Are you feeling overwhelmed by complicated clearing systems and endless to-do lists? In this episode, I’m sharing our family’s journey from complete survival mode (where we abandoned all cleaning systems) to creating simple, sustainable routines that keep our home relatively clean without exhausting my limited pregnancy energy. I’ll walk you through: How to identify YOUR daily cleaning priorities based on your family’s actual pain points Our “confiscate and clean” strategy that’s transforming ou...
Mar 05, 2025•19 min•Ep 352•Transcript available on Metacast Do you ever find yourself responding to your children in ways that don’t align with the parent you want to be? As I navigate through pregnancy with our fifth child while homeschooling through Georgia’s cold winter days, I’ve found myself struggling with patience and tone - especially when cabin fever sets in. In this weeks episode, I open up about: One parenting skill I’m trying to master right now. How a moment of frustration with one of my kids led to an unexpected heart-to-heart. The simple, ...
Feb 26, 2025•11 min•Ep 351•Transcript available on Metacast Do you ever feel like your best isn’t cutting it? Like no matter how hard you try, you can’t keep up with what it takes to run your household? I hit this wall recently in my fifth pregnancy. Despite giving it my all, I couldn’t maintain the peace and systems I was used to. But through this struggle, I discovered something important about the standards we set for our homes. In this episode, I’m sharing: Why linking household management to family peace is a flawed mindset How to shift from feeling...
Feb 19, 2025•17 min•Ep 350•Transcript available on Metacast I wanted to give a personal update today - I haven't shared much about what's been happening behind the scenes with the podcast and my own life, and there's a lot to tell. Our fifth baby is on the way (I'm about 17 weeks), and while this pregnancy has brought some unexpected challenges, we're so excited. I've been mostly horizontal these past months, but that hasn't stopped our family from dreaming and doing. The kids have been incredible - helping with everything from digging out tree stumps to...
Feb 12, 2025•38 min•Ep 349•Transcript available on Metacast In this week’s episode let's discuss problem solving and how it applies to motherhood. We'll get super practical with my new S.O.L.V.E. framework to help you get practical and apply this powerful principle today. Be part of our beta group of the surviving to thriving toolkit. Join at: thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/toolkit We are only taking 10 members for this first group. This beta launch includes exclusive coaching access so don’t wait to sign up!...
Feb 05, 2025•27 min•Ep 348•Transcript available on Metacast When I started Alveary this year, I was drawn to their modern take on Charlotte Mason education. Now after completing our first term, I’ve discovered both unexpected joys and real challenges that surprised me. In this episode, I’m sharing the complete picture - from the resource that’s brought more joy to our family than I expected, to the hidden costs I wish I’d known about, to what’s actually involved in implementing this curriculum. Whether you’re considering Alveary or just curious about Cha...
Jan 29, 2025•23 min•Ep 347•Transcript available on Metacast During our January technology fast, I've been diving into some books that are shifting how I think about life beyond screens. Today, I want to share four powerful reads that are helping me envision what I want my days to look like instead of defaulting to technology. Here are the books that are transforming my perspective: The Opt-Out Family by Aon Lochner - Through a series of essays, she shows how one family helped their children observe and understand technology's impact Dopamine Nation by An...
Jan 22, 2025•12 min•Ep 346•Transcript available on Metacast I’ve done technology fasts in previous years when my life was more stable - when I was in the thriving stage or at least normalized. This year is different. I’m in full-blown survival mode, and it’s making me see this practice in a whole new way. In this week’s episode, I’m walking through a tech fast looks different depending on where you are on the five-step path: Survival Mode: When willpower isn’t enough, your environment matters more than ever. I share what I’m learning during this season o...
Jan 15, 2025•14 min•Ep 345•Transcript available on Metacast What would it take to feel truly satisfied? Thomas Aquinas suggests we’d need to experience everything - every restaurant, every country, every possibility. But since that’s impossible, what do we do with our constant desire for more? In this episode, I’m exploring this tension between desires and contentment, especially as it relates to motherhood and creating our vision for the year. I share: Why understanding our infinite capacity for wanting more can actually be liberating The balance betwee...
Jan 08, 2025•12 min•Ep 344•Transcript available on Metacast As we wrap up another year, I’ve noticed my technology use creeping up. Maybe you’re feeling it too - more scrolling, more shows, more social media. It’s easy to fall into, especially during the holidays. That is why in January, I like to combine two practices that set up my entire year for success: a technology reset and creating my vision for the new year. Here’s why this matters: When we’re constantly connected, our brains don’t have the space to think deeply or receive new ideas. Whether you...
