Gotcha Mama

Big announcement in this episode! Transition happens all the time. Maybe you’re going through a transition right now too. I've talked to other moms who are feeling it. If you're wondering "What's the next thing?" for you, you aren't alone. After the interviews with Merritt and Mary Kathryn in episodes 85 and 86 about pursuing dreams as a mom (and lots of thought, prayer, and conversations with friends) I’ve felt a confirmation in my soul that it’s time for a new season. Not just personally, but also with Gotcha Mama and what I’m doing to support and encourage moms... Tune in to find out more!   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

No parent wants to see their child struggle. But there's a point when our help isn't actually helping them learn the skills they need to be responsible, resilient adults down the road. Coming to their rescue every time they forget something at home... Resolving arguments with friends for them... Once or twice is not an issue. But when it becomes an all-the-time thing, it can set them up to be the college kid whose mom calls their teacher because they didn't get the grade they wanted. Yikes! So how do we teach them to be resilient when all we want to do is protect them? That's what my guest Meredith Brough and I discuss in this episode. Meredith has a lot of experience raising children and working with children. She's been married for 24 years and has 5 children ranging from 12 to 21-years-old.  She also has over 30 years of experience caring for kids in various roles, as a nanny, preschool teacher, running a daycare from her home, and more. We talk about: Some of the challenges and obstacles that she experienced raising her five kids Some ways that moms sometimes try to make things “perfect and protect our children from reality” and How we can stop doing this so much  The importance of resilience and learning consequences for kids How to know the balance of teaching and protecting and how she’s tried to teach her children to “struggle well” Connect with Meredith: www.sweetslumbertime.com www.instagram.com/sweetslumbertime www.facebook.com/sweetslumbertime   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Maybe you realize that NOW IS the time to pursue what God has put on your heart. Right here in the middle of motherhood with little kids, you're going to pursue this dream. But you don't want to pursue it in a way that creates anxiety and overwhelm. Not in a way that's driven by comparison of what someone else is doing or guilt for "not being enough" for your children OR in your business. Good news. There's a better way. And my guest this week, Mary Kathryn Tiller, shares her heart for encouraging mom entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams in a way that "moves at the pace of Jesus". Mary Kathryn is a mom of two and a writer. Her passion is helping entrepreneurial mamas connect more deeply with Christ so they can find the strength they need to thrive in all He’s called them to do.  Mary Kathryn is full of wisdom and encouragement. We talk about: How we can embrace motherhood AND our calling without “hustling harder” WHY it's important for moms to pursue what's on their heart in the middle of motherhood  That if Jesus is the center of everything we do, we can move at His pace and trust that He'll unfold our dreams in a way that gives us life- not anxiety. THIS is SO good! And her free resource Five Pockets of Time and How to Make Them Work for You as an entrepreneur and mom with young kids You're going to walk away from this conversation feeling lighter and inspired. I know I did! Connect with Mary Kathryn: https://www.instagram.com/marykathryntiller https://www.facebook.com/marykathryntiller www.marykathryntiller.com www.newmerciesformoms.com   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

How do you know it's the right time to pursue your dream? You've got kids and all kinds of other things to worry about right now, right? Maybe you think to yourself "I'll start when the kids are back in school" or "next year when it's not as wild". Ha! Okay, hold on. Let's back up a minute. First, how do you even know what your dream IS? Did you know all along and are maybe just hesitant because it feels "selfish" or "irresponsible"? Did God drop it in your heart in a moment - BAM - and you knew!? Or do you still wonder and struggle to figure out what your dream is? By the way, you're not alone if this is you. No matter where you land on the "dreamer spectrum" (just made that up), you will find all kinds of value from this conversation with my guest Merritt Onsa. Merritt is the host of the Devoted Dreamers podcast. She's a trail guide for the passionate and creative Christian woman who wants to get over her fear of failure, comparison, and imposter syndrome so she can get moving on her God-shaped dream without wasting more time second-guessing herself, procrastinating, or trying to be perfect. Sound like you?! Merritt believes it would be a tragedy if your God-shaped dreams stayed hidden. She helps you to unpack and sift through what God has uniquely gifted you with. And speaks truth and love over you as you navigate the journey forward. We talk about: How what she learned through her motherhood journey also helped her to listen to her heart in pursuing her God-shaped dream as a mom What her God-shaped dream is How she gets past fears and insecurities to pursue her dream How we can live out what God has called us to do without putting too much value on what WE are doing Letting dreams percolate for the right timing   Connect with Merritt: Devoted Dreamers podcast www.merrittonsa.com https://www.facebook.com/groups/devoteddreamers https://www.instagram.com/merrittjo https://www.pinterest.com/merrittonsa/_created   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

If you’re feeling a lack of focus or direction. Or generally feel like you're spinning your wheels- this episode is for you. For the past several months I've had a lack of focus. I feel scattered and overwhelmed by pretty much everything. And I KNOW I’m not alone in this. When I feel like this, even when I’m doing my quiet time with the Lord and praying, I notice that I still search outside myself for direction and information. It’s like information quicksand. The more I sign up for courses, webinars, and freebies and read blogs, and books, the more I move and let information in, the more stuck I feel. So, I did what (I think) you’re supposed to do in quicksand: stop, relax and move slowly and intentionally. I am NOT going to tell you 15 ways to declutter your mind. We're trying to simplify and focus here not try to take in MORE information. I’m going to share with you ONE easy starting point to declutter your mind today. I talk about: The question to ask yourself to help you decide what you need to focus on. What I did that helped me to immediately feel more focused and lighter. One thing you can do after listening to this episode to help you clear out the mental clutter that’s keeping you feeling lost and distracted.   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Change and uncertainty are difficult for most everyone. And 2020 has been a roller coaster of emotions, loss, change, and uncertainty. Especially for kids. As a parent, you want to protect your kids. You want to help them grow into resilient and confident adults. Part of that is helping them process difficult discussions and situations. Sometimes it's hard to know how to talk about things like illness, loss, or big transitions and change. Things that can make adults anxious and feel overwhelmed. Changes and uncertainty are part of life though. So how do we help our children process and deal with change and uncertainty in a healthy way? My guest on this episode, Susie Harder, talks about a creative way to do that. Pulling from her background as a speech therapist and a mom, she created an innovative way to help parents guide their children through difficult discussions of change, loss, and uncertainty. Susie is the founder of the Junior Author’s Program, a community project that engages students around the world in collaboratively writing a children’s book. Not only does it help students participate in a meaningful project, but the storyline of the book itself is written to help the children who lost their home in the Central California Creek Fire. Proceeds from the sale of the book will be given to the families who lost their homes in the devastating fire. We talk about: What a speech pathologist does to help kids How being a mom has affected being a speech pathologist The unexpected moment with her son that sparked her idea to create the innovative Junior Author’s Program What the Junior Author's Program is all about and the bigger vision for it How she suggests navigating conversations with your kids around sensitive topics   Connect with Susie: https://www.juniorauthorsprogram.com https://www.facebook.com/juniorauthorsprogram   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to keep it all together as a mom of a newborn, you feel overwhelmed, anxious, and depressed. On top of the enormous hormonal shift that's happened after having a baby, there are outside factors that can cause additional stress on you as a new mom. Maybe your husband got a new job that requires him to travel more so he's not there to help as much. You're moving to a new city. You got laid off from your job. Your baby has colic. You don't have family near you. You're sleep-deprived... It all piles up. But you feel alone and like you don't know who to talk to. My guest this week, is Keisha Reaves. Keisha has been counseling and working with women in the mental health field for sixteen years. She's a mom herself and is certified in perinatal mental health. After witnessing the stigma of mental health, she’s made it her mission to normalize therapy.  Keisha candidly shares her own challenges with postpartum anxiety and the stressors that not only affected her but that she sees affect other moms who come to her also. Keisha shares so much wisdom around mental health for moms in this episode.   We talk about: What her personal postpartum experience was like with her two children The key things she did with her second pregnancy and postpartum that made a huge difference in her mental health Factors that may make mental health issues more likely for a mother   The differences women of color experience in pregnancy and postpartum health and why she’s so passionate about providing access to resources and mental health services to women of color Connect with Keisha: www.pushthrumom.com https://www.instagram.com/pushthrumom https://www.instagram.com/keisha_reaves   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

