Hey there! We’re Caitlin and Jenny (she/her). We host How to Be a Grownup: A Humorous Guide for Moms, with CK & GK, AKA the CK & GK Podcast. Our show is dedicated to any mom who's ever looked around and thought, "I need an adultier-adult than me to handle this."
We're moms just like you, navigating the everyday chaos and unexpected surprises. We bring a relatable and humorous perspective to parenting, drawing on our own experiences and sharing honest, practical advice you can actually use in your own life.
We aim to create a supportive and entertaining space where listeners can learn, laugh, and connect with other adults who are just trying to figure it all out. By offering relatable stories, expert advice, and a healthy dose of humor, we hope to empower listeners to embrace the ups and downs of adulthood with confidence and a positive attitude. ___ Caitlin and Jenny are based in Austin, Texas. They're both married to cool people and parents to cool kids. Caitlin is a former middle school teacher and Jenny is a middle school assistant principal. They're besties who love to laugh.
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Newsflash: Brushing your teeth is self-care. So is sitting in your car for a few moments of quiet away from your family. This episode is for every mom who thinks she ‘isn’t doing enough’—when really, she’s nailing the tiny wins (even if that ‘win’ is finally getting that cabinet door to stop squeaking).
Moms who’ve cried over laundry and used household chores as therapy (aggressively scrubbing the shower floor counts as ‘anger management,’ right?)
Anyone whose "me time" is hiding in the pantry with a snack they won’t share
Humans who need permission to finally use the fancy china (yes, even for cereal)
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What You Get In This Episode
"Basic" Tasks Count Too
Getting out of bed? Showering? Taking meds? Gold stars for you.
"If you sat up today instead of lying down, that’s HUGE." —Ariella
Pleasantries = Self-Care
Crocheting a lopsided Snoopy hat (👋 Caitlin’s win)
"Fancy sleep" in silk PJs on fresh sheets
Sitting in the car to finish a podcast without tiny humans screaming
Unpleasant But Necessary
Future-you will high-five present-you for:
Meal prepping (even if it’s just PB&Js)
That 5-minute phone call you avoided for 3 months
Changing the bedding sucks, but sliding into fresh sheets? The best.
Use the Damn Stickers
Burn the fancy candles. Wear the jewelry. Eat off the china. Use the stickers. You don’t need to save them for a special occasion. You are the special occasion.
Your grandma’s silver won’t judge you for eating Taco Bell off it.
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Bios
Caitlin & Jenny: Educators, moms, and certified experts in car-sitting-as-therapy. Follow our chaos @CKandGKPodcast.
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Sources & Other Mentions
Reddit/self-care
Ariella’s novel Roots in Ink (because authors need love too)
"Spoiler: Your to-do list isn’t the problem—it’s your brain (and maybe your phone). This week, TULA’s Debra Doliner returns to help us hack time management, ditch guilt, and finally make that 5-minute phone call we’ve all been avoiding for months."
Moms who’ve ever cried over an empty laundry basket (why is it always full again by noon?!).
Anyone whose "ideal day" involves not answering emails on a ‘break’ in the bathroom.
Women ready to embrace Dolly Parton’s wisdom: "Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."
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What You Get In This Episode
Your "Ideal Day" Is a Compass
Write down what your actual perfect day looks like (yes, tacos count). Then add what fills your cup (game nights! walks!) and subtract what drains you (pointless meetings, we’re looking at you).
The 3-Task Rule
Only put 3 must-do items on your daily to-do list. "Finished them? Congrats! Everything else is bonus points."
Delegate Like a CEO
That vet appointment you’ve avoided for months? The donation pile judging you? Outsource it (babysitters, TULA, or a neighbor going to Goodwill anyway).
"No Agenda? No Atten-da!"
Stop attending meetings that could’ve been an email. Protect your time like it’s the last cookie in the jar.
Phone Jail Is Real
Debra uses a literal lockbox (ySky Cell Phone lockbox) to break her phone addiction.
5 Ways to Manage Your Energy Like a Pro (Even When You Feel Like a Mom-bie)
Between snack emergencies and the ‘second shift’ of mom life, your energy is constantly on E. This week, TULA Life Balanced’s Debra Doliner shares science-backed hacks to recharge—because literally ‘touching grass’ and 8-minute friend calls might just save your sanity.
Moms who collapse at 5 PM but still have 47 tasks to do.
Anyone who’s ever thought, “I love my kids, but why does ‘Please play Frisbee with me’ sound like “Please run a marathon with me”? (Spoiler: Your energy cycles are not broken—just misunderstood.)
Women who’ve chugged coffee at 9AM, 12PM, and 3 PM… yet still feel like a zombie. (Hydration hacks incoming!)
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What You Get In This Episode
Energy ≠ Time
Physical energy ≠ mental energy. Example: "I can’t throw a Frisbee right now, but I can play a game."
