The Successful Mama Podcast

83 - healing relationships, building confidence, and fitness in motherhood

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Michelle Thao, a coach specializing in pre- and postnatal fitness, to talk about her journey through motherhood, family relationships, and building confidence. As our final guest episode of the year, this conversation is a meaningful reflection on healing, growth, and finding strength as a mom.
Michelle shares how her challenging childhood shaped her journey to build confidence and raise her daughter to embrace her authentic self. She opens up about the power of forgiveness in repairing relationships with her mom and husband, and how her church community has been instrumental in her healing process.
We also dive into fitness for moms, with simple and practical tips for navigating pre- and postpartum health while juggling the realities of motherhood (and where to even begin).
This heartfelt episode is the perfect way to close out our guest interviews for the year, leaving you with encouragement, wisdom, and relatable stories to carry into the holiday season and beyond. (And don't worry, there will still be powerful episodes out each Tuesday to wrap up the year together!)Make sure you're following along on social! @successfulmamapodcast

82 - from service to support: a veteran mom’s insight on military life and motherhood

Happy Veterans Day!
In this special episode, we honor the resilience, sacrifice, and strength of military families by sharing the story of Heather Jones, a veteran, military spouse, and mom. Heather opens up about her journey in the military—why she enlisted, how she met her husband, and how they navigated almost two decades of military life together while raising a family.
As a military mom and now a coach for other military spouses, Heather brings a unique perspective to the challenges and rewards of military life. She shares insight about finding balance, letting go of the pressure to do it all, and building a support system. In fact, she reveals that the challenges she faced at home while her husband was deployed were even harder than her own deployment—a testament to the often unseen strength of military spouses.
Whether you're part of a military family or simply looking to understand the hidden sacrifices made by those who serve our country (including spouses who support our servicemen and women), this episode is for you. Join us in celebrating Veterans Day by tuning in to hear Heather's powerful story and her takeaways that can be applied to all the mamas out there, whether serving or civilian.Don't forget to follow us over on social! @successfulmamapodcast

81 - lauren hooper returns: a fresh look at minimalism, money management, and making holiday magic

It's time for another Wild Card Guest! In this special episode, we welcome back Lauren Hooper (head back to episode 12 for her first appearance) for an update on her journey in minimalism, motherhood, and so much more. Since her last appearance, life has brought new challenges and growth, including navigating perimenopause, an ADHD diagnosis, and a temporary break from her business to focus on health and family. We discuss finances and debt, along with the joys of watching our kids grow and mature.
We also dive into practical ways to stay grounded during the holiday season, remembering that as moms, we’re often the “magic makers” behind the scenes. For a fun finish, we share a rapid-fire Q&A where Lauren reveals her guilty pleasures and her motto for life so far.
If you’re a mom looking for inspiration in simplifying, being intentional about spending, or making the holidays meaningful, this episode is packed with real-life insights just for you.Don't forget to stay in the know with us over on social! @successfulmamapodcast

80 - beyond the costumes: embracing play with kids and why it matters for moms

Hey, Mama! Ever feel like playtime with your kids is just one more thing on your to-do list? Trust me, I get it. As moms, we juggle so much every day that the idea of slowing down to play can feel… well, like a luxury we don’t have time for. But what if I told you that play isn’t just good for your kids—it’s essential for you, too?
In this episode, we’re diving into the science behind play and why it’s so powerful for both moms and kids. We’ll explore why taking even 10 minutes to let your kids lead the fun (yes, they get to pick!) can reduce stress, help you reconnect, and even build stronger bonds with them. And it’s perfect timing with Halloween right around the corner—a chance to embrace playfulness, let loose, and make memories that last.
Join me as we talk about embracing the silly, sharing a few laughs, and remembering that these playful moments are what our kids will remember. Plus, I’ll share some simple ideas for bringing more joy into your day, backed by science and tailored to meet you right where you are, no matter how busy life feels.
So, grab your coffee, put up your feet (or get ready for costume-making!), and let’s chat about why saying “yes” to play might just be the best treat you give yourself this seasonMake sure you're following us over on social! - @successfulmamapodcast

79 - building a better life: a single mom's story of showing up and persevering

In this episode, I sit down with Essence Nesbit, a single mom who’s been building a life filled with purpose and joy for her daughter. She shares how she transitioned from a tough work environment into running her own successful balloon and event business—all while prioritizing her family. From receiving a home through Habitat for Humanity after a life-changing break-in, to finding balance between entrepreneurship and raising her daughter, her journey is a testament to growth and determination.
We talk about the challenges and joys of single motherhood, how she creates a sense of home and happiness for her family, and how she’s continuing to grow her business. Whether you’re a mom balancing it all or simply looking for inspiration, I think you'll be encouraged and laugh quite a bit during this episode. (I certainly did!)
Tune in for a conversation about building business, home, and joy—and don’t forget to follow the podcast on social media (@successfulmamapodcast) for more motherhood stories!