"Is he sleeping through the night yet?" How many times have you heard that question as a parent to a new baby? You might be surprised to hear what a Certified Sleep Expert has to say about what "sleeping through the night" really means... "Sleep when the baby sleeps" is another common piece of advice for moms of newborns. So what happens when the baby DOESN'T sleep?! Dare I mention sleep training? I know it can be a controversial topic (like so many decisions in motherhood, unfortunately). So I wanted to get some answers from Certified Sleep Expert and Founder of Good Night Sleep Site Alanna McGinn in this episode. Alanna sets the record straight on what sleep training is, what it isn't, and some reasons you might decide to do it.   Alanna has established the world-wide brand of Good Night Sleep Site as being a #1 sleep resource for families. She and her team of sleep consultants help families (baby to adults) and corporations overcome their sleep challenges to have well-rested smiles in the morning. We talk about: Why she started sleep coaching How to know the right method of helping your child to get sleep The 4 key tools involved in her sleep training method What “sleeping through the night” really means  The piece of advice about newborn sleep she gives that I wish I would’ve known with my first child Connect with Alanna: www.goodnightsleepsite.com https://www.facebook.com/GoodNightSleepSite https://www.instagram.com/gnsleepsite This Girl Loves Sleep podcast   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

When Ellie and her husband received unexpected prenatal test results, it changed everything for their family. Doctors told the Sanazaros that their baby girl would be born with a genetic condition - the test detected an extra chromosome. With no history of genetic conditions, Ellie and her husband were shocked. But prayerfully went through the whole pregnancy preparing their hearts and home to receive a child with special needs. When Rosalie was born, follow-up testing revealed that there was nothing atypical. The test that claimed to be 99% accurate had been WRONG. But that happy birth was just the beginning of Ellie's story. She and her husband continued to feel like God had been preparing them to be parents to a child with special needs. And that's the path that led Ellie and her husband Scott to Down Syndrome adoption. A little over one year ago, Finn joined her family with the help of the National Down Syndrome Adoption Network.  Ellie shares her amazing journey to adopt Finn and all about her passion for raising inclusive children that led to writing the Image Bearer children's book. We talk about: Her pregnancy story with her first child where she received incorrect and shocking prenatal test results and what that was like for her and her husband Why she and her husband decided to adopt a baby with Down Syndrome and the process they went through How she, her husband, and their two girls prepared to welcome a child with disabilities into their family Why she felt called to write Image Bearer children’s book How parents can help their children celebrate other children who are made “wonderfully different” and be more inclusive   Connect with Ellie: Imagebearerbook.com https://www.instagram.com/imagebearerbook https://www.instagram.com/mr.finncredible   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/  

Postpartum can bring hair loss, low energy, crazy skin and digestion issues, anxiety, or poor sleep. You may have experienced one or all of these after you had a baby. [Raising my hand] They're definitely common issues. But are they symptoms of something that we should be paying attention to? Something that we don't have to just live with. After talking to my guest this week, Maranda Bower, I started to question everything I knew about how to take care of my body postpartum. She brings up some fascinating perspectives and compelling information about how nutrition plays a part in our healing not just in the months postpartum, but YEARS postpartum.  Yes, years. Did your ears just perk up?  Maranda is a Postpartum Bliss Coach and Womb Whisperer® who's supporting women in experiencing deep authentic healing, while eliminating postpartum depression and anxiety.  If you are experiencing any of the "common" postpartum challenges around mental or physical health, I highly recommend taking a listen to this episode! We talk about: Her own postpartum journey that led her to want to be a postpartum coach How the work to heal your mind and body in the few years (not months or weeks) after you have a baby will impact your life FOREVER How the “common sense” approach to eating and recovery after having a baby is actually ruining your body and hormones Some signs and symptoms that you may have hormonal imbalances postpartum. Don't miss this!! What types of foods will help and hinder your recovery postpartum Connect with Maranda: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/PostpartumMaranda/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/postpartummaranda/ Website: https://www.marandabower.com Free download: Transformative Healing in the Years Postpartum   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Connecting with moms in your own community and neighborhood has been hard this past year. But the rewards of investing in the moms right in your own backyard can be huge. Reaching out to connect with moms in your neighborhood or community can be exactly what you need when you feel lonely or exhausted. You can find deep friendship and tangible physical support. But you can also find a sense of purpose through giving back to the community where you live, work, and raise your family. My guest this week talks about exactly how to do that. For as long as she can remember, Hannah Stephenson has always had a heart for investing in her community, serving others, and joining like-minded people together to do good. Between the challenges of mothering, working, and longing for a stronger sense of community, specifically in her Nashville neighborhood, Hannah saw a need for a group where women could come together to deepen relationships with each other and give back to the community. So three years ago, she co-founded the Crieve Hall Women's League, a community-centered nonprofit membership group that serves the Crieve Hall area of Nashville, TN.  The Crieve Hall Women's League has brought women together in this unprecedented time to provide tangible and emotional support for people living in the Crieve Hall neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee. If you're craving to connect with moms in your own backyard to make and nurture friendships, this is a conversation for you! Connect with Hannah: https://www.instagram.com/stephensonhomeco https://www.facebook.com/stephensonhomeco   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Reading a great book can be a simple and affordable way to practice self-care. It's even better when you can connect with someone else to talk about what you thought about the book. One of the healthiest things we can do for ourselves as moms is to connect with other moms and women.  But, let's be honest, connecting with other moms is harder than it should be sometimes. Coordinating schedules, our own fears, and beliefs around friendship, make it difficult for the connecting to actually happen. And with Covid coming into our lives last year, it introduced an added layer of challenge to make meaningful connections with other moms. My guests this week, Aleah Dechant and Maija Walters Stutsman, saw this challenge and also saw an incredible opportunity. They believed that when women are not able to connect with other women, to share their lives, it has a profound effect on their mental health. And I totally agree! So with their love of fiction books and desire to connect women in meaningful conversations, they set out to create a subscription book box - in the middle of the pandemic. They took a difficult situation and used their creativity to make a fun and meaningful experience for women. If you love reading fiction books and you care about supporting other women, you’re going to LOVE this conversation with Aleah and Maija… We talk about: Why they decided to start a business in the middle of a pandemic What’s inside the innovative subscription boxes and how the unique products are selected How the subscription box creates meaningful and needed connections for moms A few of their favorite fiction books that they recommend   Connect with Aleah & Maija and sign up for your own Shelfrighteous Box: Shelfrighteous.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelfrighteous.box Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelfrighteousbookbox   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

