The Connected Mom Life

Making friends who are different than us can be some of the most rewarding and stretching relationships in our life. In today's episode, I'm joined by my good friend Maggie - one of my friends who initially felt wildly outside my own comfort zone. Having lived overseas for the last 8 years, she shares her wisdom on what it can look like to build friendships with those who share a different culture...

Coming off of the heels of Mother's Day, it seemed like the perfect time to have a conversation around what a "good" mother looks like. We all so desperately want to show up as the best mom for our kids, but what does that even look like these days? In this episode, parenting coach, Heather Chauvin joins me for a nuanced conversation about what motherhood could be like when you parent from a place...

Our kids thrive best when they feel safe and know what to expect. And that is exactly the environment routines can cultivate for our kids. In this episode, I'm joined by Ashley Brown of Routine and Things to discuss all-things kids and routines. From the important things to consider when creating routines for our kids to avoiding the biggest mistakes that lead to breakdowns in routines. SHOWNOTES:...

Kids and technology. If I'm being honest, this is an episode I didn't want to record.  And, it's the type of episode I never hit play on either! So, if you're like me and like to avoid the topic of kids and technology for fear of feeling more guilt about your current approach, then Dr. Kim Swales is the voice you've needed. She gives so much encouragement (and realistic strategies!) that I left th...

Anxiety is natural. But knowing how to manage it doesn't always come as naturally - especially when it comes to helping our kids through it. In this episode, Liza Blas, mom of two kids who have experienced depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and chronic Lyme disease, joins me to talk through her go-to strategies parents can use to help their kids best manage their anxious moments. SHOWNOTES: https://w...

As someone who has tried all the morning routines and reflections out there, I think I've finally found my magic question that has the power to impact my entire day (for the better!). And in this episode, I'm sharing this question and all the goodness that has happened as a result of answering it! It has truly been a game-changer for me and my family and maybe it could be for you too. SHOWNOTES: h...

Simplicity. Intentionality. These buzzwords get thrown around a lot, but what does it actually look like to practice these on a day-to-day basis in the midst of busy mom life? In this episode, I'm joined by Brittany Bergman to unpack exactly how moms can create their own framework and filter system to make daily living feel much lighter and less full of guilt with just a little bit of intentionali...

Do you feel like your outer appearance is truly a reflection of YOU!? Today, we're going to talk all about our clothes and how they make us feel. But really, this episode is about so much more than clothes. It's about finding your authentic style that helps you feel more connected to yourself, so you can ultimately better connect with others. We tackle the external messages we've been given about...

I've been in a bit of a funk recently. Everything is feeling a little heavier and harder than usual. So in this episode, I wanted to share the 5 practices that I've been leaning on to help me navigate this time gracefully-ish. SHOWNOTES: https://www.theconnectedmomlife.com/31   MENTIONS: Grab the Free Guide to Build Your Village Join the Connected Mom Life Facebook Community   LET'S CONNECT! Insta...

Did you know that more than 75% of us don't have cross-racial friendships? In this episode, I'm joined by Kaanji Irby and Tara Campbell to talk about why so many of us don't have a circle that looks different than us and what we're missing out on - and what our kids are missing out on because of it! Plus, what we can do about it so our circles look less like a mirror and more like a window to the...

While none of us ever wish to find ourselves in embarrassing situations, the stories that come from them may actually prove helpful to our friendships. No longer are embarrassing stories something to shy away from telling, but when brought out at just-the-right-time, they may actually help to fast-forward our friendships. In today's episode, Joanne Jarrett, host of the Fancy Free podcast shares ho...

We're diving into all things momsquads today! Specifically, do you really need one? Spoiler alert: Yes (and no)...it really depends! In this episode, we're breaking down the different definitions of momsquads, plus all the myths we often associate with them so we can get crystal clear on our true needs in friendship. SHOWNOTES: https://www.theconnectedmomlife.com/28   MENTIONS: Enroll in Fierce Fr...

We all have a friendship strategy. Some are just a little bit more deliberate than others! In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons of all of them, plus what it looks like to put together an actual strategic friendship plan. Spoiler alert: It actually takes less time and energy than the less strategic approaches - and typically gives you MUCH better results! SHOWNOTES: https://www.theconne...

