In this short and honest update, I’m sharing why I’ve decided to take a summer break from the podcast — and how a simple story about a man with an axe reminded me that sometimes the most important thing we can do is pause and sharpen. After walking through grief, releasing the Growth in the Chaos series, and trying to hold all the things together, I’ve realized it’s time to reset. I’m reflecting on what this season is teaching me, and why giving ourselves space to rest is one of the most powerful things we can do — especially in motherhood. 🎧 In this episode, I’m sharing:✔️ The story that helped me name what I needed✔️ Why I’m pressing pause for summer✔️ What to expect while I’m away — and how you can stay connected If you’ve been feeling like it’s time to slow down and reassess, I hope this gives you permission to do the sameP.s. Don't forget to follow along over on social - @successfulmamapodcast

Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it.In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want. In Part 6, we’re talking about how to keep going — how to stay consistent in your growth without falling into burnout or all-or-nothing thinking. We’re wrapping up the series with a practical conversation on what it really looks like to grow in real life — and how to reset when life throws you off track (because it will). 🎧 In this episode, we’re covering:✔️ How to figure out what season you’re in and adjust your expectations✔️ Why perfectionism keeps you stuck — and how to ditch the all-or-nothing mindset✔️ What to actually do when you fall off track — real steps to reset and move forward This episode is your reminder that consistency isn’t about perfection — it’s about showing up, one small step at a time.Make sure you're following us over on social media - @successfulmamapodcast

Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it.In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want. In Part 5, we’re digging into identity — and what happens when you no longer recognize yourself in this season of motherhood. We’re talking about matrescence, why you don’t have to “go back” to feel whole again, and how to reconnect with the version of success that feels true to you now — not who you used to be. 🎧 In this episode, we’re covering:✔️ Why your identity naturally shifts in different seasons of motherhood✔️ What “matrescence” actually means and how to navigate it✔️ How to reconnect with yourself when you feel lost in motherhood This one is full of reflection, encouragement, and real steps to help you grow — not just as a mom, but as a person.P.S. Make sure you're following over on social media - @successfulmamapodcast

Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it. In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want. In part 4, we’re getting personal about the guilt we carry and the resilience it takes to keep growing — even when things feel heavy. From second-guessing yourself to feeling like you’re not doing enough, this episode is here to remind you that you’re not alone — and you don’t have to stay stuck. 🎧 In this episode, you’ll learn:✔️ Why growth often feels uncomfortable — and why that’s not a bad thing✔️ How the Zeigarnik Effect and mental load fuel guilt in motherhood✔️ What self-compassion really means (and how to start practicing it)✔️ A mindset shift and practical steps to move forward when you feel stuck This episode blends honest storytelling with science-backed tools to help you grow through the chaos — not after it. Don’t forget to follow along on Instagram @successfulmamapodcast and share this episode with a mama who needs it.

Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it. In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want. In Part 3, we’re digging into the small habits that can create big change—even when life feels overwhelming. So often we think growth has to come from huge overhauls, but the truth is, it’s the tiny steps you barely notice that add up over time. You don’t need more willpower—you just need a strategy that fits your real life. 🎧 In this episode, we’re covering: ✔️ How the habit loop shapes your daily routines (without you even realizing it) ✔️ Why understanding your cravings makes habit change easier ✔️ Simple ways to use cues and small wins to build better habits in motherhood This episode is packed with practical tools and relatable encouragement to help you start growing in the middle of the chaos you're already living in. Don't forget to follow us on social - @successfulmamapodcast

This week’s episode is a little different. It’s not a how-to or a step-by-step—it’s me, sharing where we are right now. Life has been heavy lately, and grief has made its way into our world in a very real way. I’m opening up about what this season looks like for our family, how I’ve been processing things personally, and how we’ve been talking through it with our kids. If you’re walking through your own hard season of grief—or just need a reminder that you’re not alone—I hope this episode meets you right where you are. Next week, I’ll be taking the week off to be with family, but I’ll be back on April 22 with part three of the Growth in the Chaos series.Make sure you're following over on Instagram! @successfulmamapodcast  Sign up for my new email list at successfulmamapodcast.com to get some relatable motherhood in your inbox at successfulmamapodcast.com.

April Fools! Today, the Successful Mama Podcast is getting a fun little twist—welcome to the Successful Kid Podcast! My oldest son, Asher, has officially taken over as host and is interviewing his friend, Sebastian, with a mix of silly and thoughtful questions (including a lot of video game talk—but don’t worry, there's conversation for everyone). And my youngest son, Grey? He’s jumped in behind the scenes and taken over the intro music for the show! Grab your kids if they're nearby—because they (and you!) are going to love this fun, light-hearted episode full of laughs, surprises, and sweet reminders from a younger point of view. And make sure to stick around to the very end! The boys asked me to add bloopers, and they don't disappoint. 🤣 P.S. Don’t worry—we’ll be back next week with our regular episodes of the Successful Mama Podcast!

