Myrtle Moms with Margaritas

In this episode of I Speak Mama, Jen and Denielle reflect on the highs, lows, and lessons from the past year while sharing their hopes and intentions for the year ahead. From giving themselves grace as moms to finding ways to grow and be “a little bit better” each day, they open up about starting fresh and embracing personal growth in their busy, chaotic lives.

In this episode, Shannon and Denielle talk about the holidays and what they're doing to make the season special for their kids. Listen to learn how an elf on the shelf helped Shannon with potty training and what Denielle is doing to build new traditions for her young family.

In this episode, the moms explore what it means to rise above negativity, live with integrity, and support each other through life's toughest moments. Recorded live at the Ignite Women's Conference in October 2024, they're joined by special guest and keynote speaker Amelia Rose Earhart. Amelia shares her inspiring story and offers insights on handling criticism, practicing self-reflection during crises, and creating a positive impact by being a “tailwind” for those around you.

The year has flown by, and the moms are preparing for holiday travel with the kids. Tune in to hear Denielle's tips for flying with little ones, why Shannon is especially excited to spend Christmas at home this year, and how Jen is gearing up for a long Thanksgiving road trip.

Jen and Denielle are back on this episode to talk about the good, bad, and messy moments that come with raising toddlers. Listen to how Denielle feels about potty training and what Jen does to calm Nolan down during a tantrum.

In this episode, Jen, Shannon, and Denielle dive into the wild world of social media, focusing on how motherhood is often portrayed online. Listen to Denielle's thoughts on moms who record their kids in stressful situations, why Shannon believes social media adds unnecessary pressure on parents to be perfect, and how Jen feels about a particular Will Smith song.

Jen, Shannon, and Denielle are back with another episode of I Speak Mama, this time talking about all things money. Listen to hear how Jen is protecting her kids from identity theft, why Denielle is building up her savings account, and what Shannon is doing with all the money she used to spend on daycare. 

Jen, Shannon, and Denielle sit down this week to dive into how they navigate the crazy world of youth sports. Shannon also shares how her kids are adjusting to the new school year, and Jen and Denielle offer advice on how to help Grayson overcome his anxiety. 

In this episode, Jen, Shannon, and Denielle talk about starting fresh as the kids get ready to go back to school. Listen to hear how Denielle was late to the first day of daycare, why Shannon lets her kids wear whatever they want on spring picture day, and what Jen has to say about back-to-school shopping.

Jen and Shannon are stuck at home in this episode of I Speak Mama. Tropical Storm Debby has shut down daycares and summer camps and the moms are scrambling to find ways to keep their kids entertained while they work from home. Listen to hear how Jen's vacation went and what Shannon is doing to get ready for back to school.

In today's episode, Jen and Shannon dive into a fun and insightful personality quiz designed to reveal their unique Mom Superpowers. From morning routines to family meal planning, they'll answer questions that uncover the hidden strengths every mom possesses. Play along as you listen, and discover your own Mom Superpower! After the quiz, Jen and Shannon explore the diverse superpowers that both they and moms everywhere have and share how these strengths make a difference in their daily lives. Tune in for a lighthearted yet empowering conversation that celebrates the incredible abilities of moms everywhere.

In this episode, Jen and Shannon take some of the internet's most asked parenting questions and see if ChatGPT has what it takes to be a good mom. Listen to find out if it knows how to change a diaper and what it thinks you should name your baby.

In this episode, Jen and Shannon discuss some of the things they are afraid of. Listen to hear why they are worried about their kids making friends and how Jen is navigating a fear of her children around water. They also talk about Jen's upcoming family trip and the nerves she has about attending her high school reunion.

In this episode, Jen and Shannon sit down to find out what type of mom they are by taking an online quiz. Listen to hear how Shannon would react if her kids threw a party and why Jen is worried about Colton sneaking out with the girl next door.

In this episode, Jen and Shannon discuss how parenting differs from their expectations. Jen shares how her birth experience was nothing like she thought it would be, and Shannon explains how she was able to rediscover her identity after becoming a mom.

