Rich conversations with everyday moms and TME host Val Kleppen about the fun, messy, and tough aspects of motherhood.
In this heartfelt episode of The Motherhood Experience, Val welcomes grief mentor and coach Teresa Davis, a mother whose life was forever changed when her adult son, a pilot, died tragically in a plane crash. Teresa opens up about her personal journey through deep grief, the impact of loss on her identity as a mother, and how she found renewed purpose in mentoring others through their own experiences of traumatic or significant loss.Together, Val and Teresa explore the complexities of parenting through grief, the isolation many grieving mothers face, and the surprising ways healing can unfold when we choose to walk alongside others in their pain. Teresa shares how her faith, community, and calling to serve others helped her begin to “grieve forward” not by moving on, but by moving with intention and purpose.Whether you're navigating grief yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply want to understand the transformative power of empathy and shared experience, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and encouragement.In this episode, you'll hear:Teresa's story of loss and how it reshaped her motherhood journeyThe importance of honoring grief without feeling rushed to "move on"How mentoring others became a source of healing and clarityPractical advice for supporting someone who is grievingFind more about Teresa here:Her website & Free Grief Survival MapThe Grief Mentor PodcastThe August course waitlist1:1 with TeresaTeresa's InstagramGrief Mentor on Facebook
What if motherhood turns out nothing like you expected, but everything you need? In this episode of The Motherhood Experience, host Val welcomes Linsey Knerl: homeschooling mom of six, freelance writer, and author of Homeschool Hacks, for an honest and insightful conversation about embracing the unexpected.Linsey shares how her entrance into motherhood looked nothing like she envisioned, why she chose to homeschool from the very beginning, and how she managed to build a freelance writing career without a formal support system nearby. From adapting to life as a working homeschooling mom to using her competitive drive as a secret strength, Linsey opens up about what it really means to “make it work” when the plan shifts.This episode is a must-listen for any mom navigating a path that feels unfamiliar or unplanned, but is full of purpose.
Welcome to the 100th episode of The Motherhood Experience!
In this episode of The Motherhood Experience, we're joined by "Belle" (@bellesdirtydishes): homeschooling mom of three, self-proclaimed scrunchy mama, and real-talk advocate for moms everywhere. From her beginnings in the online world sharing budget-friendly recipes to now offering glimpses into her day-to-day mom life, Belle has cultivated a space rooted in authenticity and encouragement.We dive into how she balances motherhood and content creation, why she chooses to go against the grain with homeschooling and holistic parenting, and how social media has both empowered and challenged her. With refreshing honesty and practical wisdom, Belle reminds us that there's no one-size-fits-all in motherhood. And that's exactly the point.Whether you're deep in diapers or navigating tween drama, this episode is for the moms who are doing things differently and want to feel seen.In This Episode, We Talk About:How Belle got started sharing on social mediaWhy she chose homeschooling and what it really looks likeHer practices as a scrunchy momHow routines and home life content resonates with other momsThe iced vs. hot coffee debateSocial media's influence on motherhood expectationsConnect with Belle:Follow Belle on Instagram
Making friends as a mom can be unexpectedly hard—and sometimes, it feels downright desperate. In this honest and heartfelt episode, we're joined by Kristen Strong, author of Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Real Talk About Connection, Rejection, and Trying Again for the Friendships You Need.Kristen opens up about the real struggles of loneliness in motherhood, the fear of rejection, and the courage it takes to keep showing up for community. As a military spouse and mom, she's had to start over more times than she can count—and she's learned what it really takes to build meaningful friendships in every season of life.We talk about:
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kalee Isbell, founder of Isbell Family Films, as she shares how she helps moms turn forgotten phone footage into beautiful, music-backed video keepsakes. A former elementary school teacher and mom of two (soon to be three!), Kalee built a thriving business that blends storytelling, memory preservation, and motherhood. We chat about:
Episode 5 and the finale of the Revisiting Parenting Perspectives series!I cover everything from poetry to the FBI, grief, and humor. My favorite episode in this series! Visit themotherhoodexperience.com for more.
In this inspiring episode of The Motherhood Experience, we sit down with Lynn Greenberg—mom of four, grandmother, and now award-winning children's book author. Lynn opens up about her motherhood journey, including the challenges and triumphs of supporting her youngest son, who was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age.When her local school district failed to offer adequate support, Lynn followed her maternal instincts, made major sacrifices, and enrolled her son in a specialized private school 45 minutes away. Her perseverance paid off: her son went on to earn an MFA, thrive as an artist, and co-author and illustrate Robby the Dyslexic Taxi, an award-winning children's book they created together.Lynn shares:How she advocated for her son despite resistance from the school systemThe emotional and logistical challenges of parenting a child with learning differencesWhat it was like to write a book with her son—and how it was a joyful experienceWhy she's excited about this next chapter as a grandmother and children's book authorHer powerful advice to all moms: “Trust your gut.”Whether you're a parent navigating special education or simply need encouragement in your motherhood journey, Lynn's story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and intuition of moms everywhere.
