the denmother podcast: Recent Episodes
Kyriaki
A podcast about all things motherhood: the gross, the hilarious, the infuriating. We learn from each other, because after all, momming is more fun when we do it together. Hosted by your newest mom friends: Brooke, Emilie and the denmother herself, Kyriaki. Join us for this wild ride!
Ryann Watkin is a speaker, educator, podcaster and mom. She helps educators, parents and aspiring leaders feel happier at work and home through workshops, keynote talks and podcast interviews focusing on joy, resilience, and purpose. She’s here today to have an honest, soulful conversation with us about the identity shifts we experience throughout motherhood.
You can find Ryann on Instagram and LinkedIn...
And download the Raising Wild Hearts podcast or watch it on YouTube!
Rebecca Stewart has staffed some of the most elite houses in Hollywood with childcare help. She shares the ins and outs of this glitzy, driven world and what some of the top-tier parents ask their potential childcare that we often don't. This is a fun, eye-opening episode you won't want to miss!
To find out more about V.I.P. Nannies, click here.
And you can follow the agency on Instagram.
Power struggles can make you feel powerless, frustrated and hopeless as a parent. But today's guest is here to offer guidance and hope! (And she even challenges me a little bit on my own parenting.)
Katherine Sellery is a three-time TEDx speaker, an Amazon Best-Selling author and founder of the Conscious Parenting Revolution. She is a trusted voice for parents seeking to create more connected, respectful, and empowered relationships with their kids. With over two decades of experience teaching tools that build trust and dismantle power struggles, Katherine is here to shift the conversation around how we communicate with our kids. She’s also a mom to two kids.
You can learn more about Katherine at https://consciousparentingrevolution.com/ and get her FREE book here!
What does true joy look like? Does it look like a life free from suffering or pain? Or does it look like a fight to find and keep joy wherever we can?
Today's guest knows first-hand the realities of joy and the fight for it.
Candace Payne is an author, speaker and a podcast host, but you may know her best as “The Chewbacca Mom” after her Facebook Live video trying on a Chewbacca Mask went viral in 2016, back before viral videos were as common as they are today. That single video sparked joy across the country and the world and went on to become the most-viewed Facebook Live video to date with over 164-million views at last count. Candace is also a mom of two.
Today Candace shares with our denmother moms her experience with joy and some practical ways to incorporate a practice of joy into our lives and into our motherhood experiences.
You can find all things Candace Payne at CandacePayne.fun and don't forget to grab her 7-day Jolt Your Joy interactive journal at the Candace Payne Store! You can also connect with Candace on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
The United States has the highest rate of children in single-parent homes in the world, with 80% of those homes led by women.
In many cases, women find themselves in this situation unexpectedly due to death, divorce, military deployment or other factors.
So how do you navigate and prepare for something like this? Today's guest has the answers.
Julie Barth is a mother to six children. She is also the the CEO and founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping women-led households with the resources and aid necessary to find security and stability in times of crisis. Julie twice found herself in an unexpected solo-parent situation, first after the death of her first husband and secondly after leaving an abusive relationship.
Her mission is to use her experiences as caregiver, special needs parent, and trauma survivor to encourage women in similar situations to think resourcefully and always protect themselves without stigma or feelings of selfishness. Julie is also a professional writer whose work reflects a dedication to finding joy and meaning in every experience.
You can learn more about Julie on her website, JulieBarthAuthor.com
How do we know if our baby's and toddler's language is developing normally? And what, if anything, can we do to help develop their language and speech?
Page Maughan is a mom to two adorable girls. She is also a certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) who specializes in neuro rehabilitation. She works with children in schools and in the hospital setting and she’s here today to answer all our questions about speech - what’s normal, what needs to be addressed with our kids. This is something we don't talk about nearly enough as parents. Listen in!
Page shares some of her favorite resources here:
https://www.asha.org/public/developmental-milestones/communication-milestones/
https://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html
https://autismnavigator.com/family-resources/
https://firstwordsproject.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/16-Gestures-x16-Months.pdf
https://autismnavigator.learnercommunity.com/Files/Org/b7feabe6ed9e4713b02511fc0003214c/site/16-Early-Signs-of-Autism-by-16-Months-complete%20(2).pdf
If you have specific questions, you can e-mail her directly at: pagemaughan@gmail.com.
No matter what stage of parenting you're in, parenting is challenging.
Today on the denmother podcast, Dr. Lindsay Emmerson joins us to share tips and insight into every childhood stage of difficulty from toddler tantrums to teenage drama.
Dr. Lindsay Emmerson is a clinical psychologist who built Parenting With Psychology from a traditional therapy practice into a thriving online business supporting thousands of parents worldwide. After years as a therapist, researcher, and college professor, she created the Better Behavior Blueprint and her signature 5 C's parenting framework—a complete system that transforms overwhelmed parents into what she calls "amazing parents." Through her Amazing Parents Club membership, Dr. Lindsay helps parents replace yelling with confidence and cooperation in real-life family moments. She’s also a mom of four.
You can find Dr. Emmerson on TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
Or learn more about her at DrLindsayEmmerson.com and grab your copy of her FREE downloadable resource here.
Carrying someone else's child comes with a whole host of emotions, and sometimes complications, but can provide expected parents with a life-changing gift: the gift of a family. Today's guest knows first hand what surrogates go through. That's why she created her surrogacy agency, Joy of Life.
After years of working in the fertility field, Joy Millan felt called to create her own agency, one that honors the extraordinary gift of surrogacy and ensures every journey is approached with dignity, respect, and care. A defining moment came in 2016 while Joy was advising international intended parents during a surrogacy journey. After witnessing a surrogate walk alone in her recovery following birth, Joy made a promise thatno surrogate should ever face herjourney alone. That belief became the foundation of her agency, Joy of Life. Joy is also a mom of two, herself.
Also on this episode is Tia Calderon. Tia is a three-time surrogate and proud mother of three who now serves as the Marketing Director at Joy of Life Surrogacy. After experiencing the surrogacy journey firsthand, Tia felt called to support other women considering this life-changing path. Tia deeply understands the emotional, physical, and personal layers involved in surrogacy. Her own journey fuels her passion for creating a safe, honest, and empowering space where women feel informed, supported, and truly seen.
You can learn more about Joy of Life here.
And follow them on Instagram and TikTok.
We, as women, have been shaped by advertising, diet culture, the beauty industry and so much more. And often, the messages we received early on start to affect our eating in negative ways. So, how do we navigate our own relationship with food while also working to help our kids have a healthy relationship with food? That's where Jessica Setnick comes in.
Jessica Setnick is known by eating disorder professionals worldwide for bringing a new vision of eating disorder care to the field. Through her training workshop, Eating Disorders Boot Camp, and hundreds of conference and community presentations, Jessica has spread her message to thousands of healthcare professionals, educators, college students and others. Jessica is a Registered Dietician, has a Masters of Science AND is a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist Consultant. She’s also a stepmom to adult kids and a brand new grandma!
You can learn more about Jessica on her website.
Also, visit HealingYourInnerEater.com and get the workbook to help dive into generational patterns of eating for just $15 with the code: PODCAST.
You can also follow Jessica on Instagram.
How does childhood trauma affect how we experience motherhood and parent our own children?
Today's guest, Adriene Caldwell, would tell you that after experiencing and/or witnessing several traumatic events in childhood from emotional and physical abuse to suicide, death, pedophilia, sexual assault, severe mental illness and more, she was terrified to become a mother.
Still, she says having her daughter was the single defining moment in her life. That doesn't mean it was easy, though. She first had to make the choice to be a mother to her baby, then she had to take the steps to heal herself and break generational cycles of abuse and trauma in her family. Adriene shares what helped her in her own parenting journey.
You can learn more about Adriene on her website.
You can also follow Adriene on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
And get her book, Unbroken: Life Outside the Lines, which is OUT NOW! Available on Amazon and other retailers.
As moms, we are always advocating for our kids. Whether it's asking for more tests at the doctor's office, standing up for your parenting choices with friends and family, or holding fast to your faith during turbulent storms - moms are the backbone of many families. Today's guest knows, maybe more than most, how to stand up for and fight for her kids.