SO much changes when you become a mom. Your body. Your priorities. Your sleep - or lack of - hello! And your relationship with yourself and your spouse. But of all those changes, navigating the changes in how you view both yourself and the dynamics of your relationship with your spouse isn't something most birthing classes will cover. That's where my guest this week wants to fill in the gaps. Through her own challenging postpartum journey, Laura Spencer became passionate about supporting and nurturing moms as they learn their new role. She’s now dedicated to guiding new moms in restoring their relationship with themselves and their partners by learning to redefine expectations, embrace the new, and cultivate hope. In this very candid conversation with my friend Laura, she shares how she's transitioned from full-time teacher to postpartum coach. And the challenging personal journey of discovery and growth both with herself and with her husband that she's been on in the past year. We talk about: Her challenges early in her motherhood journey with her first child Her journey from full-time teacher to postpartum coach What she's learned about herself since becoming a mom How she navigated challenges in her identity and relationship with her spouse after having a child What lessons from the past year that she's applying to her relationship with herself and her husband, with baby number two on the way   Connect with Laura: https://www.instagram.com/motherhoodmentoring Motherhood Mentoring Facebook Page Motherhood Mentoring Facebook Group   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Remember getting your first "period"? Yep. I just went there. Chances are that you were a little excited (and maybe also embarrassed or ashamed) by this milestone and rite of passage into womanhood. But you probably didn't really understand what was happening inside your body. Sure you knew the biology involved, but not about how it was connected to the way you felt or the other functions in your body. And I can almost guarantee that you didn't know that getting more familiar and in tune with your cycle could actually help you reach your goals and not work so hard. Say what?! My guest this week shares her amazing knowledge and personal experience with cycle alignment and using the power of her menstrual cycle in her daily life. Ali B. Cranmer is a Body and Business Integrator. She helps menstruating entrepreneurs break free from burnout and reclaim their power by aligning with the rhythm of their menstrual cycle. Side note: If you're postpartum or are an otherwise non- menstruating female, we get into that in the conversation too! So there's something for everyone. Ali believes women feel undeniable pressure from society to be able to do it all. And we’ve been doing our businesses and our bodies a disservice by glorifying the hustle. She's built her business and membership coaching program on the belief that if we awaken our intuitive powers to listen to our rhythm, we’ll be able to align our businesses with our bodies and experience a deep sense of peace, freedom and self-trust. If you're thinking this all sounds a little too "woo woo" for you. And you're not sure about being so in tune with your body or how that's going to practically help you in your mom life, I'm going to ask you to give it a chance. I think you'll find it to be enlightening, refreshing, and motivating in the best possible way. We talk about: What a Body and Business Integrator does and how she came to be one How we can use the knowledge of our menstrual cycle to benefit us in our daily lives - even if we don't currently menstruate like newly postpartum mamas! The four phases of our menstrual cycle and how we can align certain tasks to our cycle phase - it is amazing! How she teaches her daughter about loving and understanding her body And more!      Connect with Ali: https://www.instagram.com/alibcranmer https://www.facebook.com/alibcranmer http://alibcranmer.com   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Recently, I was listening to an episode of Amy Porterfield's podcast Online Marketing Made Easy where she had several of her successful entrepreneur friends share their morning routines. And I found it fascinating. I listen to her podcast a lot, and I thought that one, in particular, sounded intriguing. I was curious to see "behind the curtain" of these successful entrepreneurs' lives. I thought I could learn some new tricks or inspiration to start to get my act together in the mornings. But what I heard in that episode was SO much better than that. And it inspired me to give in to several listeners' requests to share my daily morning and nightly routines with two young kids. My hope is that when you hear my routines, it encourages you. So you don't feel like you're behind. Or like you have to do what other people do. Maybe it'll spark some ideas for you or just make you feel like you're doing great with the routines you've already got in place. In this episode, I share: MY morning and nightly routines with a 9-month-old and an almost 5-year-old When I find time to work on the podcast and projects My tips for creating your own routines and rhythms   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

The fourth way to have a stress-free and more peaceful holiday season is to move your body and take care of your physical body. In addition to creating healthy eating habits, it’s going to help you with your stress and anxiety if you just move your body every day. Now, I’m not saying you have to buy a Peloton and sweat your life away every morning (but you totally do that if that's your thing). Moving your body can be the first area that gets put on the back burner when things get busy or stressful, especially for moms, right? I know it is for me. There's absolutely no denying all the volumes and volumes of research that show how exercise helps relieve stress. But how do we make that happen when things are so busy in an already chaotic year? I've got a few tips to help you... In this episode I talk about: Some simple ideas to get your body moving A few tricks to help you make it a priority when you're busy And why you shouldn't beat yourself up when things don't go the way you wanted them to This was only one of the 5 Simple Ways to Beat Holiday Stress. YOu can get your free download of the guide to read ALL the ways to help you have a stress free and more peaceful Holiday Season.  Go to gotchamama.com/holidaystress to get your copy right now! For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

This episode is all about the third way to have a stress free and more peaceful holiday season.  And that is by Saying No. Setting boundaries! More specifically, HOW to say no as someone who tends to be a helper and occasionally, a people-pleaser. Honestly, saying no is still really hard for me sometimes The holiday season presents lots of opportunities to do things and be involved in things. And saying no isn’t something that comes naturally for the majority of people. It can be really hard. But with practice, like anything, it can get easier. And I'll give you four easy tips that have helped me in the past, and I hope will help you too. I talk about: Four easy tips you can start using right now to help you say 'no' Why you should say 'no' What you're really doing when you say 'yes' to something This was only one of the 5 Simple Ways to Beat Holiday Stress. You can get your free download of the guide to read ALL the ways to help you have a stress free and more peaceful Holiday Season.  Go to gotchamama.com/holidaystress to get your copy right now. For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Let's be honest, holidays and weight loss go together like peanut butter and mustard. Sorry if peanut butter and mustard sandwiches are your "thing". The special memories and moments that happen during the holiday season are often associated with and happening in conjunction with food. Delicious, rich, buttery, sweet, juicy food. And I realize that if you're already struggling with creating healthy habits, wanting to lose weight, or change how you eat and view food, this time of the year may be especially difficult. So I want to bring you this story of my guest Martha VanCamp. Martha began dieting when she was nine years old. NINE! And at forty years old, Martha turned her life completely around. She lost over 100 pounds, transformed her lifestyle, and is now on a passionate mission to help other people get their relationship with food right to change their lives too. She's a mom of seven and the Founder and Head Coach for #beMarthaFit, a nationally-recognized online wellness, and weight loss coaching program. We talk about: Why she started dieting at 9 years old Her journey from overweight and unhappy to healthy and confident How her health affected her as a mom to seven kids What it means to "Be Martha Fit" Why slow is better than quick when it comes to being fit Connect with Martha: https://bemarthafit.com https://www.facebook.com/marthakerrvancamp/ https://www.instagram.com/bemarthafit/ https://www.pinterest.com/bemarthafit   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

This is the second Bonus episode this holiday season. The second way to have a stress-free and more peaceful holiday season is by connecting. Mental Health America found that 71 percent of people surveyed turned to friends or family in times of stress. You can reach out to talk to a friend. Call them on the phone or meet up for coffee (with your holiday mask on of course). This year has been a HARD year for connection. Both making new connections and nurturing current ones. Social distancing and quarantine have made it extra challenging.  But I would argue that it’s almost MORE important this year to be intentional about connecting with friends and family this holiday season. Connecting may look different this holiday season. But connection can actually happen a lot of ways, it’s not always a super deep heart to heart in-person conversation. I talk about: Why connection is so important to combating stress 5 ways to create connection How you can dig in and go a step further learning how to connect with friends This was only one of the 5 Simple Ways to Bust Holiday Stress. To get your free download and read ALL the ways to help you have a stress free and more peaceful Holiday Season, go to gotchamama.com/holidaystress ! For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

