The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks: Recent Episodes

Vanessa Quigley

Welcome to The Mom Force Podcast! We know that parenting is the hardest job in the world, and we’ve got you covered! Vanessa Quigley, mother of 7 and co-founder of the Internet’s favorite photo book company Chatbooks, hosts this refreshing take on all things mom as she chats with parenting experts to answer some of our toughest parenting questions. And check out our Facebook group — the #momforce by Chatbooks — to see the power of women supporting women. That’s the MomForce!

Cozy is worth the money. Subscriptions are worth the money. And claw machines from Amazon are definitely worth the money. These are the official "worth the money" lists of Emily King, Head of Creative, Julie Taylor, VP of Marketing, and Vanessa Quigley, Chief Chatbooker. One of our favorite episodes to date. You don't want to miss out on it.

What we recommend is worth the money? Getting your Chatbooks started today!

This week, Sarah shares how she has observed certain families whose teenagers are simply magnetic and very confident in themselves around adults. She asks Julie and Vanessa what they think it takes to raise confident kids and how to instill confidence as parents raising young children and young adults. The conversation also discusses a mindset shift that changes everything: choosing to be inspired instead of threatened by the people around you. Julie wraps it up with a one-liner: "Nobody knows what they're doing. We're all just trying stuff out."

Get started on your Chatbooks today!

In this episode, we get into what to actually do when you don't want to keep going and why obligation and duty are wildly underrated motivators. We also talk about laying on the ground as an actual reset (10/10, would recommend), an end-of-day ritual we've practiced for years, and why "listening to your body" on social media doesn't look anything like it does in real life. Plus, how we built positivity into our team culture with something called Manic Monday, why learning from your wins matters as much as learning from your failures, and how the same principle applies to parenting. Days that start with dread can still end well. And sometimes "pushing through" isn't a wellness routine, it's just doing it anyway. Also, if all else fails, a Baja Blast from Taco Bell is always recommended.

In this episode, we chat about Julie's casual confession to being a proud, private "Petty Betty" (and why that's different from oversharing online), the real reasons people post the messy stuff: comfort, clout, or community, sometimes all three at once, and a Brazilian wax story that made someone's teenagers beg her to stop. We also get into the mother-in-law-ripping, motherhood-is-brutal corners of the internet, the fine line between describing your life and creating it, and the hard stuff nobody shows up for. Plus, the questions we're asking ourselves before we post anything personal these days, and why a little more shame (the good kind) might actually be a gift. Check yourself before you wreck yourself. We didn't come up with that one. We're stealing it.

Get started with your Chatbooks today! There has never been a better time to make a classic book.

This week, Vanessa shares about how she threw her own birthday party and how it taught her that if you build it, people will come. Celebrating together is something that women get to be good at! This conversation led to a discussion about whether or not you're a party planner and how to not let those expectations fail when things like holidays, birthdays, and family traditions don't go according to plan. The best advice is that you get to create your own family culture, and the best way to be is to stay unbothered.

Vanessa just spent two and a half weeks in the Dominican Republic building a school with her son Declan, taking cold showers out of a garden hose, and coming home fearing permanently swollen ankles and asking herself a big question: "who am I now?" We talk about the weird whiplash of walking straight from that into an air-conditioned house and a "well-stocked Costco" — plus what happened when she got her phone back after weeks off social media.

We also get into why Chatbooks just switched to fixed pricing with no hidden fees (yes, we're losing money on the big books on purpose), why we proactively cancel inactive subscribers instead of quietly taking your money, and a sneak peek at Sarah's next trip: off-grid and headed to Havasupai.

In this episode, we chat about what it actually feels like to come home after time abroad (hint: air conditioning has never felt so good), a wild pickpocketing incident in Rome that took an unexpected turn, and why a cold Diet Coke is genuinely one of America's greatest gifts to the world. We also get into why World Cup social media has been one of the most surprisingly feel-good corners of the internet lately, what it looks like to teach kids real gratitude without dismissing hard things, and why choosing a good attitude, even when it's hard, is always worth it. Plus, we're making Chatbooks a real habit now, because the memories are happening whether you're documenting them or not.

In this episode, Julie and Sarah are joined by podcaster OG and sister to Vanessa, Erika Anderson. They discuss why we should all have vices and why motherhood especially requires us to sometimes just simply chill. They discuss the trend of "health maxxing" and why that isn't sustainable over a lifetime. And sometimes it's okay to just endulge every once in a while.

Get started on your Chatbooks today!

In this episode, Julie and Sarah discuss the topic of women in the workplace. They share how attitudes have changed over time, what having female bosses looks like and how we can do better. It's an exciting episode that we can't wait to hear your thoughts on!

In this episode, the ladies share their feelings on Timothee Chalamet, riverdance, why nostalgia sometimes makes us sad, and how we can still find ways to embrace and be gracious to our old selves. You'll want to share this one with friends!

Father's Day Sale ends today! Start Chatbooking now!

On The MomForce Podcast this week, the ladies talk about how family fun sometimes has to be orchestrated and it's not always fun. Sometimes we simply have to do things out of obligation. And sometimes we have to keep fighting for it, because as Julie says, "when my kids are having fun, I'm having fun." Plus, Sarah shares her life's motto: if it isn't a good time, it's a good story.

We are SO GLAD if you've been around with us since the beginning! Happy 200! In this episode, Vanessa, Sarah, and Julie discuss how they'll reward themselves after making it through May. They also romanticize a simple summer. One where you don't have to do too much to still have a good time. It's the little moments like jumping on the trampoline, going out with the kids to the gas station, and finding your favorite local spots. It's an episode to really feel a lot less mom guilt and a lot more relief of pressure.

Not to bring the mood down, but we can't always be positive! This week, Sarah and Vanessa start the podcast off with just a little wallowing, because what's motherhood and womanhood without a little time to complain about it? And in a crazy twist, Julie is there to bring up the mood! She gives some hard, but helpful advice: sometimes you actually might need to be doing more. We know, sounds crazy. And of course, it's not a message of running yourself ragged, but instead a message of simply "it's okay to not always have to face your problems." This episode has it all: conversations about having roommates in your adulthood, Harry Jowsey, marraige advice, and tips on going on a humanitarian trip with teenage kids!

Get started with your Monthbooks today!

Julie and Sarah, who are the two youngest daughters, are coming into the episode today to sing the praises of their older sisters, while also picking a few bones because, hey, they're still the babies. Vanessa, the eldest of TWELVE children and FIVE sisters shares in her wisdom, and in true eldest daughter fashion claims that it was a "privilege" to be an older sister to younger sisters. Sarah and Julie lament that eldest sisters never got to have older sisters to rely on.

What would we do without the older sisters of the world?

In this episode, the ladies celebrate how learning Mahjong has become an intentional ritual that has helped them log off and put their phones away. The intentional, forced slow down has reminded us that we're all craving community and connectedness, and that we have to be disciplined in order to achieve this.

Vanessa opens the episode with a story about Rudy—the dog she was watching for her son—and the unexpected lesson he taught her: sometimes we misjudge others until we take the time to truly understand them. From there, the conversation explores the shame many women carry around emotional regulation, especially in early motherhood, and what it looks like to grow through it with more awareness and compassion.

They also dive into the weight of big life decisions—like whether to stay home or return to work—and how choosing what's right for your unique circumstances, even when it's hard, can ultimately help you show up as a better, more grounded mom.

Get started on your Chatbooks today!

This week on the podcast, we're talking about the characteristics of confident people. We share how the way we were raised helps us understand and find an internal confidence. We also discuss some of the vulnerabilities that come with insecurities.

On this episode, Julie shares, "as a mom and a boss, something I always try to prioritize is to leave people more confident than you found them."

In this episode, we share how we were inspired by the Artemis II mission and what those astronauts learned while traveling to the dark side of the moon. One of the quotes that got us thinking was from Astronaut Jeremy Hansen. He said, "We're not always on the joy train, this crew, there are many times we're not on the joy train, but we are committed to getting back on the joy train as soon as we can. And that is a useful life skill for any team trying to get something done."

Julie shares how sometimes facing reality helps her more easily get back on the joy train. Sarah shares about how when she takes the time to have awe in her life, she feels joy. Vanessa shares how she's getting her family to feel that inspiration and rally around something powerful like this experience.

Don't forget to start Chatbooking! Get started on your first classic photo book or monthbook subscription now.

This week's episode is all about coming home. Vanessa was in Paris last week and when she got back she was reminded that despite coming back to Utah where the inversion had settled in and the weather wasn't nearly as lovely as the beautiful Parisian spring, it was the excitement of being surrounded by her people that helped her to realize that the cliche, "home is where the heart is," truly made sense.

Julie and Sarah discuss how they make their own lives feel like home amongst their families and they also discuss what those memories mean all these years later.

When your child calls from school because they forgot their lunch or homework, do you rush to save the day, or let them face the consequences?

In this episode, Vanessa and her sisters are tackling the tough question of when saying "no" is actually the more loving choice. They reflect on their own family experience with "parallel work" — being available to help, but only when asked — and explore how small moments of discomfort can build long-term resilience.

They also break down a few key factors to consider: safety, whether it's a pattern or a one-time mistake, and how to offer grace without creating entitlement.

This episode is all about raising independent kids — and having the courage to step back when it counts. DM us your stories (we can share anonymously!) so we can all feel a little less alone in the process.

In this episode, Vanessa is joined by her sisters as they tackle a question many parents quietly wrestle with: are we spoiling our kids, or simply loving them well? From sharing their own "Cinderella story" childhood memories and the differences between oldest and youngest siblings, to reflecting on modern pressures like TikTok unboxings and overindulgence culture, they explore where generosity can tip into excess. Drawing on insights from experts like Dr. David Bredehoft, Jean Illsley Clarke, and Ron Lieber, the conversation dives into gratitude, entitlement, financial literacy, and the values we model through our everyday decisions. It's an honest, thoughtful discussion about what they'd do again, what they might change, and how to raise kids who feel both deeply loved and well-grounded. Download the Chatbooks app today to get started! Follow us on Instagram!

If you grew up in the '90s or early 2000s, chances are The Care and Keeping of You played a starring role in your introduction to puberty—especially if no one at home was talking about it. For so many families, those conversations were awkward, avoided, or skipped altogether. But what if they didn't have to be?

In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Julie Taylor as they ask the question: how can we take the cringe out of puberty and replace it with honesty, confidence, and care? Joining as an expert guest is Dr. Cara Natterson—pediatrician, author, and podcaster—who served as a medical consultant on The Care and Keeping of You and has spent her career helping kids and adults navigate puberty with clarity and compassion. Dr. Natterson shares why these conversations matter, where we tend to go wrong, and how we can do better—for the next generation and ourselves.

Download the Chatbooks app now and start your Monthbooks today!

Vanessa is joined in this episode by her four sisters! They chat about real scenarios that have happened both when they were in school as children, and to their own 30+ children that they have amongst them. The discuss how they react as moms when they get a call from the school about a child's behavior and how to not immediately jump into protective mode while still making room for discipline. They also ask the community to share how they've handled a tricky situation with a teacher.

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Get started on your Chatbooks today!

In this episode, Vanessa is joined by writer, author, content creator, and host of the Be There in Five podcast, Kate Kennedy. Together, they explore how the things we love, like pop culture and trends to hobbies and nostalgia, can help us better understand ourselves and connect with others. Together, they talk about curiosity, empathy, and why certain interests that are often dismissed as "silly" or mindless actually matter.

Vanessa shares insights on parenting, judgment, and the science behind curiosity, including how paying attention and staying open can bring us closer to our kids, our communities, and ourselves. This conversation is a reminder that curiosity isn't just about learning more — it's about staying connected.

Get chatbooking today!

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Accounts mentioned:

@sharonsaysso
@lucyontheground

In this episode, Vanessa is joined by her daughters, Laken and Claire, for an honest, thoughtful conversation about Christmas: what makes it magical, and what so often turns it into work.

Together, they reflect on childhood memories, evolving traditions, and the pressure to make everything "just right." They talk openly about perfectionism, anxiety, and OCD, and how the holidays can intensify spiraling thoughts—especially for moms and daughters who care deeply.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and protect the feeling of Christmas from the pressure to perfect it. Because the magic isn't found in doing more, but rather in presence, connection, and tenderness.

Get started with Chatbooks today!

The teenage years bring big emotions, shifting boundaries, and a new kind of loneliness for moms. With kids' stories becoming more private, we explore the big question: how do we find support without oversharing? Ashley Reeves joins Vanessa in this episode as they dive into vulnerability, safe friendships, resilience research, and why a strong community isn't just good for moms—it's protective for our kids. An essential listen for anyone parenting teens.

Books:

Tiny Humans, Big Emotions

Download the Chatbooks app now!

Vanessa is joined by her sisters in another episode where they discuss the sneaking out hijinks they all got up to in a family of 12 kids as well as how they deal with their own families' stories of teens sneaking around. They wrestle with the big question: how do you trust your kids and let them have their own freedom while also protecting and doing your duty as a parent when it comes to curfews, bedtime, and rules of the home?

Vanessa's sister Shelly also shares about an upcoming product she and her husband are working on called Analog that helps protect families from the dangers of sneaking around online. She provides a checklist to watch out for:

Set a baseline
- Check and recheck the parental controls because they do reset
- Don't let kids delete or install apps without permission
- Limit screen time on apps
Also watch out for:
- Kids changing the timezones
- Redownloading apps
- Using VPNs
- Using Siri to get around certain parental controls
- Friends' phones

Growing up, Vanessa's family was basically two animals away from running a full-on zoo—but parenting with pets? That's a whole different story. In this episode, she sits down with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt—New York Times bestselling author, animal advocate, and mom—to ask the big question: Are pets really worth it?

They talk about the beauty and chaos of raising kids (and animals), how pets teach responsibility and empathy, and the heartbreak that comes when it's time to say goodbye. Katherine shares stories from her new children's book Kat and Brandy—inspired by her own childhood pony—and offers thoughtful advice for families deciding whether to add a furry (or feathered!) friend to the mix.

Whether you're a lifelong "animal person" or still dodging your kids' puppy PowerPoints, this conversation will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink what "family" really means.

Katherine's book is out now! Order Kat and Brandy today!

Start printing your photos with Chatbooks!

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Have you ever felt lonely—even when your life is full of people? Vanessa has too. In this solo episode, she opens up about the sneaky kind of loneliness that shows up when you're busy doing everything for everyone else and the friendships that fill your soul get pushed aside. From comparing yourself online to craving real connection, she's getting honest about what it feels like and what she's doing about it. Plus, she shares her favorite "dopamine questions" to help spark meaningful conversations and rebuild connection—one small step at a time. Get started with Chatbooks!

Few things are scarier for a mom than handing over the car keys—and then getting that phone call. In this sister episode, Vanessa and her sisters swap stories about teen drivers, fender benders, and what really happens after the crash. From how their parents handled it back in the day to what they’re doing now with their own kids, the sisters get real about fear, forgiveness, and finding the funny in those heart-stopping moments. Plus, practical tips for what to do (and what not to say) when your teen crashes the car.

We're back! This is season 7 of the MomForce Podcast and we couldn't be more grateful that you're here. This season is going to be more exciting than ever. You'll keep hearing from exciting guests with their expert opinions and stories on the podcast, but we're also bringing back Vanessa's sisters to join every other episode for some sister chats and funny family lore from their youth.

In this episode, Vanessa shares how the new structure of the podcast will be as well as share one of her most vulnerable parenting moments that might make your skin crawl just a little... hey, we're all making this parenting thing up as we go!