Joslynn Jarrett-Skelton's dream of performing on Broadway took an unexpected turn when, during her junior year of college, she became pregnant and embraced motherhood as a single mom at 20. Despite the challenges, Joslynn continued college and focused on building her career. She got married in 2007 to Andrew Skelton and her passion for community service led her to the non-profit sector, where she became the youngest Executive Director ever hired by the YMCA. However, her greatest passion grew after the birth of her third daughter, who was born with a serious heart condition requiring multiple open-heart surgeries. Joslynn became a four-time published author and traveled across the U.S., teaching children about love, acceptance, and resilience, sharing her story of hope and strength. She was also named National Mother of the Year by American Mothers in 2025.
Check out Hearts for Charlie,
Connect with Joslynn on Instagram,
And buy the Charlie the Courageous books on Amazon!
Imagine finding your your husband's body at 31 and realizing you're now a widow and a single parent. Then, imagine finding out DAYS later that you're also pregnant with his second baby.
Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen has spent the last five years navigating grief, loss, explaining death to one child who knew her daddy and one who never met him, then working toward her own healing and ultimately finding love again.
Her story is one unlike any other and you won't want to miss it.
You can learn more about Liz on her website.
Follow her on Instagram.
Connect with her farm.
And buy her new book, Flowers Bloom Anyway, which comes out TODAY!
After twenty years of nonstop climbing in the corporate world, Jon Hord hit a wall: his first panic attack. That moment made him realize he wasn’t showing up as the dad or husband he wanted to be. So he stepped off the predictable path he was on and built The Engaged Father Project to help other driven dads slow down, reset, and start leading at home with real intention. Jon’s eight week course uses a simple S.T.E.P. framework to help dads shift from autopilot to meaningful connection.
You can learn more about the Engaged Father Project on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube or on the EFP website.
And join the Engaged Father Project community on Skool.
Her whole life, Katie Britton strived to be perfect. The pursuit resulted in her physical beauty, and a thrilling modeling career that opened many doors, but it also led to stress and an eating disorder. Years later, the word perfect would be used again to describe her first marriage: the allure of flying wherever she wanted, driving whatever car she wanted, buying whatever she wanted. But her life was far from perfect.
On today's all new episode of the denmother podcast, Katie gets real about modeling, being seen as a trophy, emotional abuse, struggling with perfectionism and her eating disorder and ultimately remembering her true value. We also dive into the illusion of perfection and how often it's the messiest, most imperfect parts of life that are the most beautiful. Listen in.
If you want more from Katie, you can listen to her on the Kids S8fty Podcast
and follow her on Instagram.
I know so many moms who feel unfulfilled creatively, yet for one reason or another they have the very important task of being the default parent at this stage in life. Many want to create, some just want to earn an income from home. Well, the world of Voice Over Acting may be the solution to both.
Today, on a brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Amber Faith joins us to give us the inside scoop on breaking into the VO world.
Amber Faith began her Voice Acting career by accident when a producer had her step in for an actress who couldn't make it to the studio. Amber continued acting both on camera as well as voice, eventually landing in the VO world permanently. If you listen closely, you can hear Amber’s beautiful voice on numerous documentaries, audiobooks, animations, and most recently, a Coors Light Campaign for both TV and Radio among many other projects. When she’s not acting, casting or directing projects, Amber donates her time reading books to children in schools as well as volunteering for parents of children with cancer. And of course, she’s also a mom.
You can learn more about Amber on her website.
Or reach out to her through her Instagram.
Amber also mentioned a few resources on this episode such as ACX and Voice Masters.
If you're like me, you wanted a big family when you were younger but either the realities of giving birth or raising kids or birth trauma or some other factor played a role in your decision to keep things small.
Today's all new guest on the denmother podcast, however, did not keep things small. Not only does Jennifer Turnquist-Linn have a big family (she's raising eight kids), but she's kicking butt at it and raising good people. Jenn has been married more than 20 years and together with her husband, they have eight kids ranging in age from the oldest who is out of college at age 24 and the youngest who is just six months old.
How does she do it and not lose steam? Listen in to find out!
Whether you're on your first kid or your third, you can probably agree that there is so much to prepare for with a new baby that often we don't prepare enough to actually feed said baby! Maybe that is one reason why nearly 50% of moms give up on exclusive breastfeeding by three months.
But have no fear, Holly Hill is here! Holly Hill is a registered nurse of 20 years and a certified IBCLC lactation consultant of 10 years with both hospital and private practice experience. She works to shine a light on lactation, teaching the basics, and helping to advocate, support, and help moms reach their feeding goals. She’s also a mom of two!
Today, Holly joins us on the denmother podcast to offer some practical, innovative and easy tips for breastfeeding, whether you're a beginner or working to have a different breastfeeding story with your second, third or fourth+ baby.
You can find more resources on Holly's Website.
Also, check out Holly's Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube.
And Holly was also just nominated as a Woman of Impact in UT! Consider supporting her in her efforts to raise money for the American Heart Association.
As moms, we are always pivoting, and some more than most.
Today's guest, Surae Chinn, not only has had to adjust to the unexpected when she got divorced, but then becoming a single mom when her ex left. Then, adjusting to an ADHD diagnosis, and again to the news that her ex was arrested for domestic violence. With one unexpected turn after another, Surae has had to put in the work and be intentional about who she wants to be, how she shows up in the world, and how she parents her two kids.
Surae Chinn is an award-winning journalist who has worked as a News Anchor and Reporter across the country and in the Nation’s Capitol. During her time on-air in Virgina, she received an Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage and 30-minute special on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and an Associated Press award for ‘Best Documentary.’ Now you can watch her everyday on ABC4’s Lifestyle Show, Good Things Utah! When she’s not on air, Surae enjoys discovering new restaurants and spending quality time with her two children. She also works to raise awareness about neurodiversity and its impact, sharing her own journey to inspire others and foster understanding. Surae is also the author of the children's book, When the Clouds Come Out to Play.
Watch Surae on Good Things Utah.
Follow her on Instagram.
And get a copy of her book on Amazon.
How cool would it have been to see yourself in a book when you were a kid? For Sarah Tubert, not only did she not see anyone like her in print or on screen, but she didn't see anyone like her in real life either.
At the age of three, a surgeon's error left Sarah with facial paralysis and hearing loss, but Sarah's indomitable spirit led her to overcome these obstacles. Today, not only is she is a series regular on Disney's "Primos," making history as the first Deaf Latina Voice Over actress in an animated series, she also captains the USA Deaf Women's National Volleyball Team and is a motivational speaker and now champions others' differences through a new book about her life called, The Girl with the Crooked Smile.
Co-Author of the new book, and Sarah's best friend is Katelyn Brooke. Katelyn has spent nearly two decades in the entertainment industry, starting as a songwriter before transitioning into stunt performance. With over ten years as a professional stuntwoman, she has always embraced creativity and storytelling in many forms. Now, she is embarking on an exciting new journey as a children’s book author. Her debut book, The Girl with the Crooked Smile, is a heartfelt project, inspired by Sarah and the belief that dreams have no limits and kindness is always in style.
You can learn more about the book on their website.
And follow Sarah and Katelyn on Instagram.
Doesn't it feel like we're always waiting for something? For a new job, for a friend to call, for inspiration, for purpose... But what if we didn't have to wait? And what if we could model for our kids what it means to create real momentum and really go for it in life and in work?
Today's guest, Screenwriter and Author Meredith Lavender, knows first-hand what it means to create your own path. From transitioning from acting to screenwriting and then screenwriting to being an author, Meredith is not afraid to pivot whenever the need arises.
Here's to starting off the New Year with some inspiration and motivation to go after what we want and create our own paths!
You can find Meredith and her writing partner on Instagram.
And don't forget to get your copy of their new book, Happy Wife!
How can we teach our kids to be true to themselves when we are all constantly putting our best selves forward on social media and in the real world?
Actress Charlotte Hemmings joins us on the denmother podcast today to talk about what it means to not only be authentic in our own lives, but also how to model authenticity for our kids.
