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 __________ Lookin...
Dec 17, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 72
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 o...
Dec 10, 2024•51 min•Season 3Ep. 71
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...
Dec 03, 2024•56 min•Season 3Ep. 44
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...
Nov 26, 2024•42 min•Season 3Ep. 69
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 NIck...
Nov 19, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 68
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...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 67
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!
Nov 05, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 66
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.
Oct 29, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 65
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.
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 64
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.
Oct 15, 2024•54 min•Season 3Ep. 63
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 New Facebook Page Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhoo...
Oct 08, 2024•49 min•Season 3Ep. 62
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...
Oct 01, 2024•53 min•Season 3Ep. 61
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 J...
Sep 24, 2024•57 min•Season 3Ep. 60
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...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Season 3Ep. 59
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 j...
Sep 10, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 58
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...
Sep 03, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 57
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, reminisci...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 56
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 ...
Aug 20, 2024•1 hr 3 min
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 Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook...
Aug 13, 2024•50 min
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 Bed Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow ...
Aug 06, 2024•49 min
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 Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook...
Jul 30, 2024•43 min
Sarah McKinley is this week's guest, and we met four years ago when we moved to South Dakota! As a mom of five boys, she has a lot of motherhood stories to tell and profound insights to share. I asked Sarah a question I've been saving just for her about boys and pornography. From hobbits to "embracing the awkward", this episode covers it all. 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 o...
Jul 23, 2024•58 min
The season during which Erica and I met was nearly four years ago when we moved here and I needed to find out where to pick up my Azure Standard order. A few conversations later, we realized we shared some of the same life goals, and fast forward a season beyond that, we became close friends! As a mother of six "middles and littles", she has a lovely perspective and I greatly appreciate all she shared in this episode of The Motherhood Experience. I think you will, also! VISIT OUR SPONSOR: What Y...
Jul 16, 2024•53 min
It's far more pleasant than the title gives it credit for. This episode was an absolute delight to record! My first time talking to Anita was through a semi-panicked voicemail I left for her as I was trying to figure out how to get my daughter registered for a week-long event ( TeenPact ). Her return phone call was not only especially helpful, but she was so endearing and encouraging; I knew I would enjoy any conversation with her later! And I was right. It felt like I was sitting at the feet of...
Jul 09, 2024•49 min
Heather met me when she attended Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support group after moving to the Fargo area. She has a story unlike any you've probably heard before, and I was so grateful she was willing to come on the podcast and share her motherhood journey with all of us. VISIT OUR SPONSOR: What You Didn't Expect in Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Fi...
Jul 02, 2024•51 min
I was introduced to Lauren through Elisha (Ep. 004) and am so glad the introduction was made! Lauren has four children, two of whom have mosaic down syndrome. While they're identical twins genetically, they're not actually identical outwardly. This is an incredible motherhood story. Lauren had no idea ten years ago that this would be the motherhood journey she would be walking through today. Her commitment to moving forward no matter what has helped shape her own perspective in parenting, and ha...
Jun 25, 2024•56 min
Earlier this year, I attended a women's event coordinated by this sweet woman, Candace Alford. She poured into everyone in attendance and the second I met her, I adored her. I'm glad to call her "friend" today and to introduce this author, speaker, farmwife, mama to the rest of you! To learn more about Candace: Visit her website Listen to her podcast Candace's Facebook Candace's Instagram Candace's YouTube Book: The Mighty Mountain and the Mustard Seed Book: The Mighty Mountain and the Fig Tree ...
Jun 18, 2024•54 min
Heather was introduced to me by Kailyn (from episode 35), and is a mother of 7. She became a mom the moment she married her husband, as he had three boys. Their mom, Tom's first wife, died from cancer, leaving Tom as a single father. Heather met Tom on Catholic Match, married him, and gave those three boys four more brothers, including a set of twins! Tune in for Heather's incredible motherhood story in this episode of The Motherhood Experience. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop...
Jun 11, 2024•53 min
Mari introduced herself to me while we attended the same session at the North Dakota Homeschool Convention in 2024. We struck up a conversation and I learned about her aspirations as a mother and asked if she'd be willing to share them on the podcast. We covered all kinds of things in this conversation, and I hope you'll enjoy Mari introducing herself to all of you! Mentioned By Mari: Learn more about the NDHSA Happy Homebirth Podcast Gardening Presentation Looking to save money on quality, bulk...
Jun 04, 2024•46 min
Making a move from the PNW to rural South Dakota is no small feat. Olivia's story of motherhood and moving out here to plant roots (sight unseen!) is one you'll find encouraging and incredible. Her experience is unique and endearing and I'm excited to feature her on this episode of TME. Learn more about Olivia & her work 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...
May 28, 2024•54 min