78 - when plans change: how moms can embrace flexibility and give themselves grace

As a mom, you know how quickly plans can change, and it can feel overwhelming to constantly adjust. In this episode, I’m diving into why flexibility is actually a strength, not a setback. You’ll learn how to stay consistent with your big goals while remaining adaptable in your daily life, and I’ll share practical tips on giving yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.
I also get personal, sharing a bit about my own challenges with seasonal depression and how it’s taught me to embrace flexibility.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because things didn’t go as expected, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about how flexibility can help you thrive, even in the chaos of motherhood.
Don't forget to follow the podcast on social media for more tips and updates.

77 - building more than a school: reimagining education and redefining family traditions

This week’s guest is someone who truly understands the value of education and family—and how each plays a role in shaping who we are. After moving from California to Alabama, Monique Griffin and her husband set out to reimagine what education could look like by taking over a school (Huntsville College Preparatory School) and rebuilding it with a very specific focus-- creating a learning environment that truly meets the needs of each individual child. But that’s just one part of her story.
We dive into her experiences moving across the country, the challenges and rewards of building a new life in a place far from family, and how learning much of who she was came after she became a mother. She opens up about what it means to make time for yourself (and how it's not only okay, but vital), and we talk about how she’s embraced creating new family traditions that fit her family’s unique values. 
If you’ve ever felt stuck doing things just because “that’s how they’ve always been done,” or if you’re curious about how to take your own strengths and passions and turn them into something bigger—whether that’s in your family or your community—this episode is for you.
Tap play to hear her story now!
Don’t forget to follow us on social media  (@successfulmamapodcast) for updates and sneak peeks at upcoming episodes! Share your thoughts, and let us know what topics resonate most with you.

replay - 52 - embracing the spectrum: redefining "normal" and finding joy in life with autism

Get ready for a heartfelt conversation with my friend, Julia Pope. Julia opens up about her personal journey as a mother of two boys diagnosed with autism, shedding light on the shifting expectations and the process of navigating through the grief of relinquishing the idea of a 'normal' life.
Throughout our conversation, we delve into the importance of supporting families with children with special needs and how to have conversations about inclusion and neurodiversity with our kids in a way they will understand. Julia's insights and experiences are both eye-opening and inspiring, offering valuable lessons for us all.
I learned so much from Julia's perspective, and I can't wait for you to join us and glean wisdom from her journey. Also, make sure you are following along on instagram.com/successfulmamapodcast !

76 - special episode - school safety & rumors: a panel of experts on how to talk to your kids without fear

This week, we’re diving into a crucial conversation for parents everywhere. As recent threats and rumors about school violence have surfaced, it's more important than ever to equip ourselves with the tools to have these hard discussions with our kids. But how do we address such heavy topics without overwhelming them with fear? How much should we share if they’re not bringing it up themselves? And how do we teach them to feel safe while also staying aware?
To tackle these questions, I’ve brought together a panel of expert moms, each offering their unique perspective and professional experience.
Emily Lewter, a School Resource Officer who has served in numerous positions with the Sheriff's Department and offers more than 10 years of experience as an SRO. Emily brings a wealth of knowledge about school safety protocols and how to approach tough conversations from both a professional and personal perspective as a mom of three boys.
Livia Kubica, a licensed therapist and founder of Made New Ministries, specializes in counseling women and children, particularly in trauma-informed care. With nearly a decade of experience, Livia has worked with children in advocacy centers and psychiatric facilities, helping them process fear and anxiety in healthy ways. As a mother of three young girls, she shares insights on how to address these sensitive topics with compassion and care.
Rosalyn Smith, a high school counselor with nearly three decades of experience working with middle and high school students, offers a deep understanding of how kids at different developmental stages process fear, safety, and peer conversations. As a mom of two children who are now in college, Rosalyn provides a well-rounded perspective on how to approach these issues as both a professional and a parent.
We’ll discuss how to have age-appropriate conversations, address school rumors, and help our kids navigate their emotions while fostering a sense of safety and awareness. Tune in to hear how these expert moms are handling these tough conversations in their own homes and careers—and how you can do the same.Make sure you're following us over on Instagram - @successfulmamapodcastIf you're interested in working with Livia, connect with her at Made New Ministries.Thank you to our sponsors:Momtastic FitnessCove Telehealth for Women

75 - modeling emotions & apologies: setting an example for your kids

In this short but impactful episode, we’re taking a step back to talk about something every mom can relate to—handling our emotions in front of our kids and the importance of showing them it’s okay to apologize when we get it wrong. As moms, we often feel like we need to have it all together, but the truth is, kids learn just as much from our moments of vulnerability as they do from our successes.
I’ll share personal stories about navigating tough emotions and how owning our mistakes and apologizing to our children can teach them powerful lessons about humility, accountability, and emotional regulation. This is a quick listen to prepare us for next week’s deeper discussion about school safety and how to talk to our kids about tough topics.
Tune in for a few minutes of reflection and an important reminder—sometimes, it’s okay to not have all the answers, and that’s exactly what our kids need to see.
Be sure to follow us on social media, and don’t miss next week’s episode on school safety and talking to our kids about difficult conversations.