The Modern Motherload

In today's episode, Maggie and Lili talk about what it's really like to change careers as a mom with little kids and busy schedules. We discuss the mental roadblocks that they had to overcome, the logistical details of having childcare coverage and support, and the reality of being back in school and dealing with lost income or societal expectations. This conversation will resonate with you if you...

In this episode, we’re talking about the chaos of trying to “settle in” and actually build a life at the same time. From ongoing house projects that are never quite finished, to the mental load of making a home feel functional (and not just lived-in), we’re deep in that stage of life where everything is a work in progress—especially us. We also get into what it really looks like to build community...

What started as a fun getaway to NurseCon at Sea 2026 turned into something neither of us expected: a decision to change a career path. But before we get into the life-changing part, we have to recap the absolute chaos that got us there including a terrifyingly turbulent landing, struggling to find food after arriving at our hotel exhausted, and Maggie’s suitcase literally breaking mid-trip becaus...

In this episode, we discuss what feels like one of the most  loaded holidays: Mother's Day. How do we set clear expectations so that we do not feel disappointed (we've been there!) and what do we do for our own mother's and MILs. We also share some fun facts about the origins of Mother's Day (they may surprise you!) and do a quick this or that quiz. Grab Lili's Google Doc for a wonderful Mother's...

Where is the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting...to Raise Kids in an A.I. Era?" I, for one, would like to opt out. But what do you do when you can't just bury your head in the sand and pretend that A.I. an tech will not substantially affect your kids and their childhoods? We dive into this conversation by starting off with a recap of other current events we are having a hard time wrapping...

Maggie's back for this episode where she and Lili talk about how they are handling life. Topics include vents about customer service (shoot-- are we Karens??), child hygiene, and home organization. Maggie also shares her experience with ancestry.com (with a warning about the evils of technology by Lili-- who would've expected any less?) and also cruise plans. Let us know on social if you've ever b...

In this first ever solo episode, Lili talks unloads about everything that's been floating around in her head lately (before she forgets it!). This means a reflection on friendships, her upcoming 20 year high school reunion, not feeling cemented in a career, 2000s music, changes in her work and upcoming summer camp schedules, thoughts on motherhood, how to decide the best choices including where to...

Welcome back to Season 2 of The Modern Motherload! It may be a new year and a new season of the podcast, but we are still the same moms dealing with busy schedules, figuring out our futures, and also what's for dinner tonight?! In this episode we talk about some of the things that have been keeping us busy besides our multiple jobs including house organization, pursuing living options outside of t...

In this very delayed release of the last episode of Season 1 of The Modern Motherload, we reflect on how Christmas traditions from our childhood play out in our family lives today and how we embody the spirit and magic of the season. Come along with us to reminisce and remember this special time of year. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-modern-motherload--67...

In this episode of The Modern Motherload, Lili and Maggie reveal just how successful they were with the $500 Grocery Budget Challenge for November. They share what they learned, how they plan to continue to implement it, and what areas are in desperate need of improvement. They also share some travel tips and one big thing Lili plans on NOT doing next Christmas! Become a supporter of this podcast:...

In this episode of  The Modern Motherload , Maggie and Lili dive into what they are actually buying their kids for Christmas, how they handle gift giving among friends, family, and all the other people in their lives they like to give to during this season, and how they handle some of the magic of Christmas.  Links for today's episode (note: these are affiliate links so we will receive some commis...

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-modern-motherload--6726776/support .

In this episode with Rachel Mateo of HealthMood , we talk about all of the ways we can care for ourselves as women and mothers not only when it comes to nutrition and fitness, but also soul care. Rachel shares her realistic and approachable tips and recommendations to help us feel healthier, have more energy, and do some mothering of ourselves during the busy season of having young children. Rache...

It's November and that means prepping for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Maggie and Lili share how they are trying to tighten their grocery budgets (and squirrel away some money for more holiday fun), what they do not agree with Merriam Webster about, what Lili thinks is the best $20 you can spend this week to make you feel more relaxed, and what is threatening all of Lili's Thanksgiving hosting p...

In this episode, Maggie and Lili have a catch up about October and Halloween, then they get into something that's been bouncing around in Lili's head lately-- how are we creating a slow childhood for our children and bringing back some of our 90s childhoods into today? Remember when summer meant riding bikes until dark, no cell phones or social media, and eating snacks filled with red dye 40?! We...

In this episode, we discuss chores, allowances, and how we keep on top of a system for our kids as they get older and need more responsibility. We also chat how Maggie's building community, Lili cannot seem to get kids out of her bed, and what Lili's husband did that made her win of the week.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-modern-motherload--6726776/suppo...

In this episode of  The Modern Motherload , we discuss our calendar woes. How do we stay on track with all the appointments and events? Paper or digital? How do we get our husbands to check the dang shared calendar?! What happens when something gets thrown into the schedule?  If you are managing the chaos of running your own household, we hope this episode will provide some simple solutions that y...

(00:00:00) The Great Pumpkin Spice Debate (00:00:22) The Vent (00:06:44) The Motherload: Coffee (00:23:48) The Motherload: Fall Decor (00:29:53) The Motherload: Calendar Craziness (00:44:53) Unhinged Moments of the Week In this episode we are talking how we transition  ourselves for the fall season. Join us if you need ideas for how you can get ready for autumn. This season conversation includes h...

In this episode of  The Modern Motherload , Back-to-school season is here, which means we are back to setting our alarm clocks, attempting yet another morning routine that will surely go perfectly, and hopefully avoiding the never-ending hunt for a missing shoe (it's not just you, we promise!) We are talking expectations/disappointments, the growing cost of the supply lists, how we are learning to...

In this episode of The Modern Motherload, Maggie and Lili reflect on some of the mishaps from their final summer family trips as well as mistakes that were made during recent weekends away. This episode unloads the guilt we feel as mothers if we don't pick up our kids from the bus stop and how we are trying to find ways to offer our kids more independence in a world where they are constantly being...

In this episode of The Modern Motherload, Lili and Maggie discuss the expectation versus reality of parenting and the evolution of the podcast. We share personal anecdotes about back-to-school shopping, managing family dynamics, and the everyday struggles of motherhood. Stick around for the end where we share some recipes that have been saving us as we try to use what we have and eat healthy. Conn...

In this episode of The Modern Motherload, we’re venting (with a side of deep breaths) about the changes hitting us all at once from navigating a health scare to sending our pandemic babies off to kindergarten, and weaning a toddler who is not ready to let go. Also, we ask what defines a 'milestone birthday'-- are we celebrating the 5s? Connect with us on social media! Instagram, Facebook, and TikT...

In this episode of Her Way Forward, Lili describes her vacation rental nightmare, how she turned it around to find the silver lining. Maggie shares her Fourth of July at the beach and we both share how parenting has changed since 2017. We also discuss changes for the show moving forward! And stick around for what hack Lili did not mention in the road trip episode that allowed the most peaceful car...

In this unfiltered episode, we’re letting go of the “podcast voice” and showing up as our full, messy, real selves. We talk about how we’ve slipped into sounding like experts (we’re not), why that’s been weighing on us, and how we want to reclaim the heart of this podcast. We also dig into the weird space of modern parenting—comparing how we were raised versus how we’re raising our kids—and ask th...

Planning a road trip with kids under 10? Buckle up—literally and figuratively. In this episode of Her Way Forward, we’re sharing the hacks that actually make family road trips doable (and even enjoyable). From packing tips and snack strategies to screen-time sanity savers and car games that don’t make you want to pull over and cry—we’ve got you. Whether you're gearing up for a long haul or just a...