Motherhood is chaotic—but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow in the middle of it. In the Growth in the Chaos series, we’re breaking down how to navigate the unpredictable, exhausting seasons of motherhood while still making progress toward the life you want. In Part 2, we’re tackling the mental load of motherhood and why it often feels like no matter how much you do, there’s always more waiting for you. The truth is, your brain is wired to focus on what’s left undone, making it feel impossible to keep up. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fight against your brain—you can work with it. 🎧 In this episode, we’re covering:✔️ Why your brain naturally fixates on unfinished tasks✔️ How decision fatigue is draining your energy (and what to do about it)✔️ Simple mindset shifts to stop feeling like you’re always behind This episode is packed with practical strategies to help you shift your perspective, lighten your mental load, and stop feeling like you’re stuck in survival mode.Don't forget to follow us on social - @successfulmamapodcast

📌 Growth in the Chaos is your go-to guide for thriving in motherhood. Whether you’re new here or a longtime listener, this series is designed to help you take small, meaningful steps toward growth—without waiting for the perfect time. We’ve all done it—told ourselves, “Once things slow down, then I’ll start working on myself.” But let’s be honest… life never magically clears space for us. Motherhood isn’t a perfectly scripted TV show where everything falls into place. It’s unpredictable, messy, and full of responsibilities. And if we keep waiting for the right time to focus on our own growth, we’ll be waiting forever. This episode kicks off the Growth in the Chaos series, where we’re breaking down the real, practical ways to build small, meaningful habits—right in the middle of motherhood. Because growth isn’t about waiting for the perfect moment. It’s about starting where you are, with what you have, and making small, consistent changes that actually fit your life. In this episode, we’ll talk about:✔️ Why the perfect time is a myth (and what to do instead).✔️ How to build growth into the nooks and crannies of your day.✔️ Simple, as-you-go habits that make a real impact over time. This series is your step-by-step guide to creating lasting change in motherhood—no unrealistic expectations, no guilt, just real progress that works for you. Hit play now and let’s get started!Don't forget to follow us on social - @successfulmamapodcast

Motherhood is full of seasons—some beautiful, some exhausting. If you’ve ever felt completely overwhelmed, like you’re barely keeping your head above water, this episode is for you. Whether it’s sickness in your home, a new baby, work stress, or just a season that feels too much, it’s easy to feel like you’re failing. But the truth? You’re not failing—you’re surviving. And that’s enough. In this episode, I’m sharing:✔️ Why hard seasons feel heavier & longer than they really are (and what your brain has to do with it!)✔️ The simple two-question “Survival Filter” that helps you let go of the extras & focus on what matters.✔️ Practical ways to adjust expectations, simplify your days, & drop the guilt.✔️ Encouragement for the mom who feels like she’s drowning right now. This isn’t about doing more—it’s about making life easier when you need it most. So take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s talk about how to get through this season without losing yourself in the process. Press play now! And make sure you're following on social - @successfulmamapodcast

What if the thing you’ve been avoiding is exactly what you need to grow? In this episode of the Successful Mama Podcast, we sit down with Robin Dauma, a former educator turned entrepreneur and mom of four grown children who shares powerful insights about parenting, resilience, and taking bold steps—like biting the blue apple. 🍏💙 We explore the importance of letting your kids take on challenges, even when it’s hard, because that’s where growth happens. You’ll hear how seeds of effort are constantly being planted, often in ways you don’t see until they bloom into something bigger. And the core of this conversation is about taking risks and embracing the unknown—whether that’s for yourself or for your kids. After all, you’ll never know what a blue apple tastes like unless you take that first bite. This episode is filled with wisdom, honest reflections, and practical takeaways for moms who want to help their kids—and themselves—build resilience and embrace the unexpected. Tune in for a conversation that just might inspire you to bite your own blue apple.Make sure you're following along on social! @successfulmamapodcast

In this special episode, I’m taking you along on a French Fry Crawl with three amazing returning guests: Rachel Brown, Lauren Hooper, and Katiya McKinney. What’s a French Fry Crawl, you ask? Think bar crawl—but with fries, laughs, and meaningful conversations about motherhood. We hit a few local spots to try some of the best fries around and talked about everything from finding balance to motherhood theme songs. There were plenty of laughs, honest moments, and takeaways I think you’ll really enjoy. So, grab your favorite snack, and come along for the ride as we dive into fries, fun, and some good old-fashioned real talk about life as moms. 🎧 Oh, and if you want to learn more about my guests, you can check out Lauren’s episode (#12), Rachel’s episode (#54), and Katia’s episode (#68) in the archives!