Don't forget to get started on your Chatbooks and if you're a first time user, use code TAKE50 for 50% off your first classic book in a subscription!

For a lot of us school is back in session or about to be and mornings can be… A LOT! We’re bringing back a favorite to share with you today. This episode,“Good Mornings for YOU!”, is exactly the kind of real talk we all need to hear.

We're talking about those mornings when your kid is hunting for the cleanest dirty shirt, scrambling to throw together a sack lunch, and then you can’t find the car keys. Oh have we been there! I originally recorded this episode 6 years ago with my younger sister Leah , who also has 7 kids and our babies are all so muhc more grown up now. But mornings can still be rough!

So join us as we not only swap tales of the fails, but also some of the wins that help keep our morning routine running smooth–becuasee we want YOU to have a good morning too!

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3:39 How to prep for success before you go to sleep

7:47 How to make lunch packing more efficient and stree free

15:37 The secret to fresh bread throughout the week

17:32 The magic of a hair drawer in the kitchen filled with a brush, combs, elastics, gel, etc.

24:27 The discovery of the sonic boom alarm clock

26:50 Why you should get dressed like you mean it

Vanessa chats with "Spicy Ones" coach Mary Van Geffen for a conversation about what it really takes to parent strong-willed, defiant kids. Mary shares how her own journey—from being a spicy child herself to raising one—led her to become a gentle parenting coach.

They swap tips on how to stay calm, kind, and firm even on the days your child pushes all your buttons. You'll hear why separating your worth from your child’s behavior is one of the most important things you can do as a mom, and how choosing to love your child unconditionally—even when they are hard to love—is actually a spiritual discipline.

If you’re raising a spicy one this is your reminder that you’re not broken, your kid’s not broken, and you’re not alone!

Mary has opened her Moms of Spicy Ones®️ group program back up. This 8 week course is the guide to building a beautiful (and durable) relationship with your strong-willed, intense powerhouse - no matter their age. Only listeners of this podcast get access to one of five exclusive $50 off coupons. The code is MOMFORCE. Registration is at https://www.maryvangeffen.com/moso

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1:00 "Very good moms can have wildly defiant children."

2:00 "A spicy one is loyal to their own soul more than to your agenda."

3:05 "We’re in charge—but we’re not always in control of them."

6:59 "Sometimes, it’s not the child that’s spicy—it’s the parent’s level of support and need for control."

10:02 "I want to reduce the number of children who grow up feeling like they’re wrong or broken."

17:01 "Parenting is a spiritual discipline, practicing unconditional love for someone who isn’t always lovable."

What if we treated friendship with the more intentionality? In this encore episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley welcomes author and podcaster Laura Tremaine, whose bestselling book The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs has helped women everywhere rethink what meaningful connection truly looks like.

Laura shares her wisdom on how to build your personal "life council"—a diverse circle of friends who each offer something unique, from the "fun friend" to the "mentor" to the "battle buddy." Together, Vanessa and Laura explore the real work of friendship, navigating social anxiety, giving ourselves grace for unmet expectations, and even surviving friendship breakups. They talk candidly about how modern life has made connection more difficult—and more vital than ever.

Whether you're deep in friendships or longing for them, this episode is a reminder that we were never meant to do this life alone!

Since this episode went live Laura has wrapped up her podcast of six years, 10 Things To Tell You, and has launched her new substack where she shares her musings and conversations.

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8:45 Why you might not have a best friend that covers all your needs

15:50 Your spouse is not your best friend

23:20 Using a to-do list to uplevel your relationships

30:02 How to make friends as an introvert

33:50 Tips for managing social anxiety

40:39 Where to make new friends as an adult

43:15 Do something that is already on the calendar

47:23 What to navigate friendship breakups

Do you ever worry that you are too strict or too lenient? Questioning all your parenting choices? In this heartfelt and hilariously honest encore episode, Vanessa Quigley is joined by her sister Leah (fellow mom of seven!) for a deep dive into the chaos, comedy, and total emotional overload of motherhood. From rage-cleaning the car to crying in the pantry, they open up about the moments that push moms to the edge—and how to find your way back.

Together, they share vulnerable confessions, real tips that actually work (yes, even sex gets a moment), and crowd-sourced wisdom from the incredible MomForce community. Whether you're overwhelmed by toddlers, teens, or just the dinner dishes, this episode will make you feel seen, laugh, and remember: you're doing better than you think.

Use code CB15 for 15% off a Monthbooks subscription.

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7:30 We are all human. It's normal to reach a breaking point.

9:05 Words from the MomForce community about bad days as a mom.

11:30 When Meghan Markle admitted that she's not okay.

14:00 How to institute a "room of tranquility".

16:15 The mental load and how to identify your needs.

21:00 Ask for attention and time with your husband when you are feeling stressed.

26:00 Smiling is science!

28:00 The magic of an 8 second hug.

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.

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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

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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

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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.

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

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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.

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

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More on the research from Chatbooks and HP about strengthening families.

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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

Get Mom a Mother's Day gift from Chatbooks *LP UTM

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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.

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

Make a book for Mother's Day!

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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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How to find your personal style quiz

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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

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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

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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

Tiffani Thiessen shot to stardom at the tender age of 15 and has been a household name ever since. Many of us remember Tiffani Thiessen from her many memorable TV roles–I mean Kelly Kapowski from Saved By the Bell was a literal icon!

Because Tiffani is part of the SAG, which is currently on strike, she couldn't talk about any of her past dramatic work, however we did chat about what it was like to grow up in show business, and how she handles any negativity that might come her way. She also shares why cooking has become such a passion and what inspired her newest cookbook Here We Go Again which is all about turning leftovers into something your whole family will love to eat–brilliant! And of course, we talk about mom life. I loved what she had to say about raising a teenager of her own, wait until you hear what she says about not allowing her daughter to have social media!

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You’re Missing It The children's book Tiffani wrote with her husband

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You're Missing It!

In this encore episode of The MomForce Podcast, we dive into the life and experiences of Camila McConaughey, an accomplished entrepreneur, model, designer, and philanthropist. From growing up on a farm in Brazil to her current life in Austin, Texas with husband Matthew McConaughey and their three children, Camila's journey is fascinating.

Camila opens up about her and Matthew’s early dating years and how they keep their relationship fresh and fun. She tells Vanessa what life is like for them right now in Austin, Texas raising their tween and teens. Plus, she shares what made her want to write a children’s book all about picky eaters and how she gets her own kids to eat at the dinner table and try new things.

Don’t miss out on Camila’s Women of Today community where she regularly shares her delicious recipes and kitchen tips.

Click here to join the McConaughey's in supporting the Baby2Baby efforts in Maui for those affected by the fire. And if you lost your Chatbooks in the fire we will reprint them at no cost, please reach out to our team.

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Joy Cho is the founder of the Oh Joy! design studio and lifestyle brand. She launched the studio in 2005 and has since designed hundreds of products and collections with brands like Target and Keds. Joy wrote a book about kids and confidence where she details her struggle to fit in and find confidence as a kid. Joy chats with Vanessa about the book and why she wrote it for parents and kids to read together.

Listen in on their candid conversation about feeling guilt in motherhood, finding adult friendships, and being an entrepreneur. Joy lives with her husband and two daughters in Los Angeles, California. She is a second-degree black belt, an avid tennis player, and a fashion icon. Joy also happens to be the most followed person on Pinterest! We know her advice and wisdom on confidence will inspire you. Since this episode was first released in the fall of 2022, Joy has expanded her business coaching and is now taking on new clients.

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In this powerful episode, we hear the inspiring life story of Venus Morris Griffin, a mother of 7 and a highly successful realtor in Georgia. Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including abuse in Venus' 20-year marriage to her first husband.

Venus's path to success wasn't easy. Growing up in a home with an addicted mother, she defied the odds by working two jobs and putting herself through college. It was during this time that she met and married Tripp Morris, and together they started a family.

However, behind the seemingly happy facade, Venus faced immense challenges. Signs of abuse surfaced early in their engagement, but it wasn't until 20 years later, after a shocking call in the middle of the night, that Venus discovered her husband's double life. Tripp was sentenced to 45 years in prison, leaving Venus with overwhelming debt and six kids.

In this candid conversation, Venus shares her emotions during that moment of betrayal and how her unwavering faith and determination helped her not only survive but thrive. Despite facing betrayal, abuse, and more, Venus managed to create a beautiful life for herself.

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The Home Edit—you've seen their work, right? You can’t miss their trademark way of organizing according to the colors of the rainbow, or maybe you've seen their successful Netflix series. For sure you've heard of some of their impressive Hollywood clients like Khloe Kardashian, Drew Barrymore, and Reese Witherspoon. Well, with their expertise and fun personalities best friends Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin catapulted to stardom, and in February of 2022 I was able to chat with them about how we can transform the chaos of our homes (and our camera rolls!) into beautiful organized spaces. Very shortly after releasing this episode, however, Clea bravely announced on Instagram that she had breast cancer. The world watched as she battled cancer with an incredible amount of grace and strength. I'm happy to report that she is now cancer free and back to work with Joanna on several big new Home Edit projects.

It was just anoounced that they are set to star in the TV revamp of the crazy-popular show “Extreme Home Makeover"--I cannot wait for them to shout "move that bus"! And, they have a new book coming out this fall about how to stay organized. I'm happy to get to share this encore episode with you– you're going to love learning what systems they use to keep their own homes organized and what the "low bar lifestyle" is all about.

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As the mother of young children living in the Midwest, Ginny Yurich was exhausted and felt like her kids were not thriving. After reading a recommendation that young children should be outside 4-6 hrs a day, she decided to change how they were spending their time and the family started getting outside on a regular basis. She immediately noticed physical and emotional changes in her kids, and how much better she felt too–refreshed even! She decided to share what she'd learned and created the 1,000 Hours Outside Movement: a practice for those who want a slower childhood and a fuller life. She now has a community of over 500k people online who are doing just that.

Some exciting updates since we originally aired this episode in September of 2022, Ginny has written a new book which is available for pre-order now titled, “Until the Street Lights Come On”--How a Return to Play Brightens Our Present and Prepares Kids for an Uncertain Future. And her 1000 Hours Outside podcast just celebrated its 3 millionth download!

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      In this episode of "Enter the Chat," we sit down with Tiffany Aliche, also known as The Budgetnista, to explore the world of budgeting and answer all of your questions about money. Tiffany shares her personal journey of hitting rock bottom, drowning in hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt, and reveals how she climbed out of it. She is well-known for her Netflix documentary, "Get Smart with Money," where she shares real-life examples and actionable steps that lead to financial independence.

Vanessa Quigley, co-founder of Chatbooks, brings questions from the MomForce community, covering topics such as teaching kids to save, resolving differences with your partner, and making budgeting exciting. Tune in for an empowering conversation that will guide you towards achieving your financial dreams—and help you resist the allure of the sale rack at Target!

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Professional dancer Jenna Johnson is a powerhouse. During our conversation, she opens up about her journey on Dancing with the Stars – including falling in love with her husband Val – another professional dancer on the show. And the highs and lows of trying to start a family.*

*trigger warning for listeners, we will be talking about miscarriage and pregnancy loss.

Jenna is real and raw as she shares her traumatic miscarriage experience and the emotions that followed. She offers advice for anyone else going through it and how to be a supportive friend. She also shares the pure joy of welcoming her first child, a baby boy named Rome, a few months ago. Listen in to hear how her life has changed since becoming a mom.

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Author Laura Tremaine shares the ten types of friends you should have in your life in her new book, The Life Council. Laura dives deep into why making friends as an adult is hard, and explains a no-fail way to make new friendships flourish! She shares the ups and downs she has experienced and why it is okay for relationship priorities to shift during different seasons of life.

In this conversation with Chatbooks co-founder, Vanessa Quigley, Laura shares how to work through tricky friendship moments and how to recognize when a friendship needs to end. No matter what's happening in life -- you need friends! Listen to this conversation and you will be inspired to make better connections and put more effort into the relationships that matter.

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You don’t usually hear the words Juilliard trained ballerina and pig farmer in the same sentence -- but welcome to the wonderful world of Hannah Neeleman, founder of Ballerina Farm. In this episode, Hannah shares her fascinating journey from New York City to rural Utah and how she went from ballerina and pageant queen to mother of seven building a direct-to-consumer working farm. Something Hannah believes is that "life is better when we know our farmers and know our food." She shares her everyday farm life on social media and people can’t get enough, she has more than 4.5 million people following her on Instagram, and continues to grow.

In this conversation with Chatbooks co-founder Vanessa Quigley, Hannah gets real and honest about the ups and downs of sharing her life on the internet. Plus, she shares what a day in her life looks like, lets us know if she plans on growing her family of 9 any further, and she gives a sneak peek into some exciting new developments for Ballerina Farm!

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Professor Emily Oster, known for her Parent Data newsletter, has helped countless parents become more confident in their parenting choices thanks to her deep dives into data and research. Emily takes an academic look at things like pregnancy restrictions, sleep training, and holding your child back for kindergarten. Her books, Expecting Better, Crib Sheet, and The Family Firm, take you through the different stages of family life and what the data says works best.

Emily talks with Chatbooks co-founder Vanessa Quigley about the ups and downs of parenting and how using data can help make difficult decisions easier. Emily’s newsletter and books help to take some of the fear out of parenting because a lot of that fear is rooted in uncertainty. Listen in and you will be inspired on your own parenting journey!

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Ashley Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, entrepreneur, and mother of five, shares her story of resilience and hard work. In this conversation with Chatbooks co-founder, Vanessa Quigley, Ashley opens up about her childhood struggles and how they shaped the person she is today. Ashley and her husband Ryan both pursued careers as entrepreneurs, Ashley as the director of Smash Dance Academy, and Ryan as co-founder of tech giant Qualtrics. As success came, the couple put philanthropic efforts at the top of their priority list and have been huge supporters of Encircle, Primary Children’s Hospital, and 5 For the Fight.

In 2020, Ashley and Ryan became owners of the Utah Jazz basketball organization. Amid their stewardship responsibilities, Ashley shares how she has kept her family grounded and what they do to stay connected. You don’t want to miss her tips for creating non-negotiables for your family!

Encircle

5 for the Fight

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Family communication can bring so much joy into our lives but it can also leave us feeling frustrated when messages are left unanswered. Author of Modern Manners, Brooke Romney, joins Vanessa Quigley, Chatbooks co-founder, to answer the MomForce community’s questions like what age is too young for a phone, how to prevent bullying, how to get your kids to talk to you, and what actions to take when a conversation gets heated.

Vanessa tells Brooke about HeyFam, the new FREE app created by the Chatbooks team to make family communication easier. You can find HeyFam on the For You tab in the Chatbooks app.

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Fatima Dedrickson, better known as Fatty to her community @stylefitfatty, is here to answer all of your burning questions about intimacy. She is known for creating deep conversations, couples challenges, and home workouts. Fatty radiates positivity and is not scared to dig deep and try new things.

Vanessa Quigley, Chatbooks co-founder, and her sister Erika ask Fatty questions from YOU – the MomForce community, ranging from “how often is normal?” to “how do I become more self-assured in the bedroom?”. She answers them all and shares incredible insights. Listen in and don’t forget Fatty’s number one piece of advice: do something for yourself today!

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Robin Arzon is a pioneer in the fitness industry, leading Peloton as VP and Head Instructor. Her accomplishments include being a lawyer, marathoner, and ultra-marathoner. Not only that, but Robin was the first instructor to experience pregnancy on the Peloton stage. She is currently expecting her second child and told Chatbooks co-founder Vanessa Quigley all about her experience this time around.

