relatives to look at 

8:00 Watching old videos can be a healing and restorative experience, especially as kids get older.  

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Brittney Hanks of Home & Kind is known for her mom hacks in the kitchen and around the house for DIY projects. During this conversation, she teaches us how to shave off major time when it comes to prepping school lunches in bulk. (mindblown!) Not only that but she is saving dinnertime with her new cookbook, One Stop Costco Meals. She shares her greatest Costco buys, what she considers a waste of money, and what special items to watch out for the next time you are shopping.  

Vanessa and Brittney dive deep into parenting, discussing strategies for combating burnout, the significance of nurturing hobbies as a mom, and effective ways to manage overwhelming moments. 

6:15 Favorite “mom hacks”

9:40 School lunch hack 

12:15 Costco versus Sam’s Club 

15:00 One-stop meals  

18:00 Where you can overspend at Costco 

19:00 Best bang for your buck Costco meals 

21:30 What to buy at Trader Joe’s 

23:00 Trader Joe’s cookbook coming out next 

24:40 Favorite Things party ideas 

28:15 What to do when you are burned out as a parent 

38:00 Photo organization 

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Sazan Hendrix may be a content creator with millions of followers but before that, she was a girl that fell in love with a boy her family did not approve of. In this episode, Sazan opens up about her love story with her husband Stevie, and how they found happiness throughout the hard times. Not only that, but Sazan shares what her family life is like today and the healing that has happened. And she explains what she means when she says she wants to live, "A Real Good Life", -- emphasis on the real! 

I know you will be fascinated to hear from Sazan about her business experiences and what keeps her going as a mother to three little ones. 

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4:00 Sazan's photo with a fun backstory about being first time parents 

6:40 Breaking cultural boundaries and family disapproval to marry her husband Stevie

7:15 Going through the hard before you get to the good 

8:00 Kurdish culture and traditions 

9:35 Choosing Stevie over family in the beginning 

11:15 Her family relationships today 

14:30 Incorporating Kurdish culture into the Hendrix home 

19:55 The beauty of a 5 minute break 

22:25 What to do on the hard days 

24:00 Life in Hollywood 

27:45 A REAL good life 

29:40 Sharing her faith online 

33:30 Deciding what family moments to share online 

40:00 Goals for her photo collection  

Ganel-lyn Condie lost her sister Meg to suicide ten years ago, ever since then she has spoken on the topic in an effort to raise awareness. Ganellyn shares her experience with mental health and how to facilitate important conversations. She shares how parents can be examples to their kids in the ways they look after their own mental health. The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. 

Suicide and Crisis Hotline 988 

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1:25 More conversations about mental health are happening 

2:00 All of us are affected by mental health needs 

3:15 Loss of Twitch 

3:50 Middle-aged men are the most vulnerable group

8:30 Therapy is mental health education 

9:45 Progress over perfection 

11:05 Being a perfectionist 

11:37 People or stuff 

13:40 Finding connection 

15:05 The micro yes 

19:15 Getting through hard days 

Jennifer Hanks of @cocoscaravan shares her story of losing her husband Justin when her twin boys were just 3 months old. Now, five years later, she is sharing what her friends did to support her during that incredibly difficult experience. In this episode, Jennifer bravely shares what she has been through and the most impactful things friends and family did to support her. She also explains why she decided to share her story online and the power of the community that she has created.  

Jennifer also tells Vanessa about her love of photos and the unique ways she incorporates them throughout her home and family narrative. She is strategic about using photos with her boys so that they know their dad and the stories of his life. 

Jennifer is amazing and I know you are going to love hearing from her. To read her full story go here. If you or someone you know is dealing with grief, remember that you're not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you through this challenging time. 

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00:20 Jennifer’s story and experience losing her husband Justin while having twin baby boys 

3:35 Why she shares her story and the community she has built 

6:45 What you can do for a friend who is dealing with cancer or loss 

10:15 How to support single moms 

13:00 How photos helped in her grieving process 

17:18 Death anniversaries and how to mark the day 

20:45 Photos to show her boys and tell their family story

26:47 Why you should take the photo, even if it is just meant for you to keep to yourself 

28:55 Jennifer’s #1 tip for getting a great family photo