The moms are back! In this episode, Jen and Shannon sit down to catch up on what's been happening in each other's lives over the past several weeks. Shannon talks about the chaos of finding a new summer camp for her kids at the last minute, and Jen shares a funny story about dropping Nolan off at daycare.

The school year is coming to a close, and for Jen, that means that kindergarten is fast approaching. In this episode, Jen and Shannon discuss their recent family milestones, including preschool graduation, preparing for the new school year, summer camps, and more. Also, listen for a new segment called “Mama's Done,” where Jen and Shannon talk about the parenting things they've just about had enough of. 

Whether it's a date night out with the hubby or a couple of hours in the afternoon to get some work done, babysitters can be a super helpful tool for us mamas. In this episode, Jen and Shannon spill the tea about what they expect from their babysitters and why having one handy is always a good idea. Listen to hear how Jen never babysat as a teenager and why Shannon doesn't trust delivery services with her food. 

The moms are back and ready to dive into some of their favorite life hacks. Some are crazy, and some are outright genius, but both Jen and Shannon agree that a good hack can be a game changer when it comes to being a mom. Listen to hear why Jen gives her teething baby an electric toothbrush and what Shannon recommends to do to make morning routines a little bit easier.

In this episode of I Speak Mama, Shannon is fully immersed in Disney mode as she gets ready for a family vacation to Disney World. She discusses with Jen how she has prepared and what she's doing to make traveling with young children a breeze. Listen to hear Jen's recommendation to stop at Disney's local Walmart and why Shannon is so excited to finally experience the magic of the parks with her children.

Jen and Shannon are joined by two very special guests on this episode of I Speak Mama: their husbands! Barrett and Lewis join the ladies to give parenting advice from a dad's perspective. They tell funny stories about potty training and talk about why it's so important to play with your kids.

No one likes talking about tough topics with their kids, but that doesn't mean those subjects will never come up. On today's episode of I Speak Mama, Jen and Shannon share their personal experiences of touching on difficult topics with their children such as death in the family, "the talk" and where babies come from.

This week on I Speak Mama, Jen and Shannon answer questions from the listeners. Tune in for a wild story about how Jen got scolded for her son not wearing shoes and why Shannon believes it's never a good idea to give a mom unsolicited advice.

Have you ever heard someone say something about parenting that made you stop and say, “What?!” In today's episode of I Speak Mama, Jen and Shannon bust some of the craziest parenting myths, including why you shouldn't tell your kids no and how having a child is going to magically fix your relationship. Listen to hear how Jen feels about family restrooms and why Shannon feels it's so important to listen to your kids.

The Mamas have successfully survived the holiday season and are back with a new episode of I Speak Mama. Jen and Shannon dive into how their holidays went: the good, bad and the ugly. Listen and learn how Shannon's special Christmas gift was received by her sons and why Jen struggled with being home with her kids during the holiday break.

Happy New Year, Mamas! The moms are back in our very first episode of the new year to discuss the highlights of 2023 and share their hopes for 2024. Listen to find out how Shannon learned to say no and why Jen is prioritizing spending time coloring with her kids.

Merry Christmas! Jen and Shannon are back in another episode of I Speak Mama to talk about the Christmas season. Listen to learn about Jen's Russian Orthodox Christmas Eve traditions and why Shannon believes it's so important to teach your kids the true meaning of Christmas starting at a young age.

Jen and Shannon are back in this episode of I Speak Mama and ready to share too much information. Jen talks about why she shouldn't jump rope after having kids, and Shannon shares some of her biggest regrets in life, including not spending enough time with her family.

In this week's episode of I Speak Mama, Jen and Shannon deep dive into their fear of bullying and what they are doing to help their kids understand the impact of their words and actions on others. They share personal experiences, both their own and those of their children, and express their thoughts on good sportsmanship and respect for others throughout life.

Let's admit it; we all have those parenting moments we're not exactly proud of. In today's episode of 'I Speak Mama,' Jen and Shannon chat about some experiences that have reminded them we all make mistakes, and nobody is a perfect parent.

In this episode of the podcast, the moms chat about all things Thanksgiving, including traveling, cooking, cleaning, and even Black Friday shopping. Listen to hear how Jen could chug a whole gravy boat and why Shannon is stressed about the holiday this year.