Robin shares what made her want to write her new book, Strong Baby and explains how to incorporate inspiring mantras into daily life. Listen and be reminded to bet on yourself!

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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!

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Kelsey started her career on the Food Network and went on to host her own show called Kelsey’s Essentials. As a busy mom raising kids, she realized the pressure that all parents have to get dinner on the table and wanted to provide a solution. Kelsey simplified meal-planning with her 5-ingredient dinners and Recipe Club subscription. On this episode, Kelsey answers questions from the MomForce community about everything from how to rein in all-day snacking with kids to eating dinner in the car! Along with her career as a chef and author, Kelsey has bravely shared her journey of becoming a mother. She opens up about infant loss and the path she took to grow her family. Kelsey tells Vanessa how she found strength during some of her darkest times. Listen in to be inspired!

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I love a fresh start and January is a natural time to do just that. But so many of us can get overwhelmed by the all-or-nothing mentality of resolutions, especially when it comes to diet and physical fitness. Why do we do that to ourselves? This is why I wanted to chat with my friend Erika Peterson of Clean Simple Eats, she knows that when it comes to our bodies it is all about the long game! For more than a decade, and through lots of grit and hard work, she has built a health and fitness empire. In this episode, Erika shares what that's been like – including her experience with healing her postpartum depression. She also shares what healthy eating actually looks like at her house with her 4 kids. Blend up a protein shake and listen in to Erika's expert advice!

Here is the Chattymonial video we mention in the episode

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We first released this conversation with actress and singer Lea Michele in November 2021. At the time, she was a new mom and bravely shared her pregnancy and postpartum experience, including her struggles with PCOS and infertility. Since the release of this episode, Lea’s baby boy is now a toddler and she has taken on one of the biggest roles of her career - Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway! The critics love her and fans can’t help but give a standing ovation to the entire cast after every performance. Listen to this episode to hear Lea share her real and honest experiences with motherhood and a high-stakes career.

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Artist Morgan Harper Nichols has inspired millions of people with her poetry, music, artwork, and affirmations. In this conversation, 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.

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

Peace is a Practice

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The sisters are back! Chatbooks co-founder Vanessa Quigley is joined by her 4 sisters for a special holiday episode. They dig into dozens of questions from our MomForce community about the holidays and how to navigate tricky family situations. They cover everything from healthy boundaries, relationships with inlaws, and how to make kids feel special. Listen in to be inspired to choose your own way this year!

Download the Chatbooks app and use code POD20 for 20% off. Happy Chatbooking!

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Listen to more episodes with the sisters: Mini Holiday ep and the Gifting ep

Brooke Romney’s Modern Manners For Teens

Joy Cho is the founder of the Oh Joy! design studio and lifestyle brand. She launched the studio in 2005 and has since designed hundreds of products and collections with brands like Target and Keds. Joy recently wrote a book about kids and confidence. The book details her struggle to fit in and find confidence as a kid. Joy chats with Vanessa about the book and why she wrote it for parents and kids to read together. Listen in on their candid conversation about feeling guilt in motherhood, finding adult friendships, and being an entrepreneur.

Joy has two daughters and lives in Los Angeles, California. She is a second-degree black belt, an avid tennis player, and a fashion icon. Joy also happens to be the most followed person on Pinterest! We know her advice and wisdom on confidence will inspire you.

Use code POD20 for 20% off. Happy Chatbooking!

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Confidence in Kids

Tiny but mighty, toddlers can be a rollercoaster of emotions! Ali Maffucci of @inspiralized shares her tips and tricks for creating teachable moments instead of tantrums in everyday life. She answers questions from our MomForce community on everything from how to enjoy mealtime with little ones to outsourcing the household chores you dislike.

Ali just released her fourth cookbook, which quickly became a New York Times bestseller. She is a mom to four kids – including one-year-old twins! Ali tells Vanessa what has helped her the most in her motherhood journey, especially when it comes to picky eaters!

Check out her recipes here

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Myriam Sandler discovered the power of sensory play when, at the age of 1, her oldest daughter would not eat any solid foods. As an in-tune first-time mom, she guessed that there might be a sensory issue and made taste-safe play dough, kinetic sand, and sensory rice bins. Myriam began working with her baby in this sensory-friendly way and witnessed her daughter start to eat all of the solids that were presented to her – even broccoli! Now she is the creator behind the brand, Mother Could, where she shares kid-friendly recipes and affordable parenting hacks (that regularly go viral!). Not only that, Myriam shares all of her projects in Spanish and English.

Myriam tells Vanessa Quigley, Chatbooks co-founder, all about raising bilingual kids and clears up common misconceptions.

Check out her videos at mothercould.com

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Motherhood is a rollercoaster, some days you see incredible moments, and other days you can’t wait for bedtime! Vanessa Quigley, co-founder of Chatbooks, invited some of her favorite women to share how they break free from the monotony of everyday life and see the magic. Come laugh and cry as you find strength in the experiences of these incredible women!

In this episode you will hear from:

Si Foster, A Bountiful Kitchen

Alexis and Chante, Let's Talk Sis

Courtney Rich, Cake By Courtney

Olivia Gochnour, Utah Grubs

Emily Frame, Small Fry

Julie Taylor, Motherhood Revolution

Jenica Parcell, Fearless Infertility

Ashley Rose Reeves, Ashley Rose Reeves

Ginny Yurich, a mom of 5 in Michigan, is the creator of a global movement known as 1,000 Hours Outside. The goal is to balance the average 1,000+ hours a child spends in front of a screen per year with 1,000 hours of unstructured outdoor play.

After a tricky start to motherhood, Ginny decided she wanted to try something new with her young kids. A friend invited her to take part in “nature days”. After a year of gathering together with friends and letting their kids play outside, Ginny realized they had spent more than 1,000 hours together. After looking back on the year and the changes she had seen not only in her kids but also in herself, she knew she was onto something. She coined the slogan, “1,000 Hours Outside: A movement for those who want a slower childhood and a fuller life”. Now her outdoor curriculum has been used around the globe and she is sent personal success stories on a daily basis. In this episode, Ginny tells Vanessa what life is like right now for her family, and what to do about video games!

Free 1,000 Hours Outside trackers

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LaNesha Tabb is the founder of @apron_education and author of Unpack Your Impact. She has more than 16 years of teaching experience and is trailblazing a new curriculum for teachers, parents, and students to learn about diversity and inclusion. She shares with Vanessa the responsibility parents have to “disrupt the default” and consciously teach their children how to be anti-racist. In LaNesha’s words she tells us all how we can, “Stop being weird about race”.

Vanessa’s home school episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-momforce-podcast-hosted-by-chatbooks/id1464755075?i=1000468947702

LaNesha’s guide for talking about racism: https://laneshatabb.com/home/store28348178-company-site/

Unpack your impact: https://laneshatabb.com/unpack-your-impact/

Read like a rockstar: https://readlikearockstarteaching.com/

Vanessa is joined by her sisters for this special throwback episode. We take a walk down memory lane and share the best tips and tricks from Season 1 with the sisters. Between the 5 of them, they have 31 children! Each sister brings a different parenting style to the table and shares what has worked best for them. In this episode, they cover family campouts, allowance, kid's birthday parties, babysitting, and hygiene.

If you want to hear more from the sisters in Season 4 join our MomForce Facebook Group and weigh in on the discussion!

We are so happy you are here! Download the Chatbooks app and use PODCAST20 for 20%. Happy Chatbooking!

Babysitting episode 1 & episode 2

FREE babysitting printable

Lisa is the mother of 5 and a talented actress, radio and podcast host, author, and comedian and I'm so grateful that we've become good friends over the years because she can always make me laugh. But I've also learned so many important life lessons from her. In this episode we chat about lots of good stuff including the important role humor has played in her family especially as they faced difficult times, including her husband Christopher's 4 year battle with ALS. Christopher passed away in June of 2020 just a few months before we recorded this interview. I was so impressed with her perspective and strength then, but as I've watched her over the past 2 years I continue to be amazed at how she's able to find joy and purpose and even humor while still working through grief and healing with her family. Lisa is one of my heroes and I'm so excited for you to learn from her.

Watch the viral Real Mom video

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Since recording this episode with Jessica Gee in November of 2019 a lot has changed for The Bucket List Family – and the world. As professional travelers things slowed down in a major way when the coronavirus restrictions were put in place. The Gee family settled into their family home in Hawaii and have since developed The Bucket List Family Cartoon and a line of merch - debuting their famous backpack. Currently, the family is back to traveling and creating YouTube videos – as of now - they have visited 86 countries! In this interview, Jessica Gee shares how they handle the long flights with kids, the best snacks to travel with, and some of the best places to visit as a family!

One thing I appreciate about The Bucket List Family is their dedication to documenting their experiences together. Whether they are swimming with whales or just hanging out in the kitchen at home they have videos and photos to show for it! You're going to love this chat about why that is so important and what made them decide to sell everything and travel the world in the first place!

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Venus Morris Griffin bravely shares her harrowing life story and experiences for this last episode of season 3 of the podcast. I want to offer a trigger warning for all listeners – we will be discussing the abuse that Venus endured throughout her 20-year marriage to her first husband. Today she is the mother of 7 and a very successful realtor in Georgia. While facing betrayal, abuse, infertility, addiction, mental health crises, and so much more Venus was able to create a beautiful life.

I first heard Venus' story when Instagram creator and author, Brandon Stanton, of Humans of New York, shared a 13-post feature about her. Venus worked two jobs and got herself to college after growing up in a violent home with a mom who was an addict. While at college she dated and married Tripp Morris and started their family together. Although there were signs of abuse during their engagement, things really began to unravel 20-years later when she received a phone call from a prostitute. Her husband's double life was uncovered and he was sentenced to 45-years in prison, leaving Venus in tremendous amounts of debt and with a nursing baby.

In our conversation, Venus shares what she felt in that moment of betrayal and how her faith and determination helped her to not only survive but thrive!

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Psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour is joining Vanessa and her sister Shelly on The MomForce Podcast to talk about stress and anxiety. To begin the episode she outlines when anxiety is at normal levels in our kids and when it is time to step in and get help. Dr. Damour gives practical tips and tricks on how we can help our kids and ourselves cope with strong feelings. She also explains what negative coping strategies look like and what to replace them with. Give it a listen and check out her award-winning books Untangled and Under Pressure

Since recording this episode for Season 1 of The MomForce Podcast, Ralphie Jacobs of Simply on Purpose has grown her following to more than 400k on Instagram and continues to teach live workshops and courses for parents. In today’s episode, Ralphie and Vanessa tackle tough parenting questions about disciplining toddlers (and teenagers) and how modeling good behavior for our children helps them better understand expectations. Ralphie reminds us that it’s never too late to make positive changes and that sleep can do wonders for toddlers and teenagers alike!

Since the original release of this episode in 2020, Shea McGee has released her second book, had her design series on Netflix renewed for a third season, and had a sweet baby girl join the McGee family. So how did a girl who went to school in Public Relations end up creating Studio McGee? Shea joins Vanessa Quigley to talk about how she built her brand, alongside her husband Syd, while trying to balance life with two small kids.

Use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your next purchase from Chatbooks!

Camila McConaughey is an entrepreneur, model, designer, and philanthropist. She came to the United States from Brazil at 15-years-old and found work as a house cleaner and waitress. Years later she was able to break into the modeling industry. Today she is married to Matthew McConaughey and living in Austin, Texas where they are raising their three children. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Camila and Vanessa Quigley talk about family dynamics and what it really takes to make a marriage work. Camila shares insights into her parenting style and if she and Matthew will be going for baby #4!
Follow Camila McConaughey on Instagram and check out her online community at WomenofToday.com

Sharon McMahon of the @sharonsaysso Instagram account is a former high school government and law teacher that has been called “America’s Government Teacher”. She began building her "Governerds" community while sharing bipartisan facts about how the U.S. government works in preparation for the 2020 presidential election. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Sharon and Vanessa Quigley talk about the current events in Ukraine and how to discuss them with our kids. Listen to this episode for Sharon’s tips on how to raise kids to be critical thinkers in the fast-paced world of 24/7 news and technology. Plus, what action she is taking with her own children to make sure that they are good citizens and leaders.

Follow Sharon Says so on Instagram and check out SharonMcMahon.com

Experts at creating order out of chaos, Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin of The Home Edit have shot to stardom thanks to their trademark rainbow organization, successful Netflix series, and powerhouse roster of Hollywood clients. The business partners and best friends have authored two books together that detail their process for organizing homes and from there, they have built out teams across the country that can be hired to help conquer the mess. Clutter and carpool are an inevitable part of being a mom but Clea & Joanna from The Home Edit promise they have systems to keep everything in order. Listen to this episode to hear what their homes really look like and why we all need to adapt their “low bar lifestyle” motto. Follow The Home Edit on Instagram and check out TheHomeEdit.com

Karalynne Call of @just.ingredients and mom of 6 kids, teaches us why we must nourish our minds and bodies. 15 years ago Karalynne found herself in the depths of severe depression. After attempting suicide she knew she needed to find help. Karalynne began her journey of healing through trial and error and plenty of research. Today, as a certified nutritionist, she has helped thousands of families swap out everyday ingredients in their homes to live a more balanced and non-toxic lifestyle. Karalynne tells Vanessa Quigley why living this way should be the top priority for every family.

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Design icon Julia Marcum of Chris Loves Julia shares some incredible words of wisdom with Vanessa Quigley on how to make your home a place you love. For the past 12+ years, Julia and her husband Chris have been renovating homes and sharing their process with the world on their blog and Instagram accounts. During the conversation, Julia gets real about the things you don’t see on Instagram. You’ll love hearing her candid opinion in this episode!

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Actress and singer Lea Michele made her first appearance on Broadway before she had even completed elementary school. From there she starred in countless musicals and landed her most well-known role as Rachel Berry on the hit show Glee. This past year Lea’s life changed completely when she gave birth to her baby boy Ever. Her road to motherhood was filled with heartache and setbacks. During her conversation with Chatbooks co-founder Vanessa Quigley, Lea opens up about her struggles with PCOS and infertility and why no one really knew what she was going through. Listen to this episode to hear Lea share her real and honest experiences on The MomForce Podcast.

Lexie Kite Ph.D. of Beauty Redefined joins Vanessa for an empowering conversation about body image resilience. Lexie, and her twin sister Lindsay, co-wrote More Than a Body and co-founded the nonprofit organization Beauty Redefined. In this episode, Vanessa talks candidly about her own body image setbacks and how to build body image resilience on a daily basis. Lexie shares tips on raising daughters of all ages and what messages they need to hear. The Kite sisters have been spreading their, “Your body is an instrument, not an ornament” message for more than 10 years. They are leading experts when it comes to body image resilience and media literacy. Listen for some life-changing wisdom!

The D’Amelio family experienced overnight stardom thanks to dance videos on TikTok. Charli D’Amelio began posting dance routines to the app when she was just 15-years-old in 2019, she quickly became the most followed account on the social media platform. Soon her older sister Dixie joined in on the fun, and now the D’Amelio family has a combined following of more than 200 million. As the mom of Dixie and Charli, Heidi D’Amelio has been called the reigning first lady of TikTok. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast brought to you by Chatbooks, Heidi shares her honest thoughts on raising kids in our social media-obsessed society. She also talks about her dedication to being a present but not overbearing parent and what she does when someone goes after her daughters.