*Note: we had some audio issues on this record, but the episode is so worth it, so please bear with us. :)
Charlotte's Bio:
Charlotte Hemmings is an actress with a long history in the film industry. She grew up on set with her father, the late British actor, David Hemmings and then spent her formative years working behind the scenes in LA as both a Production and Art Assistant. She has performed on stage in San Francisco and New York City and can be seen on screen in Great American Family's Destined at Christmas 1 & 2, and on Prime Video’s Beauty & the Billionaire: Bali, among others and of course, she’s also a mom to a sweet daughter.
You can follow Charlotte on Instagram and check out here art here.
Have you ever considered entering a beauty pageant? Or, like me, is pageant life simply the furthest thing from your current experience?
Today's guest, Chelsi Rasmussen, knows exactly what it's like to feel like an outsider in the pageant space... until she won her first ever pageant and was crowned Mrs. Utah America 2024! Not only that, but Chelsi shares other surprising outcomes from her pageant experience including, but not limited to: a refresh for her marriage, new body confidence, a legacy for her children, inner healing and so much more. You won't want to miss her story!
Chelsi's Bio:
Mrs. Utah America 2024, Chelsi Rasmussen, is a dedicated certified life coach with a profound background in social work. As an abuse survivor, she channels her personal experiences into a powerful advocacy for victims of abuse, demonstrating that the journey from surviving to thriving is not only possible but also transformative. Through her work, Chelsi spreads awareness by providing prevention education and serving as a beacon of hope for those in need. She is also proud mom of four and wife.
Find Chelsi on Instagram at @ChatWithChelsi and @ChelsiRasmussen
And Check out her Etsy shop, CrownHerCollective.
The topics of consent and body safety can feel daunting... but not the way Rosalia Rivera teaches it! Rosalia teaches parents how to talk to their kids about body safety in a way that feels easy, conversational and accessible. She also shares tips on how to talk to other adults and caregivers about body safety in non-scary, non-confrontational ways. Best of all? Rosalia says up to 90% of child sexual abuse cases can be totally prevented through education, information and communication. This is an episode every parent needs to hear.
Rosalia Rivera is a consent educator, abuse prevention expert, child rights advocate, two time TEDx speaker, founder of CONSENTparenting and host of the AboutCONSENT Podcast. She is also a child sexual abuse survivor turned thriver. Rosalia’s work focuses on helping parents learn how to educate their children on body safety, boundaries and consent so that they can empower their children to prevent abuse.
You can watch Rosalia's latest TEDx talk here
Find more information about consent at ConsentParenting.com
Listen to the About Consent Podcast
Or connect with Rosalia on LinkedIn and Instagram.
What does it take to run from the man you love in order to keep your kids safe from life in a cult? Or to show up as an NFL wife when you feel that you don't look the part or fit in? The answer is hope.
Today's guest, Eileen Noyes, knows exactly the type of hope it takes to putt yourself out of a difficult situation. Eileen is an Ex-NFL wife who escaped with her children from life in a cult and then went from being a single mom to eight kids to getting remarried, finding hope and now helping other women find hope through the Lady Bellator movement she founded. In her books Sidelined No More, Broken Chapters (a multi-author project), and her newest release, Rise Up, Lady Bellator, Eileen shares her passion and life lessons to bring a message of hope and redemption to women and moms.
Eileen is a wife, mom, author and speaker. She lives in California with her husband, Michael, and 8 of their combined 15 sons and daughters.
Listen to The Unsidelined Life Podcast
Or find her books and devotional on her website
And follow Eileen on Instagram to get connected!
Thanks to the internet and smart devices, our kids have access to information like never before. At the same time, media has become more and more bias and divisive than ever before.
On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, we are talking to an authority on media to learn more about how and why media is changing and how to talk to our kids about what they're seeing.
Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist, and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, a multi-platform media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues. Up until recently, she anchored and produced the Hearst TV political magazine program "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien" and is a correspondent for HBO Real Sports. She has also anchored shows on CNN, MSNBC and NBC and her long list of awards includes four Emmys, two George Foster Peabody Awards, three Gracie Awards, which honors women in media, and many others. But on top of all of it, she’s also a mom to FOUR kids.
Find Soledad on Instagram.
Visit the Soledad O'Brien Productions website to learn more about Soledad's documentary work.
Watch The Perfect Neighbor on Netflix and on The Devil is Busy on HBO.
What does abundance look like and how do you attract it into your life? According to today's guest, it's a lot easier - and funner - than you think.
Cathy Heller is a renowned teacher, podcaster and author. She hosts one of the top spiritual podcasts, which has been downloaded more than 45-million times. She's a practitioner of the law of reception, and has a deep understanding of the universal principles of manifestation. Cathy guides individuals on a transformative journey toward unlocking their highest potential.
You can find Cathy on Instagram.
And buy her new book, Abundant Ever After TODAY!
And listen to her podcast, The Cathy Heller Podcast.
Our kids are being inundated with "current events" of the worst kind - shootings, devisive politics, natural disasters and so much more on the news. Even if we try to shield them from a lot of it or create open dialogue around it, negativity still seeps in.
But those things aren't the only things happening in the world.
On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Travel Expert, Author and Mom Salisha Shears talks about the importance of traveling with your kids, why being uncomfortable is a good thing and she even shares tips and tricks to make travel affordable and easy! You won't want to miss this one.
Salisha's Bio:
After traveling to over fifteen countries together, Salisha Shears and her daughter Remy have mastered the art of having fun while on the go. From history lessons to architecture, they both have learned the beauty of experiencing culture in every destination. Now Salisha works to inspire other families to travel and explore together. With a background in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention as well as three Master’s degrees in education, and a business degree in Organizational Leadership, Salisha blends her educational expertise with a passion for storytelling. Salisha is the author of the adorable children’s books: Remy Takes Flight and Playdates with Remy.
Follow Salisha on Instagram.
For all things travel, check out Consider it Scheduled.
And you can find Salisha's books on her website or on Amazon, Walmart and many other online book retailers.
According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have some sort of disability, but less than 1% of characters on TV have a disability. Today's guest, Shea Fontana, shares with us the intention, care and attention to detail that goes into some of our kids favorite shows, why representation matters and what we can expect for the future of animation.
Shea Fontana is the award-winning writer behind some of your kids’ favorite cartoons including: Nickelodeon's Monster High, Netflix's Polly Pocket and Action Pack, the DC Super Hero Girls, Doc McStuffins and so many more. Her first non-fiction book is called DC: Women of Action, published by Chronicle. Shea was named one of Variety’s Top 10 Animators to Watch in 2022 and her graphic novels have been New York Times Best Sellers.
You can find Shea on Instagram.
Or find her on Blue Sky.
You can find any of her books wherever you buy books.
And you can watch Monster High on Paramount Plus, Polly Pocket and Action Pack on Netflix, Mermicorno: Starfall on HBO and so many others!
Like me, and many other moms, today's guest knows first hand the struggles that can come with trying to breastfeed your baby.
Mia Funt is a mom of three. Her difficulty with breastfeeding led to the need for formula with her first baby, but her search was daunting, confusing and left her frustrated with the only options available and the lack of progress and innovation in the formula space. So, she and her brother, Ron, started a company called ByHeart and created their own formula, always asking “why?” and searching for a better way to feed our babies.
Join us as we break down the stigma surrounding formula feeding, the options available and what it takes to have confidence in your decision on how to feed your baby.
DISCOUNT: ByHeart is offering denmother listeners an exclusive offer - use code Denmother30 for 30% off your first subscription order!
You can also find ByHeart at most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, WholeFoods, Kroger and Amazon among others and on their website, ByHeart.com.
What is your plan for aging? Do you have one or (like most of us) are you just dreading/avoiding the topic altogether?
Today's has the unique experience of aging in front of the camera. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Nicea DeGering became a Crime Reporter at the age of 23. Over the next several years, she covered security at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Elizabeth Smart’s disappearance and produced several special reports, including taking viewers inside the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. She later became one of the original hosts of the Emmy-Award winning Lifestyle Show, Good Things Utah, where she continues to work to this day.