In this week's momversation, Jen and Shannon talk about mom friends. The two explore the dynamics of finding new connections and rekindling old ones. Jen shares an update on Colton's school mishap, and Shannon opens up about struggling to make friends as a mom. The two discuss ways they've made friends, like attending kids' birthday parties, participating in their kids' sports events and expanding their social circles through their partners' friendships.

Jen has quite the story for us in this episode of I Speak Mama. She talks about why her son Colton got suspended from school and how she's been handling the emotions that come with that. Shannon helps her explore potential causes of his misbehavior, including changes in routine, lack of sleep, food allergies and attention-seeking due to a new sibling. They discuss the importance of shared discipline and family adjustments as well as the therapeutic value of sharing their experiences and remembering that no child or mom is perfect.

Jen and Shannon are back with an all-new season of I Speak Mama! Passionate about exploring the multifaceted experiences of motherhood, they dive deep into the realities and complexities that encompass the journey of being a mom. In each episode, Jen and Shannon tackle the highs and lows of motherhood, creating a safe space for mamas everywhere to engage in honest and relatable conversations. They discuss the realities that all moms face but seldom talk about openly. Whether you are an expecting mom, a new mom, or someone who has been on this journey for years, I Speak Mama is here to remind you that you are not alone. Through their relatable stories, heartfelt conversations, and empowering messages, Jen and Shannon offer a virtual shoulder to lean on and a voice that resonates with your own experiences – a testament to the powerful community of motherhood that unites us all.

The moms are back! Jen and Shannon catch up in this special episode of the podcast and talk about some things that have been happening in their lives. Shannon discusses managing her kids' extracurricular activities, while Jen plans to use a sushi train to get her kids to try new foods.

In this episode of Myrtle Moms with Margaritas, Jen and Shannon sit down to chat about life. They discuss their thoughts on the Barbie song, share surprising facts about Barbie and Ken's namesakes, and reminisce about their own experiences with Barbie dolls. Jen shares how she was judged by her homebuilder for having a TV in her bedroom, and Shannon talks about how she navigated her son Gabriel's broken glasses. Tune in to hear them cover a variety of topics including trivia night, school lunches and whether a 2 in 1 soap body wash combo is the right pick for everyone.

This week on Myrtle Moms with Margaritas, Jen and Shannon are joined by Devon Stockton, a licensed professional therapist and mental health expert. They talk about some of the challenges that today's kids and teens face including navigating technology as well as recovering from the difficulties created by the coronavirus pandemic. They also talk about how moms can take care of their mental health and why it's important to do what's best for your family, even if it might be different than the norm. “You have to do what's best for your family and the only people who know what's best are the people who are in it every day.” -Devon Stockton

The Moms are back to chat nutritional  supplements with Jessica Lowery, founder and CEO of The Power of Elderberries, a supplement company focused on bringing the benefits of the elderberry to families everywhere. Looking back at the company's history and the “whys” behind it, listeners learn why Jessica feels so compelled to share her product with the world. She opens up about the challenges and successes of running a business with her husband while raising their children. Gain insight on how to tell if a supplement is high quality and how moms can find the best options for their family. To learn more about The Power of Elderberries visit their website or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

In this week's episode of Myrtle Moms with Margaritas, Jen and Shannon wrap up their time at the Carolina Country Music Fest by talking to Tracielynn, a country music artist with a big voice and a rock and roll twist. She shares her insights on the industry and talks about her songwriting process including how she collaborates with other writers. To learn more about Tracielynn visit her website or follow her on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. To learn more about the Carolina Country Music Festival, visit carolinacountrymusicfest.com.

Jen and Shannon are back with a second episode at the Carolina Country Music Fest. They sit down with Maura Streppa, a singer-songwriter with a unique sound and an appreciation for the oldies. They chat about Maura's musical journey and why authenticity is so important to her. She also talks about how her family has influenced her music and how having a big family has been a blessing in her life. To learn more about Maura visit her website or follow her on Instagram and TikTok. To learn more about the Carolina Country Music Festival, visit carolinacountrymusicfest.com.

