...because while it’s so HARD being a mom, being one makes you one bad bitch
If you're anything like us, you love the feeling of being organized but you struggle to find time to do it or your family organization is inconsistent. As moms, we have a natural urge to be organized so that we can stay on top of everything else on our plate. Enter Krystee Robinson, owner of Sparx Organizing! We had the pleasure of talking to Krystee about her successful professional organization business, learned about the psychological impacts of clutter, and received several tips and tricks on how you can get your family on the organization boat (and stay there!).Support the show
If you've ever wondered about Traditional Chinese Medicine, we've got just the episode for you. We had the pleasure of sitting down with fellow mom and owner of YYC Acupuncture, Dr. Amanda Perizzolo, to talk about the benefits of using acupuncture when it comes to reproductive health and fertility. We dive deep into other areas that acupuncture can help with and answer some of our follower questions! Support the show
We're back, bishes!It's been over a YEAR since our last studio recording and it felt OH SO GOOD to be back.In this episode to kick off SZN2, we wanted to fill in our #HAMFAM with what's been going on and what's coming up for Hard as a Mother. No guests, no sponsors - just ya girls!We also discuss being avoidant to stressful situations, helping kids to navigate negative emotions and much more!Support the show
The time has finally come for another Dope Dad Collective episode!We had the pleasure of having one of the realest on our show, Adam Kevin Ryan, the guy with 3 first names, who is an entrepreneur, professional day trader and single dad to his 8-year-old son Noah, whom he gained full custody of when he was just 18 months old. Our two resident Dope Dads, Albert & Arjay, chatted with Adam over some cold ones about starting his role as a single father with full custody at such a young age, toxic masculinity, and how growing up with all brothers has prepared Adam for the elusive role of single dad.Episode Sponsor: Cool Story Club Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
This lovely mama of 2 has over 15 years of corporate finance experience, but her passion for helping others drove her to pivot her career and do exactly that. Kristin Fortier is out here helping busy moms and mompreneurs be confident in their finances and help them align their money, values and goals.We talked about why finances are often a taboo topic, how to talk to your kids about finances and taking small steps toward big financial wins
If you've been part of the #HAMFAM, you know that we have a lot of love for the dads out there holding it down. I mean, we have been so lucky to talk to some amazing dads that we even created a spin off show for fox sake. Dad influencers are a rare breed which is why when we found Matt with @dashingdad_yyc, we knew we had to kick it with him and talk to him ourselves.Matt joined us to talk about his life as a former stay-at-home dad, how he dealt with backlash when he made the choice to be his true, authentic self on social media, and his mission to create a community with other dads through being an influencer. We also talked extensively about the literal shitty parts of parenting - you'll just have to tune in to hear more about that!Episode Sponsor: Two Pharmacy & Natural MarketSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
You may recognize our next guest from our episode 33: The Asian Hate Epidemic or from her very own podcast called @thecommietearoom, where she spills the tea on uncomfortable topics.Though we typically have moms as guests, Carole is not one herself but says she is open to it. BUT, her previous stance on not wanting kids put her in a category of women who are often ridiculed or pressured by society, and we discussed why that is. We also dove extensively into the world of dating in your 30's and the frustration around dating apps , being hypersexualized as an Asian woman, her own podcast, and the world of Professional Stage Dancing (or the more common term "go-go" dancing). Really, what
we've got the perfect episode for you now that Back to School SZN is among us. If you've got a teen, pre-teen, or just want to get ahead on hacks for your future teen, then this is an episode you don't wanna miss.Chantal Cote is a registered psychologist who specializes in teen psychology. She offers both traditional and non-traditional styles of counselling which include using expressive arts and movement in nature. She joined us in studio to talk about teen issues such as sex, mental health & wellness, navigating their social lives through a pandemic, as well as signs to look for to determine whether or not your teen needs emotional support and tips on how to approach your teen in an effective way to create a safe space for discussion.Tune into this very informative, insightful, and most of all, IMPORTANT topic in today's society. In the meantime, check out more of Chantal's work at @pyramidpsychologySupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
We all know how hard it can be to keep your littles busy without screen time. The kids are still on summer break and for some, the work-from-home life continues...Cue Yellowbox Learning! Both teachers, mamas and creators Anita and Janel started Yellowbox Learning as an inquiry and play-based educational resource hub for parents and caregivers. They offer play-based activity bundles that build on 8 areas of learning, recipes, sample schedules and the list goes on! These lovely ladies brought wine and donuts (how do they know us so well though??) as we sat down to talk more about the importance of play-based learning, how to discover your child's learning style, and some of their favourite books and tools that they use in their own classrooms and at home.This is definitely an episode chock-full of useful information that you won't want to miss! In the meantime, check them out at @yellowboxlearning and www.yellowboxlearning.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Hand up if you're a victim of burnout!
