This week, Krista and Samantha unpack the mental load of the holiday season — from Halloween hangovers and early gift planning to the nostalgia and chaos that make this time of year both magical and maddening.
They share personal updates on parenting through October (the unofficial hardest month for families), the joy and exhaustion of community events, and the ever-present pressure to create “whimsy” while holding everything else together. The conversation weaves between family traditions, marketing strategies, and the business of being human during the holidays — because running a household and a company in Q4 is no small feat.
Whether you’re deep in decor mode, hiding in your car before pickup, or rethinking how to make the holidays feel lighter this year, this episode is a reminder that the best kind of magic is the kind you don’t have to manufacture.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🎃 October really is a tough month for parents — you’re not imagining it.
👯 Finding joy in community events can recharge your energy.
🎁 Gift-giving doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.
💭 Nostalgia shapes how we approach the holidays as adults.
🏡 Sharing responsibilities keeps the season (and relationships) balanced.
💻 Marketing strategies should evolve with the season’s pace.
🌲 The pressure for “whimsy” can sometimes rob it of joy.
🎶 Creative hobbies like choir can reconnect you to yourself.
💞 Community involvement brings warmth to colder months.
🕯️ Authenticity always matters more than aesthetics.
💌 Follow along on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who’s trying to make the holidays meaningful — not perfect.
And remember: the magic isn’t in the Pinterest board — it’s in the moment.
This week, Krista and Samantha sit down with Janelle Nelissen, brand strategist and founder of Sage Creatives, for an honest and expansive conversation about what it means to be ambitious after motherhood—and how the journey doesn’t always look like the plan.
Janelle became a mother just weeks before the COVID lockdown, and what followed was a deep reckoning with identity, postpartum depression, and the pressure to perform. They talk about how success shifts in the wake of major life changes, how creativity can become a tether back to self, and why building something meaningful doesn’t have to mean building it fast.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt the tug between ambition and presence—and needed the reminder that you can create something you’re proud of, even in the mess. Especially in the mess.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
👶 Becoming a parent during a pandemic adds layers to identity shifts.
🌀 Postpartum depression changes how you view yourself and your work.
🪞 You’re allowed to redefine success—and keep redefining it.
🧠 Being present with your kids is productive.
🎨 Creative work can be both healing and strategic.
🧱 You don’t have to build fast to build well.
👯♀️ Community and conversation can carry you through the fog.
👧 It’s powerful to model self-trust and slow ambition for your kids.
📝 You can write your own rules—again and again.
🔥 Ambition doesn’t have to look like hustle.
✨ Want to learn more about Janelle’s work?
Check out her studio: The Sage Creatives
Follow her on Instagram: @janelle.nelissen
💌 Hang out with us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s finding their way through a new season—and don’t forget to leave a review if you loved it.
This week, Samantha and Krista are joined by copywriter and messaging strategist Maddy Aucoin for a conversation about ambition, burnout, and choosing a life that feels good—not just productive.
Maddy shares her experience finishing her Master’s degree at 37 weeks pregnant, launching her business in a pandemic, and intentionally deciding to be one and done when it comes to kids. They talk about the lack of support for student parents, navigating social media as a creative business owner, and the recovery required after girlboss culture nearly broke us all.
She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her signature micro workshop model—offering a fresh take on selling with heart, not hustle.
This one is honest, hilarious, and refreshingly human. Whether you're rethinking your ambition or just trying to finish your coffee while it’s still hot—you’ll feel seen here.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
👩🎓 Parenting and higher ed are rarely designed to coexist.
🛏️ Making time for naps is a legitimate life skill.
🎯 Micro workshops can create real impact without burnout.
🥵 Burnout recovery isn’t linear—but it is necessary.
💻 Business growth looks different when you stop performing.
📣 Messaging is more powerful when it’s grounded in truth.
👶 Choosing to be one and done is valid—and freeing.
📱 Social media is a tool—not your boss.
🏛️ Systems aren’t sexy, but they make everything easier.
🤝 Real talk is the best kind of marketing.