In this lighthearted yet heartfelt episode of The Motherhood Experience, host Val Kleppen sits down with Hannah Slay—a woman who once lived in the spotlight but now pours her heart into motherhood.
This episode made me physically uncomfortable. I got over it, obviously, but it's humbling to read things I was so adamant about once upon a time. It's been fun to see how life has changed, opinions have grown, and routines have developed since these Parenting Perspectives writings nearly a decade ago.____Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
Angella Moore, Candace Alford, and Chelsa Jons joined me (and we fought *hard* through multiple technical glitches, y'all) to talk about what it takes to plan a women's conference, why they're worth hosting, why rural ministry (and every ministry) is important, and so much more! Despite the glitches, this conversation was packed full of wisdom, insight, and fun. Here's how you can learn more:Overflow MinistriesContact CandaceHear How it All Started
Becky never could have imagined blogging about mom life, boots, and blouses would lead to a decade of writing 10 books, encouraging other moms in their life and in their faith, and gleaning from the very encouragement the Lord asks her to share. This was such a rich, thoughtful conversation where Becky gave us a true glimpse into her heart, and of her latest book, Healing Rest: An Invitation for Mommas Who Carry So Much to Lean Into the Arms of the One Who Carries it All.Learn More about Becky:Healing Rest BookBecky's WebsiteMidnight Mom Devotional FacebookBecky's FacebookMidnight Mom Devotional InstagramBecky's Instagram
Mora always wanted to be a missionary, and she always wanted to be a mother. A few weeks after moving to Panama with her husband for their new missions life, she found out she was pregnant. Now she's a mom of two boys and a baby due any minute (!!!) and shares what it's like to be a mom on a mission. To learn more about Mora and how you can support her family, visit:Instagramor email: moritamissions@gmail.com
More about Raquel:Book: https://go.encorps.be/periodSocial media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/raqueldeville/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raqueldeville/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raquel.deville
Coming up for air to revisit some writings I submitted that were originally published on Moms of Faith's website in 2014. These were refreshing and a little convicting at times but I'm so grateful for all the writing I did back in these early years to document where I was so I can not only be reminded, but recognize growth and change in the time since. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Which article was your favorite?____Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
Nothing went the way Kayla Peterson envisioned as far as motherhood. Her first pregnancy resulted in an early miscarriage. She and her husband had talked of only having one child, but today they have two at home. While her motherhood journey has been quite different from what she expected, it has still been a blessing! Kayla shares all about her journey and touches on important realizations regarding plans, grief, and joy. ____Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
Always a creative spirit, Lauren Jacobs found her passion and purpose in cookie decorating even appearing on The Food Network! Her motherhood journey is one full of pursuing adventure, overcoming challenges, and creating precious memories. More about Lauren:On InstagramOn FacebookFounder of The Cheerful Baker – teaching cookie decorating & business skills.Host of Sugar Coated Dreams Podcast – helping cookie decorators grow their businesses.Published Author – The Boy Who Lost His ColorsFood Network's Christmas Cookie Challenge Contestant (2022 Season).Creator of The Cheerful Box – a monthly cookie decorating subscription.Featured in - Entertain & Celebrate & Taste of the South Magazines.Instructor at Cookie Con, Cookie-A-Thon, and Bake from Scratch Magazine Baking Retreat.Expert in - cookie decorating, royal icing techniques, #challengebutter, and cookie cutter design.____Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
Many years ago RuthAnn Zimmerman popped up in my Instagram feed sharing something about gardening. Little did I know how much influence this woman would have in my motherhood journey! Listening to RuthAnn is like drinking from a deep well of wisdom - you will be encouraged, inspired, and happier just from listening to this conversation. (or your money back!) ;) Follow RuthAnn:on YouTubeon Instagramvia her WebsiteRuthAnn and her family live in Northeast Iowa. She and herhusband Elvin have been married for 25 years, have 7 children, 2 sons-in-law, and 1 grandson. Five of the children still live at home. RuthAnn and her husband have been homesteading on their 21-acre homestead since 2001. They seek to preserve the self-sufficient lifestyle of their Mennonite Heritage for the next generation by involving their children in every aspect of the homestead. From raising and harvesting the meat they consume, gardening and preserving to fill the family's larder, processing the dairy from the family milk cow plus the many other skills that develop the character, integrity, and relationships of a family that desires to bring glory and honor to their Heavenly Father._______Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
Continuing on with reading previous columns Val wrote about her parenting journey for her local newspaper back in the day. This one hit a little harder!
