The Successful Mama Podcast

replay - 40 - what moms need to hear: thank you, and what you've done is enough

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.We're down to the wire. The big day is almost here. You've stretched yourself thin doing all the things and making everything special and magical. But is it enough? And will your kids know how much you've done for them? Listen up this week for the reminder you're needing to hear- thank you for what you've done, and it is definitely enough.(Fun fact- I was sick during this episode last year, and guess what we are battling in 2024? The flu!! So far, it has just been the kiddos, but I'm wondering if my time is coming. I hope you and your family have a wonderful (sickness-free!) holiday season!!)Make sure you're following along on social! @successfulmamapodcast

replay - 39 - what moms need to hear: letting go of perfection

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.Let's face it, we all dream of the picture-perfect holiday—gorgeous decor, flawless events, and those Instagram-worthy family photos. But what if the pursuit of perfection is stealing the joy? This episode we talk about decorating inside with a makeshift tree out of scrap wood and using *gasp* pre-packaged cookies to bake with kiddos. Because, let's be real, it's often the imperfect moments that weave the best holiday memories. Hit play and let's reshape our perspective on the perfect holiday.Make sure to connect with us over on social! @successfulmamapodcast

replay - 38 - what moms need to hear: crafting your ideal holiday season

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.This week, we are talking about defining your ideal holiday season NOW so that you can stick with it throughout the rest of the year. As moms, we want this season to be filled with magic and wonder. Our society is no doubt one that pushes more is better, but that isn’t always the case and often leads to overwhelm and feeling as if we fall short of the “perfect” holiday. So I want to challenge you this week to take a few steps in early December to help cultivate YOUR version of a perfect holiday season. Grab your hot cocoa and Santa hat, and settle in.Make sure you're following us over on social! @successfulmamapodcast

replay - 37 - what moms need to hear: christmas decorations

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.This week’s episode is on Christmas decorations... do you have yours up yet? What are the expectations you have around your holiday decor? Do you want the perfect Instagram-worthy setup? Are you happy with what you have? We talk about all of these questions and more on week 2 of this series.Don't forget to follow us on social! @successfulmamapodcast

replay - 36 - what moms need to hear: thanksgiving and gratitude

You’re not going to want to miss this 6-week mini series as we close out 2024! These replays from last year are just as relevant now, offering reminders that every mom needs during this beautiful but chaotic holiday season. We’re talking about “what moms need to hear” to navigate the last six weeks of the year with purpose and joy. These short episodes are easy to squeeze into your busy schedule and will leave you with food for thought and a simple action step to carry through your week.This week’s episode is on gratitude- why it matters, how it benefits us, and how we can actively put it in place in our everyday life. It is so easy to rush through the day, but gratitude reminds us to slow down and take in the ordinary moments that are some of the most precious. This episode can help you take gratitude from something that you are to something that you do.Don't forget to follow us on social! @successfulmamapodcast

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!