MomsWork Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 15: Rachel Farnsworth — The Stay at Home Chef

In this episode of MomsWork, I’m joined by someone so many home cooks already know and trust: Rachel Farnsworth, creator of The Stay at Home Chef. Rachel is a mom, cookbook author, and the powerhouse behind one of the most popular and approachable recipe platforms on the internet, reaching millions of families every month.

Rachel and I talk honestly about motherhood, work, health, and what it really looks like to build a massive brand while raising a family. From weeknight dinner shortcuts to behind-the-scenes truths about content creation, this conversation feels like catching up with a friend in the kitchen — practical, encouraging, and refreshingly real.

In this episode, we talk about:

Rachel’s journey to becoming The Stay at Home Chef and how the platform came to be

How she balances work and family when everything feels important

The values motherhood has brought into her work

Navigating health challenges while continuing to show up for work and family

What it was like realizing her brand was becoming “something big”

Managing a growing business with small children at home

Simple ways to make home cooking easier and less stressful

Encouragement for parents who feel like they’re “not good cooks”

Go-to weeknight meals her family asks for again and again

Three recipes every busy parent should always have ready

A peek inside The Stay at Home Chef studio and content process

The most rewarding and most challenging parts of running such a large platform

What’s next for Rachel and The Stay at Home Chef

Rapid-Fire Fun:

We wrap things up with some lighthearted rapid-fire questions, including favorite comfort foods, food trends, dream dinner guests, bucket-list items, and more.

This episode is full of encouragement for parents who want to feed their families well without burning out — and for anyone balancing big dreams with everyday life.

✨ Follow Rachel Farnsworth and The Stay at Home Chef on all social media platforms

📘 Check out Rachel’s cookbook for easy, family-friendly recipes: https://thestayathomechef.com/  

🎧 Follow @MomsWorkPodcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s coming next and @momsworkpodcast on Facebook and Instagram

Episode #14: Austin Wade aka @AustintheRappingDad
MomsWork … and DadsWork Too!
Welcome to a milestone episode of MomsWork … and DadsWork Too! 🎙️
In this very first dad-focused conversation, host Kristin Weinrich expands the podcast to include fathers’ voices—because parenting is a partnership, and dads’ perspectives matter.
Kristin is joined by Austin Wade, a first-time dad, husband, marketing and digital strategy professional, content creator, and the internet sensation better known as @AustinTheRappingDad. What started as a silly way to make his newborn son smile—rapping classic children’s books—quickly turned into a viral phenomenon that resonated with parents everywhere.
In this episode, Kristin and Austin dive into the realities of early fatherhood, the steep learning curve of becoming a parent, and how creativity can unexpectedly thrive in the most exhausted seasons of life. Austin opens up about his first 100 days as a dad, the surprises that came with welcoming a baby, and the assumptions people often make about new fathers.
You’ll hear honest reflections on:
•What the early days of fatherhood really feel like
•The joys and challenges of becoming a dad for the first time
•How creativity and parenting intersect
•Balancing presence at home with professional and creative goals
•Why dads’ voices belong in conversations about family life
The episode also features a Win & Challenge of the Week, where both Kristin and Austin share personal and professional highs and lows, plus a fun rapid-fire round of questions that lets listeners get to know Austin beyond The Rapping Dad persona.
Whether you’re a mom, dad, or parent-to-be, this episode offers humor, honesty, and encouragement for anyone navigating the beautiful chaos of early parenthood.
🎧 Listen in and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more moms and dads!
📱 Follow Austin: @austintherappingdad on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
📱 Follow the podcast: @MomsWorkPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
Thanks for tuning in to MomsWork … and DadsWork Too! 💛

🎙️ MomsWork Bonus Episode #1: The Life of a Showgirl Predrop – Taylor’s New Era & Engagement Talk!

Hosted by: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Kelley Pidhirksy
Release Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

💬 Episode Summary:

SURPRISE! Today we’re hitting pause on the motherhood talk and fully embracing our inner Swifties for a bonus episode you didn’t know you needed! 🎤💍

With just one day until Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated album The Life of a Showgirl drops (October 3rd!), Kristin and fellow mega-fan Kelley Pidhirksy come together for a full-on fan girl session. From favorite Taylor eras and Swiftie swag to thoughts on her engagement to Travis Kelce, we’re diving into all things T-Swift.

