The Successful Mama Podcast

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.

74 - growing at your own pace: childhood cancer, milestones, and finding balance with food and fitness

In this week’s episode of the Successful Mama Podcast, we sit down with Sally Ham, a mama of 2, wife, foodie, and Lego and puzzle enthusiast. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month, and Sally is also a childhood cancer survivor. While she doesn’t remember much from the time of her diagnosis, we dive into how her experience shaped her journey as a mother and impacts her outlook on life today.
We also discuss the pressure of milestones and how hitting them “late” doesn’t define your child’s future. It’s a reminder that we all grow at our own pace, and that's perfectly okay. Whether you're a mom feeling overwhelmed by timelines or someone who’s ever felt “behind,” this episode will encourage you to embrace your unique journey.
Finally, we tackle something every mom can relate to—finding a healthy relationship with food and fitness. Sally shares her personal transformation from struggling with disordered eating back in high school and college to discovering balance, self-acceptance, and joy in her wellness routine.
Tune in for inspiration, real talk, and practical takeaways.
Don’t forget to follow us on social media (@successfulmamapodcast).

73 - ballet, bravery, and figuring it out: a dancer's journey through life and motherhood

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Rachel Butler-Otto, the now Huntsville Ballet School Director* who has spent her life learning to figure it out as she goes—both in the world of dance and in motherhood. Leaving home at 16 to pursue a professional ballet career, she faced challenges from a surprise pregnancy to balancing the demands of family and dance.
I often talk about the fact that we can learn from one another, no matter how different our stories may look. As a little girl, my closet was full of jerseys and cleats, rather than tutus and pointe shoes, so my exposure to ballet was minimal. And yet, I took away so much wisdom from this conversation that resonates with any mama out there. We discuss the bravery it takes to navigate unexpected challenges, the importance of showing our kids that it's okay to figure things out along the way, and the reassuring truth that we’re all doing fine—even when it doesn’t feel like it.
Whether you're a dancer or not, I think you'll find this conversation both comforting and inspiring. Grab your coffee and push play!And don't forget to follow us over on Instagram- @successfulmamapodcast*In the intro for the episode, I share that Rachel is the Ballet Mistress for the Huntsville Ballet School. After finishing the episode, I realized that I misread, as this is her title associated with the Huntsville Ballet Company, and she is the Director for the school. I did mention in the episode that I had no idea what a Ballet Mistress was... I'll get Rachel to explain it to me next time.

72 - prioritizing your marriage: leaning on community for support

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Courtney Joy Willoughby, who shares her journey of getting married at just 18, navigating the challenges of endometriosis, and experiencing the heartbreak of a miscarriage. Through these trials and the example originally set by her parents, she learned the importance of prioritizing her marriage and how essential it is to build and lean on a supportive community. We dive into the practical ways you can strengthen your relationship and find time together even in a busy schedule. We also talk about the importance of creating a network of people you can rely on—whether it’s family, friends, or neighbors. This episode is packed with insights on how to balance the demands of life while ensuring your marriage remains strong and how to create the community support you need to thrive. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that offers real-world advice for every stage of your relationship.Make sure to connect with us on Instagram- @successfulmamapodcast

71 - refocusing priorities: from career grind to family time

In this episode, I sit down with one of my dearest friends, Bethany McLemore. In the time we have been friends, she has navigated significant shifts in both her career and personal life. After years of working as a preschool director (where she had the benefit of bringing her babies to work) she made the brave decision to step out of a high-stress management role and return to public school teaching. While this move brought some relief, it also introduced new challenges, like being away from her new baby during the day.
We discuss how her definition of success has evolved—from focusing on career-driven goals to prioritizing her family and finding a healthier work-life balance. We also explore the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone, even when it feels safer to stay put, and how to navigate the toughest days with grace and resilience.
Whether you're a mom struggling with work-life balance, facing tough decisions, or simply needing some encouragement to push through the hardest moments, this conversation is packed with wisdom, relatable stories, and practical advice.By the way, you will rarely find a day when Bethany and I get together without having coffee together, so I hope you'll grab yours (or something else delicious!) and imagine us sitting across the table sharing this conversation with you.

70 - flourishing after the drought: self-care and growth in a new season

As we transition from summer into the routine of back-to-school, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything on our plates. In this episode, I reflect on the importance of self-care, using a story from my garden to explore how we can bounce back and thrive, even after tough times and seasons that are a little more chaotic. We’ll also talk a little on the science of stress and resilience, with practical tips to help you flourish in this new season.
Tune in for a blend of personal insights and actionable advice that will leave you feeling inspired and ready to nurture yourself.