Here at HAM, we are firm believers in going out and making things happen for yourself while building a community of badass people along the way.Lisa Webb, founder of @winewomenwellbeing is exactly that kind of person. With 19 branches across Canada, Wine Women & Well-being has grown exponentially with events, book publications, wine delivery and even an upcoming tour in the works!Lisa joined us in our studio to talk about the value of community and how important and impactful it can be when you step out of your comfort zone and drive your own course.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Past Dope Dad guests Jason, Albert, Patricio and Stevie come together for a special spin-off show called The Dope Dad Collective brought to you by Hard as a Mother.In the first DDC episode, the guys come together to introduce their unique family dynamics and how they are navigating parenthood through the different stages in their lives. All of them bring a different perspective to the table that any dad can definitely relate to.This episode is sponsored by Soko Local, a platform that supports local businesses.The official beverage sponsor is Annex Ales and the Dope Dad pint glasses that the dads are using are brought to you by Thursday Sounds!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
In the last several months, attacks on vulnerable women have increased and has shaken our communities. Simo Josy Roxas, a martial arts instructor at Western Canada Martial Arts Academy and mother to a pre-teen daughter, specializes in womens self defense and has been teaching classes to help women build confidence and empowerment. She sat down with us to talk about how becoming a mother drove her motivation to learn martial arts, how important it is for everybody to be educated and equipped to defend themselves, and also shares survival tips and tricks that can potentially save your life!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
In celebration of Asian Heritage Month, we are stoked to bring you a special episode to show our support for the #StopAsianHate movement.In this episode, we are joined by Christina Chow: all-round dope girl from the block-turned avid world traveller, fellow studio sister and recipe developer who stars in her own cooking series @cookingwithchow (warning: watching her series leads to mega cravings and a bad case of the *drools*) as well as Carole Yue: the bailarina babe, and other half of the creative duo behind @thecommietearoom podcast and
Warning: our next episode may contain triggers for some. We had the pleasure of sitting down with the badass mama behind the podcast Confessions of a Single Mother, Josie Levesque, where she candidly shared her struggle with mustering the courage to leave an abusive relationship.Though the topic at hand was serious, Josie radiated a kind of energy that convinced us right off the bat that she was as strong and brave as she perceived to be (and it wasn't just all the tattoos either!) Now a single mom raising two young girls, she hopes to help other women in similar situations through discussions on her podcast and through connecting with others in the community who have survived domestic abuse.Tune in on Monday to hear more about Josie's courageous story!