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Listen to Marc and Heidi: The Other D’Amelios

No one has all of the answers when it comes to parenting, but we have had some incredible aha moments during Season 2 of The MomForce podcast. From design questions with Shea McGee, to life on the big screen with Melissa Joan Hart. We are excited to share some of our favorite words of wisdom from our guests this past season.

Kendra Adachi @thelazygenius

“Our culture is obsessed with being real, but we've been using the wrong measuring stick. Usually when people say, oh, you're so real, it's when I am showing the messy parts of my life. You know, that I yelled at a kid or that my house is a mess or that I burned food or something like that. Because we all relate to that. And so those things are important because they're part of life. But I think there has been a bit of an idolization of not caring that unless you are sort of a mess, you're not being vulnerable. You're not actually being real. If you are showered and you have on a bold lip and you got stuff done today and you tell people that, well, then you're just fake. But both things are real and both things exist in the same person often. We don't need to conflate messiness and vulnerability or cleanliness or orderliness or whatever it is. That separates us from each other.”

Gretchen Rubin @gretchenrubin

Research shows and I think common experience confirms that about 50% of happiness is hardwired. Some people are Tiggers and some people are Eyores and that's pretty much hardwired. Then like 10% to 20% is life circumstances, like age, health, wealth, occupation, and marital status. And then all the rest is very much a function of both conscious thoughts and actions. And a lot of times when I hear parents saying to me, like I wanted to help my child be happier when I talked to them, what I realized is you're an eight on the one to 10 scale. You're a Tigger. And you got a kid who's a five on the one to 10 scale. They're an Eyore. And you're not going to turn them into an eight. They are who they are. It's like, you get what you get and you don't get upset.”

LaNesha Tabb @apron_education

"My number one tip for teaching children about diversity is - stop being weird about it. It's totally okay to notice differences and appreciate them. That would look like if your child notices the color of someone's skin or that their hair is different. Don't shush them, lean into it and say, their skin looks that way because they have a different amount of melanin or people have different kinds of hair and that's okay. So the more you aren't weird about it as a parent, the more your children will learn to be open and accepting."

Jennifer Borget @jenniferborget

“I think with social media, we have this expectation that all of your work needs to be on display. You know, if you do the work, we want receipts, but that doesn't need to be the case. I think a lot of the work is a personal thing and it's a lifelong thing.”

Renae Ingles @renaeingles

“If you are a parent and you are sitting in that room and you have just received an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, it is not doomsday. I know that it feels like it right now, but it's not, I am two years into this autism journey and it is a tough, wonderful roller coaster that has so many more rewards than you could ever imagine.”

Lisa Clark @yourfunnyvalentine

“I choked up when we were filming and I said the line, “My family life is insane and I want to hold onto every single freaking stupid, stressful, beautiful moment”. Because you really want to imprint those moments on your heart forever.”

Melissa Joan Hart @melissajoanhart

“I actually got really great advice. When my 14 year old was entering sixth grade, we were having so much trouble getting him to do his homework and we went to see a family therapist who gave us some really great advice. She said, he is going through a time right now where he doesn't know if he's a little boy or a big boy and he doesn't know what he wants to be.

So it is your job to just treat him like a little boy, you should not be treating him like he's an 18 year old or even a 16 year old. You treat him like he's your little baby boy. And ever since I did that, it really changed our dynamic.”

Andrea Hanneman @earthyandy

"The most common misconception about plant-based eating would be that you need to change your social life. When I first changed, I kept it a secret. What I learned is that no one really cares what you're eating. You can choose to eat fried chicken, and I might choose to eat an apple. At the end of the day, no one really cares.”

Jennifer Anderson @kidseatincolor

“You're gonna be thinking, “oh my gosh, they're going to die because they only have two bites of food!”. We have to take a step back and think, you know what? It's not our job to be in charge of the size or shape of our child. It's not our job to get them to swallow certain foods. It's our job to put the food on the table, to provide a consistent meal routine for them, to sit with them and to provide a calm eating environment.”

Shea McGee @studiomcgee

“I always have had a pretty easy time listening to my heart and knowing if I don't feel good about something. Every time I didn't listen to that, something would go wrong. I would take on a client that I feel like, oh, I'm not sure if this is going to be a good fit, then I find out it's not going to be a good fit or every time I think, maybe my kid isn't ready for this activity and I do it anyway -then I find out why. I think that the same goes for design. If I'm not feeling good about something or I'm not head over heels for something. I don't buy it. Don’t buy something just because the internet tells you that you should. I say wait, take a second. I think it's a skill that you develop over time. Syd and I have gotten better at trusting our gut over the years.”

Jamie Kern Lima @jamiekernlima

“I asked Meg Whitman, have you ever worried about body stuff? Does that affect you at all? And there was a long pause and then she just looked at me and said no. She goes, no, something has to give. She said, I have really focused on raising my kids and building my career. So my house does not look the way Martha Stewart’s might. And I just don't worry about body image issues. It hit me for a minute and there's a famous quote that, anything we spend time on comes at the price of something else. Anything, and that's true of our time or our energy. And it hit me that, Oh my goodness, how many minutes slash hours slash days slash years of my life, have I wasted worrying about things that don't serve me or the world. Like when I think about ridiculous things. Like what size I fit into, or what diet I'm going to try, or how I don't want to go to a high school reunion because I don't fit into anything. Just little thoughts like that, that we have. And what a waste of time they are. Imagine balling up all of that time together. It was a huge aha moment for me. I really encourage everyone to do an inventory of the way we use our thoughts and our energy, because it's often in a way that doesn't serve us.”

Listen to the full MomForce Podcast episode for more tips from our incredible Season 2 guests and get ready for Season 3 kicking off September 2021!

How did Jamie Kern Lima go from waiting tables at Denny’s to selling her cosmetics company for more than a billion dollars? Driven by the desire to create makeup products that would help with rosacea — a lifelong skin condition she was frustrated by — Jamie knew she had to make her products stand out. After appearing on national television without any makeup, along with real women as models, Jamie continued to grow IT Cosmetics until it was ultimately bought by L’Oreal for 1.2 billion dollars. Jamie stopped by The MomForce Podcast to talk about the ups and downs of her career and share how she found the confidence to believe in herself.

To purchase a copy of Jamie’s book “Believe It”: https://www.believeit.com/

Follow Jamie Kern Lima IG: @Jamiekernlima

Follow Jamie Kern Lima on FB @JamieKernLimaPage

Cherish every single day. That is what Dallas based photographer and blogger Jennifer Borget strives to do as a homeschooling mom of 3. In this episode Jennifer opens up about race and diversity and her journey as a Black woman married to a White police officer raising a multiracial family. She shares great resources and insights for all of us to learn from.

Link to Jennifer’s blog: https://cherish365.com/

Eye-opening posts about race and racism: https://cherish365.com/my-must-read-blogs-for-black-history-month-2021/

16 Best Diversity and Inclusion Books for Kids: https://cherish365.com/16-best-diversity-and-inclusion-books-for-kids/

Find Jennifer on Instagram

FIND. YOUR. PEOPLE. This was the number one tip from this episode’s MomForce guest, Renae Ingles, as she discussed her family’s journey with their son who was diagnosed with autism at two-years-old. Renae Ingles is a retired athlete, wife to NBA player Joe Ingles (go Jazz!), and a mother of three. Her life may appear picture perfect, but Renae is quick to open up about the highs and lows that she faces on a daily basis within her family of 5. She has become a passionate spokesperson for autism awareness, research, and education since her son, Jacob, was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder a couple of years ago. In this episode Renae clears up some common myths about autism and shares advice for anyone that might be facing a new diagnosis.

Find Renae on Instagram.

Kulture City: https://www.kulturecity.org/

When it comes to finding out what is important to you in your life, the first step is to name what matters. Kendra Adachi, New York Times bestselling author of The Lazy Genius Way, shares how this mantra has changed how she lives her life. She is a podcaster, mom, author and creator of a life-changing chicken recipe (seriously, you need to check it out), and she joins Vanessa on The MomForce Podcast to discuss how you can be your own lazy genius. Kendra shares stories of how she has overcome her perfectionist tendencies and how making and building connections with other people ultimately is what she has named as what matters most.

SHOW NOTES:

Find Kendra on Instagram and her website.

Change-your-life chicken: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/change-your-life-chicken

Kendra’s book: The Lazy Genius Collective

The MomForce Facebook Group

Happiness is part of the human experience, and today’s guest never tires of exploring the many facets of emotion and happiness. Gretchen Rubin, author of The Four Tendencies, has devoted her career and writing to understanding how humans respond to their expectations. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, she explains that people’s responses to outer and inner expectations determines which of the four tendencies (upholder, questioner, obliger, or rebel) they have.

SHOW NOTES:

The Four Tendencies Quiz

Gretchen’s favorite parenting books:

How To Talk So That Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

Siblings Without Rivalry

Home is the first place a child begins to learn, and the role a parent plays in their children’s education has changed dramatically since the global pandemic began. LaNesha Tabb of @apron_education and author of Unpack Your Impact is an educator and mother who is trailblazing a new curriculum for teachers, parents and students to learn about diversity, inclusion and cultivating important conversations. She shares with Vanessa the responsibility parents have to “disrupt the default” and consciously teach their children how to be anti-racist. In Lanesha’s words she tells us all how we can, “Stop being weird about race”. Additionally, LaNesha is a kindergarten teacher with 20 years of experience and she shares her number one tip for helping children learn at home.

Vanessa’s home school episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-momforce-podcast-hosted-by-chatbooks/id1464755075?i=1000468947702

LaNesha’s guide for talking about racism: https://laneshatabb.com/home/store28348178-company-site/

Unpack your impact: https://laneshatabb.com/unpack-your-impact/

Read like a rockstar: https://readlikearockstarteaching.com/

Sick of hearing "new year, new you"? Instead of New Year's resolutions, follow Andrea Hannemann in her pursuit of lifelong health habits. She lives by her mantra "plant over processed" and shares how you can do it, too!

For more about today’s show, check out our blog post! Then hop on over to The MomForce Facebook Group to hear from other like-minded parents “mom-hacking” their way through life. And use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your next Chatbook product.

Picky eaters are stressful! Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat In Color is joining us to help take all that stress out with her best tips and tricks on how to make snack time and dinner time more enjoyable!

For more about today’s show, check out our blog post! Then hop on over to The MomForce Facebook Group to hear from other like-minded parents “mom-hacking” their way through life. And use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your next Chatbook product.

In the mood for some classic Christmas flicks? We’ve got you covered with all things Lifetime Christmas movies. Vanessa Quigley sat down with Melissa Joan Hart to talk about her experience on the set of Dear Christmas, what it’s like to film during Covid-19, her favorite holiday traditions and so much more!

For more about today’s show, check out our blog post! Then hop on over to The MomForce Facebook Group to hear from other like-minded parents “mom-hacking” their way through life. And use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your next Chatbook product.

Chatbooks is about connection. And in this special episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley, Chatbooks co-founder and mother of 7, is talking about how the perfect gift this holiday season can really make those we love know exactly how important they are! Reflecting on past episodes with guests like Shea McGee, Dr. Tina Bryson and Jordan Page, to name a few, Vanessa shares tips and tricks on how connection can help strengthen our most important relationships. What better gift to give this holiday season!

Pssssst - use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your next Chatbook product

How did a girl who went to school in Public Relations end up with a booming interior design company, a book coming out the fall and her very own line at Target? Shea McGee of Studio McGee is joining Vanessa to talk about how she built her brand, alongside her husband Syd, while trying to balance being a wife and mother.

For more on Shea and things we talked about on today’s show, check out our blog post over on Chatbooks! Then hop on over to The MomForce Facebook Group to hear from other like-minded parents “mom-hacking” their way through life. And use code PODCAST20 for 20% off your next Chatbook product.

Many say laughter is the best medicine - Lisa Valentine Clark, the original “Real Mom” at Chatbooks, is here to prove it. As a very successful actress, author, and radio show host, Lisa shares how good humor helps guide her through life's journeys and trials, including the MLS diagnosis and passing of her husband, Christopher Clark.

For more on Lisa and things we talked about on today’s show, check out our blog post over on Chatbooks! Then hop on over to The MomForce Facebook Group to hear from other like-minded parents “mom-hacking” their way through life.

Morning schedules, taking the family camping, and parenting different personalities are among the few hot topics Vanessa and her co-hosts and sisters talked about in this first season of The MomForce Podcast. Vanessa is revisiting ten of the stand out tips and tricks in this season finale episode.

Hire a “warm body” to babysit when the kids are all in bed.

All Things Babysitters - Part I

When should you let your girls start shaving their legs??

Keeping the Kids Clean(ish) - Shower, Rinse, Brush, Repeat.

Why printed pictures can strengthen your family relationships

Strengthening Families through the Printed Photo Dr. Trisha Weeks

How you can comfort a grieving friend - What advice would you give them

How to Help a Grieving Friend

Making service a priority in your family - Getting kids involved

Creating a Culture of Service in Your Family with Kristin Andrus

Helping your kids feel seen, safe, soothed and secure

The Power of Showing Up with Dr. Tina Bryson

Getting on the same with your partner about the family budget

Tackling the Family Budget with Jordan Page

Knowing the difference between discipline and punishment

Positive Discipline with Ralphie Jacobs of Simply On Purpose

When the best time to go to sleep is - and how to actually fall asleep

Rules for Bed with Sleep and Sex Therapist Christine Lawler of @the.peaceful.sleeper

Healthy ways to cope with anxiety, for parents and kids.

How to Cope with How How to Cope with Stress and Anxiety with Dr. Lisa Damour

As we prepare for our next season, we would love to hear from you. What do you want to learn about? What experts would you like to hear from? Email us at podcast@chatbooks.com. Parenting is hard and we don’t have to do it alone! The MomForce is here to help you. And don’t forget to join our Facebook group, where thousands of like minded women from all over the world are helping each other out as we all learn and grow in our own womanhood/motherhood. Til next season, gals!

Let's face it. Mental Illness has a stigma. On this episode of The MomForce podcast, Vanessa and two of her sisters, Erika and Shelly, are tackling the touchy subject of mental health. Award winning journalist and former co-host of CBS’s The Early Show, Jane Clayson Johnson joins the conversation, discussing the need to destigmatize how we view mental health as well as her own struggles with clinical depression. She shares insights from her book, Silent Souls Weeping, where she interviewed over 150 men, women, and teens about their experience with depression. As mothers, many of us put unrealistic expectations on ourselves and when those aren't met, the sometimes crippling disappointment can spiral. In today’s conversation, Jane and the MomForce sisters discuss real life tips and tricks on how to cope, when to ask for help, and how we can support those around us that may be suffering. Help us change the stigma of mental health. Sharing our stories is the start.

Father’s Day is around the corner and on this extra special episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa is talking to three very different dads about what fatherhood looks like in their home. Aaron McGee of @fatherhoodisdope talks about destigmatizing fatherhood, specifically as it pertains to men of color. Scout Masterson talks about the adoption process he and his partner, Bill, went through to finally get their two adorable children. Jeremy Andrus is a serial entrepreneur and the current CEO of Traeger Grills. He talks about teaching his 6 children the importance of service and giving back to their community. Whether you are in LA, Tennessee, or the mountains of Utah, fatherhood looks different for everyone. But one uniting factor for all these dads is teaching their kids to make the world a better place! Thanks dads, for all you do!

