Chasing Balance

Episode 23: Leave Well Enough Alone Sometimes our best intentions backfire. In this episode, we dive into the idea that not everything needs fixing—and often, growth comes when we step back and let things be. What We Cover in This Episode: 🌱 The Apple Tree Lesson – A story about care, worry, and the surprising wisdom of doing less. 👨‍👩‍👧 Parenting Parallels – From choosing friends to homework...

It’s been a minute since we’ve been behind the mic! Life got busy with summer activities, kids’ schedules, sports, and the never-ending list of home repairs. In this episode, we’re catching up, reflecting on the chaos, and sharing how we’ve been working (and sometimes failing) to keep balance along the way. What We Cover in This Episode: Life Lately: Parenting highs and lows, homeschooling moments...

Tough love and real-world conversations — why honesty matters, even when it hurts. As parents, we strive to protect our kids—but shielding them from the truth doesn’t prepare them for the real world. In this episode of Chasing Balance , we tackle the uncomfortable but essential role of honesty in raising strong, resilient children. We revisit our belief in treating kids like capable thinkers and a...

Summer break is a time for sunshine, relaxation, and—if we’re not careful—slipping behind academically. In this episode of Chasing Balance , we dive into the reality of the “summer slide,” a common but preventable loss of academic skills during the summer months. From eye-opening statistics to practical, real-life strategies, we’re sharing how parents can keep their kids mentally engaged all summe...

In this episode, we dive into the crucial but often difficult practice of setting boundaries within family dynamics. Whether it's emotional, physical, or time-related, boundaries are essential for maintaining your well-being while fostering healthy family relationships. We'll explore how setting clear boundaries can lead to stronger, more respectful connections and reduce stress, all without the g...

Adulthood hits different when you realize no one warned you about the weird, mundane, and downright hilarious stuff that becomes part of your daily life. In this episode of Chasing Balance , we’re diving into all the things we never thought would be part of our adult era — from being the household tech support and Tupperware manager to planning your weekend around kids’ birthday parties and secret...

Parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all—and this week, we’re diving headfirst into the messiest, most debated questions parents face. From screen time limits to whether we’d let our kids date or carry a phone, we’re unpacking the real conversations that happen behind closed doors. In this episode, we tackle the gray areas of raising kids today, sharing our unfiltered thoughts, what’s worked (and flopped...

In this heartfelt episode of Chasing Balance , we dive deep into the fascinating contrast between how we were raised and how we're raising our own children. Through personal stories, reflections, and a bit of humor, we explore how generational shifts, societal changes, and evolving parenting philosophies have shaped our approach to family life. From discipline and emotional support to the traditio...

What if the biggest source of your suffering isn’t the world around you, but the thoughts inside your own mind? In this episode of Chasing Balance , we dive into the powerful insights from Don't Believe Everything You Think and explore how overthinking keeps us stuck, anxious, and disconnected from our true selves. You'll learn: The difference between pain vs. suffering (and how to stop making lif...

In this episode of Chasing Balance , Matt and Deanna discuss how creating healthy routines can bring structure, reduce stress, and build stronger connections within family life. Whether you're navigating hectic mornings, winding down in the evening, or finding moments for self-care, routines can make a world of difference in creating balance for both parents and kids. They’ll explore why healthy r...

In this episode of Chasing Balance , we’re diving deep into time management hacks designed specifically for parents navigating the balancing act of family, work, and personal well-being. As parents, it often feels like we’re expected to “do it all,” but is it realistic, or even healthy, to try? We’ll explore practical strategies to help you reclaim your time and reduce stress by prioritizing what...

In this episode of Chasing Balance , we’re diving into a question we don’t ask ourselves often enough—are we celebrating enough in our daily lives? From big milestones to small victories, we explore what it really means to celebrate and why it sometimes feels harder as we get older. We break down the impact of social media, responsibilities, and even parenthood on our ability to recognize and embr...

In a world that constantly tells us we need more —more money, more success, more commitments—what if the real key to fulfillment is less ? In this episode of Chasing Balance , we dive deep into the pursuit of “more” and why it often leads to burnout rather than happiness. We explore: 🔹 The myth that more possessions, achievements, or status equal success 🔹 How simplifying your life creates space...

In this episode of Chasing Balance , we dive deep into the classic clash between the expectation and the reality of parenting. What we thought parenting would look like versus the messy, unpredictable, and often hilarious truth. Spoiler alert: it’s rarely as polished as the books make it seem! We’ll talk about the myth of being "fully prepared" and why flexibility is hands down the greatest parent...

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the real house rules — the unwritten ones our kids have created that seem to run the household. From disrupting dinner time with last-minute requests to turning our clean laundry system into a never-ending game of "find the hamper," we’re diving into the hilarious (and sometimes maddening) behaviors that we, as parents, never agreed to but are for...

In this episode, we dive deep into the reasons behind our decision to keep our kids off social media and the impact it has on their mental health, well-being, and development. From concerns about cyberbullying to the pressure of unrealistic beauty standards, we explore the risks and challenges that come with early social media exposure. We also discuss the benefits of delaying social media use, in...

We explore a parenting strategy that may seem unusual to some in this episode of Chasing Balance: No Baby Talk. We discuss the reasons behind our decision to speak to our children as equals from the beginning, eschewing the conventional baby talk and utilizing mature, real language. Join us as we discuss the advantages of this strategy, which include helping kids strengthen their bonds with friend...

Welcome to the podcast Chasing Balance, where we discuss the pleasures and difficulties of relationships, motherhood, and everything in between. We explore the often hectic, frequently humorous, and always genuine realm of establishing friendships and sustaining a social life as parents in this episode, The Social Life of Parents. Reentering the social scene can feel like a whole new experience af...

The Invisible Life of Parenting Parenting is more than just bedtime stories and family dinners—it’s a full-time job behind the scenes. In this episode, we dive into the invisible workload parents carry every day, from coordinating schedules and driving to school and practice, to managing doctor’s appointments and playdates. It’s the side of parenting that often goes unnoticed but keeps everything...

In this reflective episode, we take a step back to discuss the unexpected silver linings of the COVID-19 lockdown. While we certainly don’t miss the pandemic itself, there’s something to be said for the pause it created in our fast-paced lives. From rediscovering family time to finding new hobbies, we explore how the pandemic reshaped our approach to life’s priorities. We dive into the struggles w...

Big Shoes to Fill – Balancing Expectations for Your Kids How much should we push our kids, and when should we step back and let them find their own way? In this episode of Chasing Balance , Matt and Deanna dive into the challenges of balancing expectations for children—academics, extracurriculars, friendships, and even their own emotions. From structured discipline to self-discovery, we explore bo...

Chasing Balance is a real, relatable, and refreshingly honest podcast about the never-ending pursuit of balance—between work, family, relationships, and personal well-being. Hosted by Matt and Deanna, parents navigating the chaos of raising three kids (from toddler to teenager), this podcast is a candid look at the joys and struggles of everyday life. Through personal stories, lighthearted humor,...