✨ Want more from Maddy?
Check out her upcoming micro workshop and find out more about her work at www.bymaddyaucoin.com
Follow her on Instagram: @bymaddyaucoin
💌 Come hang out with us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review or share it with a friend who's redefining ambition—one slow morning at a time.
This week, Krista and Samantha are deep in the thick of it—sleep regressions, toddler chaos, and the kind of parenting fatigue that makes you forget what day it is. They share real-time reflections on what it means to grow a business when you’re already maxed out, and how clarity can come even in the messiest seasons.
In the midst of it all, Krista offers a behind-the-scenes look at her group program, Design Your Dream Wedding Business—a space built for wedding pros who want to feel more confident, focused, and ready for inquiry season. They also chat about ideal clients, personal growth, and how implementing even simple systems can make business feel a little less heavy.
This episode is equal parts survival mode and strategy—and a reminder that you don’t need a perfect season to build something great.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🛏️ Sleep struggles are real—and exhausting.
👩👧👦 Parenting and work will always compete for capacity.
📚 Reading can be both an escape and a growth tool.
📈 Business growth is not linear—it evolves with you.
⚙️ Systems help create breathing room.
💬 Confidence comes from clarity, not perfection.
🎯 Defining your ideal client changes everything.
📬 Inquiry season is real—prepare before you're overwhelmed
🏆 Success is personal, not prescriptive.
👯♀️ A supportive community makes all of this easier to carry.
✨ Wedding pro? Ready to get clear, confident, and set up for success?
Check out Krista’s group coaching program: Design Your Dream Wedding Business
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review or share it with a friend who’s building big things—through the chaos, not after it.
Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of cancer, diagnosis and treatment, recovery, grief, and the emotional impact of navigating illness as a mother and business owner. Please listen with care.
This week, Krista and Samantha sit down with Emily Anderson—a photographer, mother of three, and cancer survivor—for a powerful conversation about vulnerability, identity, and trusting yourself through life’s hardest seasons.
Emily shares how her cancer diagnosis changed everything—from how she sees motherhood and ambition to how she shows up in her business and her art. She opens up about the realities of treatment, grief, family dynamics, and the deeply human experience of not knowing what comes next. Through it all, she brings humour, depth, and an open heart.
This is a conversation about more than survival—it’s about integration, self-acceptance, and what happens when you stop waiting for the perfect time to start living as your full self.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💔 A cancer diagnosis can reshape every part of life.
👯♀️ Community support makes healing possible—and lighter.
💬 Vulnerability is strength, not weakness.
🧭 You can trust yourself, even in uncertainty.
🎨 The artist and the entrepreneur can coexist.
🧘 Productivity is not a measure of worth.
📸 Capturing the real moments matters—especially with your kids.
🩺 Advocating for your health could change everything.
🧠 Grief is not linear, and healing isn’t tidy.
🌱 Self-acceptance takes time—and is always worth it.
We’re so grateful to Emily for sharing her story with such honesty and grace.
💌 Connect with her on Instagram at @e_m_anderson
📸 Learn more about her work at emandersonphotography.com
💬 Follow us at @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode moved you, please leave a review or send it to someone who needs to feel less alone in their own journey.
This week, Krista and Samantha unpack the tangled web of parenting, social life, and adult friendship—and how those things rarely play nicely together in the same season. They talk about the pressure of social obligations, the real mental load of making and keeping friends post-kids, and how Lucky Girl Syndrome shows up in both motherhood and mindset.
There’s reflection on parenting fatigue, post-COVID social anxiety, and the nostalgia for a time when making plans didn’t involve three calendars and two rounds of childcare coordination. Through it all, they explore what intentional connection can look like in this season—because sometimes having friends and feeling connected aren’t the same thing.
Whether you’re missing your people, feeling spread thin, or wondering how to model healthy friendships for your kids—this episode is equal parts relatable, reflective, and a reminder that you're not the only one feeling it.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💇 Curly hair is a full-time job (and a personality trait).
🛏️ Parenting fatigue is real, and it compounds quickly.