Nicea gets real with denmother listeners about AGING MAINTANENCE, mindset, strength and exercise and the long list of exciting pros of aging, as well as one or two cons. This will be the most life giving and affirming conversation you have ever heard on aging - guaranteed.
You can watch Nicea on Good Things Utah.
And follow her on Instagram.
Did you have a traumatic birth? Or did you feel in control and empowered in your experience?
The way we experience birth affects so much from our relationship with our babies, to their early beginnings as well as our healing and so much more.
Luckily, a GROUNDBREAKING study finds that healing from birth trauma is possible through something called a "Redemptive Birth." The study authors, Gill Thomson and Soo Downe discuss the findings in today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast.
Gill Thomson is a Professor in Perinatal Health with a psychology academic background and a PhD in midwifery. She leads the Maternal, parental, and Infant Nutrition and Nurture Unit at the University of Lancashire. You can email her with questions at GThomson@uclan.ac.uk.
Soo Downe is a midwife with 15 years clinical experience in a busy labour ward, followed by 25 years at UCLan (now the University of Lancashire) leading the Research in Childbirth and Health (ReaCH) group as the Professor of Midwifery Studies. You can email her with questions at SDowne@uclan.ac.uk.
Can you imagine spending $22,000 per month on childcare, just so you would never be without an extra set of hands? Exorbitant, maybe, but it's luxuries like this that a career in Real Estate Investing has afforded today's guest. And she says you can do it, too!
After graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in Finance at 20 years old, Veena Jetti pursued her passion for real estate and in 2020, she founded Vive Funds, a unique commercial real estate firm that specializes in conservative opportunities for investors. Veena has transacted on over $1 billion dollars in real estate assets and is often a panelist and speaker for various podcasts, global conferences, and radio shows. She is also a wife and a mom to twin girls.
Find Veena on Instagram.
Or learn more about Veena on her website.
You can also join Veena's Facebook Group: Mastering Multifamily with Veena Jetti
Brittani Noel is an actor, writer and producer and most importantly - a mom. Her latest project is a short film that shines a light on what many women really go through in the postpartum phase. It will be a film that confronts the silence of postpartum with honesty, empathy, and a disarming touch of humor. And the good news is - you can be involved in the filmmaking process!
Follow Brittani on Instagram.
And follow the Postpartum Short Film too.
You can also contribute to the Seed & Spark campaign and help the film get made!
What does strength look like? Does it look like a toned, sculpted body? Or does it look like resilience in the face of immense grief? Or maybe it's the fierce love of a mother bringing life into the world. Maybe it's all of the above and then some.
Today's guest built her body, capability and endurance from that of a casual runner to a soon to be 6X competitor on the NBC hit show American Ninja Warrior. She also survived the death of her oldest son, Victory Morgan, inspiring other women and moms in their grief through her art.
In addition to Victory, Jenedy Paige has three other children. She lives with her husband and kids in Utah where she continues to pursue art and ninja training. Jenedy is the epitome of strength, resilience, beauty and a strong spiritual connection to the Source.
Follow Jenedy on Instagram.
View her art on her website.
Attend her Strong Women Experience on September 26th, 2025. (Use code STRONGER for $15 off!)
What if potty training could feel like a vacation instead of an overwhelming obligation? What if you could actually bond with your child over learning a new skill and feel the accomplishment with them as you learn together? That's what Jamie Glowacki's book, Oh Crap! Potty Training, did for me when I was potty training my first and so I used it again with my second and plan to use it again for my third.
If you aren't familiar with her already, Jamie Glowacki is an internationally recognized potty training and parenting expert. Her two former careers as a social worker and a circus performer make her uniquely qualified to deal with toddlers (and poop).
You can learn more about Jamie on her website.
Or find her on Instagram.
Or download her podcasts.
Or grab her books, Oh Crap! Potty Training and Oh Crap! I have a toddler.
It's the Season 4 finale of the denmother podcast! In today's brand new episode, Kyriaki shares some fun ideas to spice up summer break and some encouragements for moms who struggle with the break. Listen in!
On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki talks about what it takes to be a GREAT mom versus a good mom and clears up any confusion with our new intro. Listen in!
As moms, we can all relate to being busy - no one more than a doctor mom. On today's brand new episode, Doctor and Mom Friend Anna Hoard talks about the challenges of being a busy doctor while raising kids and shares her tips for how to stay sane and care for yourself in chaos. Listen in!
May is Mental Health Awareness month! According to the CDC, mental health issues are a serious concern among adolescents and studies show that delaying smartphones and social media can play a big role in protecting and improving our kids mental health by reducing social media peer pressure, stress, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also limit exposure to cyberbullying. So what can we do as parents now to prepare for our kids' teenage years? Tune in to find out!
Are you going through something difficult or stressful? Take two minutes to breathe with me and reset. It's all temporary. Welcome to the denmother podcast!
Imagine turning an idea into a multimillion dollar business. That's exactly what Trubar Founder Erica Groussman did, while raising two kids. On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Erica shares the highs and lows and very real grind it took to build Trubar. Listen in and follow Erica on Instagram!
What is the opposite of a trigger? A glimmer! On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, we are diving into what glimmers are, how to find them and how they can transform the anxiety of a trigger in a snap. Listen in!
What triggers you? How can you find and get ahead of triggers so you can show up as the mom and human you want to be? We're getting after it, in today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast.
Sidney Unga is a cinematographer, entrepreneur, athlete and mom of three. Sidney feels passionate about making an impact through her work and telling female stories. Some of her ad campaigns include Nike, Under Armour and GMC among many others.
You can get in touch with Sidney through her website or on Instagram.
Studies show that couples who can look back on the hard times in their relationship and laugh have the lowest rates of divorce. This self-perception of our own memories is available to us all the time through a process called metacognition. How does this process help us parent better, move through our kids milestones more smoothly and create strong memories with our kids now? Tune in to find out!
The fastest way to get to where you want to go is to follow someone who has already been there. On this podcast we talk a lot about achieving our dreams while raising young kids - mentorship is how. On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast (with a brand new intro btw!) we're diving deep into mentorship - how to get it, what it looks like and what your responsibility is. Listen in!
If you have a dream to be an actor, but are worried about the logistics of working, traveling and raising kids - today's episode is for you. Great American Family Actress Shae Robins gets real about what it takes to make a stage and film career work while raising kids and what a gift it has been to work for a company like GAF that supports moms in such a big way.
Shae Robins is an actress known for her performances across commercials, film, television, and musical theater. Shae graduated from Brigham Young University in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Music Dance Theater and has been performing professionally and teaching since then.
Shae has showcased her talents in numerous musical theater productions. Some of her most recent credits include Belle in “Beauty and the Beast”, at Hale Centre Theatre, Irene Molloy in “Hello, Dolly!” (HCT), Ella in “Cinderella” (HCT), and Sophie in “Mamma Mia!” at Tuacahn Amphitheater. Shae has also had notable roles in the US premiere productions of “Disney’s When You Wish”, playing Snow White and Mary Poppins at Tuacahn Amphitheater, and “The Count of Monte Cristo”, portraying Mercedes at Brigham Young University.
In addition to her stage achievements, Shae is signed with Talent Management Group, working in commercials, film, and television. She has appeared in dozens of commercials both nationally and locally, and has also starred in a number of films on the Great American Family network, including “Passport to Love”, “Destined at Christmas”, “Destined 2: Christmas Once More”, and “Identical Love”, to name a few.
Shae is married to Brad Robins, and together they have two beautiful girls: Sadie (3) and Ruby (9 months).
Find her on Instagram and TikTok.
If you know me or have talked to me in the last six months, you know how fascinated I have been about the topic of N.D.E. (Near Death Experiences). Although some might see the topic as morose, I truly believe there are important takeaways from these experiences that can help us get the most out of the lives we have and our parenting journeys. Let me know your thoughts on the subject on Instagram, I'm @the_kyriaki.
What could be stealing your focus today? And what are your priorities - the things you want to be focusing on but maybe aren't? In this age of technology, social media and a firehouse of information, how do we maintain our focus on the things that are most important to us? Listen in, let's start the conversation.
Were you an indoor kid like me? Or maybe you participated in sports as a kid and even put your kids in sports now. Still, you may not know all the benefits of sports for kids and how to get involved yourself.