We're excited to bring you another Dope Dad episode featuring none other than the Radical Gentleman himself: Stevie Bellaart.You may know him as the Lululemon Cultural Ambassador or one half of the creative duo Radical Gentlemen, but of all the hats he wears, we wanted to highlight the creme de la creme: being a DAD!Stevie is a devoted husband and father to a sweet 3 year old daughter named Olivia. He was a stay-at-home dad for the beginning of his daughter's life but it wasn't until the pandemic that he realized both his weaknesses and strengths of being a dad. Stevie laid it all out on the table in this episode in hopes of helping other new dads come into their own and embrace parenthood for all that it is, and as always, we shared a ton of laughs.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
You know her from Orphan Black, Scoundrels and none other than our favourite binge-worthy, relatable AF @cbc series Workin Moms, Jessalyn Wanlim gets real about motherhood (because that's kinda what we're here for!)Cool, calm and relaxed because her toddler was in bed, Jessalyn streamed in from her new home in Nashville with wine in hand to hang out with us and talk about her early days in dancing, her acting/real estate career, her Filipino-Canadian representation and life with a toddler. We were so honoured to have Jessalyn on our show and can't wait for you guys to get to know more about this amazing, multi-faceted supermom (and AirBNB Super Host!
Most little girls fantasize about being their favourite Disney Princess – this mama got to live that dream when she started her career with Disney on Ice- but that dream was short lived when she was blessed with a beautiful baby boy. Professional figure skater, Brianne Mass, joined us to talk about the unfairness that came with being a young mom and having to choose between her career and her family life. Her resilience and dedication to finding her true purpose is so profound that she never let anyone put her in a box or tell her what she could and couldn't do just because she was a mom. Our conversations with Brianne really shone a light on societal expectations of the modern-day woman, and how we can push forward to break the norms so that mama's everywhere feel respected and accepted, no matter what path they choose in life.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Imagine being a new mom doing new mom things... Ok now imagine doing all of it times THREE
Contrary to what they say, you WILL sleep again after having kids. If you've ever considered sleep training your little one or just need some helpful sleep remedies and tips, this episode is for you! Jane Anderson suffered from insomnia for the majority of her life which inevitably had a negative impact on her physical and emotional health. After having kids, she knew she needed to implement healthy sleep habits so they wouldn't end up down the same road. She decided to earn her certification from the Institute of Pediatric Sleep and Parenting and started her own business called Counting Sheep Sleep Consulting. Now, she is the sleep rockstar who helps other families on their journeys to better sleep habits, and even offered to rock Har to bed when she needs it
When the world shut down, new mom Charlotte "Char" Chan decided this was the time to push for her dreams. Girl mom, partner, lash tech and owner of the women's fitness lifestyle clothing line "The G Label", Char is all about empowering and making women beautiful inside and out (just ask Har how @theglabel_ Infinity collection leggings feel on her - she doesn't shut up about them in this episode
Imagine packing up your life and moving to the other side of the world when a pandemic hits - and then imagine doing it 5 weeks postpartum.
Some days we win, and other days, we're just trying to keep our shit together. Either way – we are dealing with so much during this pandemic (um and life in GENERAL) that often we need reminders on how to cope and focus on what's important.Katrina Shaw (@yycpsychologist) is a registered psychologist who is trained in mediation, family conflict, trauma, suicide and grief. She is also a trained yoga teacher and reiki master. On top of her impressive CV, she is currently involved in the development of a Men's mental health initiative in Calgary, as well as a local organization for mentorship of emerging adults.She joined us in studio to answer our questions and give tips about the every day stressors we face from relationships to emotionally regulating ourselves so our kids can follow suit, dating boundaries and much more.As we do every week, we learned so much from our guest and we know you will too.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