This episode is for the fans, by the fans — with heart, laughs, and a lot of glitter. ✨

🗣️ What We Talk About:

• Our Swiftie origin stories (feat. Kristin’s husband’s surprising fan status!)
• Raising kids in a Taylor-filled household
• Favorite Swiftie swag (friendship bracelets, anyone?)
• Predictions for The Life of a Showgirl — sound, vibe, and themes
• How this era compares to past albums like 1989, Reputation, and Lover
• The Travis Kelce effect — how their relationship may have influenced the album
• Is this the beginning of a new chapter... or the end of an era?
• The timing of her engagement: PR strategy, true love, or both?
• Proposal thoughts + media reaction
• How Swifties and NFL fans are reacting to the couple
• Prophetic lyrics: Was Taylor writing her future all along?

⚡ Swiftie Speed Seat (Rapid Fire!):

We wrap with a fast-paced round (that actually lasts much longer than expected) of Taylor questions, Favorite album?

• Top 3 songs of all time?
• First song that made you a fan?
• Favorite Taylor era?
• Most underrated song?
• And the ultimate question: Meet Taylor or attend her wedding (no meet)?

📲 Connect With Us:

If you loved this episode, share it with your fellow Swifties!
👉 Follow us on Instagram + Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
📩 Email us: momsworkpodcast@gmail.com
🎧 Listen, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

💖 Thanks for joining our fan-girl moment — we’ll be back soon with more episodes (mom-themed and otherwise)! #SwiftieStrong

🎙️ MomsWork Podcast
Episode Title: All Things Fall 🍂 with Rachel Gallegos
Hosted by: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Rachel Gallegos – Attorney, Wife, School Board Member, and Mom of Two

🍁 Episode Summary:

Welcome to another episode of MomsWork! This week, host Kristin Weinrich sits down with the inspiring Rachel Gallegos—attorney, school board member, and busy mom of two boys—for a conversation that blends career insights, parenting challenges, and the cozy joy of fall.

From career evolution post-motherhood to managing stress and navigating schedule conflicts, Rachel opens up about the realities of working motherhood. Then we shift gears into full-on fall mode—pumpkins, cool weather, fall recipes, and those oh-so-cozy clothes. Whether you're team #PumpkinSpiceEverything or just here for the apple crisp, this episode is full of warm, relatable vibes.

🗂️ In This Episode We Cover:

• Rachel’s journey balancing a legal career and family life
• How motherhood reshaped her professional identity
• Coping with scheduling conflicts and handling stress
• Favorite fall family traditions 🍂
• The fall “mom uniform” and how routines shift with the season
• How she manages the darker days post-time change
• And yes… where she stands on pumpkin spice 🎃

🏆 Win of the Week:
Rachel and Kristin each share a recent win and a challenge, showing the real and relatable ups and downs of working mom life.

🔥 Topic Talk:
Why do we all love fall so much? From childhood traditions to game day snacks, Kristin and Rachel go deep into what makes this season feel so special.

⚡ Hot Seat Segment:
Rapid-fire questions with Rachel to round things out with some fun surprises!

📌 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• 🎃 Milky Way Farm: milkywayfarm.com
• 🍲 Sweet Potato Chili Recipe: thefreshmancook.com
• 🍎 Easy Apple Crisp: thechunkychef.com
• 🦎 “Lizard Lamp”  Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright White Therapy Lamp on Amazon     

📣 Connect with MomsWork:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
💌 Email: momsworkpodcast@gmail.com

If you loved this episode, please leave a rating, review, and don’t forget to subscribe. Sharing the podcast with your friends helps us grow and reach more amazing moms like you!

✨ Thanks for listening—and happy fall! 🍁

🎙️ Episode Title: Back to School – Ages & Stages (Teen Edition) with Beth Forbes

📌 Episode Summary:

Welcome back to MomsWork! In this episode, host Kristin Weinrich chats with Beth Forbes—mom of two teens and Managing Director at a financial services firm. If you caught our last episode on the ages and stages of younger kids, this conversation is the perfect follow-up—this time, we’re diving into the teenage and young adult years.

Beth shares what it’s like parenting a high school freshman and a college-bound senior, how parenting has shaped her career, and the joys and challenges of raising older kids in today’s world. From navigating screen time to managing emotional transitions, this honest and relatable conversation offers wisdom, laughs, and encouragement for moms with big kids.

👩‍👧‍👦 In This Episode:

• Meet Beth Forbes: her family, her work, and how she went from cookie trays to corporate leadership
• The best parenting advice she’s ever received
• How becoming a parent has changed the way she works and leads
• What it’s like having kids in two very different high school phases
• Balancing emotional needs during times of big change
• Sibling dynamics, screen time battles, and letting go as college approaches
• Favorite and least favorite parts of the teenage years
• A rapid-fire “Hot Seat” Q&A with Beth!