On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Ginger Myers joins us to fill in the details.
Ginger Myers is a seasoned recreation professional with 17 years of full-time experience in municipal recreation and a degree in Health and Exercise Science. Starting at age 15 with Clinton City, she has successfully managed diverse programming including youth and adult sports, senior activities, and family recreation.
In her current role with Ogden City, she transformed a local Senior Recreation Center through innovative partnerships, technology integration, and renewed community engagement. As an ambassador for the Utah Recreation Parks Association (URPA) and graduate of its inaugural Leadership Academy, Ginger remains committed to mentoring new professionals while fostering quality recreational experiences through community partnerships and continuous professional development.
A single mother of two, Ginger champions women's participation in sports and coaching. When not serving her community, she finds joy in outdoor activities, hiking, exploring nature, traveling, and enjoys long walks on the golf course, playing a game she loves.
Questions? Contact Ginger at GingerMyers@ogdencity.com.
Is wasting time a waste of time? In my opinion, NO! Definitely not. So what is a waste of time? On today's brand new episode, I dive into what really wastes our time and how to be more efficient with the precious time we have.
If someone were to ask you what your #1 job as a mom is, what would you say? Is it keeping the house running smoothly? Making sure the kids are OK? Bringing in an income? These are all important, no doubt, but they are not our #1 job. Our #1 job as moms is to make sure we are OK. Listen in to find out why this is so important and how to make sure it's a priority.
Do you struggle to stay in shape while raising kids? On today's brand new episode, Kyriaki interviews a mom who's been there.
Sierra Arreguin is a full time working mother of six kids (4 biological and two stepchildren). She’s been underweight and overweight and knows the struggles that come with both. However, after educating herself and putting in the work she’s learned not only how to sculpt a lean, strong, HEALTHY body but how to do it while also raising kids. Now she’s on a mission to help other moms find the same joy and freedom through fitness.
You can find her on SnapChat (@Sierra-Arreguin) or email her at corralessierra23@gmail.com with your fitness questions.
Reframing is such a powerful tool, especially for busy moms. It can help to clear out unnecessary stress, chaos and suffering from your life in a moment. It is a skill however and takes some time to practice and learn. On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki, shares how to start honing this skill to make motherhood and life more enjoyable. Enjoy!
A lot of the stress and suffering in our lives comes from the stories we tell ourselves around circumstances, not the circumstances themselves. On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki is diving into the stories we tell ourselves. Listen in!
Have you ever thought about using a midwife for your birth? Or maybe you're wondering how to become a midwife yourself. On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, we're doing a deep dive into midwifery. Join us!
Melissa Philippe is an afro-indigenous midwife, women's health and holistic wellness and spiritual practitioner. Contact her at any of the links below:
- Website: https://faithandmama.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithandmamaa/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PrettyRichMel
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-philippe-8a55a6a6/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Faithandmama
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@faithandmamaa
How often do you judge another person? How often do you feel judged? Do you think there's any correlation? Join me, Kyriaki, on a brand new episode of the denmother podcast as I dive deep into judgement and how it breeds stress, anxiety and frustration in our lives - and ways to break the cycle.
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, let's prepare for and possibly seek out new experiences! Why? Experiencing new things makes us better in a variety of ways. Listen in to find out how!
This time of year music fills the air - but did you know that music holds a ton of benefits for the listener? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, music expert Sammy Bosshardt helps us understand how we can harness the power of music in raising our kids. Listen in!
Sammy taught at a piano studio starting at age 15 and has taught piano off and on as an adult. She plays the piano, ukulele, a little bit of guitar and has taken voice lessons. She was the music specialist for an educational daycare at Utah State and the music director at an elementary school. Sammy is a mom of three and a huge advocate for music for children.
What do our kids learn from us when we're perfect? NOTHING. What do they learn from us when we navigate the messes of life? EVERYTHING. So let's learn how to do imperfect well. Join me!
Hear me out - an argument for GRACE. We have put up with mom guilt for long enough. And the ironic thing is, mom guilt only makes us WORSE as moms. Not better. So how do we start to give ourselves more grace? And how will this impact our kids, our parenting and every other area of our lives? Listen in and find out.
Caity Lagu is a multidisciplinary artist and a mom to two girls, ages three and under. Her current artistic focus is paper collage. She also block prints and makes miniatures! She loves making art with my girls and takes family trips to Museums and Galleries. She says she wants them to grow up and know the importance of art and creative expression. Currently, she has a piece in a group show at Gallery 787 in Pasadena, CA. It is up until Dec 21st, 2024. You can find her art on Instagram @CaityLagu.
What does momentum look like for a mom with goals and dreams in her heart? And how can we harness the power of momentum to go further, faster and with JOY? on today's brand new (mini!) episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki dives into this exciting topic. Listen in!
What does balance look like for busy moms? Is it even possible? On today's brand new (mini!) episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki shares her insights into balance and how to achieve it even now, as busy moms. Listen in!
Moving with kids is NO JOKE. On today's very special episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki gets to interview her own mom who moved 12 times with 5 kids. Sometimes the transitions were not optional, other times they were chasing opportunities. Either way, both Greek ladies share their highs and lows and tips for moving with young kids. Listen in!
Sleep plays an enormous role in how we want to show up as moms. So how can we protect our sleep and work toward better sleep hygiene? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki shares her favorite tips and tricks.
Want an instant boost of energy? Hint, it's not another supplement and it is completely FREE. You also have access to it right now. What is it? It's HOPE. Kyriaki talks about how tapping into hope can give you a major boost of energy whenever you need it. and she shares insight on how to use hope to increase your energy starting NOW.
Are you a single mom, struggling to find time for yourself or coping with mom guilt? Today's brand new episode is for you. Shakera Hobbs shares her journey as a single mom, along with the ups, downs and lessons she's learned along the way. Listen in!
Did you know that your emotions can be a gateway into attracting the unwanted and wanted into your life? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki talks about the art of mastering our emotions to create the lives we want.
What is Inner Success? It's an aim or achievement that is important to you, even if it's not necessarily seen as important commercially. Today, Kyriaki talks about what Inner Success looks like for her and what it can look like for you.
How do you know you're picking the right daycare for your child? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki interviews Sarah Herold about what to look for in a center and which questions to ask potential providers to make sure the center and the caregivers are the right fit for your family.
Sarah is the Director of a beautiful Today Care Children's Center in Utah. She earned her degree in Early Childhood Education from Weber State University and is a mom to one son and two stepdaughters ages 9, 11 and 12.
Welcome back to the denmother podcast! Kyriaki shares some updates on her life and changes coming to the pod this season.
Imagine juggling five kids, a job, a marriage and a household - and doing it all with one arm. On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, guest Jill Abbott shares with us her "hard" and the beautiful lessons it has taught her and continues to teach her kids.
Also, follow and support The Lucky Fin Project - because ten fingers are overrated.
Trigger Warning: If you are currently experiencing loss from miscarriage, take this one slow or wait to listen. If you feel ready to start your healing journey, dive right in! Today's guest has a lot of honest insight and wisdom into what can happen in the aftermath of a miscarriage.
Carson Rose is a mom of two and works to support mothers on their breast feeding journey. She also provides support to moms experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety and loss by offering resources within the local community. After her own experiences of intense isolation, chronic illness, loss and depression, she hopes to help other moms know they are not alone in their struggles.
If you are struggling in the Postpartum Period, whether or not you have had a miscarriage, reach out to Postpartum Support International.
John Michael Finley is a stage and film actor who made his debut on Broadway in Les Mis. He played Elder Cunningham in The Book of Mormon in the West End and was also involved in the Broadway production of the same show. He made his film debut in 2018 in the film I can Only Imagine, playing opposite Dennis Quaid and Kyriaki had the pleasure of being in his new film, The Faith of Angels which debuted in 2024. When he’s not dazzling audiences with his acting and incredible singing, he is a stay at home dad. He shares the highs, lows and discomforts of staying at home as a man. Listen in!
Follow John on Instagram.