Sleep is one of a mother’s most coveted things. Mama sleep and baby’s sleep. In today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Kara and Shelly are talking about the things they learned from our previous podcast episode about sleep. Shelly’s 5th baby is 2 and had been a terrible sleeper. But thanks to the tips Shelly learned from Lauren Olson’s episode, baby Otto has mastered sleeping in this crib. Kara is due with her 5th baby this summer and Becca Campbell’s episode provided much needed direction on how to make sure newborns (and moms) can get the rest they need. And Christine Lawler provided tips both Kara and Shelly are using on how to get the best sleep with your partner!

For more information on these sleep pros, check out their websites!

Christine Lawler

Becca Campbell

Lauren Olson

Kate Call from @latewithKate is not afraid to goof off for the camera! For years, she’s been making us laugh with her hysterical antics on her popular instagram account. But did you know she also is an incredibly savvy business woman who created her own company, Lates by Kate? (If you need buttery soft jammies, then look no further!) In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and co-host Erika talk with Kate about how she came up with business ventures and how she “balances” work life and mom life - psssst, child labor! (wink wink) Kate also tells us why it's important for her to make people laugh. And it has everything to do with feeling comfortable in your own skin!

Budgeting can be a four letter word! But our friend, Jordan Page makes it simple and dare we say FUN! With purse strings tightening up all around us due to #socialdistancing, we are revisiting our popular episode to highlight Jordan's best tips for creating and sticking to a budget! Psssst - for the entire month of May, she's offering her Budget Bootcamp & Productivity Camp FREE! Check out her website for details!

Want to learn more about The MomForce Podcast - be sure to join our Facebook group - full of thousands of moms from all over the world, helping each other through the highs and lows of motherhood/womanhood. Also, follow our host @vanessaquigley for all the latest podcast details.

On this episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and her sister, Erika, are talking to Vlada Bortnik, the founder of Marco Polo, a popular video based messaging app. Vlada tells the backstory of the company and how it was created to help connect with others on their own schedule. As busy moms, keeping in touch with family and friends can get difficult. Vlada explains how Marco Polo can help! Vanessa and Erika are HUGE fans of the app and use it daily to stay in touch with their sisters and friends all over the country. Vlada also tells us why it's a completely safe app for children to use, which, BONUS, we have lots of children! And they love to connect with their peeps as well. There is science behind connection and the entire team at Marco Polo are on a mission to cure the loneliness epidemic. And during all this social distancing and Covid-19, we all are feeling a bit more lonely. Download the Marco Polo app and see why The MomForce loves it so much!

Want to learn more about The MomForce Podcast - be sure to join our Facebook group - full of thousands of moms from all over the world, helping each other through the highs and lows of motherhood/womanhood. Also, follow our host @vanessaquigley for all the latest podcast details.

Mother's Day is nearly upon us and it's sure to be unlike any other.

On today's extra special podcast episode, Vanessa and her 4 sisters (and co-hosts) are talking about all things they've learned during quarantine. Erika, Leah, Shelly, and Kara join Vanessa via ZOOM to discuss some hot topics. With 30 kids between them and spread out across the country, the sisters have seen just about everything and are ready to dish on all of it!

A few of the questions they talk about are - "How has your relationship with your husband changed?" "What have you learned about your kids?" "How will your mothering change as a result of all this?" "What have you realized about yourself?"

To hear more from the sisters and other likeminded women from across the globe, be sure to join The MomForce Facebook group and follow them @themomforcepodcast on Instagram.

Building a business takes patience and grit and a whole lot of passion. Anna Lozano and Lindy Sood of @lovepoweredco have all that and more. Vanessa and co-host (and sis) Leah are chatting with the two mom bosses about how their business began and how they juggle all the many hats they are required to wear.

Leaning on each other's strengths, they took the leap and began Love Powered Co, whose mission is "to empower the next generation of mindful leaders, through the POWER of I AM. "

Starting a company while raising young families didn't come without its hiccups, but Anna and Lindy's passion for helping others through positive affirmations has been what has kept the two of them going, especially during this difficult quarantine time. If ever the world needed to be flooded with inspiring self talk, it's now!

To find more information on Love Powered Co, check out their website and instagram. They offer products for littles, teens, and adults.

We each have a pack of their beautifully designed cards. It's a beautiful way to start your morning - pick a card. Read it to yourself. Internalize it. And let your day be better.

Want more tips and tricks on tackling motherhood (especially during Covid-19) - Follow us at @THEMOMFORCEPODCAST

Then be sure to head over to our MOMFORCE FACEBOOK GROUP - full of thousands of moms from all over the world, helping each other through the highs and lows of motherhood/womanhood and life, including WFH, homeschooling, self care!

When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which make you feel good. When you exercise via a High Fitness class, those endorphins are jamming out to wicked tunes right along with you!! On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast Vanessa and co-host Erika are talking to Emily Nelson, co-founder of High Fitness. Emily is sharing how this incredibly popular fitness trend came about and how she and her co-founder Amber Zenith are keeping the music pumping and the sweat coming, even during this #socialsdistancing time.

What is High Fitness, you might ask? Take everything you loved about aerobics from the 80s and give it a modern spin. Using simplified aerobic sequences and adding intense fitness based moves, participants get a

safe and effective workout, while having a blast doing it! BUT - because this is a group-type exercise, classes have halted during quarantine. Emily admitted the first two weeks were the hardest of her life! Because of their business model and music licensing laws, adding virtual classes proved more difficult than one would think. But they soon were able to work out some of the legal issues and are now able to provide some virtual classes on their popular YouTube Channel.

And you’re like Vanessa or Erika, it’s the mental/emotional aspect of working out that keeps them coming back for more! And Emily suggests even if it's for 10 minutes- move your body. Get your heart rate up. You will feel better. You will be happier. There are plenty of resources available online to help you get moving. Check out High Fitness’ Youtube Channel or Instagram page for ideas. And when the gyms open back up, check out their website to find a local High Fitness class near you! You’ll be hooked!

There seems to be no getting around screen time while we are all quarantining, especially when mom needs some uninterrupted time to get a few things done! On this MomForce Mini episode, Leah is sharing her thoughts on screen time, particularly video games and social media. (pssst. She may have said "death to snap chat!")

Psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour is joining Vanessa and co-host (and sister) Shelly on today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast to talk about stress and anxiety and how we can manage it!

“Stress occurs anytime we are adapting to new circumstances.” Raise your hand if you are feeling stressed during this quarantined time!! Dr. Damour says that the feelings of stress aren’t always bad. They are a normal human function. They can lead to growth and durability. But what happens when that stress is too intense, like during Covid-19? Dr. Damour suggests staying away from what she calls negative coping strategies. That can be poor eating habits, not getting enough exercise, turning to substance abuse (ie, social media, alcohol). Instead, look to maintain social connections, get outside more, take care of your body. These are all coping strategies that will help reduce the long term effects of all this increased stress.

Likewise, anxiety is your body’s natural response when it doesn’t feel safe. Allowing ourselves and our kids feel and experience anxiety is healthy. But just like stress, trouble happens when we let anxiety get out of control. Dr. Damour says one of the simplest things we can do is simply acknowledge that what we are feeling is normal and an expected response. When that isn’t enough to put our anxiety in check, a licensed psychologist can give you effective cognitive and physical techniques to bring your anxiety down.

For kids, it can be difficult to know when they need professional help. Dr. Damour says that if physical or emotional milestones are being missed, it may be time for an appointment or if your child specifically asks to talk to someone, we should honor that request.

So here we are. Quarantined. #physicaldistanced. And feeling all kinds of emotions and wondering how to cope. Thankfully, Dr. Damour has a step by step strategy that we can all use to help get us through any meltdown. Click HERE to see it! And while you’re at it, you can read her New York Times article about “quaranteenagers” and how we can support them through this time!

This is an uncertain time, full of worry and anxiousness. Being pregnant can intensify those feelings! On this MomForce mini episode, Kara is talking today about her experiences being pregnant with baby #5 during Covid-19. Lets just say, thank heavens for FaceTime!

Socialdistancing has upended most of our lives. We’ve been told to “stay safe, stay home”. And while that is exactly what we need to do, it's created a dire situation for many businesses that rely on the public to keep their doors opened. No industry has felt this more than your local food joints! Without major corporations backing them, these “ma and pop” shops have had to get creative in how they can continue to provide services to their customers while maintaining the recommended and sometimes mandated rules of #socialdistancing.

In today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, host Vanessa Quigley is joined by her husband (and Chatbooks co-founder / CEO) as they chat with three local restaurants about how they’ve had to adapt to the current situation.

Adam Terry, the owner of Waffle Love says the best thing you can do right now is to order a full priced meal! He says that businesses like his have significantly slimmer margins, so literally, every penny helps! What’s Vanessa’s favorite thing on the menu? Chicken and waffles!

Cameron Treu, the owner of Bam Bam’s BBQ (and host of The Nitty Gritty Podcast) says to spread the love! If you are heading to a drive thru that has 20 cars lined up, maybe find a joint that doesn't. Look for a place that doesn't even have a drive thru, but have improvised with a pull up service. Everyone needs a little bit of love right now.

Jayson Edwards, the owner of JDawgs says to get scrappy! Rethink how you sell your food. If that means creating “at home kits” then do it! Jason and his team put together DIY kits of their famous hotdogs and special sauce for families to pick up and enjoy at home.

This is a weird time. A hard time. And seeing communities band together to help support local businesses show that the human spirit is ready for the challenge. If you are able, order take out. When #socialdistancing becomes a thing of the past, we are going to want to hit up our favorite hot spots and supporting them now will ensure that their doors will be opened and ready to serve!

Click here to watch Waffle Love's TV show

Vanessa and Nate's podcast episode on The Nitty Gritty Podcast

And check our Show Notes podcast blog page for Vanessa and Nate's top 10 local food spots!

There are no GNO's or lunch dates happening. And that has left many of us feeling isolated and alone. On today's MomForce Mini, Shelly is giving her best tips and tricks on how to feel socially connected while keeping your physical distance. Psssst - Call your girlfriends. You both will feel better because of it!

There is an acronym that is having its time in the spotlight: WFH. Working From Home is not a new concept, but due to the world wide pandemic and #socialdistancing, many of us have found ourselves trying to figure out how to make the most of this new norm!

Chatbooks co-founder and podcast host Vanessa Quigley is talking to Ashley aka AB, our marketing product manager about how she is managing her WFH schedule while having a 6 month old baby at home.

Vanessa also gets some best tips from some veteran WFH Chatbooks employees. Did you know the majority of Chatbooks Customer service team is all remote, and mostly all mothers - 12 babies born to our MomForce team this past year! ! So when questions come up about how to balance WFH and motherhood (and for so many of us - HOMESCHOOLING) we knew we would get the best tips from these women.

Tip 1: Krista, who has been WFH for 10 years says do NOT get rid of “me time”! Whether it is a walk outside or taking a bath, taking care of yourself is what will give you the stamina to keep going.

Tip 2 : Hilary likes to block out 30 minutes in the day to tidy up. With kids home all day and schoolwork and homework and meals, the house can get away from you. Take some time to pick up - enlist kids to help. Having a tidy workspace can help improve everyone's mood and productivity.

Tip 3 : This tip comes from Ashley, who knows all too well that the 3pm slump happens at home as well as at the office! Her go to fix - Dr. Pepper! Find something that you love, a treat, a drink, a snack and allow a moment of indulgence.

Tip 4 : Alyce is 100% cool with tech! When she really needs some time to buckle down and get work done, or if she needs to take a call with a client, allowing screen time for her kids is top of her go to strategy! And especially now, with kids home from school, all day, everyday, relaxing whatever screen limits you may have just might prove to be the best course.

This sudden change of circumstances can be hard. On everyone. It might take a hot minute to find what works for you and your family. Vanessa’s final tip is it's ok to let things go! And we get a new day to try again! Good luck mamas! We are rooting for you.

Check out The MomForce Facebook group for lots more advice on WFH, homeschooling, self care and more!

SocialDistancing has given us a lot more time at home with our families. Like, a lot more time! So what are you doing with all that time? On this MomForce Mini, Erika is talking about how her family of 9 are spending their time together and how its forced them to get creative in what they do.

Sleep impacts our mental well-being. And during times of stress and anxiety, sleep suffers even more. New parents, especially, can suffer, not just from lack of sleep, but lack of intimacy that can be a result of no sleep. Host Vanessa Quigley is joined by co-host (and sister) Erika to talk to licensed sex therapist and sleep expert Christine Lawler about how parents/adults can get the best sleep they can (and hopefully better intimacy will follow)

Tip 1. If you don’t fall asleep within 20 minutes of lying down, get out of bed.Go do something productive until you start to feel drowsy.

Tip 2. Stop the negative talk. When we tell ourselves, “I can’t sleep. I’m a terrible sleeper. I’m just going to lie in bed, awake, all night.” we create an association that can make it even more difficult to get rest. Our beds need to be the place where we sleep, not scroll social media, so we need to change the behavioral association we have with our beds.

Tip 3. Find your ideal amount of sleep. Some people can function perfectly on 6 hours while others need 7.5 hours. Christine helps her clients find that sweet spot that allows them to get the most beneficial nights sleep.

Tip 4. Talk about sex. Tiredness can be interpreted as disinterest. Open conversations about where your head is at can clear most confusion about desire and frequency. Dry spells happen. As long as you are still communicating with your partner, sex will happen. Professional counseling can help get to the roots of the issue, when needed.

Tip 5. It’s ok for both partners not to go to bed at the same time. You may just need to get more creative at when you can be intimate.

Sleep can make or break us, as parents and as partners. There will always be a quick fix pill, but real change happens when you put in the work, with your sleep cycle and your sex cycle!
You can check out Christine’s websites The Peaceful Sleeper and Christine Lawler for more tips and resources on both topics!

Did you ever think you’d be homeschooling all of your kids? Well whether we like it or not, many of us are getting that opportunity right now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. And in today’s MomForce Mini Vanessa shares some of her experiences homeschooling 5 of her 7 children and why she loved it!

Host Vanessa Quigley is joined by co-host (and sister) Shelly to talk to pediatric sleep expert Lauren Olson about how we can get our kids to sleep - and Shelly REALLY needs the help. Her darling 18 month old is waking up 5x a night and mama needs some help. Thankfully, Christine is full of great tips.

Tip 1. Try not to give your toddler food an hour before bedtime - their bodies will be wanting to digest instead of falling asleep. BUT - if you have to give a snack, did you know bananas have tryptophan in it??? Go with that.

Tip 2. Make sure your child is getting their caloric needs met during the day

Tip 3. Wean your child off their dependency. If they are falling asleep with a bottle, Chrisitne tells us to only offer half a bottle. And then the next night, maybe it’s water instead of milk. And then the next night, it's a sip of water. Older children have a much more difficult time with the “cry it out” method. Weaning requires work on our part, but ultimately is the best solution,

Tip 4. For a child that used to be a great sleeper but suddenly stops, look for outside stressors. Has there been a change in their daily routine? Are they going through a growth spurt? Is a parent traveling more? A new baby? Once you identify that stressor, you can help talk your child through their feelings, or if they are too young, it will give you more patience while working through the night wakings.

Tip 5. If you child wakes up scared, redirection works well. Christine gives the example of giving them a “dream stick” or rock, so that when they wake and are scared, they can hold the stick or rock in their hand a feel mom’s love for them. You might be in the trenches for a bit, but they will get there in time.

Tip 6. If you give melatonin, 2-3 days max. That’s all she suggests. Don’t rely on it as a permanent solution to sleep problems.