"I literally think I feel better at 43 than I did at 23 or even 33." - Hollan If you've ever doubted the power of food on your health, listen to my guest Hollan's story of health transformation. My guest on this episode is a mom and a cordon bleau trained chef who’s been eating and cooking vegan food for 13 years. After suffering through endometriosis, kidney stones, gestational diabetes, and battles with weight loss, she finally decided to try a vegetarian, then a vegan diet. She knew something needed to change or her health would continue to suffer. So once she made the decision to eat vegan, she never looked back. Her view of food changed, and as a result, her health dramatically changed too. We talk about: Why she decided to go vegan 13 years ago and how her life and health is different now versus when she first started The most challenging thing about eating vegan has been for her and how she's made it work in her life Tips and super quick recipes for healthier alternatives to those sweet treats that you crave (get a pen ready!!) How you can simplify and streamline cooking quick healthy meals with kids And so much more that I can’t wait to share with you Connect with Hollan: https://www.hollanhawaii.com https://www.facebook.com/hollanhawaii https://www.instagram.com/hollanhawaii Her Good Food Gratitude Cookbook   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

I LOVE the hoilidays. Nostalgia, traditions, cozy sweaters and hot drinks. All the delicious food, the friends & family, and celebrating Jesus just warms my heart.  But, like anything in life, there are ways that stress, anxiety, comparison, and overwhelm can creep into this busy season if you let them. Especially after the year we’ve had, right?! You may already be starting to feel the holiday stress creeping up. You might be in the middle of the holiday “to-dos” “shoulds” and “have-tos”. You know what I’m talking about. Those things that you put pressure on yourself to do because you think you should or because you've always done it that way.  Or maybe because you don’t want to disappoint someone...mmm hmmm. This is the FIRST of FOUR bonus episodes around the “5 Simple Ways to Beat Holiday Stress" and have a peaceful holiday season. Yes, I’m only doing 4 of the 5 so if you want to know ALL 5, you’ll need to download the free guide at gotchamama.com/holidaystress . The first thing you really need to do before you do any of the other Four things to beat your holiday stress is to schedule peace. In this episode, I'll give you five easy tips so that you can schedule your peace this holiday season. Yes, you CAN do it! Take a listen and let me know what you think. Download your FREE guide "5 Simple Ways to Beat Holiday Stress" to read ALL the ways to help you have a stress free and more peaceful Holiday Season. For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

2020 has allowed me to be more open to the possibility of new things and not trying to fit things in a neat box. In fact, I’m going to expect things to be different and look different than what I thought they might be, from here on out. And I’m going to acknowledge what this year has taught me. There are LOTS of lessons in challenges and in hardships. Some people choose to see the lessons. Some people choose to see only what’s been hard or unfair or how they didn’t get what they want. I’ve talked to SO many moms on the podcast who’ve overcome incredible challenges, even before Covid came along. Go back and take a listen to any of the episodes listed below and you’ll be inspired to pick up, regroup, and push forward with hope and resilience into 2021, no matter what it brings. Ashley Bugge in episode 68 Larken Lech in episode 26 Kristina Dulaney in episode 45 Kristin Dillensnyder in episode 44 I know it’s hard and things probably aren’t looking the way you thought they would when you envisioned December 2020 at the beginning of the year. I want to share with you 7 lessons I took from 2020. And I'd love to hear your perspective and what you learned from this year too! Please Email or DM me. For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Yes, this episode is about divorce. BUT, it's about SO much more! No matter if you're married or divorced, my guest Stephanie offers great advice on how to gain control in your life and let go of "old" beliefs that aren't serving you. She helps show you how to stop feeling out of control and create the life you desire. When you go through challenges and difficult transitions in life, like divorce, it gives you an opportunity to discover more about yourself and what you value. What you really want your life to look like. Stephanie Nichols is a divorced mom of two young boys, author of the book “Create Your Calm: A Guilt-Free Journey to Peaceful Motherhood”, and Certified Life Coach for Divorced Moms. We talk about: What it was like going through divorce with young kids One thing that she’d like moms who have a friend going through divorce to know Her definition of flourishing after divorce and how she helps other moms do it One simple way to feel in control without trying to control the world around you Steps to combat negative thinking and negative beliefs about yourself Connect with Stephanie: https://www.facebook.com/stephanienicholscoaching https://www.facebook.com/groups/FlourishAfterDivorce www.stephanie-nichols.com   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/    

Ah "self-care." It's become such a buzzword around mom communities. My guest, CC Sutton, and I get to the heart of what real self-care is, what it's meant to do, and practical ways to do it as a busy mom. Things like saying no and setting boundaries are important to EVERYONE’s mental health. And since this month is NO THAnks November, this conversation with CC was perfect! CC is has been a professional speaker for 13 years and is a certified John C. Maxwell Speaker, Coach & Trainer, and a certified Life & Relationship Coach.  At just 24 years old, CC had a health scare that caused her to totally change her life. And since then, she's had a passion for helping other women to get out of the place of feeling guilty and unworthy of taking care of themselves. We talk about: Her personal story of how she took control of her work-life balance for her health What self-care means to her Her answer to the Work-life "balance" debate Her formula for taking action and control of your self-care The number one reason women don't practice self-care Three simple tips for making it easy to say ‘no’ and setting boundaries for self-care   Connect with CC: https://www.instagram.com/ccsutton_ https://www.facebook.com/ccsuttonspeaks https://www.twitter.com/ccsutton_ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccsutton www.ccsutton.com Now Back to You! Self-Care planner: bit.ly/ccselfcareplanner Now Back to You! Self-Care Masterclass: nowbacktoyou.teachable.com   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/    

At six months pregnant with her third child, Ashley Bugge received a phone call that would forever change the path of her life and the lives of her children. Her husband, a Naval officer, died in a tragic scuba diving accident. Heartbroken, pregnant, and alone with their kids on the Island of Hawaii, she summoned every ounce of grit and sheer determination to figured out how to move forward. Not only did she move through the greatest adversity she's been through, but she also grew from it. And turned this tragedy into triumph. I could not think of a better person than my guest, Ashley Bugge, to interview to kick off this month of 'No Thanks' November.  We talk about: The epic romance story that finally joined her and her husband together The day that everything changed for her when she got the call that her husband had passed away What she did to move forward with her kids What it really means to live a life with no bucket list How she's honoring his memory in living a life with no bucket list Connect with Ashley and get her book 'Always Coming Back Home': https://www.ashleybugge.com https://www.instagram.com/ashley.bugge https://www.facebook.com/ashleybuggexo   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/    

ALL month long is 'NO THANKS' November! Ok, you may be wondering what in the world is 'No Thanks November'? Is that like no shave November?! Not exactly. And you’re probably also thinking, "Isn’t it supposed to be the month we focus on how THANKFUL we are?" It certainly IS. Sometimes you say 'no thanks' to things BECAUSE of the things you’re grateful for. Follow me on this. I know it seems strange. This is about saying NO to some things in order to say YES to better things. To those things that bring you more peace, joy, and contentment. You can absolutely be grateful for what you have and at the same time say 'no thanks' to things. For example, 'no thanks' to negative self talk because you are grateful for the dreams and skills you have. And after this crazy year of 2020, I feel like it could be really cathartic to just say you know what this month I’m saying 'NO Thanks' to those things that aren’t serving me in my life right now. My guests this month will talk about topics that fall into the 'No Thanks' category. Things like... Living a life with no bucket list- just living life in the present moment Saying no to excuses for not taking care of yourself and negative self-talk Literally saying NO to set healthy boundaries. (All the praise hands!!) Not letting circumstances in your life control you. And saying no thanks to toxic relationships in your life Stay tuned and absolutely be grateful for all the things you have, and also allow yourself to say 'NO THANKS' to those things that aren’t serving you and the life you want to lead.   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/  