When you lose your best friend, love of your life, and mother of your child, grief hits different. Imagine having to cope with fatherhood, bereavement and raising young kids on your own while you try to make sense of such a loss. Sokha “Kha” Son lost his wife Nirorth tragically to a rare form of gastric cancer, and while she stayed brave and fought her hardest to the very end, Kha knew he had to prepare for a life without her.We talked to Kha virtually to speak about his preparation, grief, acceptance and the new life for his kids following the death of his wife. As Nirorth was a dear friend of Harlene's, all the emotions for this episode were laid out on the table. Tune in to hear more of Kha's story and what advice he has for other dads who are in the same situation.Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Our #HAMFAM requested it, and we delivered! This episode is for all our new mom listeners!If you're anything like us (and the majority of the planet), then you are probably so over this whole pandemic. For new mom, blogger, nutrition + wellness coach and creator of @modernmunch, Kelsey has only known motherhood in lockdown. We all know that becoming a new mom in itself isn't easy, and Kelsey shared with us her struggles of having to navigate through it all behind closed doors amidst several COVID restrictions as she brought life into this world 2 days before the initial lockdown back in March 2020. Kelsey also has an extensive career as the Nutrition & Food Supervisor at the Alberta Children's Hospital, which has further sparked her passion for wellness and content for her blog, Modern Munch. She shared some tips with us about infant/toddler nutrition, baby led weaning and how to get the most out of dinner time without the attempted snack-before-bedtime trick (which I fall victim to every time!! I used to be cool, now I am someone's snack bitch...)Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
As we say goodbye and good riddance to 2020, we thought we would kick off 2021 with something special for our followers. Episode 0 of our podcast was an intro episode to our little side project which started last May. Fast forward to today - we've acquired a new cohost, a beautiful space to record, a YouTube channel, a team of badass creatives who make us look good, a slurry of amazing podcast guests and a new outlook on the future of Hard as a Mother! Because we get the pleasure of sitting down and chatting with the dopest people every week, we've been forced to embark on our own paths to self discovery and we've decided to let you all in to our lives to learn more about your girls: Har & Gizzy! From the embarrassing stories to our own hardships and struggles, we sat down with each other to uncover the nitty gritty , including several questions we don't want our own moms to know the answers to. (Sorry to our moms! Maybe you shouldn't watch this one...
We are excited to bring you an episode this week that is truly staggering and eye opening. Though the issues surrounding child sexual exploitation are known and exist everywhere in the world, it simply is not talked about enough.We spoke with Angela Nguyen, who is the President of One Body Village Canada, a registered Canadian charity whose mission is to end child sexual exploitation and rebuild the lives of child victims in Southeast Asia. She started as a volunteer when she was only 22 years old and now oversees the global programs and operations in Vietnam, Cambodia and plans to expand to support victims in Malaysia in 2021. Raised by Vietnamese refugee parents, Angela always says she won a life lottery by being born in Canada. She is determined to mobilize her community to give children the freedom that they are owed, as well as the hopes and dreams that they deserve. We had the pleasure to chat with Angela as she shared stories of the lives that were changed by her initiatives and what we can do to help raise awareness.Episode Notes:- Find out more at One Body Village Canada on IG @onebodyvillagecanada or www.onebodyvillagecanada.org- Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010. You can reach the confidential Hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in more than 200 languages.- Operation Underground Railroad Human Trafficking Awarness Course: https://ourrescue.org/training- @katejoseen on instagram for awesome resources and education material Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Pain-free fitness coach, small business owner, mom to 3 (soon to be 4!) kidlets under 5, and all around badass mama...Jade Huete was in our studio to answer the question on everyone's minds: when does she sleep?!With everything Jade has under her belt, she still found the time to come and kick it with us to talk about all of her accomplishments including her local business @momtomompostpartum, which sells postpartum recovery kits for moms (like hello, where was this when I gave birth?!), her experience with home water births and her advice for other moms who are considering it, and of course she also kept it real with us and talked about how she copes with being overwhelmed. (