And perhaps the best tip of all, be patient. You child does want to sleep. Sometimes they just need a little help getting there. For more information on Lauren and her sleep solutions, check out

https://www.sleepandthecity.com/

Social distancing is the new buzzword. And Vanessa and Erika are giving their take on the news surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Pssst, as mothers of 7 children each, they really aren't hoarding toilet paper. One package lasts them til Wednesday! Stay calm, everyone. Wash your hands and take care of your neighbor!

March is National Sleep Month and to kick off our 3 part series dedicated to helping us get the best sleep possible, we have pediatric sleep consultant and podcast host Becca Campbell joining us on today’s episode of the MomForce podcast. Our host Vanessa and co-host Kara (and sister) ask Becca a few questions specific to baby sleep and she gives us some very useful tips

Tip #1: Many moms like to have their baby’s close to them at night. A bassinet next to the bed is a great way to keep your newborn close. But do you find yourself waking up to every coo and grunt? Try moving the bassinet a little further down the bed, or to the other side of the room. Your baby is still nearby, but all those sweet nighttime sounds aren’t disturbing your own sleep.

Tip #2: Does this scenario sound familiar? Baby is tired and cranky but won’t go down for a nap, so you strap him in the carseat for a quick ride around the neighborhood to fall asleep? Becca says eliminate the props. Teaching your baby to fall asleep without pacifiers or bottles or car rides allows them to self soothe, so when they wake up 20 minutes into their nap, they can roll over and fall back asleep on their own.

Tip #3: It’s 5 am and your toddler is ready to roll for the day.. So to buy ourselves more precious sleep, we give her a sippy of chocolate milk, turn a show on and we go back to bed. Yes, we might get an hour or so of sleep, but this teaches your child that as soon as they wake up, they get their “fix”. Becca suggests waiting at least 10 minutes before giving any drinks or shows or “fixes”.

Need more help? Use code MOMFORCE to get $10 off Becca’s sleep course. And check out her website for a free napping calendar.

Do you wish you had endless energy to do everything on your to-do list? What if we told you, we interviewed a real life Energizer Bunny and have some simple tips and tricks to share!

On today’s episode of the MomForce Podcast, our host Vanessa and her sis Shelly Hyde are chatting with a literal powerhouse, Meaghan Murphy. Meaghan is the new editor in chief of Women’s Day magazine. Previously she worked at MTV, Victoria Secret, Self Magazine, Cosmo, and Good Housekeeping magazine. She’s also a regular on TV shows like Live with Kelly & Ryan and she is a co host on a new podcast. AND she has 3 kids! Are you ready to learn what her “secret sauce” is for managing her life?

Exercise. Let’s say that again. Exercise. Meaghan is passionate about moving her body everyday.

Vanessa asked how she motivates herself to workout and she gave some great advice. Make it bite-sized and actionable. Avoid an all or nothing mindset. Enlist a friend. It’s always more fun when with a buddy. And our favorite tip - reward yourself! And not with food (food is just fuel). Tell yourself that after 3 gym days, you get to buy yourself a new cute sports bra.

Sleep. Meaghan’s advice is to be as specific as we can will our sleep schedule. And is anyone else guilty about falling asleep with your phone in your hand? Put it away and create a pre-bedtime routine and stick to it.

Relationships. Surround yourself with people who lift you up. It can be emotionally and physically draining trying to keep a dying / toxic relationship afloat. Healthy friendships make you happier! It’s also important to nurture your family relationships. Meaghan loves to take her family on adventures, taking pictures along the way, and then reliving those adventures through her Chatbooks - simple photo books she prints out for her kids. “We help author our kids' memories” through Chatbooks.

Gratitude might be Meaghan’s #1 ingredient in her “secret sauce”. She likes to look for one thing that makes her say YAY each day. She created @theyaylist on Instagram to post those things and she encourages everyone to do the same. Practicing the act of gratitude daily is transformative.

Want to hear more from Meaghan? Follow her on Instagram: @meaghanbmurphy @offthegrampodcast and @theyaylist and follow hashtag #theyaylist for more inspiration on daily gratitude.

We’ve all heard of Marie Kondo her method of decluttering that frees up space in your homes, closets, dressers, and attics. But did you know you can do the same thing for your motherhood? You can actually purge some of the things from the way you “mother” that don’t spark joy! On today’s episode of the Mom Force podcast, Vanessa is chatting with Rachel Nielson, host of the popular 3in30 podcast, about how to take an internal inventory of your to-do list to make sure you have space and time for what you find most fulfilling.

So how do we declutter our motherhood, you ask? It's very similar to how you would declutter a physical space.

Step 1: Take inventory of how you spend your time. Write down everything you are currently doing - for yourself, for your kids, your job, etc.

Step 2: On a seperate sheet of paper, write down everything you think you should be doing.

Step 3: Look at those two lists and start Kondo-ing away! Mark which ones aren’t sparking joy, or aren’t necessary, or things that could be delegated to someone else.

But what about laundry, you say? Yeah we might hate laundry, but it still needs to get done, right? Yes - and this is the liberating part - you can decide to delegate it OR find a way to make it more enjoyable for you. Save your favorite podcast to listen to while folding or watch the show you’ve been dvr-ing. You are in charge of your own happiness. You can make a tedious task more enjoyable by your attitude.And last but not least…

Step 4: Once you’ve made this inventory of your life (your motherhood❤) and you’ve eliminated or delegated things off your list, you’re ready for the fun part! Now you get to fill that newly found time and space with things that you truly love including those things you’ve been missing out on.

Rachel reminds us to be careful not to compare to what we see other moms doing on social media. We are each different and the way we mother will be different too! But one thing is for certain...every mother deserves to have deep joy, clarity, and contentment in her life.

We've got TWO sisters on today's MomForce Mini! Kara and Shelly discuss the whole gender reveal phenomenon. Are we crazy, but does a helicopter sprinkling colored confetti onto the onlookers seem a little much? ALSO - Kara spills the beans on a secret she's been keeping!

For years, Ralphie Jacobs of @simplyonpurpose has been teaching parents to find the good in their children! And today, she is answering a few of the most common questions we see in our MomForce Facebook group.

Question 1: How do you discipline a child when they do NOT listen? Ralphi tells us to first think about what we are expecting our child to do and then to remmebr that there are 2 steps to compliance: starting to comply and then full compliance. So if you want your child to turn off the TV and come to dinner, tell them they have 20 seconds to get ready to come to dinner. Then follow up with “Now it’s time to come to dinner” Children want to please their parents but they need to know what their expectations are - and remember - they model what they see.

Question 2: How do you stop children from teasing/fighting? Did you know that 90% of sibling conflict is inconsequential - meaning it does not require your attention. As soon as you insert yourself into the conflict, it prolongs the problem and it turns into sibling rivalry - who gets mom on their side!? Ralphie reminds us that when she overhears her children argue, instead of getting upset, she reminds herself that they are safe. They feel secure enough to talk about their problems in a home that is full of love, knowing they will be supported when they make mistakes. Children learn valuable lessons on how to properly resolve conflicts when they are given the chance to do so. Remeber. You are the parent and you get to decide how far you will let the conflict go and when to step in. SImple, direct statements, said in love and compassion will help diffuse a situation that may have gotten out of hand. They are kids, after all.

Question 3: How do you discipline a two and a half year old? I need something that I can do consistently and everywhere. Our favorite quote from the episode came when Ralphie was answering this question. She said that to discipline is to teach! She also says that most of our children’s misbehavior is actually stress behavior. Ask yourself - Is my child tired? Hungry? Anxious? The same goes for teenagers. Instead of a tantrum, they act tough and “intimidate” But are they tired? Overworked? Stressed? A good night’s sleep does wonder for toddlers and teenagers alike!

Ralphie leaves our listeners with her last words of encouragement which are “It’s never too late to make positive changes” Kids are inherently good. And we are the exact best parents our kids need. And like Ralphie likes to say - “When a child feels well, they behave well!”

Valentine's Day! Do you love it or hate it? Do you expect roses and chocolate? On this MomForce Mini episode, Leah talks about her unmet and possibly unrealistic expectations she once had about V-day back when she was dating her husband. She also tells us how she and her family of 9 (NINE!) like to celebrate Valentine's day now!

Being married 25 years is an accomplishment. Throw in raising 7 children and running a successful business and you may feel like you’re looking at a unicorn. Please meet Chatbooks co-founders Nate and Vanessa Quigley.

In today’s extra special episode, Nate joins Vanessa as they talk about her 7 tips for feeling more connected to Nate. And in true yin and yang form, Nate shares his commentary on what he thinks helps him to feel more connected to Vanessa.

Tip 1. The Check-in. Just a simple quick text asking how the day is going so far can help keep you connected throughout the day. This is especially easy for Vanessa and Nate as they work together. They can just look across their desks and check in on each other.

Tip 2. Assume the Best. This can be hard sometimes. Imagine you come home and your partner is ignoring your questions about their day. It can be easy to think they are upset with you. But according to Nate, “It never is!” Assuming the best makes it easier to look past a moody partner that probably had a long day and is exhausted and might just need some extra loving attention.

Tip 3. Cheer Each Other On. Be your partner’s biggest cheerleader. Everyone loves to be told they are doing a great job, especially in front of other people. So look for the good and let them know you see it and that you love it!

Tip 4. Date Each Other. The regular date night is usually the first casualty of a busy workload and growing family, but reconnecting with your partner is essential to keeping love alive. Want to take it to the next level? Go out with other couples. Watching your spouse interact in social settings can remind you of what you were so attracted to in the beginning of the relationship.

Tip 5. Have Fun! Nate knows Vanessa loves to laugh, so he likes to save funny videos or memes to share with her at night. Laughing can reduce stress so why not be the reason your partner can decompress? Win Win!

Tip 6. Work at the Relationship. We can always find ways we can improve. Take the time to learn what experts have to say and then apply it in your relationship. Vanessa loves the Connexions podcast and Couples Coaching with Natalie Clay podcast and so many other books like Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus and The 5 Love Languages.

Tip 7. Don’t Compare. You know the saying - Comparison is the thief of joy. No two people are the same and no two relationships are the same. You never know what is going on behind closed doors. Focus on the good right in front of you.

Marriage and running a business are not for the faint of heart. But if you put the work in, you can reap the dividends and happiness in your marriage. And if all else fails, take Nate’s advice for - “I know that if I’m doing the dishes, Vanessa’s happy.“

Vanessa and her sister Kara are joined by Rachel Bertsche, a New York Times bestselling author of The Kids Are In Bed. Rachel tells us how to be honest with ourselves about what we really enjoy, and all three discuss their personal identities outside of motherhood.

Cause lets face it - this is hard! Motherhood and parenting is a wonderful gift, but do you ever feel like it becomes part of your identity and you start to forget what your life was like before your family? And even if you do have a chance to relax, you most likely might be thinking about the next appointment you have to get your children to or that nagging item you still haven’t checked off your to-do list. But parenthood can only be most fulfilling if you are the best version of yourself. So. How can you balance your identity as a person with your identity as a parent?

Rachelsuggests making a list of the things you can do for yourself as you take a little free time. She shares about what she enjoys doing, and encourages every mom and parent to enjoy the indulgences a little. What is your go to "selfcare" thing to do?

Have you ever said something to your child or husband and then thought, “Oh my gosh. I am my mother!” Well for better or worse, our childhood experiences, family dynamics, and the way we were mothered all play a role in how we raise our own families.

Today on The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and her sisters Erika, Leah, Shelly, and Kara are joined by their mother April Munns to chat about how she’s influenced each of their mothering styles. With 30 children between the sisters, they see little bits of their mom in themselves and celebrate their ability of seeing life through rose colored glasses—something they inherited from her. April’s ability to “remember the good stuff” is apparent as she recalls some funny stories and even some of the harder parts of life while raising 12 children.

Handling finances as a married couple is hard! It’s important to remember that not seeing eye to eye on things is the norm, not the exception. There’s a reason companies don’t employ two CFOs and countries don’t elect two Presidents. If it doesn’t work there, what makes you think it will work at home? Divide and conquer for the betterment of the team!

On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast we discuss breaking down your budget, deciding who oversees what, and answer all your questions about tackling the family budget. Vanessa is joined by mother of 6 (with another two on the way!) Jordan Page to discuss smart ways to get and stay on track. It’s not as easy as deciding to make and stick to a financial plan. You have to determine your why. Much like going on a diet or beginning a fitness regimen, the first week is hard! Make fun goals. Whether you’re saving out of necessity or principle, it’s never easy. You have to find your personal motivation!

Head to our Show Notes page for an exclusive code for Jordan's Budget Boot Camp!

Do you make New Years Resolutions only for find yourself half way through January and you've already failed! You are NOT alone! In today's MomForce Mini, Shelly gives her opinion on goals and what she does to keep things manageable and to keep herself motivated! So long yearly goals and hello daily goals!

Is your never-ending to-do list sucking the joy out of your life? Pop culture has taught us that we can and should be doing and having it all. This epidemic of unrealistic expectations has left us stressed, exhausted, and feeling like a failure. We can’t be all things to all people!

If you want to have your all, you’ve got to stop doing it all. On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and her sister, Leah, are chat with lawyer, PR executive, award winning author, and mother, Romi Neustadt to discuss ways to live a less frazzled and more fulfilling life.

Priorities and goals are two different things. If your goals aren’t serving your priorities you’re not helping yourself. Throughout the episode, Romi teaches ways to “relentlessly edit” our lives in order to clear out what isn’t helping us be our best. We’re moms and wives and balance jobs and PTA and activities. We all have so much on our plates and are spread so thin. Learning to say no, identify our priorities, and set goals that will help us fulfill these priorities will allow us to take ownership of our hours and create the life we strive for!

Check out our MomForce Instagram page for more info on Romi!

Being present and showing up is important in every relationship, especially when it comes to raising our children. The best predictor of how a child turns out is their attachment to at least one parent. It’s not simply about being there when they come home from school, or showing up for each baseball game, it’s about making our children feel safe, seen, soothed, and secure.

On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa is chatting with Dr. Tina Bryson, author of “The Power of Showing Up.” Tina, a therapist and mother of three, discusses the power of the 4 S’s and how they relate to “attachment science”. Whether you’re a working mom, a foster mom, a baby wearer, a single parent, or otherwise, these principles can help us be better parents, and help us be forgiving of ourselves when we make mistakes!

By showing up for our children, even when they feel strong emotions, become frustrated or overwhelmed, we are helping our children build mental models for what they can expect in new relationships. We are teaching them that they have value. When children feel safe, seen, and soothed they become secure in themselves and develop grit and resilience to face life’s challenges. And isn’t that what we all want for our kids?

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and follow along on our instagram page @themomforcepodcast where will post more about Dr. Bryson and her fabulous book!

Vanessa has always been a huge fan of Rifle Paper Co., and so when Chatbooks teamed up with the brand, it was truly a dream come true!

In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa chats with Rifle Paper Co. co-founder, Anna Rifle Bond, all about growing a thriving business while growing a family. Spoiler alert--it’s all about managing time, turning work off when you’re not at work, and learning how to cope when you’re feeling overwhelmed or things don’t go as planned.

Also, as 2019 has come to a close, it is a great time to create a 2019 Year in Review Chatbook with one of our beautiful Rifle Paper Co. designer covers. You’ll have a hard time choosing which one! (And don’t forget to use PODCAST20 at checkout to save 20%).

