Rydel's Van Talk

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about something that can easily get pushed to the bottom of the list when you’re raising little kids: your marriage! 💛We share why prioritizing husband-and-wife time is so important, how being consistent with date nights makes such a difference, and why keeping that connection strong takes intentional effort. We’re also talking about getting your spark b...

IT’S OUR 50TH EPISODE OF VAN TALK!!! 🎉🚐💛We’re celebrating 50 episodes with a very special rapid-fire Q&A, and absolutely nothing is off limits! 😂Do we ever hide in the bathroom just to get five minutes of peace? Are we secretly snoops? Who has BO? Who’s better at keeping up with laundry? And would we ever work at Disney?!We’re answering all kinds of hilarious, random, and surprisingly reve...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about family traditions, motherhood, and some of the big decisions that come with raising kids! 🚐💛First up, we recently started having the kids ASK for what they want instead of constantly whining, “I want! I need!” and how those little everyday habits can make such a difference. We also talk about the importance of weekly family traditions and why we L...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re asking a big question: which generation has had it hardest when it comes to raising kids, especially now that technology, social media, and the internet are part of everyday life? We talk about why we want to be a “living room family,” spending time together in the same space instead of everyone disappearing into separate rooms and separate screens. That means ph...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about that feeling every mom knows: you clean one room, turn around, and somehow the rest of the house has exploded. 😂We share how we try to stay on top of the never-ending housework, why we teach kids to “pick up their trails” as they move through the house, and how little habits can keep the mess from becoming completely overwhelming. And we HAVE to ta...

This week on Van Talk, we’re going all the way back to the very beginning of R5. 🎸Before the tours, the albums, the screaming crowds, and the R5 Family, there were a bunch of kids learning instruments, practicing constantly, writing our first songs, and playing anywhere we could. We’re telling the story of our very first band, how each of us started playing our instruments, our earliest practices...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the never-ending to-do list that comes with motherhood… because somehow you can accomplish 15 things and still have 37 more waiting for you. 😂We share some of the little habits that help us actually get things DONE, including why you should NOT open your phone when you’re trying to be productive, the “touch it once” rule for keeping the house under...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re recapping Stormie’s 60th birthday in VEGAS! 🎰🥂 From celebrating a huge milestone to bringing the kids along for the adventure, we’re talking about what Vegas with kids actually looks like in our family. We also share some of our favorite hosting tips, plus two very special little guests make a surprise cameo in the van. 😂Then we get into the “terrible twos”… b...

In this episode of Van Talk we get into co-parenting, step-parents, and what it means to have a true village of families and neighbors you can actually trust. Stormie shares what it was like raising us with amazing next-door neighbors and the kind of community where everyone looked out for each other’s kids. Then things get a little wild… literally. 😂 We’re talking house pets, backyard “pets,” Ry...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re embracing the fact that what we said last week might be completely different from what we’re saying this week. 😂 Motherhood changes, seasons change, and sometimes you can go a month without caffeine… and sometimes you’re surviving on it. We talk about giving yourself grace, dressing for YOU, and why putting a little effort into feeling your best can change your...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re starting with some very important business: driving pet peeves, backseat drivers, and our attempts at simply living our best passenger-princess lives. 😂🚗Then we get into the mindset that helps us move through life without dwelling on everything that goes wrong. From starting the day with affirmations or a guided journal to asking yourself a surprisingly importa...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about something that matters at every age: trust. Kids remember EVERYTHING, which is why keeping your word matters so much. We talk about not making empty promises to kids, holding the people around them accountable too, and teaching kids to listen to their own bodies and recognize when something doesn’t make them feel good. We also get into homeschooling...

In this episode of Van Talk we share why preparing kids for transitions instead of surprising them can make everyday routines so much smoother, and reflect on the unforgettable moment a newborn is placed on your chest for the first time. The pain fades, the love takes over, and suddenly you understand why so many parents say it’s all worth it. We also open up about mom doubt, pushing through diffi...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about why every family deserves a little more grace. From kids who are taller than their peers and get mistaken for being older, to toddlers who still have a pacifier, we discuss how quickly people can judge without knowing the full story. We also have an honest conversation about postpartum bodies, shapewear, weight fluctuations, and navigating comments...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about building the kind of confidence that isn’t based on appearance, achievements, or other people’s opinions. It’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and staying grounded no matter what life throws your way. We share why bullies don’t disappear after childhood, how to stand strong on your own two feet, and why teaching our kids confidence st...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about navigating relationships when two people come from completely different backgrounds and learning how to build a life together with grace, patience, and understanding. We discuss what happens when one person tends to shut down or sulk, why staying positive through every season of life matters, and how to remain present even when life doesn’t look exa...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the traditions, routines, and relationships that help build a strong family for generations to come. We share why starting family traditions when kids are young creates memories they’ll carry into adulthood, and why making time for family meals and bedtime together has always been important to us. We also dive into some of parenting’s more emotional...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re catching up on everything from family life to exciting career updates. We talk about what it’s really like going from zero kids to one, then one to two, and beyond, and how each season of parenting brings its own challenges and joys. We also share updates on the R5 reunion tour, Van Talk meet-and-greets, and will Rydel have a country album? The conversation turns...

In this episode of Van Talk , we’re talking about finding your style after having kids and why taking just a few minutes to get ready each morning can completely change the way you feel about your day. We share our favorite everyday styles, why dressing for yourself matters, and how staying true to who you are doesn’t stop when you become a mom. The conversation also dives into the power of leadin...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re responding to some of the internet’s spicier comments and setting the record straight on a few topics just for funsies. We also talk about relationships, including one question we believe every couple should ask if the relationship feels like it’s standing still instead of moving forward. The conversation turns to family life, from bedtime routines and navigating...

In this special Father’s Day episode of Van Talk , we’re joined by my husband to talk about love, family, fatherhood, and some stories we’ve never shared before. We take it back to the beginning, from our first time meeting to the unforgettable experience of him meeting my brothers, cousins, and giant family. We also revisit our first date and some of the moments that made us realize this relation...

In this special Father’s Day episode of Van Talk , Dad joins us along with the brothers for a walk down memory lane. We share some of our favorite memories growing up, the funniest one-on-one trips we’ve taken with him, and the stories that have become family legends over the years. Including a couple of moments where things got a little too close for comfort and somehow became even funnier with t...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about flexibility in parenting and why it’s okay to change your mind as you learn and grow. We share why every child is different, how something that works beautifully for one kid might not work for another, and why being willing to try new things can make all the difference. We also talk potty training tips, including why a portable potty chair can be a...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about respect, boundaries, and raising kids who can confidently navigate the world around them. We share one of our favorite family tools, the interrupt rule in a car setting, and how it helps conversations flow while teaching kids patience and respect. We also talk about sharing, sibling dynamics, and making sure older kids have space to create, build, a...

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the difference between coasting through life and being proactive about it. From swim lessons with babies and toddlers to everyday parenting moments, we share why we believe in helping kids move through things that feel uncomfortable instead of immediately pulling them out. Not forcing, not pushing, but gently encouraging them forward until confidenc...