🏆 Win & Challenge of the Week:

Beth and Kristin each share one recent parenting or life win, and one challenge—because motherhood is always a mix of both!

🔥 Hot Topics:

• Parenting with empathy at home and at work
• Giving teens independence while staying emotionally connected
• Learning from our kids as they grow
• Prepping your heart (and home) for the college transition

💬 Listener Question:

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as your kids have grown older? Let us know on Instagram @momsworkpodcast!

📎 Resources & Links:

• http://lancasterfarmfresh.com/
  
  

🙌 Stay Connected:

Follow the MomsWork Podcast on:

• 📸 Instagram & Facebook: @momsworkpodcast
• 🎧 Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend or leave a review to help us grow!

🎙️ MomsWork – Episode 2: “Back to School: Ages & Stages” with Jess Connell
Host: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Jess Connell – mom of three and nurse practitioner
 
Episode Summary:
Welcome to Episode 2 of MomsWork! This week, host Kristin Weinrich sits down with Jess Connell, a nurse practitioner and mom of three girls in very different stages of childhood—from preschool to middle school. Together, they dive into the emotional, mental, and logistical realities of back-to-school season—especially when parenting across a wide age range.
We explore how motherhood impacts career confidence, the power of parenting empathy in the workplace, and how to navigate transitions as both a parent and professional. Jess opens up about what's going on in her house (spoiler: it's a lot!), and shares honest, heartfelt insights into raising daughters at every stage of growth.
 
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
•💡 Jess’s best parenting hack
•💼 How being a mom has made her more confident at work
•🧠 Using empathy from parenting to build better professional relationships
•🧍‍♀️ Getting to know Jess outside of motherhood
•✅ Win & Challenge of the Week – real-life moments worth celebrating (and commiserating!)
•📚 Topic Talk: Back to school transitions and parenting through “ages & stages”
•👧 Navigating developmental differences between kids
•❤️ What she’s learning from her daughters right now
•🎢 Emotions around change: grief, excitement, and everything in between
•🔥 Hot Seat: Rapid-fire fun to wrap up the episode
 
Links & Mentions:
•Follow us on Instagram & Facebook → @MomsWorkPodcast
•Email Kristin → momsworkpodcast@gmail.com
•Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and SHARE with other moms!
 
Rate & Review
If you loved today’s conversation, share the episode and leave a review! It helps other moms find us.

🎙️ Episode 1: The Dog Days of Summer (with Guest Meredith Waldron)
Host: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Meredith Waldron, third-grade teacher, mom of two
🗓️ Released: August 19, 2025
📍 Location: Philadelphia Suburbs
🎧 Duration: Approx. 40 minutes

🎉 Welcome to MomsWork!

In this premiere episode of MomsWork, host Kristin Weinrich—teacher, mom of two, and first-time podcaster—kicks off the series by chatting with her longtime friend and fellow educator, Meredith Waldron.

Together, they explore what it means to balance work, motherhood, and everything in between—starting with the "Dog Days of Summer."☀️

👩‍👧‍👦 In This Episode:

• Meet Meredith: Mom of two, third-grade teacher, and summer survivalist
• “Get to Know You” Segment: Kristin asks Meredith some candid questions about motherhood, work-life balance, scheduling conflicts, and the challenge of accepting help.
• 💪 Win of the Week: Meredith shares a personal victory that made her week brighter (you’ll have to listen to hear what it is!)
• 🎯 Topic Talk: The two moms dive into the emotional, chaotic, and often bittersweet final stretch of summer. From managing bored kids to squeezing in some self-care, they share real talk, relatable stories, and creative tips for making the most of August.
• 🔥 Hot Seat: Meredith answers rapid-fire questions with hilarious and heartwarming results.

📝 Topics Covered:

• Balancing parenting with professional responsibilities
• End-of-summer burnout and creative ways to power through
• Guilt-free mom time: carving out space for yourself
• Traditions and routines that help families transition back to school
• The small wins that keep us going

💬 Connect with MomsWork:

📱 Instagram & Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
📧 Email: MomsWorkPodcast@gmail.com

🎧 Listen, Follow, and Share
If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a review, share it with a friend, or let us know if you’d like to be a future guest!

Thanks for joining us for our very first episode—there’s more real talk, inspiring stories, and mom-to-mom connection coming your way every other week!