If you have ever been a SAHM (Stay-at-Home-Mom) you know how exhausting and rewarding it can be to be the go-to person for the whole family. On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Guest Kristy White shares the highs and lows of being a SAHM and the mindset that keeps her going.
And please consider donating to Kristy's newest cause, running the NYC Marathon to raise money for Keep a Child Alive (KCA) an organization dedicated to helping children & their families in parts of Africa & Asia who are suffering from HIV/AIDS. Donate here: https://teamkca2024nyc.gofundraise.com/page/Kristy-14820700
What does the Postpartum period look like in other countries? What can we learn from moms who are refugees and what can they learn from us? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Jennica Anusua Galloway shares insights from her travels and work all over the world.
Jennica Anusua has a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and International Health and a Masters of Health Science with a focus in Global Mental Health from John Hopkins University. She specializes in working with survivors of complex trauma and in violence prevention and is focused on family and community level healing for C-PTSD, anxiety and depression and how to live healthy lives after abuse. Her work has included development of a mental and emotional health support group for Perinatal and Postpartum moms, specifically for refugee women. She has done maternal intervention work both locally and internationally under grants and with the International Rescue Committee and University of Utah. A lot of the work she’s done focuses on healthy attachment and healing in the family setting and she is passionate about helping people find healthy spaces to thrive.
Connect with Jennica on Instagram.
Nilam Patel is a pharmacist, published author, poet and the Chief Operating Officer of the Bloom Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping teen girls overcome bullying and build emotional resilience to bloom into confidence as leaders. She is a wife, a mom of two and lives in Austin, Texas.
Nilam invites readers into a world of profound introspection and self-discovery through her unique and captivating voice. By combining the power of art and words, Nilam's work speaks directly to women in various phases of life. She wants to offer guidance and ignite a renewed sense of purpose for readers as her personal journey inspires people to find their genuine selves and confidently embrace their strengths.
Find her on socials @nilam.poetry at at www.findingherbeingher.com
Finding Her Being Her, A Journey of Poems available on Amazon in paperback, ebook and audiobook narrated by Nilam Patel.
Chelsea Kunz is a social media influencer, podcast host, wife and mom. You can find her on Tik Tok and Instagram as Karen Disapproves and also find some of her comedy on other accounts like Scary Mommy. Combined she has 270,000+ followers and over 8 million likes on social media. Now. she's starting an exciting new journey as an influencer in the personal development and spirituality space with the Soul Slumber Party Podcast!
Follow Chelsea here:
Karen Disapproves on Instagram
Karen Disapproves on Tik Tok
Soul Slumber Party Podcast
Soul Slumber Party Instagram
Soul Slumber Party Tik Tok
Ever wonder what services a doula could offer you before, during and after birth? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, we have three amazing doulas talking about both birth doula work and postpartum doula work.
Pam Serna is a DONA certified birth doula and mother of two, based in Long Beach, CA. She believes birth is a natural physiological process, and a life changing sacred passage: for mother, parents, baby, and family. Her faith roots her in the belief that our bodies were divinely designed for birth and nurturing our babies. It is my great honor to provide pregnancy and birth support to women and families desiring a gentle guide, a loving advocate, and a comforting presence on their sacred journey.
For a consultation in the Southern California area, contact Pam below:
Instagram: instagram.com/pdoula
Website: birthdoulapam.com
McKayla Broadhurst is a mom to an amazing 5 year old little girl, co-owner of Bountiful Doulas in Utah and a dedicated postpartum professional. After nearly a decade as a professional nanny, her personal experience of childbirth and the postpartum experience in 2019 deepened her passion for supporting not just children but parents, especially during the 'Fourth Trimester,' and the postpartum period. She is an advocate for gentle parenting, continuous learning in perinatal care, and I holds a special place in her heart for supporting BIPOC, Queer families, and single parents.
Tiara Monson, co-owner of Bountiful Doulas, Certified Postpartum Doula and Certified Nursing Assistant is a mom of 2 boys, and resides with her boyfriend in Roy, Utah with their blended family of 6 kids! Her journey in healthcare spans nearly a decade, with significant experience in hospice care, where she found her calling in nurturing and guiding individuals through life's transitions. As a mother, she intimately understands the importance of having the right support during the postpartum period. Drawing from her personal and professional experiences, she brings a unique blend of compassion, knowledge, and commitment to families, helping them navigate this sacred and transformative time with confidence and ease.
Bountiful Doulas is currently booking clients for Spring-Fall in Utah. Contact them for a free consultation!
@bountifuldoulas (instagram.com/bountifuldoulas)
@bountifuldoulas (facebook.com/bountifuldoulas)
www.bountifuldoulas.com
Imagine having twins and then getting pregnant again, only to find out this time you were carrying QUADS! Monica Dueñas is a mom of seven and her creative and bold ways of parenting a daughter, a set of twins and a set of quads is inspiring and eye-opening. You won't want to miss it!
Diana Lynn Barnes is a psychotherapist who has been specializing in women’s reproductive mental health for over 25 years. In addition to private practice, Dr. Barnes is an expert on maternal mental health and the criminal justice system and is frequently retained by legal counsel on cases of postpartum psychosis and infanticide, pregnancy denial and neonaticide as well as child abuse and neglect where a child/children may have been harmed. She is the current Chair of the International Marce Society Special Interest Group on Forensics and Maternal Mental Health.
Kody Harms, M.A., BCBA, is a neuro-affirming therapist, educator, and advocate with over 15 years of experience working with neurodiverse children, teens, and adults. He is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, earning his master's degree in Special Education.
In addition to being the co-owner and clinical director at Curated Family Therapeutics, Kody is an active ally to the neurodiverse community, maintaining neurodiverse friendships as well as supporting neurodiverse run organizations that align with his values. When he is not supporting clients, Kody enjoys yoga, going to concerts, as well as spending time with his wife and dog.
Kody offers free consultations for anyone who has questions and currently has availability for new clients!
WEBSITE: www.curatedfamilytherapeutics.com
INSTAGRAM: @curatedfamilytherapeutics
EMAIL: kharms@curatedfamilytherapeutics.com
On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Dr. Jessica Hochman of Ask Dr. Jessica is on to give tips (and some reassurance) for how to get our kids to eat healthier.
Board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Jessica Hochman has a passion for pediatric medicine. Dr. Hochman is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and has been recognized as a 2019 and 2020 Southern California Rising Star by “Southern California Super Doctors Magazine” for her commitment to providing the highest-quality health care. She earned her medical degree from Boston University in 2008. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Hochman enjoys spending time with her family, including her husband and three young children.
You can find Dr. Hochman on Instagram @askdrjessica or listen to her podcast Ask Dr. Jessica!
Brooke, Terri and Kyriaki gather for the holidays to chat about what they've been up to and what they're looking forward to for the New Year.
Have you ever dreamed about being a model? What if it's not too late? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Taylor Walker Sinning shares her journey into modeling while raising two young kids. Dive into this fun conversation with us!
Divorce can be difficult, painful and extremely isolating - especially when you have young kids. On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Influencer/Motherhood Coach and Podcast Host Diera Story shares insights she gained through her own divorce and tips on how to get out of survival mode for other moms in a similar situation!
Find Diera's Podcast, Mama Fire Podcast, here.
Connect with Diera on Instagram.
"Things that are broken can be fixed."
On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Emily Weaver, talks about the fear, regret and rebuilding that happens on the other side of addiction and multiple prison stays as a mom.
You won't want to miss this one.
If you are struggling with addiction, please call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Hotline right away: 1-800-662-4357
Have you ever considered adoption? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Riley Thomson shares her family's journey to adopt their four kids - the ups, the downs and all the in betweens. Listen in!
Do you ever wonder what it would be like to be famous? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Award-Winning Film, Television and Theatre Actress Edwina Findley talks about achieving success in her acting career, and doing it while raising two young girls. You won't want to miss this one!
Find Edwina on Instagram, Facebook and IMDB.
Imagine losing not one but two babies - one expected and one very unexpected. How do you handle the losses? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Ruth Vigil shares her journey through loss and grief after losing two of her four children. She also shares some of the things that help her to bring life and hope and joy to the memories of her angel babies, even today. You won't want to miss this one.
