The Real Mother Effort Podcast

You know the rule. Your rule. The one you enforce like it's federal law—even if no one else around you seems to care. Maybe it's no shoes in the house. Maybe it's the exact way a towel should be folded (ahem, there's only one correct way). In this episode, we're talking about the parenting rules we cling to—and more importantly, why we cling to them. Is it because we're teaching values… or are we...

We all love a good comfort zone. Whether I figured out something that works that I set on auto-pilot long ago, or it's 'just the way I do things around here', these are a necessity for busy parents who don't have time to ask "Ok, What's Next" for every single thing in the day.   But we know that it's high time some of our comfort zones expand or that we need to figure out and set a new auto-pilot...

Lauren breaks down how applying strategic business principles to family life has been a total game-changer for reducing daily stress and living more intentionally as a working mom. She shares her journey from flying by the seat of her pants to creating a sustainable system that keeps her focused on what truly matters—without the overwhelming time blocks and complicated tracking systems you might e...

I'm diving into the 2.5 books that have seriously changed my life this year. If you're constantly overwhelmed trying to figure out how to do everything yourself, stressed about money during this crazy expensive phase of parenting, or tired of getting into the same arguments with your spouse, this episode is going to slap. I'm sharing the exact mindset shifts from each that have made the biggest im...

We're officially halfway through 2025, and you know what that means – it's time for a   mid-year planning session! In this episode, Lauren walks you through her simple but effective approach to planning the latter half of the year that'll help you tackle the next six months with way less stress and way more fun. Whether you're someone who loves a good planning session or you're more of a "set a ti...

Feeling completely wiped out by the end of every day? You're not alone, and it's probably not what you think. In this episode, Lauren dives deep into why so many of us moms are running on empty - and spoiler alert: it's not because we need better time management or another productivity hack. She breaks down the real culprit behind our exhaustion and shares a simple (but powerful) exercise that can...

We're diving into the meal planning struggle that every mom faces - because let's be honest, the meals just keep coming! If you've ever found yourself staring into the fridge at 5 PM wondering what's for dinner (again), or you've got a graveyard of good intentions rotting in your produce drawer, this episode is for you. I'm sharing the one simple question that completely changed how I approach mea...

Lauren dives into the fascinating research behind the world's longest-living communities—and why the findings are absolutely crucial for busy moms. Spoiler alert: it's not just about eating your vegetables. Learn why your social circle could literally add years to your life, plus get practical, low-pressure strategies for building community that actually fit into your chaotic schedule. Key Points...

Today, Lauren is sharing the 3 planned lists she's working from to have the best summer ever.   The summer break from school can go by in a blink.   All of the things you intended to do can be left undone – both fun things and responsibilities that need to get done.   Lauren shares the 3 categories of plans she's made so every week can be focused and intentional, to help you get what you want from...

We all have those things we constantly say we want more time for: working out, eating better, spending quality time with our kids, having date nights, taking time for ourselves. But somehow, we keep not making it happen. In this episode, we dive deep into the real reasons behind this frustrating cycle (spoiler: it's not about lacking willpower or discipline). You'll discover the three main sources...

In this episode, we tackle the all-too-familiar but rarely discussed phenomenon of parental sensory overload. While we're quick to recognize when our children are overwhelmed by sensory input, we often overlook the same signs in ourselves. Lauren explores why scientific studies are showing that 75% of parents experience sensory overload, what triggers these moments of overwhelm, and practical stra...

Ever wondered if there's a better way to juggle career and motherhood without constantly feeling torn in two? In this episode, Lauren breaks down exactly what it means to hire a personal consultant as a busy working mom. Learn how this unique form of support differs from other support solutions you've tried, and how it can help you transition from feeling overwhelmed to feeling poised and in contr...

Let's talk about that thing no one wants to say out loud - we all have favorite stages of raising our kids.   In this honest chat, Lauren opens up about watching a frazzled dad with a crying baby on an airplane and how it got her thinking about our different parenthood experiences. Maybe you didn't love the newborn phase but think toddlers are hilarious. Or maybe you're counting down to those teen...

Lauren tackles the universal challenge of getting the support busy moms need. Starting with a revealing exercise to identify your most dreaded tasks, she offers practical and creative solutions for delegating, outsourcing, or simplifying the things that drain your energy the most. Whether you're working with a limited budget or simply haven't considered all your options, this episode provides a fr...

A piggy back to last week's episode, we'll dive into the nitty gritty and give 3 specific ways to reduce your overwhelm.   We talked through a major mindset shift that helps us think about the overwhelm in our lives differently, but what does it look like in practice to manage the overwhelm of the daily grind?   Lauren shares her personal tried-and-true methods for getting your mental load out of...

We are so overwhelmed as moms, but is it all bad? Lauren dives into how she sees the overwhelm we deal with differently.   Rather than seeing overwhelm as entirely negative, she suggests reframing it: part of our overwhelm comes from caring deeply about many aspects of our lives (our "buckets"), while another part comes from the endless supporting tasks or "noise" that accompany those things we lo...

In this second part of our two-episode series on fun, we dive into how to genuinely enjoy spending time with your children. Let's face it—sitting on the floor playing dolls or trains isn't always thrilling for adults! This episode breaks down practical strategies for creating fun that works for both you and your kids, plus simple ways to fit play into your busy schedule without it feeling like jus...

This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part series on FUN.   We are in our busiest phase of life, and it feels like we have so much on our plate that we can't imagine adding anything else, even if it's things we really want to be doing.   We all want to have more fun in our lives, but we have a hard time finding time for it, and often don't have a clear idea of what we actually like to do for fun.   Let's...

Today, Lauren is walking us through the 3 busiest seasons we have as moms:  t he holidays, back to school time, and the upcoming school year to summer transition.   While most moms recognize back-to-school and holiday seasons as peak stress times, she shines a light on why April and May create a perfect storm of scheduling nightmares, financial strain, and mental overload as families transition fr...

Today's a spirited episode! Lauren dives into the world of the "experts" on social media who use shame tactics rather than empowerment. From unqualified weight loss coaches to Insta-famous parenting gurus, we examine why their advice often leaves us feeling worse about ourselves rather than better. Learn how to be selective about who you let into your mental space, trust your intuition, and rememb...

In this candid episode, we explore the "C-word" that impacts every parent's experience: Control. From managing the physical details of our homes to regulating our emotions, we explore the different facets of control that shape our parenting journey. Through personal stories and practical advice, discover how finding the right balance can transform your day-to-day life as a parent and help you recl...

In this episode, Lauren gives a simple yet powerful strategy for making sure the things that matter most don't get lost in the chaos of life. She reveals how a small tweak to your weekly planning can transform your weeks from constantly reactive to intentionally connected. Learn how separating "have to do" tasks from "want to do" activities creates space for meaningful moments even in the busiest...

In this debut episode, Lauren dives into the critical conversation about modern parenting stress, examining the groundbreaking 2024 Surgeon General's Advisory Report "Parents Under Pressure." As a consultant for working moms and a mother herself, Lauren breaks down why this report matters and what is needed to help make their improvement suggestions a reality.   Key Points Discussed: The significa...

In this kickoff episode, Lauren introduces The Real Mother Effort: the podcast for the mom who wants to excel in every area of her life without drowning in her to do list every day. Lauren is a mom to three young kids while running her own business.   Her 10+ years as a corporate sales executive taught her how to strategically and tactically accomplish huge goals – and she now applies this same ex...