Hack: Front-load mentally taxing tasks when your brain is fresh (or after coffee kicks in).
Hydration is a Superpower
Just 2% dehydration slows brain function. Your emotional support water bottle isn’t optional—it’s survival gear.
The 8-Minute Energy Boost
Call a hype friend for 8 mins (Simon Sinek-approved!). Just get it off your chest!
“Touch Grass” Literally
Bare feet on grass = instant mood boost. Yes, even if your neighbor side-eyes you.
Breathing for Energy
Self-Care for Moms: 5 Ways to Read More When Your To-Do List is a Novel
Remember when reading meant getting lost in a book instead of lost in a pile of laundry? This episode is for every mom who misses the joy of reading but can’t figure out how to squeeze it between snack requests and sock emergencies. Spoiler: Audiobooks count, and yes, fanfic totally counts too.
Moms who used to devour books but now only have time to devour cold coffee and leftover chicken nuggets.
Anyone who’s ever cried over a library fine (or a toddler’s board book "edits").
Parents who need an escape but can’t decide between a thriller or a nap.
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What You Get In This Episode
Audiobooks Are Legit (No, Really) – Ditch the guilt! Listening to books while folding laundry totally counts as "me time."
E-Readers to the Rescue – Adjust fonts, backgrounds, and even read in the dark (because bedtime is the only quiet time).
Short & Sweet Wins – Novellas and short stories for when your attention span matches your toddler’s.
Fanfic for the Win – Revisit familiar characters without committing to a 500-page novel.
Book Clubs & Body Doubling – Because sometimes you need peer pressure to finish a chapter.
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Bios
Caitlin & Jenny are best friends, educators, and moms who still Google "how to remove glitter from carpets." They’re here to help you adult—without losing your sanity or your sense of humor.
Guilt-Free Self-Care: 5 Ways To Feel Good About Putting Yourself First
Hey Mama, feeling guilty about taking time for yourself? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the real reason self-care feels so hard—guilt—and sharing five practical ways to ditch it for good. Whether you’re a serial people-pleaser or just can’t seem to prioritize yourself, we’ve got the tools to help you reclaim your time, redefine success, and finally say “no” without feeling bad about it.
👉 Ready to ditch the guilt and finally prioritize yourself? Start by redefining your self-care and saying “no” to what doesn’t serve you. And don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for more tips, laughs, and self-care moments!
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Who Should Listen
Moms who feel guilty about taking time for themselves.
People-pleasers who struggle to say “no.”
Anyone who needs a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
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What You Get In This Episode
Redefine self-care: Learn why your current definition might be holding you back (and how to fix it).
Ditch achievement-based success: Stop tying your self-worth to outcomes and start celebrating the process.
Master the art of saying “no”: Discover why “no” is a complete sentence—and how to use it guilt-free.
Take back your time: Uncover hidden pockets of time you didn’t know you had.
Build a support system: Learn why accountability is key to making self-care stick.
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The Self-Care Hack No One Talks About: Hobbies for Busy Moms
Feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just plain over it? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of hobbies—yes, hobbies!—and why they’re not just a luxury but a necessity for your mental health. Whether you’re a serial hobby-starter (thanks, ADHD) or haven’t picked up a hobby since middle school, we’ve got practical tips to help you find—and stick with—something you love. Plus, we’ll share why hobbies are the ultimate form of self-care (and why you shouldn’t turn them into a side hustle).
Feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just plain over it? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down mindfulness in a way that’s practical, accessible, and even a little funny. Whether you’ve got ADHD, a packed schedule, or just a serious case of “mom brain,” we’ve got a simple mindfulness exercise that you can do anywhere—yes, even while doing dishes.
Moms who feel like they’re constantly juggling a million things and need a quick reset.
Anyone who’s tried mindfulness before but found it too abstract or intimidating.
Busy parents looking for simple, actionable ways to reduce stress and stay present.
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What You Get In This Episode
A clear definition of mindfulness—and why it’s not just about sitting cross-legged in a dark room.
A simple, tactile mindfulness exercise you can do with any object (even a cup of coffee or a leaf!).
Tips for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, whether you’ve got 5 seconds or 5 minutes.
Why mindfulness is like a “fire extinguisher” for small stressors—not a full-blown crisis solution.
A guided meditation from certified yoga instructor (and published author!) Ariella Monti to help you reset in just 5 minutes.
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👉 Ready to give mindfulness a try? Grab your favorite object (a rock, a leaf, or even your coffee) and join us for a quick, guided meditation at the end of the episode. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media for more tips on how to be a grown-up without losing your mind!
4 Clever Ways to Reset Your Forgotten Self-Care Routine
Ready to ditch the mom guilt and prioritize your well-being? This week, Ariella Monti (stepping in for Jenny) and I are sharing 4 clever ways to reset your self-care routine. It's time to reclaim your "me time" and feel like yourself again.