Sandra Flach is a mom of EIGHT, two of whom were diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She is expert on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, an Author and the Co-Founder of Justice for Orphans among many other endeavors.
What you don't know about FASD will surprise you! Both Sandra's story and what she's learned through her family's journey with FASD proves beneficial for any mom in any situation. Join us for this rich conversation.
You can find Sandra at SandraFlach.com and on Social Media: @sandraflach_jfo and @justicefororphans on Instagram and @Sandra Flach and @Justice For Orphans on Facebook.
Beth Leon is a mom of three and has been married to her husband for 11 years. Beth has been homeschooling her oldest for over four years and feels it has truly been the most rewarding aspect of her life. Through homeschool, she feels that she is able to incorporate her faith into many of the subjects they choose to study and says she and her son are able to work as a team to create a curriculum that is both academically beneficial and simultaneously engages his interests. They primarily use the eclectic method of homeschooling; however, they are not married to any particular method. She regularly includes her younger sons into the learning experiences. According to Beth, every mother is uniquely qualified to be a homeschool mom.
Some of the resources Beth mentioned:
Evan-Moore
Sonlight
Where to find Beth:
@homeschool.mom.beth (Instagram)
On the Season 2 Finale of the denmother podcast, Brooke, Terri & Kyriaki talk about all the highs and lows of Summer - including signing up for overly popular Summer camps and trying desperately to find childcare. And a special thanks to all the listeners who have joined us for the last two seasons! Join us for one last hoorah before we dive into Summer!
Have you ever gotten angry at your children? Maybe a better question is... how often do you get angry at your kids?
On today's very important episode of the denmother podcast, we're getting vulnerable and going deep on some of our own struggles with anger and tools to handle this sensitive emotion in healthy ways, while also teaching our kids to do the same.
You don't want to miss this one.
How do you like to be celebrated on Mother's Day? If you're like us, you don't need another necklace - you need massages, affirmation, chocolate and REST. On today's brand new episode we're talking about our best and worst Mother's Days and all the ones in between. Listen in!
The birds are chirping, the temps are rising and you know what that means.... Spring Cleaning! Theoretically.... In today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, the wolf pack is back to discuss all things cleaning: how clean (or not clean) we were before kids, how our standards have changed since having kids, how we split the care tasks with our partners and how we do (or should) involve the kids. Listen in!
"The best thing about time is it's length." -Warren Buffet
Our relationship with time changes when we become moms. First, we realize how much time we really had before all of our time was consumed with taking care of others... Then, our perspective of time changes when it starts flying by and the kids start growing too quickly. As time and our view of it changes and evolves, we wanted to take some time to stop and think about... TIME! Join us for this enlightening conversation. We promise we won't take too much time. ;)
A Time for Everything (Ecclesiastes 3)There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
What are you afraid of?
In motherhood there are so many things to be afraid of: stranger danger, physical injury, losing your kids... Not to mention the fear of becoming a parent for the first time and on and on and on.
On today's episode of the denmother podcast, the gang is all back together to talk about the ups and downs and ways we cope with and teach our kids about fear. Join the conversation!
How do you find balance as a mom? Does balance even exist? On today's episode of the denmother podcast, Brooke and Kyriaki talk about the ways they juggle marriage, kids, home, school, work, sports, rest, self care and more. They also dive into their journeys toward balance and what's working so far. Join the conversation and let us know how you find balance!
Have you ever judged someone for potty training their child too late? Or maybe you've judged your own parenting against parenting standards you've seen on social media...
There are countless examples of Competitive Parenting out there and we've all experienced it in one way or another. On today's episode, Kyriaki and Terri talk about all the ways Competitive Parenting can creep into our heads (including between spouses! Hello?!) and ways to combat it.
Romance. Sex. Passion. All the things that got us into this motherhood mess to begin with. LOL All kidding aside, Happy Valentine's Day! Today the ladies are going DEEP on marriage, romance and how to maintain a healthy relationship while going through the little kid phase. Enjoy!
On today's very special episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki brings you a conversation with mom friend Nikki Oden who shares about her brand new book, Definitely Wear Mascara: Hacks to help you love your mom life (and yourself) a little more.
Nikki Oden is a lawyer and mom mentor who helps working moms battle burnout by teaching them how to own their days and crush their goals—without the mom guilt. After walking away from a lucrative career as a commercial litigator for a prestigious, international law firm to become a stay-at-home mom, Nikki learned firsthand how easily a woman can completely lose herself in motherhood. Realizing that she needed something that was hers outside of being “Mommy” and “wife,” Nikki started a home-based business . . . and quickly experienced what it means to live in survival mode.
Eventually, through a lot of trial and improvement, she figured out how to harmonize what she wants as an ambitious woman with who she wants to be as a mother, and is passionate about teaching other working moms how to do the same. Her mission is to help those moms love their mom lives (and themselves) a little more.
Nikki is the founder of Your Ideal Mom Life and the host of the Love Your Mom Life podcast. Her work has been featured in The Boston Globe, TODAY Parents, CafeMom, KidSpot, Clean Plates and Authority Magazine.
Connect with Nikki on Instagram (@NikkiOden) or learn more by visiting www.youridealmomlife.com.
You can find her book, Definitely Wear Mascara: Hacks to help you love your mom life (and yourself) a little more, through the following sites:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3u0TzRW
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/but-definitely-wear-mascara-nikki-oden/1142874457?ean=9798987152003
Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/but-definitely-wear-mascara-hacks-to-help-you-love-your-mom-life-and-yourself-a-little-more-nikki-oden/19529999?ean=9798987152003
How do you want to see your motherhood journey evolve in 2023? What are your hopes and dreams for your little ones this year and how do you approach the planning and goal setting for each new year? In today's brand new episode, Brooke, Terri & Kyriaki talk about all this and so much more.
Now that the holidays are behind us and the gifts are all unwrapped, it left us wondering how each mom handles the post-holiday toy situation in their houses. Do you limit the number of toys? Or the types of toys? Do you donate a ton to make room for the new toys? We talk about all that and more on today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast.
What do you do with your kids during the holidays? Do you carry on traditions from when you were a kid? Or do you start new traditions? How many lights are too many lights for your house? And who does all the decorating in your family? Oh, yes, and what exactly is a crapping Santa? Terri, Brooke and Kyriaki tackle these questions and more in this all new episode of the denmother podcast. Listen in!
How do you make time for your beauty routine as a mom? Is it a priority to you, or has it taken a backseat since becoming a mom?
In today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, the ladies go DEEP into beauty.
We're talking product recommendations, how we make time for beauty, what we hope to teach our kids about beauty and even which medical procedures we would (or wouldn't) get.
Honestly this talk goes everywhere and we loved every second of it. We hope you will too!
Are you dealing with skid marks in the undies? What about having to fight your kids to get in the bath? It's a lot to take care of the hygiene of multiple other humans, let alone trying to stay on top of our own! If you can relate, you need this episode.
Have you ever struggled to talk to your child about sex? What about physical or cyber safety? On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Kyriaki and Terri talk to Safety Expert Dr. McKenzie Wood about the best ways to keep our kids safe, but also how to talk to them about these areas without scaring or scarring them. If you need tips on how to talk to your kids about safety, you need this episode!
Dr. McKenzie Wood is an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and holds degrees in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Her areas of research include crimes against women, help-seeking behaviors of survivors and crime prevention and response. She's also a mom to three adorable kids and loves hiking in the Utah mountains with her kids and her husband, Andrew.
In today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, the gang is back together to talk about our mental loads as moms. How we process, delegate and try to UNLOAD the mental load while getting everything done all at once. It's all here and we know you can relate...
If you struggle with anxiety, depression or just the general mental load of being a mom you NEED this episode. Today, Certified Breath-Work Instructor Ashleigh Naylor talks to us about the importance of breath, how to use breath to stop even panic attacks in their tracks and so much more. Make sure you listen to the end for a FREE breath-work session with Ashleigh!