We all have a friendship strategy. Some are just a little bit more deliberate than others! In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons of all of them, plus what it looks like to put together an actual strategic friendship plan. Spoiler alert: It actually takes less time and energy than the less strategic approaches - and typically gives you MUCH better results! SHOWNOTES: https://www.theconne...

This episode is a bit of a mixed bag! I'm sharing my first-ever word of the year and some vulnerable life-lessons that I'm in the messy middle of learning right now. Plus, an exciting announcement that came from my biggest aha moment while the podcast was on a break! SHOWNOTES: https://www.theconnectedmomlife.com/25   MENTIONS: Join the Connected Mom Life Facebook Community The Fierce Friends Prog...

Openness and vulnerability are the keys to creating the types of meaningful relationships we all crave. But being the one to share first can be a little intimidating. In this episode, Laura Tremaine offers a framework to make going first a little easier. Because the reality is someone has to...so, why not you!? SHOWNOTES:  https://www.theconnectedmomlife.com/24     EPISODE MENTIONS: BOOK: Share Yo...

It's that time of year! It's goal setting season. In this episode, I'm going to give you a peek behind the curtain at my process and share how I approach goal setting in all areas of my life - but especially in my relationships and connections. And be sure to listen until the end where I share a special update on the pod based on some of my goals for 2021! SHOWNOTES: https://www.theconnectedmomlif...

As adults, we often set goals for ourselves. But how often do we include our kids in the process? In this episode, Bethany Adkins shares how she and her husband include her kids in on their goal setting process, and the surprising benefits they've seen it bring to their family - all without it being a huge production! SHOWNOTES: https://www.theconnectedmomlife.com/22   CONNECT WITH BETHANY: The Ad...

Let's be real. It's a particularly divisive time. And it's really challenging to be in relationship with those who think differently than us. In this episode, Sarah and Beth, co-hosts of the Pantsuit Politics Show offer some guiding principles to help us navigate tricky conversations with our friends in a grace-filled way so we can create more connection, and have less division with those we love....

One of the scariest things about making friends is you put yourself out then not be accepted. Either the person you want to be friends with is too busy, or feels like she has too many friends already, or just isn't interested in a friendship with you. The fear of rejection is certainly real, but how common is it, really? In this episode I share my own story of being "rejected" and what helped me m...

There's no denying it. Nearly every step of the friend-making process has elements of awkwardness. It's awkward to talk to new people. It's awkward to walk into a room where you feel like everyone else knows someone but you. It's awkward to ask for contact info after just meeting someone. It's awkward to extend an invite to someone you hardly know to get together. But the truth is: If we value fri...

I heart all things planning. But as much as I love planning, I haven't yet found my perfect planner. Given this is usually the time of year I purchase one, I was excited to invite Sarah Hart Unger, host of the Best Laid Plans podcast to talk all-things planners. She shares the most important question to answer before you buy a planner, various planning techniques and rhythms, and she even walks me...

I am a HUGE fan of getting a peak behind the current into people's lives. So for this episode I wanted to pull back the curtain on mine and share some of my current daily and weekly rhythms that are working for me right now in hopes that they might serve as an encouragement or inspiration for yours. SHOWNOTES: https://www.theconnectedmomlife.com/17   MENTIONS: My Weekly Meal Planning Guide Allie C...

We hear it all the time. We need to be more PRESENT in our lives. But what does that actually mean? And what does that really even look like when juggling work, kids, friends, and managing a house!? In this episode, Jen Brazeal paints a picture of what it can look like to live with intention, while sharing practical and tangible strategies that you can implement TODAY to help you do less, so you c...

Description: Pumpkin patches, Friendsgiving, decorating gingerbread houses, shopping for Christmas presents - the holiday season is certainly not lacking in things to do! But sometimes... all of these fun things can lead to a stress-filled season! In this episode, I'm breaking down the 3 things I do each year to keep our holidays as joy-filled and as stress-free as possible. SHOWNOTES: https://www...