Unfortunately, there's no official manual for parenting. All of us are just trying to do our best. Wondering if we're even close to "doing it right" most of the time. No matter how many kids you have, you're always learning. And always learning about yourself. My guest on this episode was not a new parent when she learned she was having twins. But she definitely learned a lot of new things about parenting and about herself in the early days and years with twins. I'm talking to Nina Garcia, the mom and blogger, behind Sleeping Should Be Easy. The goal of the blog is to provide overwhelmed moms with helpful and encouraging tips and advice to actually enjoy parenthood. She shares resources to answer parenting questions and to encourage parents. There can never be too much of that! We talk about: The evolution of her blog and her motherhood journey The physical and emotional differences between her pregnancies and postpartum periods with twins and with a single baby Tips for how to survive the early days with newborn twins and a young child A different and very practical approach to managing mom anger Connect with Nina: Sleeping Should Be Easy Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sleepingshouldbeeasy Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/ssbeblog Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/sleepingshouldbeeasy   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/  

Do you wonder, like me, how to instill healthy self-confidence and resilience in your kids? This conversation with my guest Tanya Meessmann made me think a lot about my responsibility to model confidence and resilience as a mom to my son and daughter. But especially for my daughter. I remember the challenges of growing up and trying to learn and love myself as a teenager in the 1990s. (Raise your hand if you were passing those notes in class and rockin those Steve Maddens too!) With even more amplified challenges - terrorism, financial crisis, 24/7 connection to technology, oh, and a worldwide pandemic! - how do we as parents give our kids a sense of stability, safety, and confidence in themselves? Especially when we can struggle with anxiety, insecurity, and overwhelm ourselves. (Raising my hand) Tanya and I talk all about these issues and much more in this episode. Tanya is a mom and the founder of Girl Shaped Flames, a social enterprise dedicated to developing competence, courage and entrepreneurship awareness in teenage girls by connecting them with female role models. The goal of Girl Shaped Flames is to raise the strongest, most confident, skilled and determined generation of teenage girls this world has ever seen. We talk about: How she became the confident mother and businesswoman that she is Her ironic imposter syndrome moment, which I know you will appreciate Why she started Girl Shaped Flames and the bigger vision for it The challenges that she sees that teen and tween girls experience today that erode their confidence And most importantly, what we as parents can do even as early as preschool to help our daughters to develop healthy self-confidence throughout their life Connect with Tanya: https://www.girlshapedflames.com https://www.instagram.com/girlshapedflames https://www.facebook.com/girlshapedflames   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

If you've ever doubted that you're a leader as a mom, you need to listen to this episode! If a potential employer or organization you wanted to volunteer with has ever told you that you don't have any applicable skills because you're a stay at home mom, you NEED to listen to this episode! And if you believe that mothers are incredible leaders (which I think we are!) then this conversation with Carmen Westbrook will get you FIRED UP and motivated to go make more impact. After very personal heartache and the outpouring of support from her friends and community, Carmen created Aina Giving. Aina Giving is a unique leadership community, built on the principles of servant leadership, empowerment, and equality. We talk about: All the specific ways you ARE a leader as a mom and the VERY applicable skills you already have to be a great leader Her very personal story of how Aina Giving came to be The philosophy of conscious leadership, system leadership, and servant leadership as it applies to motherhood. The Becoming Superwoman Club, its community purpose, and its benefits to moms. Connect with Carmen: https://www.ainagiving.com https://www.facebook.com/ainagiving https://www.instagram.com/ainagiving https://www.twitter.com/ainagiving   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

In August I introduced the idea of focusing on three main areas to discover and connect with your identity as a mom. After having kids, a LOT changes. And it's common to have some struggles trying to understand who you are as a mother and not get lost in the role of "mom". From my experience, I know there's a way to navigate those challenges and that friction to get to a place where you're discovering your ever-evolving identity as a mom. That's what I've been talking about over the last several solo episodes.  1. Giving yourself permission to be a new version of yourself 2. Finding or creating a system of support around you 3. AND in this episode, I'm talking about the BIGGIE... The third area to focus on to connect with and discover your identity as a mom is by... taking action. Well, let me clarify for all of us perfectionists out there - taking imperfect action. I talk about: Why taking action is the most important step in discovering your identity as a mom How to combat perfectionism  3 ways that you can take action and get to know yourself better this week And a story about why you will never see me in the Cirque de Soliel For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Who do you talk to when you're having an issue with a friend or feeling really isolated and in need of a shoulder to lean on? What if there was someone who was a supportive, knowledgeable, and an unbiased party who was there just to help you get through whatever that issue was? Enter the Friendship Coach. Yes, really. I didn't know there was such a thing until very recently so don't feel out of the loop if you have no idea what that is either. My guest on this episode is Danielle Bayard Jackson. Danielle is a wife, mom of a two-year-old, PR strategist, author, podcaster, and Friendship Coach for women. We've talked before on the podcast about how there's no shame at all in asking for help as a mom. This concept applies to asking for help with your friendships too! Friendships can be complicated as an adult.  On top of that, there are lots of myths and stereotypes about female friendships. Certain seasons of mom life can feel very lonely. Feeling surrounded by people in your home every moment, but at the same time feeling isolated and disconnected. Like when you move to a new city. Or when you have a new baby. It can be hard to make that first step and put yourself out there. Danielle knows all about it, both first-hand as a mom, and as a Friendship Coach who's helped many women navigate their friendship journeys.  We talk about: How she went from teaching to starting her PR business and becoming a friendship coach. What exactly in the world a friendship coach is and why it's so important for moms Some common friendship challenges that moms come to her with What she has to say about that excuse that we are all guilty of, "I'm too busy for female friendships" Her incredible tips on how to make friends in 90 seconds or less! Yes, she fully delivers on that!! And so much more, including the fascinating science of friendship and how it plays out in our lives. Connect with Danielle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giveitarestmovement Website: https://www.giveitarestmovement.com Podcast: https://www.giveitarestmovement.com/podcast   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/  

Do you ever look around as a mom and think "gosh, everyone else has so many friends and I don't? I'm definitely the odd mom out." Well, guess what? You aren't alone if you said 'yes'. It's actually more common than you may think. So what do we do about it? Why does it seem so hard to make friends as an adult? Well, that's exactly what I talk about with my guest on this episode, Emily Siegel. Emily is a corporate mom and fierce friend. Host of The Connected Mom Life Podcast (formerly The Corporate Mom Life Podcast), she believes that authentic connections are not a nice-to-have, they’re a must-have! And she is on a mission to help moms create more of them. Because she knows we weren’t made to mom alone, and it’s time to stop trying.    We talk about: Why she pivoted in her podcast Her perspective on how your support system affects your personal identity as a mom What she did to build consistency into her friendships with no pressure and low stress. You're going to love what she talks about here. So don't miss it! She gives us some easy and practical first steps to take for finding and building your village, yes even if you're an introvert:).   Connect with Emily: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theconnectedmomlife Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theconnectedmomlife Website: https://www.theconnectedmomlife.com Podcast: The Connected Mom Life Free Guide to Growing Your Village   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/      