Ashleigh's Bio:
I am Ashleigh! I am a mother of four, married to my best friend who happens to be my high school sweetheart, and I am so excited to share all things breathwork with you! I am a certified breathwork & meditation instructor that specializes in mothers and children. My dream with this business is to help those in my community learn more tangible resources and practices that they can utilize in their everyday lives and start to see the magic unfold from it!
Instagram: @ jemwellnesscompany
FB Group: JEM Wellness Company
Website: www.jemwellnesscompany.com
Email: jemwellnesscompany@gmail.com
On today's episode of the denmother podcast, Brooke and Kyriaki are joined by their mom friend Jenny. Jenny has an awesome story to share about becoming a mom very young, struggling to provide a life for her and her new baby on her own and eventually finding love again and giving birth a second time, ten years later. We know you'll relate to a lot of her story and be inspired too.
What did you do for fun before you had kids? If you were like Brooke, you slid on those chunky wedges and tie-back tube tops and hit the dance floor. If you were like Terri, you danced barefoot and alone at bluegrass festivals. Now, fun looks a lot different: splash pads, dinosaur parks and kid museums. On today's episode of the denmother podcast, we're having fun talking all about FUN!
In the Season 2 premiere, Brooke, Terri and Kyriaki discuss all the highs and lows of the school year starting up again - will our "big kids" be able to assert themselves? Which backpack is the right one? How do we get our kiddos to think for themselves, rather than falling into peer pressure? And of course, how bad is it going to hurt when we have to switch back to an early to bed early to rise schedule?? Thanks for being with us!
The gang is back together for the Season 1 Finale of the denmother podcast! Today on the show, Emilie shares her hilarious, heartbreaking and MIRACULOUS birth stories. You won't want to miss it! In other news, it has been a joy to bring you this podcast every week. Keep an eye out this Fall (2022) for Season 2!
We're wrapping up Season 1 with Brooke's birth stories! Any mom can relate to the highs, lows, heartbreaks and joys from both her births. Feel free to share your own birth stories too, on Kyriaki's Instagram: @the_kyriaki! We would love to hear from you.
Female Juices. What a perfect way to sum up Kyriaki's birth stories: the highs, the lows and the lessons learned. Join us as we continue to wind down Season 1 of the denmother podcast with a personal, maybe too personal, look at each of our birth stories!
Also, if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or feel that you may hurt yourself or the baby, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. You can also find a list of many other resources on the denmother website: https://www.thedenmother.net/support
As we wind down Season 1 of the denmother podcast, we will be sharing our long awaited birth stories as promised. Starting with Terri, whose birth story is WILD. Hilarious, dramatic, nude and heartbreaking, her story is the stuff good reality TV is made of. You won't want to miss it!
How do you take care of yourself? From bubble baths to boundaries, it all counts as self care if it recharges you and re-energizes you. Join us as we discuss what gives us joy, how we make time for ourselves and some out of the box ideas for self care.
Identity informs how we see ourselves, how we see the world and how we make decisions. So how to we start to build our own identity, and help our kids to find their identity? Buckle up ladies, we're going deep on today's episode of the denmother podcast.
We all know how hard taking care of a newborn can be. Now multiply that by 3 and add a toddler. Today's guest, Lindsey, should win all the mom awards for all she's done to bring four healthy, well adjusted children into this world while also remembering to take care of herself, her house and her marriage. This lady is no joke! We hope you enjoy her story as much as we did.
Have you ever cried when your little one moved on to a new independent phase and didn't seem to need you as much? Or maybe you felt it when you finished breastfeeding... For many of us that phase represented freedom, but also loss.
As parents we are constantly grappling with new phases and stages as our kiddos grow up.
Today on the denmother podcast we talk about ALL the phases and how we cope, or try to cope, with them. Join the conversation! We would love to hear which phases and stages were your favorite and how you cope as they come to an end and a new phase begins.
What a tough one! How do you create disciplined, well behaved children while also teaching mutual respect and creating a strong relationship? We may not have all the answers, but we dive into it to explore what's working, and not working, in our households when it comes to discipline. Listen in!
For some of us, anxiety was a part of our lives before motherhood. For others, motherhood opened the door and let it in. If you are struggling with anxiety, you are definitely not alone. On today's episode, Terri, Brooke and Kyriaki discuss their highs and lows and coping strategies to ease anxiety in their own lives and have a few laughs along the way.
In this episode, our dear friend Jessica shares with us her journey dealing with infertility - the highs, the lows and what helped her get through it.
Jessica is also the world's best Lactation Consultant. Learn more about her work here: https://www.thebabycollectivesocal.com/
Boobs, Butts and Bumps. That's right, today Brooke, Terri and Kyriaki are talking about the mom bod: the changes we go through, our view of our bodies and getting those sagging water balloons to bounce back after breastfeeding. Join us for a hilarious conversation!
Have you ever met a mom who completely changed your life? Kyriaki has and she's on the show today! Gail, Brooke and Kyriaki talk about the importance, nay the NECESSITY, of mom friends. Momming in a community is not only more fun, it's vital for our mental health, recovery and day to day emergencies.
To see more about Gail's Los Angeles-based home organizing business, Calm Space L.A., visit her Instagram.
And if you are currently in a dark place and do not have someone to reach out to, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. We are also here for you too and you can reach out at thedenmother.net Love you!
Mom guilt. The pervasive feeling that you're not enough, you're not doing enough or you're not doing things "right" as a mom. No matter how hard we try, mom guilt affects us all. In this episode, Brooke, Kyriaki and new mom friend Terri talk about how mom guilt affects them and how they try to combat it on a daily basis. Laugh and cry with us as we jump down the mom guilt rabbit hole!
How does the way you were raised affect how you think about food? What is the best way to teach kids about healthy eating without creating an obsession? And when will mothers be able to finally stop hiding their chocolate in the pantry and just eat in peace?? These are the big questions we tackle in today's episode of the denmother podcast.
Ah the joys of traveling with kids. You know what they say, it's never a vacation... but it's always an adventure! Join us as we talk about our funniest and most frustrating travel stories: from dunking a poop baby in the river on the side of the road to cramming two kids in an airplane bathroom when you have to go. Buckle up, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Which emotions are OK? All emotions are OK! In this episode, Brooke, Emilie and Kyriaki discuss helping their kids navigate their emotions, navigating our own emotions and channeling out inner "spa mom," as Emilie calls it.
We also discuss public tantrums, letting/helping them to get all their emotions out in a healthy way and helping them to choose their emotions and responses as they mature. Join us for a fun... and frustrating... trip down the tantrums memory lane!
In this episode, Emilie regales us with a written statement of her highs and lows (mostly lows) about sleep, or the lack thereof, with two littles under the age of 3. Brooke and Kyriaki share their experience with no sleep, sleep training and the sweet, sweet victory of kids finally getting older and sleeping.
Laugh and cry with us. This is a big one.
This week the girls get into the nitty gritty of motherhood. That's right, we're talking about poop - finger painting with it, scrubbing it out of earholes and explaining ourselves when the littles dig a hole and poop at the playground. Sigh.
Roll up your sleeves and join us for a very stinky one.
In this episode, Brooke and Kyriaki congratulate Emilie on the end of pumping! They also discuss all things breastfeeding, milk supply and strange tourists carrying their babies.
In the episode they give a BIG shout out to Jessica Shoemaker, the world's best Lactation Consultant. If you need lactation support, you can find her at her website: https://www.thebabycollectivesocal.com/
Also, if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or feel that you may hurt yourself or the baby, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. You can also find a list of many other resources on the denmother website: https://www.thedenmother.net/support
In the Intro episode, Brooke, Emilie and Kyriaki discuss how the pandemic affected mothering over the last couple years - especially for Emilie who gave birth during the pandemic and hasn't really known a world outside of parenting in a pandemic.
Also discussed, ways to maintain balance and peace during chaos, including following Emily Oster (https://emilyoster.net/) for Brooke and limiting news intake for Kyriaki and Emilie.
*Note: this episode was recorded as the omicron virus was just making its way to the U.S.
Join us as we kick off the denmother podcast!
Coming Soon! The denmother podcast, starring your newest mom friends: Brooke, Emilie and the denmother herself, Kyriaki. Look for new episodes every Tuesday, starting January 4th, 2022.