🧠 Work-life balance remains elusive, but worth pursuing.
🫶 Friendships need intention—not just availability.
🗓️ Scheduling time with friends is harder, but not impossible.
💖 Teaching optimism can shape how kids move through the world.
📉 Social rituals shift dramatically post-kids (and that’s okay).
🎭 Social anxiety and burnout are often hiding under “I’m just busy.”
👯♀️ Modelling healthy friendships matters more than preaching them.
⚖️ It’s okay to say no to social plans for the sake of self-care.
Craving connection but also kind of hoping everyone cancels? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Leave a review or share this episode with someone who gets the friendship juggle—because we’re all just doing our best out here.
In this week’s episode, Krista and Samantha are knee-deep in the realities of parenting while sick—and trying to hold it together when everyone in the house is under the weather. They talk through the mental load, the flexibility of running their own businesses, and the quiet craving for a day where no one needs anything from them.
There’s also conversation around community building, client engagement, and why a thriving space doesn’t have to mean doing the most. Plus, they sprinkle in some book recs, TV talk, and a reminder that sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing at all.
If you’re parenting through sniffles, burnout, or back-to-school chaos—this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🤧 Sick days = survival mode. Full stop.
🛋️ A “do nothing” day is sometimes the most productive thing.
🧠 The mental load is real—but it doesn’t have to be carried alone.
👯♀️ Community spaces can be powerful without being overwhelming.
📺 Pop culture is valid self-care.
📚 A good book (or a half-finished one) can reset your brain.
🛠️ Autonomy is a privilege—and a challenge.
📅 Flexibility is a superpower when your kid’s home sick again.
🍵 Coping looks different for everyone—permission to find what works.
💬 Being honest about your capacity helps everyone, including you.
Snacks, sniffles, and a never-ending to-do list? We see you.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Leave a review or send this episode to a friend who’s riding the same wave—you don’t have to do this alone.
This week, Krista and Samantha are in the thick of it—navigating the chaotic trifecta of adulting, parenting, and trying to have a social life. They swap stories about managing health appointments, sleep-deprived parenting, and the wild world of raising kids who lie with confidence.
There’s honest talk about discipline vs. values, family routines, and the tension of balancing what you believe with what actually happens in your home. They also touch on marketing strategies, social media messiness, and the real impact of showing up online while parenting in real life.
If you’ve ever postponed a doctor’s appointment for six months, been gaslit by a four-year-old, or tried to write Instagram captions while folding laundry—this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🧾 Health admin is a full-time job no one warned us about.
🛏️ Sleep regressions = character development (for you, not them).
🥂 Trying to be social and functional is a delicate art.
📱 Marketing feels different when you’re also in mom mode.
🙊 Kids lie—but they’re often just figuring things out.
⚖️ Parenting values > parenting rules.
🍽️ Family dinners (even chaotic ones) build connection.
😅 Discipline works best when it’s grounded in understanding.
📚 Book clubs exist. Whether or not we finish the book is another story.
😂 The best parenting stories usually start with “You’re not going to believe this…”
Overdue on every appointment and raising kids with strong imaginations? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved this episode? Leave a review or share it with a friend who's just trying to keep all the plates spinning.
We’re back! In the Season 2 premiere, Krista and Samantha dive into the full-body shift that is back-to-school season—where to-do lists get longer, routines get tighter, and life admin takes centre stage.
They talk through the tension of transitioning out of summer, the mental and hormonal chaos of September, and the constant juggle of parenting, business, and health. There’s reflection on parenting milestones, evolving business offers, and the pressure to be “productive”—plus a little escapism via book recs, bingeable shows, and a hot take on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Whether you're crying at drop-off or thriving in a freshly organized Google Calendar, this episode is a deep breath and a reality check for anyone navigating this messy, meaningful season.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🎒 Back to school brings both structure and pressure.
🧠 September is peak life admin—and peak mental load.
💊 Hormonal shifts and health concerns deserve space in the convo.
📝 To-do lists can help—but they can also feel like a trap.