Motherhood isn't glamorous. And sometimes, it's just plain gross. I mean who hasn't been pooped on or spit up on or had to clean up some bodily fluid at an inconvenient time or place? That's motherhood. So when God put it on the heart of my guest on this episode to create a business, a platform, and a community around motherhood, she was hesitant. After resisting the call and trying it her way for a while (aren't we ALL guilty of that) Shilene Aaron created The Mama Mogul and has been lifting up and blessing mamas with her wisdom and faith since.   We talk about: What held her back from creating The Mama Mogul and what made her finally pursue it Her bigger vision for the Mama Mogul The ups and downs of her motherhood journey Leaning on God for strength as a mother when we feel like there's no way we're capable on our own And lots more! Connect with Shilene: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/themamamogul Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/shileneaaron website - https://www.themamamogul.co Podcast - The Mama Mogul   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

If there's one thing I've learned about being a mom over the past four years it's that making new mom friends can be super uncomfortable. It's that weird feeling of being back in middle school and trying to find someone to sit with at lunch. And NOBODY wants to sit alone! You look around and you see a couple of girls sitting at a table and you hesitantly walk over to them to ask to sit down. It's vulnerable to put yourself out there, not knowing what kind of response you'll get back. "Will they like me?" "Will they think I'm a complete loser, roll their eyes, and leave?" But having a community of friends who support you as a mom is SO important. Sometimes you need that outside voice to let you know you aren't crazy for crying because your toddler smeared poop all over the bathroom. (We've all been there!) Connecting in person can be challenging under normal circumstances for moms (schedules, naps, getting out the door in under an hour. etc). And now with social distancing measures in place, it's pretty much impossible to connect with another mom in person. SO...we go to the next best place - ONLINE! Virtual community is different from in-person community, but it IS community. My guest today is Haili Murch, a mom of two, podcast manager, and manager of an online mom community. Along with her THIS is Legit Motherhood podcast, she started The Legit Motherhood Community Facebook Group, which is a place for moms to interact and support one another in their motherhood journey. We talk about: Why she started her Facebook group for moms How to cultivate a supportive online mom community The unique challenges and benefits of virtual versus in-person community How to find your mom tribe online   Connect with Haili: THIS is Legit Motherhood Podcast Legit Motherhood Community Private Facebook Group Haili on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hailimurch For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/  

"It takes a village to raise a child". Chances are if you're a mom, you have lots of thoughts on this topic...especially in this age of social distancing and digital communities... "What if I don't have a village?" "How do I find my village?" "How do I create a supportive village that helps me to be the person I want to be?" "Why does her village seem so much better than mine?" At one point or another, I've thought all these things. Maybe you have too. In this episode, I continue the conversation about identity in motherhood and talk about how support systems, or lack of one, affect your identity. I'm SO excited about the next several interview episodes this month too. They all relate to important aspects of your support system as a mom.  And they are full of motivating, encouraging, and super practical content for improving your friendships and growing or simply nurturing your current community. SO GOOD! In this episode talk about: Lies and misconceptions we believe about villages and community as a mom How a supportive community helped me and where I found that community that I craved Understanding how your village changes in different seasons How community affects and shapes your identity as a mom For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

I don’t know about you, but the change of pace we’ve gone through in the world over the past several months has me thinking about busyness and what it means to slow down. Like really slow down and do things with a purpose. Without stressing about it or being forced to. My guest Jen Brazeal has a business teaching and showing moms how to live an unhurried life with little kiddos. How nice does that sound?!  Is it even possible? That’s what we talk about in this episode. Jen is passionate about showing mamas how to slow down, get all the laundry done, and live as the best version of themselves! We talk about: Her journey to living an unhurried life What it means to her to live an unhurried life with three little ones A few small changes she made in her life that led to a big difference in how she shows up for her kids Her family’s transition to screen-free and some tools she relies on now to keep it up - without pulling her hair out on the daily!   Connect with Jen: jbrazeal.com The Unhurried Life podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenbrazeal/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jen.brazeal Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/jennib/   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/    

When you think about how you learned to view nutrition and exercise, who do you think of? I'd say my parents. (Well, my parents and Denise Austin. If you don't know Denise from her leotard-clad workouts on Getting Fit with Denise Austin, give her a Google.)  Whether we realize it or not, a lot of the beliefs we have about food, exercise, and our bodies come from who we looked up to growing up. Sometimes that's a great thing that sets us up for creating healthy habits. And sometimes our role models are not so great at helping us create healthy habits for ourselves as adults. I'm super excited to share with you the guests (yes plural!) in this episode! Kim Sorey and Kalee Dillard are a mother and daughter fitness and nutrition duo who help women transform their lives through healthy habits, personal development, and coaching. This is the first time I've had two guests and it was so fun to get two perspectives (one from the mom and another from her daughter) on how to raise kids with healthy habits and healthy views of food and exercise. It was also really great to hear how we as moms can take care of ourselves by giving ourselves a little grace and balance instead of an 'all or nothing' approach to being healthy. This was a fun episode full of honesty, laughs, and great parenting AND wellness wisdom!!   We talk about: How they work together as a mother & daughter health & nutrition team What happened that made them want to quit their jobs and start a business together Why a healthy, active lifestyle is so important to them How Kim approached meals, healthy choices, and exercise as a mom while raising Kalee What Kalee learned growing up and forming ideas around healthy choices and exercise How they create balance in their lifestyle and give themselves grace when it comes to nutrition and fitness The best piece of advice they give to a mom who has young kids and maybe isn't quite sure how to incorporate healthy eating and exercise into her busy day with kiddos running around   Connect with Kim & Kalee: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KimandKalee Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kim_and_kalee Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/kimkalee Website - https://www.soreyfitness.com and https://www.kimandkalee.com  Podcast- The Kim & Kalee Show   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com/blog GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

What was you and your spouse's first fight about after you got married? Was it which way to put the toilet paper on the roll (Over the top always!!)? Or maybe how you load the dishwasher? OR did it have to do with money? That's a biggie for a lot of couples. And maybe it wasn't your first argument, but my guess is that you've had at least a couple discussions about how to spend money with your spouse. You may have heard that money is one of the top reasons for divorce in America. There's a lot under the surface of a couple's money arguments. And we're going to dig into those things as well as all things personal finance in this episode. In this episode, I talk with married couple Dan and Kay Ockey of Centsei Financial about personal finance, marriage, and parenting. This episode is full of relevant advice (financial and beyond) for any married couple. If you and your spouse don't see eye to eye about your family's finances... Or maybe you have big dreams of all the ways you'd invest and grow wealth for your family if you could just get out of debt... This is one you definitely do NOT want to miss! We talk about: Their individual views on money before marriage - they couldn't have been more different! What pivotal moment happened that made them realize they needed to get on the same page with personal finances What they did to get out of debt and create wealth - FAST! How what they teach builds on AND is different from popular personal finance courses out there (we still love you Dave Ramsey!!) What they plan to do to teach their daughter about financial education  And SO much more!   Connect with Dan and Kay: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centseifinancial Website: https://www.centseifinancial.com   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com/blog GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