Gillian Smith is a beautiful, kind, and fun-loving country music artist. She stepped onto the country music stage in 2021 with her debut single, ‘Guess You Couldn't'. Since then she has been a nominee for the Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame Awards and nominated for Best Female Country Artist and Best Female Vocalist. She's opened for big names like Morgan Evans, Restless Road, Breland, Chris Lane, Morgan Wade and even Blake Shelton. The Myrtle Moms had the unique opportunity to sit down with Gillian and learn about what got her into the business and her life as a rising country music singer. 

 Once again, it's time for the Carolina Country Music Festival! In honor of that, here is a throwback to last year when the moms got to chat with comedian Darren Knight, AKA Southern Momma. Sit back, relax and enjoy a good laugh while listening to one of the moms' favorite episodes to date! Make sure to tune in next week to hear up and coming country artist Gillian Smith on the show!

Reporting live! It's the Myrtle Moms with their friend Meghan Miller, an evening news anchor. Not only is she an incredible reporter, but she is also a dedicated and loving mother to her baby daughter, Natalie. She shares the ups and downs of being on the news while caring for her little one. Join in for a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a mom on the air!

She's back! This week the Moms are once again joined by their long-time gal pal, Caroline. She shares the hottest trends for the summer and you do not want to miss this episode! Get wardrobe-ready with this season's fashion and makeup, as well as all the must-see shows to binge. Spoiler alert, we're throwing it back to the 90s with chunky flip flops and neon colors. Join us for the ultra fun episode!

Join us for this special episode as the moms sit down with single father, Ryan Macdonald. The moms not only hear about life as a single parent, but what its like raising kids from a dad's point of view. Co-parenting, consistency in discipline, and winning Fortnite with his kids are all important aspects of Ryan's life and he balances it all with work and providing for his two kiddos. Be sure to tune in to this exciting and unique episode!

Get ready to celebrate Mother's Day in style with the Myrtle Moms! Hosts Jen and Shannon are together for a special episode dedicated to all the amazing moms out there. Join in as they share their mom role-models ranging from beloved animated characters to the iconic Princess Diana. But that's not all! They also dive into the fascinating history of Mother's Day, and offer up some creative ideas to help your family spoil you on the special day. So whether you're a mom or just want to celebrate the special women in your life, grab a margarita and tune into this fun-filled episode!

This week on Myrtle Moms with Margaritas, hosts Jen and Shannon welcome guest Rebecca Jeffreys, an autism mom and author of "You Are Made for This: Finding Courage and Intuition for Raising a Child with Autism". They discuss the importance of emotional well-being for parents of autistic children and Rebecca's journey toward taking care of her own emotional health. Rebecca shares tips for parents of children on the spectrum, including the importance of routine and structure, travel tips and the importance of being empathetic and understanding.

The moms are back with their friend Christine Cox, carrying on their fabulous conversation from last week. Christine is a mother of two and is a performer at the Alabama Theater. Between rehearsals, shows and raising her boys, she's got her hands full! Tune in this week as Christine explains how she handles it all.

Join us for a special two-part episode with local performer, Christine Cox. Christine is a singer, dancer, and actor at the Alabama Theatre. She isn't just a triple threat on stage, she's a caring and attentive mother, wife, and entrepreneur. Laugh along as the moms talk about the school drop-off line, balancing schedules, and pretty much everything in between! And come back next week for a continuation of the fun with Christine. 

This week, Jen and Shannon sat down with homeschooling mom, Kristy Yelle as she answered all the questions about what it's like to be the mom, the teacher, and a business owner. Tune in to learn the pros and cons of unconventional education and join in the conversation by leaving a review, finding us on social media, or sending us an email at myrtlemomswithmargs@gmail.com.

Before becoming a parent, a lot of people have lists of things they vow to never do with their kids- yelling in public, bribing your kid, being late to school pickup etc. At some point though, reality sets in and you're begging your kid to JUST TAKE THE CANDY to keep them quiet at the grocery store. Laugh along with Jen and Shannon as they confess what was on their idealized pre-parental lists and what has and hasn't stuck.