📈 Business pivots often mirror life changes.
📚 Escapism through books and TV is valid self-care.
🧠 Pop culture is not fluff—it’s how we process and connect.
☀️ Summer reflections can shape future plans.
👨👩👦 Family dynamics shift everything—from travel to daily routines.
⚙️ Systems and intention are the only way through the chaos.
Still trying to find your rhythm after a wild summer? Same.
----
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode felt like a friend in your ear, leave a review or send it to someone staring down their own September sprint.
In the Season 1 finale, Krista and Samantha dive into the layered realities of summer—from the literal heat to the shifting dynamics of parenting, work, and personal growth that come with the season.
They reflect on seasonal preferences, family routines, and the joy (and anxiety) of gaining independence as a parent when your kids start spending more time away. There’s also conversation around shopping habits, travel hiccups, summer camps, and what it actually looks like to take a sabbatical when you’re an ambitious person who doesn’t unplug easily.
With a few tangents into writing projects, business systems, and why the podcast isn’t a job—it’s a joy—this episode is a love letter to the in-between season of trying to do it all, and the grace it takes to do just enough.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🌡️ Summer heat hits hard—and affects your whole vibe.
🛍️ Seasonal shopping? Dangerous territory.
🏕️ Childhood camp experiences shape how we show up for our kids now.
📖 Reading habits shift with energy and workload.
🎒 Kid-free time brings both relief and reflection.
🛫 Travel with kids isn’t a break—it’s a different kind of work.
📱 Tech helps... until it doesn’t.
✍️ Sabbaticals can be self-directed—and still purposeful.
🗓️ Summer routines need flexibility and consistency.
📚 Personal projects (like writing) can fuel something bigger.
🎙️ The podcast? Still fun. Still not homework.
Still trying to balance rest and routines with ambition and sunscreen? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode resonated, leave us a review or send it to a friend who’s also figuring out how to enjoy summer and survive it.
This week, Samantha and Krista dig into the layered conversation around self-esteem, body image, and confidence—both for themselves as mothers and for the kids they’re raising. They talk about how positive self-talk can shift your perspective, the quiet harm of societal expectations, and why celebrating the small wins really does build confidence over time.
The episode weaves between friendship chats, book club updates, and even a bit of reality TV commentary, but always circles back to the deeper theme: how the words we use—with ourselves and around our children—shape the way they see themselves.
This is a thoughtful, honest, and sometimes funny look at self-acceptance, parenting with intention, and the messy, beautiful evolution of confidence at every stage of life.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🌿 Embracing a more chill attitude can lead to a more balanced life.
📺 Reality TV reflects more about human nature than we sometimes want to admit.
📚 Book clubs can be a joyful way to connect with friends and build community.
🫂 In-person connections matter for sustaining meaningful friendships.
🎯 Setting business goals can fuel both personal and professional growth.
💬 Self-esteem and body image are ongoing conversations for mothers.
🪞 Positive language helps shape children’s views on body image and self-worth.
🧘 Parenting is a balance of self-care and expectations (yours and theirs).
💖 Self-acceptance is a journey that shifts over time.
🎉 Celebrating even the smallest achievements can boost confidence.
Learning how to talk kinder to yourself while raising kids to do the same? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode gave you a boost (or made you think about your own self-talk), leave a review or share it with a friend who needs the reminder too.
This week, Samantha and Krista dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting in the summer months—from the simple joys of family outings to the more complicated lessons that come with children’s big feelings (and their own).
They share personal stories about navigating grief and loss, reflect on how modelling behaviour teaches children about boundaries, and discuss the balance between assertiveness and kindness—both in parenting and in life. Humour weaves through the heavier moments, reminding us that laughter can be a real coping mechanism when parenting feels intense.
This episode also explores the value of direct conversations, why vulnerability is a strength in motherhood, and how the hardest life lessons often leave the deepest imprint—for both parents and kids.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🌞 Summer amplifies both the fun and the friction in family life.
🧠 Children’s emotions are layered—patience is the real superpower.