Anyone who feels overwhelmed, guilty about taking "me time," or wants practical tips to prioritize their well-being should listen. Busy moms, especially, will find this episode a game-changer for reclaiming their sanity and rediscovering themselves.
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What You Get In This Episode
Ditch the Mom Guilt: Learn practical strategies to prioritize your well-being without feeling selfish.
Reclaim Your "Me Time": Discover actionable tips to carve out time for yourself, even with a busy schedule.
Practical, Not Preachy Advice: Get real, relatable strategies that fit into your everyday life, not just idealistic concepts.
Feel Like Yourself Again: Learn how to reconnect with your passions and rediscover your identity beyond motherhood.
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Bios
CK and Ariella are two moms who know the struggle of balancing motherhood and self-care. They're here to share their wisdom-ous-ness on how to ditch the guilt and prioritize your well-being.
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Sources
ReachOut Australia: Anonymous and confidential, ReachOut is a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgment-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future.
Cut Out Clutter, Get Free Stuff: 3 Tips for Success in Buy Nothing Groups
Forget shopping sprees! This week, we're diving into the glorious world of Buy Nothing Groups with the delightful Ariella Monti (pinch-hitting for our injured Jenny). Think free kayaks, poker tables, random flowers, and a whole lot of community spirit. It's like a virtual garage sale, but everything's free. Seriously.
Anyone who loves free stuff, wants to declutter their life, or is looking for a way to connect with their community. Plus, anyone who enjoys a good story about a slightly used poker table.
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What You Get In This Episode
The lowdown on what Buy Nothing Groups are and how they work (it's not just a free-for-all!)
Hilarious and heartwarming stories of gifting and receiving (Free. Freaking. Kayak.)
Practical tips for finding and joining your local Buy Nothing Group
How to communicate effectively and build positive relationships within the group
Ideas for exploring new hobbies and decluttering your life, all for free!
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Bios
CK and her friend, published author Ariella Monti, are diving into the world of Buy Nothing Groups. They’re sharing how you can declutter, save money, and build community, all at the same time.
Discover how a library card can be your secret weapon for saving money during our Finance February series! Ariella Monti, a talented author and cherished friend of the show, joins us to share her savvy approach to maximizing the benefits of local libraries. We uncover the surprisingly expansive world of resources that a simple library card can unlock. From borrowing books to gaining free or discounted access to museums and zoos, Ariella and I explore how libraries are much more than a quiet place to read—they're a gateway to a treasure trove of cost-saving opportunities and experiences.
Moms, families, bargain hunters, bookworms, and anyone who wants to make the most of their local library.
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What You Get In This Episode
Libraries are not just about books; they offer a huge amount of free resources that can enrich your life and save you money! This episode discusses how to maximize a library membership.
Listen to learn about:
The benefits of getting a library card—and then getting more library cards
Discounts and free passes available for local attractions
Unique items available for borrowing beyond traditional books
Library classes and workshops to explore new skills at low cost
Streaming services accessed through your library
How to support your local library to ensure continued resources
A former teacher, mom, and self-proclaimed “recovering overthinker,” Caitlin is on a mission to help moms navigate the chaos of adulthood with humor and practical advice. She’s passionate about making self-care and mindfulness accessible for everyone—especially busy moms.
Ariella Monti (Guest Co-Host):
A certified yoga instructor, published author, and mom, Ariella brings a wealth of knowledge about mindfulness and self-care. With a background in yoga and lots of time in therapy, she’s all about helping people find calm in the chaos—one deep breath (or mindful moment) at a time.
A former teacher, mom, and self-proclaimed “recovering overthinker,” Caitlin is on a mission to help moms navigate the chaos of adulthood with humor and practical advice. She’s passionate about making self-care and mindfulness accessible for everyone—especially busy moms.
Ariella Monti (Guest Co-Host):
A certified yoga instructor, published author, and mom, Ariella brings a wealth of knowledge about mindfulness and self-care. With a background in yoga and lots of time in therapy, she’s all about helping people find calm in the chaos—one deep breath (or mindful moment) at a time.
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👉 Ready to find your next hobby? Start by checking out your local library, joining a Buy Nothing group, or just being “hobby curious.” And don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for more tips, laughs, and self-care moments!
A former teacher, mom, and self-proclaimed “recovering overthinker,” Caitlin is on a mission to help moms navigate the chaos of adulthood with humor and practical advice. She’s passionate about making self-care and mindfulness accessible for everyone—especially busy moms.
Ariella Monti (Guest Co-Host):
A certified yoga instructor, published author, and mom, Ariella brings a wealth of knowledge about mindfulness and self-care. With a background in yoga, she’s all about helping people find calm in the chaos—one deep breath (or mindful moment) at a time. Learn more about her and her books here.
Caitlin (CK) and her cherished friend, author Ariella Monti, are spilling the secrets on how your library card can unlock a world of savings and experiences. Because who doesn't love free stuff?
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