How would you describe your transition into motherhood? Confusing. Exhausting. Uncomfortable. Challenging. Amazing. There's no right or wrong answer here. Big changes happen physically, emotionally, socially, and mentally during pregnancy, postpartum, and long after your baby is born. Things that aren't talked about as often as they probably should be. There are other times you may struggle in transitions and phases of motherhood and understanding your identity too.  If you've ever struggled with feeling like you've lost who you are in motherhood. Or that something was missing. Or maybe you love your children so much, but you feel a little guilty for wanting to pursue dreams outside of being a mom. You are totally normal. And so many moms I talk to share those thoughts, including myself. I’m just a mom like you who has gone through some pivotal moments and experiences that have shaped me into who I am and I'm sharing what I've learned. My hope is that maybe it will help you too. There are three big ways that I found helped me to discover my identity in motherhood after struggling with the physical and emotional transition immediately after birth and through the following year postpartum. In this episode, I’m talking about the first way that helped me in the journey to discovering who I am as a mother: giving yourself permission. Permission to move forward as a new version of yourself.  Not a better or worse version of yourself, but a different version of yourself. I talk about: What is personal identity Why I think so many women struggle with the transition into motherhood and their identity as a mom The first step to discovering your identity as a mother How and why it's important to normalize the challenges and realities of motherhood   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

So, we've talked about clutter and meaningful inspired actions in the past two episodes. And in this episode, we talk about something that's at the intersection of BOTH decluttering and meaningful moments... PHOTOS! In the mission to try to simplify, declutter, and organize some of our life, photos might be an unlikely culprit for that "clutter stress". I talk with my guest, Jenna Arvidson, about how to both capture and organize those precious moments with your kids so you aren't overwhelmed and you have photos that actually mean something to you. Jenna is a mom of three, a photographer, blogger, and podcast host for The Simple Home Podcast. She helps busy moms live differently by creating simpler homes and simpler days. Her mission is to inspire you to do it from a place of intention, rather than overwhelm.  She loves teaching moms how to take beautiful pictures of their family and organize and manage those photos so they can be cherished. We talk about: How she got into photography and decluttering Where she recommends you start if you’re brand new to photography (you can do these with your phone) Some fantastic tips on how to get better pictures of your kids and what types of things you should try to capture to tell the story of the moment How to organize photos on your phone or laptop so you’re not overwhelmed Including a couple of tools and resources she uses and recommends Connect with Jenna- The Simple Home Podcast: https://www.athomewithkids.com/itunes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennaarvidson Website: https://www.athomewithkids.com For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Nod your head in agreement if this has been you... You get so frustrated and fed up with all the stuff in your house that you have to constantly pick up. It's covering all available surfaces. And all you want is a clean, peaceful, clutter-free space so you can concentrate and relax. So, you go on a decluttering frenzy. If it doesn't "spark joy" or been used in the last 12 months, it's gone! The 10 extra shampoo bottles under your bathroom sink...gone. The fancy shoes you bought on clearance because you "just knew" that you would have "somewhere" to wear them (but never did!) and still have the price tag on them...gone. The tiny cheaply made toys that you got at the fast-food restaurant that got played with once for 30 seconds...FINALLY gone. After a week's worth of time and effort, your house feels lighter. YOU feel lighter and more relaxed. And you have a crisp new $20 bill in your pocket from selling TWO CARLOADS WORTH OF STUFF. Oh well, it's out of your house, right? And then two months later... You notice things starting to pile up again. Your recycling bin is slowly filling up with various sized Amazon shipping boxes. And cheap, tiny toys seem to have multiplied. Ugh! Are you kidding me? Well, tune in to this episode because my guest, Krista Lockwood, knows all about how to declutter and stay decluttered FOR GOOD. Krista teaches moms how to declutter their homes so they have more time and energy for the people inside of it, instead of spending all the time on the stuff in it. She’s the mom of five kids herself and always keeps it real when talking about decluttering your home with messy kids living in it! She became passionate about decluttering after a cross-country move and has been living a decluttered life since then. We talk about: What sparked her decluttering passion Her journey with decluttering and Motherhood Simplified Why decluttering is about more than just stuff!! What to do to keep clutter from entering your house through well-meaning friends and family who love to give gifts How to save money by decluttering -but probably not how you think What you can do RIGHT NOW to start decluttering   Krista on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherhood_simplified Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/motherhoodsimplified www.motherhoodsimplified.com   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Are you in the "messy middle" of motherhood trying to thrive when some days you feel like you're barely surviving? Beginnings and endings are relatively brief compared to the amount of time we spend in the middle of things if you really think about it. And motherhood is no exception. Our precious children are born and there's the newness and excitement and fear all at the same time. But it doesn't take long before you start to find your rhythms.   And it starts to get messy. You try to figure things out... and you mess up. And you clean up messes. Again. And again. And again. You might feel like this season will never end. Maybe you've said to yourself: She'll never sleep through the night. He'll never be potty trained. They'll never eat vegetables. THAT'S the middle! And in this episode of the Gotcha Mama podcast, I talk with my guest, Becca Starr, about how to thrive, not just survive in the messy middle of motherhood. Becca is a wife, a mom of two, and a Master Certified life coach with a strong focus on goal success.  She helps you get crystal clear on your priorities, take Micro-Actions that cause powerful shifts, and embrace your purpose and intuition through her BITMOR method. She hosts the “BEAUTIFUL YOU with Becca Starr” podcast and has coached and trained hundreds of women since 2001. We talk about: Her transition from spa owner to life coach The challenges of the “messy middle” in relation to the motherhood journey How moms can live with peace and thrive in the messy middle of motherhood She also shares more about her BITMOR method for overcoming negativity, trusting your intuition, and using inspired actions to live a meaningful life  She explains what an Inspired action is and how taking one each day instead of lots of busy actions can get you out of survival mode and into actually thriving in the messy middle And so much more!! This conversation with Becca was refreshing and just what I needed on so many levels. I know you are going to love her too! Find Becca: https://www.instagram.com/mrsbeccastarr https://www.facebook.com/mrsbeccastarr https://www.pinterest.com/mrsbeccastarr www.beccastarr.com   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Who's someone you want to recognize who has had your back as a mom?  Someone who's said or done something to let you know "I gotcha, mama"? That's the question I ask most of my guests on the podcast. And it's always one of my favorite things to ask because I can hear how thankful my guest truly is to have that person or people in her life. Maybe for you it's a friend, your sister, your mom, or your husband. If your fortunate, you may have a lot of people who've had your back as a mom when you needed it. For this 50th episode of the Gotcha Mama podcast, I wanted to highlight some of the different people who've been recognized by doing a compilation of several of my guest's answers to the question - Who's Gotcha, Mama? You'll hear from past guests:  Michelle Purta, Kaylan Thompson, Kristin Dillensnyder, Erica Willis, Larken Lech, and Tricia Baumhardt   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