💬 Vulnerability and open communication strengthen relationships.
🪞 Children learn boundaries by watching us set and hold our own.
🎭 Humour helps lighten heavy parenting moments.
⚖️ Assertiveness doesn’t cancel kindness—it balances it.
💔 Navigating grief is part of life and part of parenting.
🗣️ Direct conversations prevent confusion and build trust.
🧩 The hardest lessons often become the most meaningful.
🤝 Preparing kids for social interactions starts with modelling it yourself.
Parenting in the thick of summer and feeling all the emotions? You’re not alone.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this one resonated, leave a review or share it with a friend who’s navigating the same messy, beautiful season.
This week, Krista and Samantha bounce between summer parenting chaos and business growth lessons, proving once again that snack plates and strategic planning can (and do) coexist.
They dig into the reality of decision fatigue, the art of launching with intention, and why sometimes, a swipe of lipstick is the only prep you need for a big call. The conversation flows from kids and technology to the evolving world of birthday parties, with honest takes on social dynamics, gratitude, and whether loot bags are still a thing (spoiler: they are—just... better now).
This episode is equal parts practical and reflective, offering tips, commiseration, and a reminder that doing your best in the mess still counts.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💄 Lipstick is a vibe reset—embrace it.
🌞 Parenting in summer requires flexibility, snacks, and grace.
🧃 Snack plates are the unsung hero of seasonal survival.
🧠 Decision fatigue is real—build systems that help you decide less.
🚀 Strategic support = better launches, better outcomes.
👩💻 Investing in the right help can change everything.
📱 Tech can connect and distract—boundaries matter.
🎉 Birthday parties have changed, and that’s not a bad thing.
🎁 Experiences > plastic junk (loot bags included).
🗣️ Communication between parents makes party planning way less painful.
----
Running on coffee, calendar reminders, and a kid’s leftover granola bar? You’re in the right place.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If you laughed, nodded, or felt seen, leave a review or share this episode with your crew.
----
💥 Exclusive Listener Bonus: Mama Merit Badge listeners get 20% off Samantha’s new FIXR Series — monthly workshops designed to offer a targeted fix for a specific business hurdle.
Use code YAPPERS20 at www.samanthamackinnon.com/fixr-series.
This week, Krista and Samantha are deep in summer mode—juggling Camp MacChaos, dreaming up travel plans, and trying to remember what day it is (no guarantees). They unpack the myth of passive income, why automated revenue is a more accurate goal, and how delegation and SOPs can actually free up time to breathe.
The conversation bounces between parenting, business workflows, Human Design, book club picks, and yes—reality TV. It’s a peek behind the curtain of two moms navigating work, life, and play in real-time, with a healthy dose of honesty and laughter.
If you’re feeling the summer stretch—equal parts magic and meltdown—this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💸 Passive income ≠ doing nothing. Think automation, not absence.
🙋 Delegation and systems aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines.
🔧 SOPs don’t kill creativity; they create space for it.
🌞 Themed summer activities = more fun, less “what now?”
📖 Book clubs can be low-pressure and high-connection.
📺 Reality TV isn’t trash—it’s character study (sometimes).
🧠 Knowing your Human Design can shift how you show up and collaborate.
🧳 Traveling with kids is a lot—but worth the planning.
🍽️ Meal planning can be a parenting sanity-saver.
💆 Finding moments of calm is the real summer flex.
In your Camp MacChaos era? We are, too.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode gave you a laugh, an idea, or a bit of peace—leave a review or send it to a friend riding the summer rollercoaster too.
This week, Krista and Samantha dig into what self-care really looks like—especially as summer break kicks in, schedules get messy, and family health throws curveballs. It’s not a spa day fantasy or a list of things you “should” be doing. It’s about what’s actually possible in the middle of it all.
They talk about balancing priorities, redefining wellness, and why setting boundaries is as essential as packing sunscreen. From lighthouse parenting to the mental clutter that comes from consuming the wrong content, this episode is both a gentle nudge and a real-time reality check.