Do your kids believe in Santa Claus? If so, at what age should you tell them the truth? Should we feel guilty about “lying” to our children? Vanessa shares her opinions about all things Santa on this MomForce mini.

New Year’s resolutions can be ambitious and overwhelming. We’ve all created long lists and set lofty goals only to fall short come February. Why does it need to be so complicated? It doesn’t. Today Vanessa sits down with Shawni Pothier to discuss simplifying your goals for the New Year.

Mindful. Guided. Discipline. Focus. Enjoy. Choose. Be Still. A resolution doesn’t have to be something that’s daunting. Make it simple. Pick one word to represent the coming year. It should be something that inspires you or helps you progress toward who you want to be. You don’t have to pick it today. Maybe it comes to you a few months into the year, or your goals change and you switch it up in time.

Want to help your kids set resolutions for themselves? Give them the framework and allow them to think of what they’d like to work on in 2020. Keep track of your progress and record your goals from previous years so you can look back together and witness their growth.

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and follow along on our instagram page @themomforcepodcast for more NYE inspo!

Sometimes we’re better mothers when we take some time away to reset and refresh and a weekend alone or a quick trip away with your girlfriends might be just what we need! And bonus, our partners may end up appreciating us a little more if they are home alone manning the ship.

Today Vanessa is joined by her sister, Shelly, on this episode of The MomForce Podcast to chat about their tips and tricks for prepping for a get away, so you can relax and not stress about everything at home! Who should be in charge of the kids? What do you do about meals, homework, or after school activities? How soon is too soon to leave a baby? How long is too long to stay away?

With tips like setting up back up babysitters, and surprising kids with a kind gift or note each day you’re gone, you can set yourself up for success so you can actually relax while you are away!

We all want to raise humble, grateful children but it’s so easy for kids to hit a “wall of entitlement”, especially this time of year. Creating opportunities for your family to experience the joy of service is a great way to break down that wall, but how do we get started?

On this #GivingTuesday, Vanessa chats with Kristin Andrus about creating a culture of service in your family. Kristin, the self-proclaimed “Chief Culture Officer” of the Andrus family, works hard to create a culture of service in their home and is sharing how, with 6 young kids, their family gives back all throughout the year.

Kristin's tips: Go to Justserve.org and see what needs are in your area. But don't get overwhelmed! Not all causes will speak to you and that's ok. Pick what you're passionate about and give or do what you can. Kristin also preaches the power of serving n your own family and neighborhoods. You don’t have to travel the globe to make a difference!

#GivingTuesday is a great way to kick off the charitable season, but let this just be the beginning. Kristin challenges us to make serving and giving back a family a priority year-round.

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and follow along on our instagram page @themomforcepodcast where will post more about service!

There are two sides of the aisle - decorating for the Christmas before Thanksgiving or NOT! On this MomForce Mini, Erika talks about why she decks the halls soon after Halloween. And she has science to back her up. Where do you stand?

While our moms may have been great about buying Christmas gifts year round and filling stockings months in advance, we aren’t all cut out for that sort of holiday preparation. But the season is upon us and whatever you celebrate, it’s finally time to start thinking about gifts!

It’s not hard to get our kids to share what they want. They presented us with a seven page (front and back) letter to Santa, after all. But Santa is on a budget, and we don’t want to fill their Christmas with more “stuff.” On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa is joined by her sisters Kara and Shelly to talk about those “home run gifts.” The ones sure to get played with year round. Scoring the gift that stops them in their tracks doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank, either! The sisters share their tricks and tricks to finding the best toys at the best prices (while sharing what was a big miss, as well).

Gift giving isn’t always easy. Husbands, extended family, neighbors, and in-laws are sure to leave you stumped. Some of our favorite gifts haven’t been extravagant. Finish a project your spouse was never going to wrap up on their own. Personalize something they can treasure for years to come. Give them the gift of an experience they won’t forget. Help beautify the neighborhood, or make charitable donations on behalf of others.

Simplifying your shopping list will prevent you from making that panicked last minute dash to Target to load up your cart with stuff you don’t need. Being prepared will also allow you to put thought into gifts and make the most of your holiday season. After all, it can’t be the most wonderful time of year if you don’t enjoy it!

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and follow along on our instagram page @themomforcepodcast where will post more about gifting to everyone on your Holiday list!

Chatbooks Holiday Cards (save 20% with Podcast20): https://chatbooks.com/photo-cards

Traditions show children that their family circle is a living link to a chain of generations. Research shows that much like displaying printed photos, practicing family traditions helps build children’s identity and family connection. But holiday traditions can be overwhelming! You don’t have to do ALL of the things in order to make your season magical.

Rituals and traditions can be as elaborate as planning daily activities for your Elf of the Shelf, or as simple as starting each morning with kiss as you send your kids out the door. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Erika and Leah join Vanessa to discuss the traditions they had growing up, the traditions they bid adieu to as they got older, and the compromises they made when their spouses brought their own holiday traditions to the family.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or hoping to carry on long lived family traditions, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Schedule your activities, and be realistic about your expectations. Traditions shouldn’t be a burden. If your family doesn’t like Thanksgiving food, switch it up! If you don’t have time to set a storybook scene in your living room every night, maybe it’s time for your Elf to retire. Your tradition can be non-traditional. It’s ok to simplify. Big or small, elaborate or minimal, the benefit remains the same; traditions help us pass along memories and experiences we cherish to our children.

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and follow along on our instagram page @themomforcepodcast where will post more about family traditions.

Chatbooks Holiday Cards (save 20% with Podcast20): https://chatbooks.com/photo-cards

The first of a new series! Vanessa and her sisters are going to take turns giving their own "unpopular" opinion on a trending topic/debate/question. We love the diversity of our Facebook group, The MomForce, and want to share our thoughts and opinions with our listeners! Do you have a question or topic you would like our take on? Let us know - DM us on our instagram page, @themomforcepodcast

Are you frazzled at the mere thought of traveling with your children? Jessica Gee, mother of 3 from The Bucket List Family, has chosen to embrace it all and as a family they’ve visited over 80 countries!

Vanessa chats with Jessica in this episode of The MomForce Podcast to chat about her tips and tricks for traveling with kids--everything from how to acclimate to time changes and introduce new cultures and foods, to what her favorite kid friendly destinations are and how to travel on a budget.

And if you've seen any of The Bucket List Family's pics on Instagram or videos on YouTube, you know that documenting their travel is very important to them. Jessica also shares her tips for capturing those fleeting moments and the easy way she holds on to them forever. With our new Bucket List Family travel Chatbook you can hold on to your travel memories also!

Check out their Chatbook HERE for 20% off your purchase!

Also, be sure to follow us @themomforcepodcast. We will be posting more about Jessica's best travel tips!

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a great relationship with their Mother-in-Law, but Vanessa says she hit the jackpot! In today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa (a new MIL herself!) chats with her Mother-in-Law, Bonnie Quigley, about the success they’ve had fostering their in-law relationship. It's all about space, support, and respect.

The conversation continues as they discuss raising well mannered children, and how things have changed and stayed same since she was a young mother. And she shares Grandma Bebe's Golden rules for raising well mannered and delightful children.

As a special bonus, Bebe shares the gifts that she, as a Mother-in-Law, has cherished most (and don’t we all need help with that!).

Wanna follow along with Vanessa? You can find her at @vanessaquigley on Instagram.

Also - be sure to follow @themomforcepodcast on Instagram for more tips and tricks - as well as fun stories and highlights.

Don't forget to check out our MomForce Facebook group! It has thousands of like minded women, helping each other to navigate the good and the bad of life! And use code podcast20 for 20% off your next order from Chatbooks! That code works for CARDS too! Order your holiday cards and send them our to all your peeps! They will LOVE it.

Moms everywhere are overwhelmed: driven to tears, hyperventilating, rage cleaning, or perhaps hopping in the car and driving away. Caring for an entire family is challenging. Often we ask ourselves, are we doing enough? Are we fun enough, compassionate enough, patient enough? No wonder we are feeling overwhelmed!

Good mothers have bad days. The newborn stage is hard. The toddler stage is hard. Teenagers are hard. Heck! Even our adult children are hard! On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Leah joins Vanessa to talk about how they handle the weight that motherhood places on your shoulders. They discuss recognizing your own needs and taking action. Alone time doesn’t have to mean jumping on the next flight to Bora Bora (though it would be nice). Sometimes just a few minutes alone in a quiet bedroom will do the trick. Turning to your support system when you need validation (or just a good laugh) can do wonders for your mood. And even something as simple as cracking a smile (even if you’re faking it) or giving a good 8 second hug can help… there’s science behind it!

Deep breaths, Mama. This too shall pass. You’re just the right person for your kids, and we promise, they love you more than any mom out there!

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and follow along on our instagram page @themomforcepodcast

Chatbooks Holiday Cards (save 20% with Podcast20): https://chatbooks.com/photo-cards

The oldest child in the family is often the guinea pig, but by the time it comes to establishing a curfew for the younger kids, parents are worn down and the rules become a bit more relaxed. Whether it’s your first time dabbling into the world of curfews, or you’ve been there done that, determining the appropriate level of freedoms to give your kids is hard!

Whether you’re going to follow the letter of the law or allow your child the flexibility to make their own responsible choices, you have the right to know where they’re going, who they’re going to be with, and how they’re getting home (even if they roll their eyes at all your questions). On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and Erika talk about their own curfews growing up, how they enforce curfews for their own teens and tweens, and share some brilliant advice from the MomForce Facebook group.

No matter where you land on your curfew, it’s important to let your expectations be known and stick to the consequences, should it come to that. Sometimes that’s easier said than done, but remember what they say… “Nothing good ever happens after midnight.”

Check out our instagram page @theMomForcePodcast for some fun extras!

Wanna connect with us? Join our MomForce facebook group.

Grief is something we may all be faced with one day. There are varying degrees of grief, but it’s always complicated. Time heals, but grief never fully goes away. Rather it evolves and manifests itself differently over time.It is human nature to want to help those we love through difficult times. Sometimes our actions are helpful, sometimes our words are meaningful. But other times even the best intentions leave us with our foot stuck in our mouth.

In this episode Vanessa sits down with Keenan, one of Chatbooks’ original MomForcers and a mother who has experienced heartbreaking loss. Five years after the death of her daughter, she reflects on the lessons she’s learned, the healing she’s experienced, and provides insight on how others were able to help her through her darkest moments.

From discussing death with children, to showing friends and neighbors support, and the importance of being selfish as you heal, this episode covers some of the often overlooked aspects of grief. Everyone’s rock bottom is different, and many people may never discover theirs. But all grief is valid and should be treated delicately.

Check out our instagram @chatbooks as Keenan is going to be doing a takeover and answering your questions. And then head over to our MomForce Facebook group, where you will find lots of advice and resources from moms all over the world.

It's recommended that 4th graders get 10-12 hours of sleep per night. But kids activities are often built around adult schedules! A night time routine is imperative for happy, healthy kids...but its hard! Younger kids have this built in FOMO that leads them to believe that everything good is happening right after you put them to bed for the night! Older kids are just so busy these days that it's hard for them to get to bed before midnight! Today Kara and Vanessa discuss their evening routines and share the tips and tricks they use to help their big and little kids get the sleep the so desperately need! They agree...you have to set a time to officially wind down for the evening. When you can, have a family dinner at a consistent hour and use that time to reflect on the highs and lows of the day. Allow children to wind down by reading or listening to an audiobook. But sometimes you might just have to trick your kids into an earlier bedtime, or give everyone an occasional "sleep gummy". HEY...whatever works!

Screentime. Devices. Social Media. Oh my! Our MomForce facebooks group is full of questions about raising children in a digital age. How old should your kid be before you allow them to play on an iPad? When is it appropriate to have a smartphone? What about a social media account?

It’s a tech heavy world. Kids are practically born with the ability to work devices. Teaching online safety is just as important as teaching fire safety these days. Stop, Walk, and Tell should be taught right alongside Stop, Drop, and Roll. On this episode of the MomForce Podcast, Anna MacFarlane of “Kids are the Worst” joins Vanessa to share her expertise on all things social media.

It’s not IF your kids are going to see something bad online, but WHEN they’re going to see it. When kids come across something they’re not comfortable with, they need to feel like they can come to you about it. You can limit kids exposure, but the best defense is good communication.

Check out our shownotes for links to Anna's social media guides. And then head on over to our MomForce facebook group. We will be reposting a LIVE that Anna is going to do, answering some of your most pertinent questions.

Kids need anchors and families and connection. With so many in the world hungry for those things, something as simple as a printed photo is a way you can nurture and feed your children's souls.

Motherhood and childhood go quickly. Looking at a photo and taking a moment to reminisce is an antidote to the daily pushes and pulls and stresses and anxieties of life. Not only is that magic... it's science! Today Vanessa is joined by developmental psychologist and University of Utah professor, Dr. Trisha Weeks to discuss the research conducted to prove printed photos strengthen families. Vanessa knew there was power in putting photographs in the hands of her children, but we wanted to test the science behind it!

Our study (comprised of focus groups and over 15,000 survey respondents!) illustrated how physical photographs build a sense of identity, increase self esteem, lower behavioral issues, and enhance the connection between family. Looking at photos and conversing about the events captured is a shared experience - something you simply can’t gain scrolling through pictures on your phone by yourself. Documenting our family’s story makes us feel like good moms… and it turns out we really are doing good for our children. It’s science!

Check out the rest of our research at chatbooks.com/printed-photo-report

“There are no hacks. These kids don’t listen. This is your life now. God Speed…” Ok… it isn’t that bad, but it sure does feel that way some days with kids are running around looking for the cleanest dirty shirt and scrambling for school lunches. And with little ones are waking up way too early and big kids that won't get out of bed! It's enough to turn the sweetest and most patient moms into a desperate to a crazy person. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In today’s episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and Leah dish their greatest hacks for having a better morning. Check out our Instagram page @themomforcepodcast for recipes, tips and more tricks. Then head on over to the MomForce facebook group for more great ideas on how to tame your mornings!

Kids grow up. It’s a fact of life. One day we’re all gonna have teenagers (or even tween-agers) and with that comes certain rites of passage; make up, shaved legs, and pimples. Kids are self conscious, and it’s our job to make this tricky stage of life as easy on them (and and ourselves) as it can possibly be. Plus, none of us want to live in a house that smells like a locker room. That’s why today we’re talking all things kid hygiene.

Vanessa and her sister, Erika, survived their own teenage years as well as those of their children. They understand the unique challenges that come with raising teens. On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast they tackle everything from stinky boys to girls eager to dive into their own make-up routine. They discuss the trials and tribulations of their own hygiene milestones while sharing the lessons they learned along the way.

We want to make our kids feel good about themselves while allowing them to take the lead when it comes to their personal hygiene. Sure, these conversations can be a little awkward (for everyone) but in the end, your children will be grateful you communicated with them. We all want to do our part to protect our children from the world. If you don’t tell them about the need for good hygiene, someone else may. And that could much harder.

Bonus! Tune in for tips on easily preserving school memories year round and for a special code for 20% Chatbooks and then head over to our show notes webpage for the links the sissies talked about in the episode!

It’s official! We’re back to school! It comes with some mixed emotions, but for the most part we are ready to get back on a schedule. While we’d had dreams of a laid back, chill summer, the reality was we still had so much to do! Each week was spent scrambling for something to occupy the kids (hello camps!) while we got some work done. Now that school is back in session, we have the chance to finally get back into a routine… even if we’re just starting to ease into it.