Jan 01, 2025•19 min•Ep 343•Transcript available on Metacast If you want a better present, you need a bigger future. This principle from Victor Frankl’s “Man’s Search For Meaning” has been proven in positive psychology - to truly thrive in your present, you need something you’re working toward. I came across this years ago when I had two little kids at home and felt aimless, with days dragging on. That’s when I started developing my yearly vision practice, and it’s become the single most transformative tool in my journey from surviving to thriving. In thi...
Dec 18, 2024•24 min•Ep 342•Transcript available on Metacast When I was pregnant with my fourth baby, I learned something fascinating about labor – in between contractions, our bodies release oxytocin, flooding us with feel-good hormones. This completely changed my birth experience because I started focusing on these moments of relief instead of just anticipating the next contraction. This principle, when we choose to magnify applies to every season of motherhood. Whether you’re navigating toddler tantrums, teenage conversations, pregnancy challenges, or ...
Dec 11, 2024•8 min•Ep 341•Transcript available on Metacast I read close to 100 books in 2024, and I'm excited to share my favorite book recommendations across different genres! From classic books to literary fiction, I've curated selections that align with my reading goals and support a positive motherhood mindset. Join me for this comprehensive book review that will inspire your next great read! Children's Literature The Penderwicks: https://amzn.to/49joJrb National Parks Mystery Series: https://amzn.to/49hS9WQ Ruby Holler: https://amzn.to/3ZgakYv Clas...
Dec 04, 2024•15 min•Ep 340•Transcript available on Metacast As a mom, I know exactly who I want to become. I also know there’s a gap between that vision and my current reality - in my character, my behavior, and my actions. To help close this gap, I’ve created something that’s become one of my favorite tools this year: a personal life philosophy. But don’t let the fancy name fool you - it’s simply a collection of your best ideas, thoughts, and inspiration that help you specifically in your journey of becoming who you want to be. In this week’s episode, w...
Nov 27, 2024•11 min•Ep 339•Transcript available on Metacast Ever been part of a book club that fizzled out after a few months? Or maybe you’ve wanted to start one but weren’t sure how to make it stick? This week’s episode is for you! I’m talking about what makes a book club truly work with Madeline Casey, who, along with Phoebe Cook, started the book club I’ve been part of for four years (and still love!). In this episode, we’ll talk about: Choosing books that people want to read Creating a format that keeps the discussion flowing Handling different beli...
Nov 20, 2024•55 min•Ep 338•Transcript available on Metacast This fall has been a very busy season for our family where we are stuck tackling things that are urgent. While it has been exhausting and at times felt like survival mode (some days have been 100% survival mode), I have learned some powerful lessons that are changing how I approach my days that I discuss in this week’s episode. I’ve found myself living on razor-thin margins lately - where there’s just enough capacity for the scheduled things, but anything else feels impossible. Throughout this s...
Nov 13, 2024•18 min•Ep 337•Transcript available on Metacast I’ve been getting questions after the focus on how to merge effective mom planning with planning with your spouse. Andrew and I sat down after we tucked the kids into bed this week and talked about what planning looks like for us in our marriage which I hope will inspire you. But first, let’s get some misconceptions out of the way: Misconception #1: We Plan the Same Way Nope! Andrew has his own style of planning that works for his work schedule and keeping his priorities in check. Misconception ...
Nov 06, 2024•24 min•Ep 336•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever felt the need to speed up your child’s life? Like it’s some kind of race to cram in everything they need before they turn 18? Today’s conversation with Leslie Martino challenged my thinking about this in the best possible way. Leslie has four kids (14, 12, and 10-year-old twins), and she shared something that hit home: older kids deserve a slow childhood too. We often talk about peaceful, slow living for little ones, but somewhere along the way, we forget that older kids are still ...
Oct 30, 2024•34 min•Ep 335•Transcript available on Metacast When Sierra first discovered the Thriving in Motherhood planner in 2021, she was deep in survival mode. With a three-year-old and an 18-month-old, she had been battling postpartum depression for over a year. “I need something,” she recalled thinking. “I can’t just be surviving anymore.” Like many mothers, Sierra initially hesitated about investing in a planner. But after discussing it with her husband, she took a leap - a decision that would transform not just her approach to motherhood, but her...
Oct 23, 2024•30 min•Ep 334•Transcript available on Metacast Today I’m going to walk you through the the Win Your Week planning system that’s built into the 2025 Thriving in Motherhood Planner . This system is designed to help you navigate the ups and downs of motherhood while still achieving your goals and creating a life you love. Why Focus on Winning Your Week? Let's face it: as moms, our days can be unpredictable. Some days are fantastic, others are challenging, and many are a mix of both. That's why I've found that focusing on "winning the week" is t...