"As a mom, you can have it all, BUT, you can't have it all at once." There's lots of debate around that statement. Do YOU believe it? Does hearing that make you feel defeated before you begin or does it fire you up to prove it wrong? My guest this week on the Gotcha Mama podcast is Megan Stratton. Megan feels strongly that you CAN have it all as a mom. And she shares how she manages her priorities to achieve that in her life as a full-time working mom (with a side hustle/passion) to a toddler and one on the way. Megan is a wife, mama, and corporate full-time digital marketer. She has been in the digital marketing industry for almost a decade and loves to share her industry knowledge with other women looking to grow their business, increase sales, and make a big impact! We talk about: What sparked her desire to create a supportive community of moms and women called Unshaken Her perspective on being a mom and being able to 'have it all' The biggest challenge she faces as a working mom of a toddler and one on the way Her top 3 tips for getting so many things done & feeling accomplished Find Megan at:  http://meganstratton.com https://www.unshakenpodcast.com https://www.instagram.com/megstratt   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Imagine yourself five years from now. What are you doing? What have you achieved? I know what I'd like to achieve this year and a couple of five-year goals. But friend, if I've learned anything as a mom and through the Coronavirus pandemic, it's this - make plans, but don't be surprised if life throws a wrench in those plans and brings something different your way. My guest on this week's episode of the Gotcha Mama podcast is Alessandra Pollina. She knows how much can change when running a business and growing a family at the same time. She is a wife, mom to her four-year-old son, owner of Pollina PR and marketing agency, and host of the Female Millennial Entrepreneur Podcast. Alessandra has had her own business for eight years and has learned a LOT about expectations, changing needs and desires, and the ability to be flexible in business and in motherhood. We talk about: Why she started her PR agency, How she grew a business while raising a child, as well as some of the unexpected challenges she experienced along the way What changed in the eight years that she's had her business And the advice that she would tell a mom who's in the first year of trying to run a business and may be feeling discouraged. Find Alessandra on: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pollinapr or https://www.instagram.com/femalemillennialentrepreneurs Website - http://pollinapr.com   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/  

Originally, months ago when planning this episode, I was going to talk about a productivity tool I really like using. As we got closer and closer to release date I thought, “Is this really the most helpful for YOU right now?” Is it what you want to hear right now? I prayed about it and came to the conclusion that I didn’t think so. I thought that giving you my quick postpartum update would be more relevant and real for you and also offer more hope and joy than a productivity tool. On this episode I talk about: How I'm feeling mentally & physically during my immediate postpartum weeks with my second child during the coronavirus crisis. What my days look like And I offer some encouragement for you   Keepin it brief this episode because I'm tired, friend. Did I mention I have a six-week-old baby?! LOL.    For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/  

When did you know your family was complete? Maybe you haven't wrestled with that question yet or talked about it with your spouse, or in your prayers. It's a tough question and often I hear moms go back and forth frequently on this before making a final decision. After 8 years of being a family of four, my guest today followed God's call to adopt a baby. With school-aged children, time for herself firmly set in the daily routines, and a full schedule of projects and activities, Erica Willis obeyed God's calling. She pressed into the vision that God put on her heart to grow her family in this next season. She shares her motherhood journey with each of her very different biological children. And also the journey she and her family have been on with the adoption of their third child. We talk about: How God put it on her heart to adopt a baby The unexpected things she learned through the adoption process And how she and her family have prepared to bring a new baby into their home after 8 years of being a family of four Connect with Erica: https://www.instagram.com/believeboldly https://www.facebook.com/believeboldly Believe Boldly and The Fives ministry   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/    

I’m continuing the theme of "less-talked-about motherhood topics" for the month of May this week. Not only to celebrate all mothers' stories but to hopefully lessen the stigma of some topics and help create a safe space for all mothers to feel loved and worthy, no matter where their motherhood journey takes them. My guest for this week is Kristina Dulaney. Kristina lives in Northeast Tennessee with her husband and two young girls. Just over four years ago, she experienced the rarest of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders - Postpartum psychosis. She is the co-founder of the Appalachian Perinatal Mental Health Alliance, an alliance formed under the Postpartum Support International. And she founded the nonprofit organization Cherished Mom that's focused on changing the educational landscape around Perinatal Mental Health. We talk about: Her powerful story of going through postpartum psychosis Why we likely don’t hear more stories about postpartum psychosis How she is now using her story to help other mothers What she hopes changes about perinatal mental health and postpartum care in the future How we can all help to create the change that is so obviously needed in perinatal mental health care Connect with Kristina: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kristinadulaney and https://www.instagram.com/cherishedmomorg Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cherishedmomorg Cherished Mom website - www.cherishedmom.org   For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/    

According to a past National Survey by the CDC, 1 in 8 couples (or 12% of married women) have trouble getting pregnant or sustaining a pregnancy. That statistic proves just how common an issue that infertility is. But infertility has a strange way of making a woman feel isolated and alone in her situation. Creating shame, fear, and anxiety around her own body. If that is you or has been you, I want to acknowledge your journey. You need to know that you are absolutely not alone. Your journey is no less worthy of support than a mom who has become a mother through any other path. So on this episode of the Gotcha Mama podcast, I talk with Kristin Dillensnyder, also known as Kiki. She is a big sister, a wife, a mom, a bonus mom, and an infertility coach. As an infertility coach, she helps women take back control, prepare for the bumps ahead and get emotionally supported by someone who gets it. Her goal is for women to feel like their big sister is there holding their hand, no matter what the outcome is during their fertility journey. We talk about: Her journey with infertility and all the physical and emotional processes that she and her husband went through to get her daughter All the insight into technical infertility terms and the procedures How she knew it was time to stop treatments How best to approach baby showers and pregnancy announcements to friends who are going through infertility Her super valuable advice for someone going through infertility right now And if you're not going through infertility, how you can be the best friend to someone going through it Find Kiki at https://bigsissays.com/  For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Mother's Day can be a day where moms feel loved and celebrated, but it can also be a day (or month) that isn't easy for every mom. I want to acknowledge that Mother’s Day and the month of May can bring up complicated emotions and challenging memories for some moms. I feel so grateful and humbled, and totally unprepared or qualified for most of what motherhood brings. But motherhood and being a mother figure isn't always rainbows and tulips. I don’t want to overlook the sometimes difficult paths and parts of motherhood. Because sharing those tough stories connects us. It comforts us. It reassures us and encourages us to fully embrace who we are. To know that there are others who are experiencing similar situations and emotions. And feeling seen and understood is important. You need to know that your story, your journey, is worthy and your challenges can be used to help others. The hard and painful things you go through can help another mom. Your compassion and encouragement may be exactly what she needs to move forward and thrive as a mother. I talk about: What this particular Mother's Day means to me What I hope changes before my daughter becomes a mom Celebrating all kinds of moms (bio moms, bonus moms, foster & adoption moms, those waiting to be moms, moms who have endured postpartum mental health disorders, etc.) The importance of sharing your motherhood story For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Comparison and positive body image. It can be a constant struggle for moms. I'm guilty of thinking negative things about my body and feeling insecure about my cellulite or my flabby arms or the stretched out skin on my stomach. But having a positive body image is not just looking at other mom's bodies and loving your own. It's just as much about looking at your body before you gave birth and loving the body you have now postpartum. I'm finishing out the month talking to other amazing mom podcasters by chatting with Megan Dahlman this week. She is the host of the very popular Strong Mommas podcast. Megan is a trainer, a nutrition coach, and a Christian mom. And she's passionate about helping other moms discover peace and freedom in their body. Her mission with Strong Mommas is to guide women away from obsession, shame, and guilt and point them toward a lifestyle of health and fitness that brings freedom. She's convinced that your exercise nutrition habits could be a catalyst for a closer relationship with the Lord. Hold on to your yoga pants, my friend because you're going to feel like you're going to church in this episode. It's awesome! We talk about: Her perspective on positive body image as a mom. Why she so passionate about helping moms through fitness and nutrition How she grew her business while her family was also growing What she did to gain a positive body image postpartum The different body types And some great advice around what she does to stay motivated to work out when she doesn't feel like it. Come on, we've ALL had THOSE days!   Connect with Megan: https://www.strong-mommas.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strong_mommas Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongmommas Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/strongmommas For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/