While on bedrest in the hospital, a fun TikTok post went viral and created a booming business for Caitlyn. She's passionate about motherhood and care for moms from the very beginning and shares all she has learned from other moms and in her own motherhood journey. Caitlyn Website:https://www.wearlila.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@themodernmidwife Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlyn_themodernmidwife/ Elora/LittleOne.Care Website: https://www.littleone.care/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littleone.care/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/little1care TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@littleone.care _______ Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Elizabeth Parsons joins me on The Motherhood Experience this week! You may know her as @PurelyParsons on Instagram, and I had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth to hear about her motherhood journey, career shift, family focus, and heart for - well - purely parenting.For More About Elizabeth:InstagramWebsite & StoreInfo Site_______Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
When Kim Grustas was shopping for skincare products for her daughters, she was appalled when she read the ingredient labels. Pushed by her passion for health, she created her own line of skincare products for girls that has been going 15 years strong! Hear about how her motherhood journey led her to make a positive impact in the beauty industry. _______ Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
According to the social media poll, listeners wanted to hear Val read through her archive of columns submitted when she used to write for the paper in North Dakota. The first four are revisited in this episode. What do you think: is this something Val should keep doing?? ____ Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Alia dubs her family "nontraditional" as she owns her own business and her husband is a stay-at-home dad. She shares her perspective and thoughts on her personal motherhood journey, and what she loves about the adventure she's on. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Sara went from not dreaming about motherhood to having the kids of any mama's dreams! Listen as she shares her story of raising two young girls, discovering her passions and a renewed sense of purpose, and launching her own bookkeeping business. You can find more about Sara here: Website: www.RusticBarnesBookkeeping.com Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/RusticBarnesBookkeeping LinkedIn Company Profile: www.linkedin.com/company/rustic-barnes-bookkeeping LinkedIn Personal Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-barnes-rbb/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rustic.barnes.bookkeeping/ Email: info@rusticbarnesbookkeeping.com ______________________ Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
I hope this isn't your first time listening to The Motherhood Experience - but if it is, I promise they're not all like this. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Winter Hendrickson joins me this week on TME to talk about her journey through infertility, adoption, and the miracle births of two biological children! Winter's story is incredible, encouraging, and a beautiful episode to start out the new year. You can find Winter on Instagram Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Michael Hyatt's Your Best Year Ever Meal Planning via E-Meals Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
You get a front-row seat to Val's stream-of-consciousness conversation. And I'm sorry. Merry Christmas, everyone! Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Hetal Vasavada, is a mother, Master Chef Alumni, and prolific baker! We talked about life as a mother in the food-media world, time in the kitchen, how time spent creating is time spent in self-care, and a partnership with Challenge Butter and Cookies 4 Kids, a charity that raises funds for Pediatric Cancer Research. Learn more here: Challenge Butter & Cookies 4 Kids She just released her second book, Desi Bakes, which you can find on her website. Follow Hetal on Instagram __________ Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Sharon is a (pastor's) wife, a mother, and a Biblical counselor in northern South Dakota. Once we got into the meat and potatoes of her motherhood story, the conversation went in-depth with regard to marriage, motherhood, and the struggles between the two roles. This is such a rich episode! To connect with Sharon, visit her Facebook page. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
The first time I met Kelly, it was both the best and worst day of her life. She was welcoming her first set of twins - daughters - who both had an incredible story of their own. Kelly shares her motherhood journey of having twins - twice! - and navigating a life of blessing, loss, and parenthood. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
In honor of Thanksgiving, I wanted to share one of my favorite Thanksgiving memories and the heartwarming story that goes along with it. Thank you for joining me as I reminisce about the best neighbor who ever was: Farmer John. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Nicki is passionate about homeschool and history, and it's evident once you hear her speak about either, how they are sources of joy in her life! I first met Nicki at the North Dakota homeschool convention a few years ago, and had no idea about her story until we recorded this episode. My facial expressions speak for themselves, but this is an episode you're going to find fascinating, I have no doubt! Be encouraged and inspired by all Nicki has overcome and has to share with you today. Find NIcki: https://nickitruesdell.com/ Books: https://knowledgekeepersbookstore.com/ Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
Rachel Kleppen gave birth (twice!) in another country and begin her journey of motherhood in Taiwan, while there as a missionary. And yes, we happen to be related! I LOVED this conversation with Rachel, covering everything from life on foreign soil to culture shock in America, difficult pregnancies, card games, and the difference in raising boys and girls. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook
This was my first time chatting with Rebekah, after her sister and previous podcast guest, Candace Alford, suggested we connect for the podcast. And what a treat this was! Rebekah was so sweet and our conversation was so much fun. I enjoyed learning about her life as a farmer's wife and her experience being a mom to three (young!) littles. Rebekah showed wisdom beyond her years and I'm grateful she agreed to share it with the rest of us!