Oct 16, 2024•12 min•Ep 333•Transcript available on Metacast I’m thrilled to share with you the 12 major updates we’ve made to the 2025 Thriving in Motherhood Planner. These changes are based on the latest productivity research, time management strategies, and systems design. I’ve been diving deep into these topics to bring you a planner that truly supports your journey in motherhood. Let’s explore what’s new! Getting Started Checklist Ever felt lost staring at a brand new planner? Not anymore. I’ve created a step-by-step guide that’s like having a friend...
Oct 10, 2024•22 min•Ep 332•Transcript available on Metacast We have had a wonderful summer and a lot going on as we get back into life at home, gardening, homeschooling, and friendships. There has also been a lot going on behind the scenes with the podcast, which is what I want to share with you in this week’s Thriving Thursday email so you can know what to expect. Usually by now I've gotten the next year's planner edited, ordered, shipped to my home, and I've taken photos and gotten ready to share it with all of you. This year I have the draft of the 20...
Aug 21, 2024•11 min•Ep 331•Transcript available on Metacast I went out to harvest cucumbers and green beans with my kids early one morning. The plants looked amazing, with vines reaching everywhere. At first glance, it looked like we would come out with nothing to show for our months of effort water, picking off bugs, and weeding. But after we slowed down and searched for a while, we began to see lots of vegetables (we found 17 cucumbers and an entire colander of green beans!). Just like the vegetables hidden in the garden, sometimes we get so caught up ...
Aug 14, 2024•9 min•Ep 330•Transcript available on Metacast As mothers, we often find ourselves navigating the challenging journey from merely surviving our days to truly thriving. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with many amazing moms, and I've noticed some common pitfalls that can make this journey feel even more daunting. Today, I'd like to share some insights to help smooth your path. In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the five biggest mistakes moms make as they transition from survival mode to thriving. Here are the five k...
Aug 06, 2024•18 min•Ep 329•Transcript available on Metacast Currently, we are in a season in our lives that could be temporary - or we could be here to stay for a long, long time. I'm very good at temporary. Moving has been my lot in life, growing up with my parents (I went to 10 schools by the time I graduated high school) and since getting married (we've lived in 6 homes). But living somewhere where staying is a possibility? Now that has been a hard thing for my mind to grasp. In this week's episode, I'm sharing a thriving thought that has come out of ...
Jul 31, 2024•10 min•Ep 328•Transcript available on Metacast It can be so hard to feel like we are just surviving our days and see a huge list of all that needs to happen, but in reality all we need to do is focus on managing today and making tomorrow a little bit better too. Each of the five phases along the path have a specific focus, systems, and skills so that you can dramatically shorten your to-do list and put your energy towards the specific problems you are facing right now. In this weeks episode I'm sharing the big problems with you along each ph...
Jul 24, 2024•23 min•Ep 327•Transcript available on Metacast We have been working on a huge project to weed all of the garden pathways and lay down weed cloth to hopefully prevent future out of control weeks from taking over. One morning I got out there super early and saw all of the beautiful plants strong, but by 10am they were withering away in the hot sun. I realized that we've had many hot, dry days and I hadn't done much watering. It was a crazy ten minutes as I had kids melting down and a garden that was on it's way to dead that we had to take care...
Jul 17, 2024•9 min•Ep 326•Transcript available on Metacast If you are looking for a fun and new activity to do with your kids I recommend making a jar of sauerkraut this summer! It took me 2 years and five failed batches before I finally figured out all of the nuances of this process, but it was well worth the wait. Today I'm sharing 6 mistakes to avoid and what to do instead so that your first batch can be successful and a fun check on your summer bucket list. 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Sauerkraut Not shredding finely enough: Use a cheese grater o...
Jul 10, 2024•14 min•Ep 325•Transcript available on Metacast If you've ever thought about gardening with kids my conversation with Tiana Woodbury is for you! She has gardened with her three young children for many years in many different types of gardens (container, community, and her own backyard) and is full of real, practical tips. One of Tiana's superpowers is making the ordinary magical and she brings that to her gardening endeavors as well, but in very simple and doable ways. I certainly had lots of take-aways and things that I want to do a little d...
Jul 03, 2024•46 min•Ep 324•Transcript available on Metacast Earlier this year I shared what I did to make my smartphone less “smart” ( Digital Minimalism in 2024 ). Since then, our family has faced some unexpected challenges that pushed us into survival mode, and naturally, our screen time increased, including mine. This experience made me realize the unique challenges we face at different stages of our journey from merely surviving to truly thriving, especially regarding phone usage. In this week’s episode, I delve into these challenges and how becoming...
Jun 26, 2024•11 min•Ep 323•Transcript available on Metacast 