We were so excited that Nicolle Hodges could join us virtually from Toronto to talk about all the interesting and ground-breaking things she is up to.This boss lady is a sexual freedom philosopher, author of the Dr. Seuss-style book about orgasms "Oh, the Places You'll Go Oh Oh!", and psychedelic journalist.She's also the founder of @girlswhosayfuck (Har's favourite word!) and @menwhotakebaths - both of which spark conversation about important issues surrounding gender norms.(If you don't follow either accounts, you're missing out!)We talked to Nicolle about her own childhood and how it has shaped her to become sexually self-aware, and discussing how we can have these conversations with our kids to raise them to feel comfortable with their own sexuality. We also asked her some of the audience questions you guys submitted, so be sure to tune in to hear the answers!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Patricio Gutierrez grew up living a normal life with a loving family. He went to school, graduated, started his career, fell in love with and married his lovely wife and eventually had a beautiful baby boy - all the while harboring the burden of self conflict as he discovered his sexuality.Patricio joins us and shares his courageous story of coming out and living his authentic self to set the example for his son that it's never too late to live your life in its truest form.How lucky we are to be inspired by the most incredible people on a weekly basis. Join us, won't you?! If you are part of the LGBTQ community and you just need support or someone to talk to, please know you are not alone. LGBTQ Crisis Support Lines in Canada:Trans Lifeline : (877) 330-6366Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
We're so excited to bring you guys another Dope Dad episode - this week we were joined by Arjay M: junior basketball coach, certified goofball and dad extraordinaire! Sometimes in order to level up your parenting game, you have to give zero F's about what others think, which is exactly how Arjay grew up. We talk about his struggle to overcome the lifestyle he had to leave behind in order to become a present dad and how his kids became his best friends. We also threw it back to some embarassing stories from our childhood - did we mention Arjay is our cousin?? That's right - we took this opportunity to pay Arjay for back some of the effed up and embarrassing things he did to us when we were younger. All jokes aside, we love Arjay and the person he has become today, which is why we are honored to feature him as this week's DOPE DAD! Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
We are joined this week by Melissa Vanderfluit, owner of Strong Daughters YYC, which is a peer support group for young adult women grieving the loss of a parent. After losing her mom to heart disease in 2019, Melissa was looking to connect with other women going through a similar loss. Further emphasizing one of our core beliefs here at HAM, she wanted to show women that it's okay to not be okay, and to embrace the fact that sometimes life sucks.We were honored to be so candid and real, sharing both laughs and tears with Melissa as she bravely shared her story with us. For more information about Strong Daughters YYC, you can visit the following:Instagram - @strongdaughtersyycFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/yycdaughtersTwitter - @yycdaughtersSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
This Berlin born babe is the daughter of the late great Mark Teevens, professional hockey player who was drafted to the Pittsburgh Penguins shortly before his sudden and tragic passing at just 31 years old.Despite a rocky childhood and all the odds against her, Tatiana Teevens has driven her way to the top of her game and cofounded the travel and tour agency, Adventure with Purpose. On top of this, she is an amazing mama to a 4 year old son named Amilio. We loved hanging out with Tatiana in our studio as she let us dive into her life - how fast she had to grow up when she was on her own at the tender age of 16 and trying to find her purpose and sense of self as a young mom. We sipped a bit - okay, a lot - of wine and had a ton of laughs with a few people who sat in as an audience in the studio as well. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
This week, we are BRINGING THE JOY to our studio with Keynote Speaker, Author and Philanthropist: Jessica Janzen Olstad. After tragically losing her 6-month-old son Lewiston 4 years ago to a rare disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Jessica has (as Oprah put it best) turned her wounds into wisdom, and has stopped at nothing to encourage those that cross her path to live their lives to the fullest as their most authentic self. In just 3 years, Jessica has raised over $900,000 for the charity she founded with her husband called The Love For Lewiston Foundation, which has helped with medical needs, scholarships and further research across Canada, and invested in the Alberta Children's Hospital & Rotary Flames Hospice where Lewiston passed away. Tune in as we speak to Jessica about her journey of overcoming loss and her inspiring resiliency and leadership.If you'd like to donate to The Love for Lewiston Foundation, please visit www.loveforlewiston.caSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
We're stoked to introduce our new segments called