In this heartfelt episode of the Successful Mama Podcast, I sit down with Lacey Schoff, the founder of Ryker’s Rainbow, to talk about the motherhood story she never expected to be her own. She shares the raw reality of experiencing infant loss and how she turned unimaginable grief into a powerful mission to support others. Lacey opens up about the deep emotions she faced after losing her son, Ryker, and how she and her husband navigated their grief together. She shares the support they received, the struggles they encountered, and how they saw an opportunity to serve other families walking a similar path—leading to something much bigger than they ever imagined. We dive into the truth about loss, healing, and how hope can emerge from the hardest seasons of life. Whether you've experienced loss yourself, know someone who has, or simply want to hear a story of resilience and purpose, this episode is for you.P.s. It's my birthday! In honor of my birthday, I'd love for you to consider supporting Ryker's Rainbow to help serve and support families experiencing the loss of a pregnancy, newborn or infant. You can donate over on Instagram under my fundraiser (@successfulmamapodcast) or you can give directly on their website at rykersrainbow.org.

We’re two weeks into the new year, and whether you’ve already set specific goals, skipped resolutions altogether, or feel like you’re losing focus, this episode is for you. I’m sharing: My word of the year (Dare) and how it’s guiding my decisions Why having a word of the year can be a powerful tool (hint: science backs this up!) Simple ways to keep your goals, intentions, or focus front and center—no matter what method you’re using It’s not January 1st anymore, but the year is still fresh. Let’s talk about staying intentional and daring to take meaningful steps forward. Plus, I’ve got a surprise announcement that you don’t want to miss!Don't forget to follow along on social! @successfulmamapodcast

This week, I sit down with Rachael Harms Mahlandt, a mom of two from Portland, Oregon, who is on a mission to bring joy and whimsy back into adulthood. Through her creative outlets—like mini pottery, photography, and her unique dinoramas (yes, you read that right—dino-ramas with dinosaurs!)—she has found ways to connect with her community and share the joy that fills her life. We talk about how she turned her love for the little things into a source of connection for others, creating sidewalk joy and moments of wonder for her neighbors. She opens up about reclaiming fun and freedom as an adult—whether it’s crafting tiny worlds to share or finding ways to make everyday life a little brighter—and why it’s so important to hold on to the things that make you happy. This conversation is full of reminders about what matters most, from finding joy in your own life to showing your kids that creativity and wonder don’t have to stop when you grow up. If you’ve ever wanted to add a little more magic to your days, this episode is for you.Don't forget to follow over on social! @successfulmamapodcast

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.The year is almost over, and it's time to do a little reflecting. I know, you may not be the goal-setting type or one for personal reflection, but I challenge you to consider it anyway. My guess is that even if you haven't had your "best year yet", that if you take the time to look back, you'll see that you've done some pretty spiffy things you can be proud of. Grab your coffee for the LAST episode of the year AND the last of our series, "What Moms Need to Hear." Make sure you're following along on social! @successfulmamapodcast

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.We're down to the wire. The big day is almost here. You've stretched yourself thin doing all the things and making everything special and magical. But is it enough? And will your kids know how much you've done for them? Listen up this week for the reminder you're needing to hear- thank you for what you've done, and it is definitely enough.(Fun fact- I was sick during this episode last year, and guess what we are battling in 2024? The flu!! So far, it has just been the kiddos, but I'm wondering if my time is coming. I hope you and your family have a wonderful (sickness-free!) holiday season!!)Make sure you're following along on social! @successfulmamapodcast

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.Let's face it, we all dream of the picture-perfect holiday—gorgeous decor, flawless events, and those Instagram-worthy family photos. But what if the pursuit of perfection is stealing the joy? This episode we talk about decorating inside with a makeshift tree out of scrap wood and using *gasp* pre-packaged cookies to bake with kiddos. Because, let's be real, it's often the imperfect moments that weave the best holiday memories. Hit play and let's reshape our perspective on the perfect holiday.Make sure to connect with us over on social! @successfulmamapodcast

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.This week, we are talking about defining your ideal holiday season NOW so that you can stick with it throughout the rest of the year. As moms, we want this season to be filled with magic and wonder. Our society is no doubt one that pushes more is better, but that isn’t always the case and often leads to overwhelm and feeling as if we fall short of the “perfect” holiday. So I want to challenge you this week to take a few steps in early December to help cultivate YOUR version of a perfect holiday season. Grab your hot cocoa and Santa hat, and settle in.Make sure you're following us over on social! @successfulmamapodcast

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.This week’s episode is on Christmas decorations... do you have yours up yet? What are the expectations you have around your holiday decor? Do you want the perfect Instagram-worthy setup? Are you happy with what you have? We talk about all of these questions and more on week 2 of this series.Don't forget to follow us on social! @successfulmamapodcast