When Hubs and I settled into a church in Fargo, we met Paula and Jonathan Geiger, who were part of a small group we had been invited to join. After we became friends, they moved away and their family grew - and grew! It was so heartwarming to catch up with Paula and hear about her life with her seven children, one of whom has a rare genetic condition.
When I was Troop Shepard for American Heritage Girls in North Dakota, I met a girl named Evie, who quickly endeared herself to me. After we moved to South Dakota, I got a text message urgently pleading for prayers for Evie's life. Laura is Evie's mom. A mother of seven children, she is forthcoming about her likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesses in her parenting. She also shares incredible insight and her experience while Evie was in the hospital, knocking on death's door.
Rachel has run the gamut with regard to her experiences bringing children into this world. This episode is appropriately titled Motherhood & Miscarriage. She's been pregnant seven times and has four children - her story is a testament to the incredible woman she is! I'm so glad to have had our paths cross and to be able to share Rachel's story with all of you.
From the wilderness, through the desert, in the calm, and in the storms - Megan has been a mom through all of it. Megan's story, from becoming a mom to now finding herself between generations in her journey, is one that will resonate with each of us. She is as charming as she is sincere, and I know you'll enjoy this conversation with Megan. Homeschooling Flavor Video Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram
Brianne Price is living out her motto to "Lean In". After experiencing incredibly difficult pregnancies and long-term effects on her mental health, Brianne shares how she has her spark back, what she has learned along the way, and how being a mom who leans in - to her marriage, her children, her career, and most importantly, to her faith in Jesus - is far more promising than being a mom who loses hope. Brianne's Instagram Learn More about Mills & Mae Services Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram
Tahni Cullen spoke at a women's retreat I emceed over ten years ago, and her story is one I'll never forget. I sat alone in the front row and wept as she shared about how her son, Josiah, a happy, talkative baby, regressed at the age of 19 months into the world of a non-speaking autistic diagnosis. When Josiah was around 7 or 8 years old, he began spelling, and the fire within him roared. Tahni has been the torchbearer of her son's thoughts and livelihood since. Josiah's Fire Facebook Page Josiah's Fire Book Kernels of Joy Jesus, Josiah & Me Book by Max Davis Spellers The Movie Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram
Brenda Coombs' story, while one of substantial tragedy and trauma, is one of encouragement, endurance, and ultimate victory. Brenda's first husband took his life, and five years later, two of her children died in a car accident. This is one of, if not *the* most powerful TME episodes I've had the honor of recording to date. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram
Kelley Coleman is a feature film development executive turned author, who is active in the disability advocacy community. She serves on committees for Children's Hospital Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and Canine Companions. Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Systems, Services, and Supports stems from her own parenting experience, giving parents the tools to spend less time navigating the stuff and more time just loving their kids exactly as they are. Her book is available for sale on Amazon. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two children, and her son's service dog. To learn more, please visit:Kelley's Website Connect with Kelley on:Instagram Facebook Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on Instagram
Hubs and I sat down for this special "World Beard Day" episode that has nothing to do with anyone's motherhood experience, but we did talk about how the podcast got started, his role in it all, and you'll get a front-row seat to how amazing we are at ineffective communication. It was fun for us, hopefully it is also a fun episode for you. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram
Kristi and I met in 2009 when we worked at the same bank. Neither of us had children when we met, and we have experienced life together through some hard realities of parenting since. Kristi's motherhood story has always been near and dear to my heart, especially that of her miracle 23-week micropreemie, Ava. I love that Kristi shared so openly in this episode about all of her miracles of motherhood. We also spent a lengthy amount of time in fits of hysterical laughter in this episode, reminiscing about "the good ol' days". Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
After nearly a decade without getting pregnant, Katie took conservative treatments to try to improve her fertility. She got pregnant and found out she was pregnant with triplets - a singleton and identical twins - and no one was expecting that to happen! What follows is a series of unexpected tragedies, and Katie's resilience in the face of it all. I am so glad she shared her story on the podcast, and that I have the privilege of introducing you to my friend, Katie Larson. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
Send us a Text Message.Not only did Kay raise littles through Covid, but she also got her PhD while being a mom and working full time in academia. She shares all about her mindset in parenting, what her schedule is like, and how she keeps herself grounded in the middle of it all. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
Send us a Text Message.Sarah and I work together and until this episode, I had only heard part of her story as a mother. She has been on quite the journey, mothering three girls, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Listen in as she shares how she changed her mind about ever being a mom, what it has been like for her, and how she found her village.Check out this Special Needs Cubby BedLooking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
Natalie reached out to me after hearing one of her connections on the podcast and offered to share her motherhood journey. I'm glad she did, and I think her story of navigating constant change, chaos, and upheaval but being able to laugh about it and enjoy it today, will encourage you.Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Motherhood Experience WebsiteFollow us on InstagramFind us on Facebook
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