If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking five minutes to breathe or wondered why your version of self-care doesn’t look like anyone else’s—this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🧴 Self-care should be flexible, not another chore.
😷 Family health stuff complicates everything—especially summer.
📉 Balance doesn’t mean doing it all, it means doing what matters most.
🧼 Self-care might look like skin care. Or a solo grocery trip. Or silence.
🗺️ Lighthouse parenting = guidance without micromanagement.
📱 What you consume shapes how you care for yourself—choose wisely.
📚 Reading isn’t just relaxing—it can be reflective and restorative.
⏳ It’s okay to not “do it all” this season.
🙅♀️ Guilt has no place in your self-care practice.
🔋 Recharging isn’t selfish—it’s strategic.
Feeling the summer shift? Us too.💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge⭐️ If this one resonated, leave a review or share it with a friend who needs a reminder: you’re allowed to take care of yourself.
In this episode, Samantha and Krista get candid about the real weight of balancing business, motherhood, and everything in between. From navigating decision fatigue to redefining what success even means, they unpack what it looks like to keep going when your energy is low but the to-do list is high.
They talk about ruthless time management, learning to say no to things that don’t move the needle, and why sometimes, the best strategy is simply knowing when to stop. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever stared blankly at a screen, wondering where their focus went—or who’s felt like they’re failing because they’re not doing all the things, all the time.
If you’ve been craving clarity, structure, or just some honest perspective on resilience, project planning, and giving yourself a damn break, this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
😵💫 Decision paralysis is real—but systems can help lighten the load.
🧘♀️ You can’t pour from an empty cup (even if the cup is virtual).
📉 Productivity dips are normal—it’s the bounce-back that builds resilience.
📋 Project planning doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to be clear.
🎯 Fewer projects, more intention.
⏰ Being ruthless with your time is sometimes the kindest thing you can do.
🌱 Redefining success makes space for peace, not just progress.
👯♀️ Finding your village is hard—and necessary.
💬 Community support is fuel.
🥴 Imperfection isn’t a flaw. It’s proof you’re in it.
Still trying to figure out how to do it all without burning out? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode helped you feel seen, leave us a review or send it to a friend who’s in the weeds with you.
This week’s episode is a full table: Krista and Sam are joined by Dave and Brandon (aka The Husbands) for a raw, reflective, and often hilarious look at what it really means to raise kids while trying to stay married, sane, and maybe even caught up on laundry.
Together, they explore the emotional highs and lows of modern parenthood, the invisible weight of household responsibilities, and the beautiful (and sometimes frustrating) lessons that come with the long game of parenting. There’s talk of AI, miscarriage, relationship friction, and the moments that crack you open—in good ways and hard ones. It’s candid, chaotic, and deeply human.
If you’ve ever whispered “It’s just a season” while stepping over a pile of unfolded laundry—this episode will hit home.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
😂 Humour helps—especially when nothing else does.
🌀 Parenthood is an emotional rollercoaster. Buckle up.
🏃♀️ Work-family balance is a dance we’re all still learning.
🧘 Patience isn’t something you start with—it’s something parenting teaches you.
🤖 AI might just have a role to play in the parenting toolkit.
🧹 Household dynamics may still reflect deep-rooted gender norms.
💬 Communication isn’t optional—it’s survival.
💔 Miscarriage affects both partners, even if it looks different.
🎢 Parenting surprises you in both beautiful and brutal ways.
👯♂️ Support systems matter. Build them. Lean on them.
Trying to hold it all together with equal parts snacks and sarcasm? You’re in the right place.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this one made you laugh, cry, or sigh in solidarity, leave us a review or share it with a friend who’s in the thick of it too.
In this week’s episode, Krista and Samantha bounce between beauty tips, parenting hacks, meal planning, and the strangely satisfying joy of a solo grocery trip. It’s a little bit of everything—because that’s exactly what this season of life is like.
They dive into clutter (emotional and physical), seasonal transitions, and the ongoing effort to foster independence in kids without losing patience or sanity. Along the way, they touch on the soothing power of shared TV binges, the politics of grocery quality, and why shared family calendars are the real MVP.