🎙️ MomsWork Podcast - Introduction Episode

Hi and welcome to the MomsWork Podcast! I’m Kristin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

This podcast is a space for working moms—whether you're building a career, running a business, or managing the beautiful chaos of both work and home life. I created this show to bring real, honest conversations about the challenges, wins, and everything in between when it comes to being a mom who works—however that looks for you.

In each episode, I’ll be talking to inspiring moms from all walks of life. We’ll dive into how they navigate work, family, identity, and self-care—and we’ll also talk practical tips, career advice, time management, and sometimes just the funny, unfiltered moments that come with motherhood.

My hope is that this podcast feels like a supportive friend you can tune into each week—someone who gets it. So whether you’re commuting, folding laundry, or hiding in the pantry for five minutes of peace—you’re welcome here.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Let’s dive in!

Episode 13: How AI Can Help Busy Moms at Home & Work (with Amber Berry)

Welcome to a brand-new year of MomsWork! 🎉 In our first episode of 2026, host Kristin Weinrich is kicking things off with a topic that has the potential to truly change your day-to-day life: how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can support busy moms.

Whether you’re managing a household, raising kids, juggling work responsibilities, or simply trying to stay on top of your never-ending to-do list, this episode is packed with practical ideas to help lighten your mental load.

Kristin is joined by Amber Berry — mom, wife, and AI expert who helps moms use technology at home and at work to save time, stay organized, and work smarter (not harder). Together, they break down how AI can be a helpful tool rather than just another thing to figure out.

This conversation goes beyond efficiency — doing things faster — and explores efficacy, or doing things better. Amber shares how AI can act like a colleague or professional partner, offering feedback, brainstorming help, and support that elevates the quality of your work and life.

In this episode, we cover:

Amber’s journey into using AI as a mom and professional

Favorite ways AI helps at home with:

Meal planning & grocery lists

Family schedules & routines

Planning activities and managing chaos

How working moms can use AI to reduce mental load during the workday

Using AI with kids for learning, homework, and creativity

Amber’s top 3 AI tools every mom should try

A “hidden gem” AI feature most moms don’t know about

Privacy and safety considerations for families

How AI may continue to change mom-life in the next year or two

Plus:

Win & Challenge of the Week — celebrating small (and big) victories

A relatable AI “fail” story to kick things off

Final questions where Amber answers fun questions about mom life, routines, guilty pleasures, and more

If you’ve been curious about AI but unsure where to start — or worried it might just add more to your plate — this episode will help you see how it can actually make life easier.

✨ Listen, follow, and leave a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts.
📲 Follow along on Instagram and Facebook: @momsworkpodcast

Thank you for being here, and wishing you and your family a happy and healthy New Year! 🎊

🎄🕎 MomsWork Podcast — Episode #12

The Three Best Traditions of Christmas & Hanukkah
With special guest Alison Ostroff

In our final holiday episode of MomsWork for 2025, host Kristin Weinrich is joined by friend and guest Alison Ostroff for a festive, thoughtful conversation comparing the five best traditions of Christmas and Hanukkah.

From candles and cookies to songs, stories, and family memories, this episode is all about what makes the holiday season feel magical — even in the midst of December chaos. Together, Kristin and Alison explore how traditions evolve as kids grow, what it’s like celebrating a holiday that isn’t the cultural majority, and why slowing down matters more than ever this time of year.

Whether you’re wrapping presents, lighting candles, spinning a dreidel, or hiding from your to-do list, this episode is a cozy reminder that the heart of the holidays is connection.

✨ In This Episode, We Talk About:

Alison’s life, family, work, and hobbies

The importance of support systems in parenting

Stepping outside your comfort zone as a mom and professional

Win & Challenge of the Week from both Kristin and Alison

How holiday traditions change as kids grow up

Common misconceptions about Hanukkah

What Christmas and Hanukkah traditions they’d swap

The challenges of celebrating a non-majority holiday

The three best Hanukkah traditions, according to Alison

🔥 Hot Seat (Rapid-Fire Fun!)

Alison answers quick questions like:

Applesauce or sour cream?

Favorite night of Hanukkah

Dreidel strategy: skill or luck?

Best Hanukkah smell

Most overrated and underrated traditions

Dream Hanukkah vacation destination

…and so many more!

💛 Final Thoughts

This episode celebrates the beauty of honoring different traditions while finding common ground in family, joy, and togetherness. We hope it inspires you to embrace what makes your holiday season special.

📣 Stay Connected

If you enjoyed this episode:

Follow MomsWork Podcast on Instagram and Facebook

Listen, follow, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

Wishing you and your family a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas! 🎄🕎