Maybe your kids are homebodies who need a push to try something new. Or maybe your kids want to do anything and everything and you have to lock in their downtime on a calendar. On today’s episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and her sister, Shelly, talk about creating a schedule that will work for any family. Limiting the number and type of activity each season and remembering to schedule days off (or even family dinner!) will keep everyone - not just the kids - from burning out. Finding a way to sync the family calendar lets everyone know what’s on the horizon.

While some families live by the rule that you don’t need to start activities right way, others see the benefit in exploring interests at a young age. Whatever approach you choose to take with your kids activities, it’s important that no one feels stretched too thin! Being on the same page will help getting back into the groove this school year enjoyable for everyone.

Check out our episode shownotes for more details - plus a fun bonus we didn't get to talk about in the podcast! And don't forget to join us over in our Facebook MomForce group!

The term “Influencer” can get a bad rap. But, we’re all influencers. It doesn’t take 100,000 followers and a pristine, perfectly lit, white living space. You can use your own influence for good, even in your own home.

In today’s episode, we throw out the timer as Vanessa sits down her dear friend, a very down to earth real mom (and yes, she’s also an influencer), Jenna Rammell. Together they discuss everything from back to school, vulnerability, and maintaining your sanity as a parent. They dive deeper into learning your children’s individual personalities and parenting each child accordingly (and the many challenges that come with doing so).

There is no one size fits all parenting. Today, we have so many tools at our disposal to help us see our children individually and to help them grow as beautifully as they’re meant to be. Parenting with an eye to the individual is a gift to them. It builds self confidence, self worth, and allows the child to recognize the strength of being themselves. That doesn’t come with simply checking off a few parenting boxes. Many times, we’re still working on this as adults.

Check out our episode webpage for all the links mentioned in today's show!

Every now a special moment reminds us why our photos are so important (a preschooler shedding tears over treasured pictures of his class, for instance), but often times we don’t realize how much they mean to us until we don’t have them anymore. In this second part of our podcast dedicated to photos, Vanessa and Erika discuss organizing, sharing, safeguarding, and printing your photos… and why it’s so important to do so.

From deleting your blurry outtakes to make your camera roll more manageable, to taking advantage of shared albums and FREE photo storage, this episode shares simple hacks to ensure the moments you swore you’d never forget don’t get lost. Our goal is to strengthen families, and we feel there’s something powerful about putting photos in the hands of children (in fact, it’s science!).

Don't forget to check out our episode show notes and then head on over to the MomForce Facebook group. There are over 6500 women there, engaging in conversations about all aspect of life!

Long gone are the days of being bound by 24 exposure rolls of film (36 if you splurged). We aren’t lugging around giant SLRs as often anymore, and there simple alternatives if you just can’t find the time to catch up on your scrapbooks. But despite technology improving so drastically (and making things SO much more convenient) we still aren’t always capturing the moments we’ll treasure when we look back at photos.

In the first part of this two episode podcast, Vanessa and her sister, Erika, chat about their tricks for taking the photos they’re going to love forever. It’s not always the perfectly posed kids in coordinating outfits that they look back on with the greatest sense of fondness. Sometimes it’s the real life moments; the piles of tiny shoes left by the back door, the child’s name written in crayon (even when it’s across the furniture), the stubbornness of a pre-teen not thrilled about having their photo taken, or the change of background that would have otherwise gone unnoticed that sparks the happiest memories.

Photographing life’s everyday events can make us more mindful of what’s happening in that time, sparking a feeling of gratitude that may have otherwise escaped us. In the trenches of motherhood it’s easy to overlook the magic of the moment. Looking back on a photo allows you to see the greatness. As a rule of thumb, if it makes you smile, snap a photo of it!

Head on over to our episode webpage for a fun printable that will get your creative photographic juices flowing. And don't forget to use code podcast20 to get 20% off your Chatbooks order! Let us help you print your pictures!

Also, be sure to join our thriving and entertaining MomForce Facebook group! Let us be part of your village!

Parties are a fun chance to explore your creative, crafty side. But they can also bring the pressure to create this once in a lifetime experience that doesn’t always go as planned.

On today’s episode, Vanessa and Leah sit down to talk about birthday parties. Maybe you’re prepared to make throwing a Pinterest-worthy party a part time job. Or perhaps you don’t possess the time, money, or mental capacity to host 20 kids at your house. Doing what works best for you will result in everyone being much happier! And the same holds true for your kids. While one child may plan their next party all year long, a movie and ice cream date may be the other child’s speed. Do you!

Today’s MomForce Podcast covers everything from party favors and picking out birthday presents (taking my kid on an open-ended Target run in the toy aisle? No thank you), to combining parties and what to do when you simply can’t invite the entire class. It’s filled with creative ideas, smart solutions, and helpful advice on making things run as smoothly as possible. Whether you’re in the market for a birthday blowout, or want to stick with just a few meaningful traditions, the goal is to make everyone feel happy and appreciated.

Check out our ShowNotes webpage for a party planning printable and some fun birthday photo book ideas! Use code podcast20 for 20% of your own photo book from Chatbooks.

For a lot of us, summer is already wrapping up and the days of counting the pool as a bath are coming to an end. Getting kids to practice good hygiene can be a battle, but none of us wants to send our kids off to school with dirty nails or “teeth sweaters.”

This episode of the MomForce Podcast is dedicated to kids and hygiene. Vanessa chats with her sister, Shelly, on what’s worked, what hasn’t, and the experiments that have gone awry. There are a LOT of confessionals on this episode. The truth comes out about personal hygiene shortcomings growing up (do germs really boost your immune system?) and the unusual methods we’ve resorted to to clean our kids up in a pinch. And once again, the MomForce comes through with some great hacks that will hopefully save you some dental bills down the line.

Heck, sometimes it’s just easier to get in there and do the work for them. Truth is, we’re all trying our best. The trick is consistency! Share your tips and tricks in the MomForce Facebook group. We can use all the help we can get!

Also, use code podcast20 to off your next phonebook at Chatbooks.

It never fails. You prepare a home-cooked meal and your “starving” child is suddenly too full to eat. Getting kids - especially those picky eaters - to eat healthy can be a challenge. Every parent has faced obstacles when it comes to feeding their families, but we can’t be expected to be short order cooks. Children have to discover the wide, wonderful world of flavors!

All of us can benefit from more fruits and veggies, but it’s hard to get those on to kids’ plates. In today’s episode, Vanessa and Kara tackle picky eaters. Maybe you have a non-eater. Or perhaps your kid is turning the color of their favorite food (true story!). Getting over the hump of disliking certain foods is key to helping your family gain variation in their diet.

It’s not all about eating, though. While it can be so satisfying for a mother to see her child eat all their dinner, we’re not talking about the clean plate club here. We want to teach children to listen to their bodies, to be open to new foods, and ultimately, to take the pressure off mom!

Check out our MomForce Facebook group for more tips and tricks, and visit our Podcast webpage for shownotes, including links to some fun printables and recipe cards!

Also, use code Podcast20 for 20% off Chatbooks!

Growing up with sisters meant a lot of fights. But it also meant you had a tight knit group of built in best friends. While not everyone grows up in such a big family, friendships of any sort are important. Moving away from family and transitioning into different phases of life has reinforced the importance of creating and maintaining meaningful relationships as adults.

We threw out the timer for this All-Sissy episode of The MomForce Podcast. Vanessa, Leah, Erika, Kara, and Shelly are together to chat about the value of friendship, the importance of girl time, and meeting people in this busy phase of life. Between playgrounds, play dates, and preschool, it was a little easier when the kids were young. As the kids get older, making friends and fostering relationships takes more effort.

Whether you’re looking for a way to meet new people, advice on recharging with your gal pals, or need help staying connected, it’s good for us to be a friend and have a friend. No one wants to feel like the girl at the party with no one to talk to! Even if you “married your best friend,” girl time is important!

Don’t forget to join us over on the MomForce Facebook Group where we’ve committed to creating MomForce Meet-Ups! Also - check out our Chatbooks Podcast page for more fun information and tidbits!

As moms, wives, and working women there is a certain expectation that we’re always reachable. Having a phone is not only important, it’s almost required! But that doesn’t mean we have to be addicted to our phones. The trick is getting them to work for us in a way that allows us to be more productive, less stressed, and happier!

In today’s episode Vanessa visits with her sister Leah, who shares all the brilliant ways she uses apps to maximize her phone’s potential. Setting alarms (to wake up in the morning or remember to get your kid from school), using reminders to create checklists (so satisfying!) and shopping lists that automatically pop up when you arrive at the store, adding images to your calendars and record keeping right in the app, shared notes and keeping important information handy - Vanessa and Leah have hacks for each of your native apps that will blow your mind (we’re talking way more than the basic functions here!).

Your phone can be a tool to make you more cheerful, you just have to know how to use it! Our goal is to always be present. Using technology to organize our lives gives us the opportunity to enjoy the good stuff.

With 11 siblings and 7 children of her own, it’s safe to say Vanessa has experimented with a range of possibilities when it comes to allowance. Whether it’s getting paid for simple household chores, getting a job, or being paid for good grades, teaching kids the value of a dollar is hard!

Let’s face it… we may feel like it’s privilege enough to live in our homes, but kids need money - especially as they get older! In a follow up last week’s Chores episode, Vanessa and her sister, Erika, sit down to discuss the challenge of wanting their kids to have fun without handing out money for nothing.

In our Allowance episode, Vanessa and Erika chat about the different allowances (and reasons for them) they received as kids, and how they’ve used money to reward (and sometimes penalize) their children as they’ve grown up. From splitting the costs of non-essentials, to emphasizing the importance of money making skills, we’ll cover what’s worked, what hasn’t, and all the reality checks along the way (you’ll want to hear about the time Erika’s son, Jett, hit the jackpot with his Lemonade Stand).

There’s always more conversation on the MomForce Facebook Group Page. Follow us there as we continue the discussion by talking about ways to teach value to younger children and those not motivated by money.

Let’s face it, your house isn’t going to clean itself. As families grow, so do their messes. If you want to keep your home from looking like a tornado struck, you’re going to need everyone to do their part. But that is easier said than done.

When it comes to kids and chores, we all get “the WHY,” but “the HOW” is another story. In today’s episode, Host Vanessa Quigley sits down with her sister Erika (aka Rikki), to discuss how kids can help with household chores. Between the two of them they’re raising 14 children and have tried lots of different things--from chore charts and assigned zones, to party style family clean ups--they dish on what has worked and what has failed miserably and share some hacks from members of the MomForce that are worth giving a go.

The bottom line is that these are important life skills to teach (sometimes for the sake of their future roommates and partners) and it’s not a one size fits all plan. Your 5 year old may love being rewarded with high-fives, but that may not work in their teenage years… trust us! But in the end, a job done by a kid is better than a job not done at all.

We continue the conversation about never ending laundry over in a Facebook live in the MomForce Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288060834871331/

There’s something about summer that seems to make kids hungrier. And with kids home all day, there’s an added challenge when it comes to meal planning. Gone are the days where you can send the kids off to school with a slice of toast in their hand then swing by the store to grab groceries for that night’s dinner. Now you’re responsible for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (not to mention the snacks in between) all while juggling a hectic summer schedule.

In today’s episode, Vanessa and her sister Shelly discuss little steps you can take to make summer meal planning easier. Summer is a wonderful time of year, but brings added obstacles when it comes to the daily routine. Sometimes simply getting (and keeping!) food in the house is half the battle!

You don’t always have to prepare a big, fancy dinner. You know what your people like! Use these tips to be ready on the go, learn to cut corners, and use your resources. Make summer meal planning easy on yourself!

Check out our website for Show Notes, links to recipes, the watermelon hacks, as well as our meal planning printable.

Our MomForce has spoken and one thing on many summer bucket lists is camping! Whether your idea of camping involves being deserted in the wilderness or you consider a hotel room full of kids roughing it, family camp-outs are a great way to foster memories.

In this episode, host Vanessa Quigley is joined by her sister, Kara, co-founder of Raising Wild Swimwear and mother of 4, to discuss the highs and lows of braving the great outdoors. While they agree that camping may not be for everyone, there are ways to recreate the experiences they so fondly remember without requiring expert survivalist skills. And hey, everything tastes better by a campfire, right?

Vanessa and Kara discuss tips for the hotel camper and the nature lover alike. One thing holds true: when it comes to camping with family, compromise is key. While it may not be the most relaxing or rejuvenating trip, that’s not why you do it. And remember… one night won’t kill you. Happy Camping!

Visit our website for a fun camping printable and this episodes Show Notes.

If you just discovered our podcast, you might be asking yourself, “Who are these people and why another mom podcast?” Well, let us tell you!

In this episode, we introduce Vanessa Quigley, entrepreneur and mom of 7 kids ranging from ages 24-11 (plus a new daughter-in-law!). Along with her sisters (and co-hosts) they have 30 kids… YES! 30! That’s a lot of mommin’!

Together with her husband, Nate, Vanessa runs a company called Chatooks. In the early days of their business, Nate and Vanessa would work late into the night personally responding to customer emails. As the company grew, so did their need for helping hands. They hired remote, part-time employees to jump in and help with the workload, all of whom just happened to be moms! And with this, the MomForce was born!

A group was created, and friends and family were invited to join. What started as a team of women using Facebook as valuable parenting tool became a growing community where moms could find advice on everything from getting their kids to sleep in their own beds to sneaking veggies into the dinner menu. Today, The MomForce Facebook Group is a sisterhood of over 6,000 women sharing their best parenting hacks.

There was just too much good stuff to keep trapped on Facebook. So, with the goal of strengthening families, we introduce to you the MomForce Podcast! Quickie 15 minute episodes that cover all the crazy ins-and-outs of momlife and get you on your way!

Create your Summer Bucket List or help your family tay on the same page with a Summer Calendar. You can find these fun printables on our web page.

Don’t forget your Chatbooks Discount Code: POD20

And join us on the MomForce Facebook Page

Babysitters are the lifeline of a Mother’s sanity. But let’s be honest, there are several tiers of babysitters. In the first part of this two-part episode, we discussed the many roles a babysitter can fill. In today’s episode, Vanessa and Leah break down what happens when things don’t go quite as planned, how to get past the awkwardness of the pay conversation, and what you can realistically expect when you invite someone into your home.

Hiring babysitters is all about allowing yourself to be a better mother! Whether you returned to a tornado of a house, or your (likely well paid) sitter made it possible for you to come home and slip straight into bed, you’ve got to ask yourself two questions: 1. Is everyone alive and happy 2. Was it worth it.

We’re continuing the conversation on our MomForce Facebook page, where we’ll be chatting about older sibling babysitters! Listen to the episode, and join us there: The MomForce

There’s no one size fits all when it comes to babysitters. Whether you’re looking for a mini camp director or are simply in need of a warm body that can dial 911 in case of emergency, babysitters are a crucial tool for remaining a sane mother.

In Part 1 of this 2 part episode, host Vanessa Quigley is joined by her sister, Leah, as they discuss the different (and creative) roles a babysitter can fill. From the Mother’s Helper who is in charge of cleaning up the Slime mess and touching the yucky stuff at the aquarium to the sitter who can handle “witching hour” while you enjoy a much needed Early Date with your spouse, the right babysitter will keep you from losing your mother-loving mind this summer.

Join us as we discuss tips and tricks for keeping the “television babysitter” at bay and answer all of your babysitting questions on our Facebook MomForce page.

Are you looking for real life, tried and true, tips and tricks to help with all the nitty-gritty stuff of mom life? Well this podcast is for you.