Whether you’re deep in the snack aisle, debating the sock situation in your house, or just trying to figure out what day it is—this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💇♀️ Hair talk is self-care, not fluff.
👟 Bulk-buying socks = elite parenting move.
🧘 Parenting requires constant flexibility (and deep breaths).
📦 Clutter is both a mental and physical challenge—and that’s okay.
📚 Books and shows are a lifeline when your brain is fried.
📅 Shared calendars can save relationships and routines.
🛒 Grocery shopping can actually be joyful (yes, really).
🥬 Fresh food tastes better when it’s max 2 days old—science.
📱 "This is a work phone" is a parenting phrase for the ages.
🎶 Good taste in music starts young. Play the hits.
🥴 It’s okay to not have it all figured out—and to laugh about it anyway.
Lost in a pile of laundry and overdue RSVPs? You’re in good company.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode hit home, leave us a review or share it with a friend who gets it.
This week, Krista and Samantha open up about the messy middle of maternity leave, the emotional (and strategic) recalibrating that comes with burnout, and the slow, weird journey of transitioning back to work when your brain still feels half-swaddled in sleep schedules.
Samantha reflects on her own experience stepping back from business after baby #2, navigating the invisible labour of motherhood, and confronting the gap between how we expect maternity leave to feel—and how it actually shows up. Together, they unpack the pressure to be creative on a deadline, the decision fatigue that weighs on both parenting and business, and the friction between the need for support and the challenge of finding it.
This is one of those conversations that lands like a deep breath—permission to feel all of it: the guilt, the gratitude, and the in-between.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🍼 Maternity leave isn’t always restful—it’s a full-time identity shift.
🧠 Decision fatigue is real, and it touches everything.
🎨 Creativity and chaos don’t always coexist peacefully.
🔥 Burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken—it might mean it’s time to reset.
🕰️ Focused work time is sacred (and often scarce).
🙋♀️ Asking for help is a strength, not a shortcoming.
📬 Automation and systems are your friends—especially during transitions.
💞 Social connection matters, even when it’s hard to maintain.
🫠 The invisible load is real, especially for women.
🗣️ Clear, direct communication in relationships is everything.
In the thick of it? We’re right there with you.
👶 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
📩 Leave a review, share the episode, and send us a screenshot—we’ll DM you Sam’s summer activity schedule (your secret weapon for surviving the chaos with kids at home).
In this episode, Samantha and Krista wade into the wild world of parenting school-aged kids—where permission slips are lost, group chats are cursed, and the emotional rollercoaster starts before breakfast.
Krista shares real talk behind school dynamics, the pressures of extracurricular activities, and the ever-evolving relationship with technology in family life. From communicating with teachers to navigating shifting childhood friendships, this episode is a mix of practical insight, personal stories, and a few well-earned sighs over how much screen time is too much.
The conversation also touches on work-life balance, the mental gymnastics of coordinating schedules, and the looming anxiety about what’s coming in the tween and teen years. If you're parenting through this middle phase—no longer little, not yet big—this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
📅 Parenting is a full-time logistics operation.
🍎 Building solid relationships with teachers can make everything easier.
🎭 Not every kid needs 17 extracurriculars—less can be more.
📱 Tech is here—how we use it matters more than how we fear it.
👯♂️ Friendships evolve (and sometimes implode). That’s part of the learning.
🚌 Field trips are exhausting and endearing in equal measure.
📚 Engaging kids with reading and learning outside of school matters.
⚖️ Work-life balance isn’t a myth, but it does require constant recalibration.
🗣️ Talking to your kids about safety, relationships, and tech use matters—so much.
🙋♀️ You’re allowed to ask for help. No one has this fully figured out.
📬 Share your best school-age parenting hacks or horror stories—we want to hear them.
📱 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
💌 Bonus time! Leave us a review and share the podcast with your people. Send us a screenshot on Instagram and we’ll DM you Sam’s summer activity schedule—an adaptable, high-fun plan to keep your kids busy (and you sane).