We had the privilege to sit down and chat with two remarkable child development pioneers in the game right now: founders Jo & Lara of @psychedaboutkids, which is a platform where parents, educators, caregivers and therapists can find great information, tools and community networks that focus on healthy child development.If you've ever struggled with tantrums, connecting with your child or getting you and your partner on the same page when it comes to parenting, you don't wanna miss this episode!Stay tuned and in the meantime, head over to @psychedaboutkids for some great information and parenting tools!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
We're hitting you guys with another Dope Dad episode featuring the Owner & Founder of Canadian streetwear brand: Legal Hustle Clothing.Albert "Styles" Mejia is kicking it with us in-studio this week to tell us more about his company, his contributions to the community and how he's navigating his self-made success after becoming a new dad. Sneaker Heads and Street wear Enthusiasts: you don't wanna miss this one!!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
As most of you know, we just passed National Suicide Prevention Week in September, so naturally, as a parenting podcast we wanted to highlight the importance of this topic as it relates to our most vulnerable citizens: the kids.We speak with Stephanie Sargeant, an aspiring psychologist and an advocate for anti-bullying, who will share her story of how she experienced bullying at the exact same Chestermere, AB school where a teen recently and tragically took her own life as a result of racism and bullying.We hope to reach many audiences as this topic is vital to the mental well-being of our children, and what you can do to help.Crisis Canada Hotline: 1-833 456-4566Follow us on IG: @hard_as_a_motherEmail us: hardasamother.info@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
We are joined IN STUDIO this week by powerhouse Camille Katigbak, co-owner and operator of @katigbaktechnologiesyyc and @theparentrepreneurs . (Yes, you read that right, HAMFAM. We are finally IN STUDIO!!)Join us as Camille takes us on her journey to entrepreneurship after having a family so young in life, and dealing with the toxic Asian culture that nearly broke her. This mama has clawed her way back to the top and we're so excited to have her as our first in-studio guest!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Who's ready to send those kiddos back to school?? If you're like most parents right now, chances are, you have a million and one concerns whether you are sending your kids to a class room or choosing to home school.Join us for Episode 6 where we talk to Kiara Nguyen to hear a teacher's point of view on the subject and what advice she has for parents during these unprecedented times. We'll also discuss recognizing the challenges and anxieties that kids can potentially face in the class room and how you can talk to your child and their teacher about them.IG: @hard_as_a_motherEmail: hardasamother.info@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Long-time friend of Har & Gizzy, and new mama-to-be Barbara (B) surprises Har with her pregnancy announcement and gets mad real about her struggle to conceive. We also dig into old wives tales about pregnancy and the mom guilt that nobody ever wants to talk about. Grab your tissues cause this one is a tear jerker!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
MOTHERHOOD: the scariest hood you'll ever go through! But don't worry, we gotchu mama. This episode is dedicated to the brand new moms or the first time moms-to-be. Har V. makes her debut appearance as a guest host and kicks it with Gizzy to talk about baby gear, being a boy mom and the worst/best advice you can give to a new mom. Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
We're back and we are excited to give you guys what you've been waiting for-- our first Dope Dads episode with special guest: Jason Guimpaya. He chats with us on the hardships of being a young dad at 19 to eventually becoming a successful owner and operator of two businesses while notably raising a blended family of 4 daughters!...(right?! while we struggle over here with just ONE..oh the HORMONES). We learn some of Jason's "Dad Hacks", what it took for him to kill it in the Dad Game AND as an entrepreneur, and the adorable surprise interview we conducted with his kids. We also discuss the exhausting effects of Mercury in retrograde and how it's got us in our feelings.Follow Jason Guimpaya on IG:@blazin_fabrications@therun_yycFollow us on IG: @hard_as_a_motherEmail us: hardasamother.info@gmail.comSupport the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)
Join us for this Friday's episode where we FINALLY get to record with each other IN PERSON
Join us for Episode 1 with special guest mompreneur, owner of @wakeuplikethis_wult , and all around boss babe: Janet Vilches! We kick it with Janet to find out what drives her to run her own business, maintain her marriage AND raise 3 kids
Meet the mamas behind the Hard As a Mother Podcast!Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hamother)