In this episode, Tara sits down with author, artist, and Emmy-winning animator Loryn Brantz for an honest conversation on creativity, modern parenting, and what’s really going on behind the scenes in children’s media.

Loryn opens up about shifting from traditional animation on classic shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sesame Street to writing children’s books, sharing how a very relatable toddler meltdown inspired her new book, I Am a Spicy Nugget. She and Tara unpack practical strategies for co-regulation and handling big emotions, explaining why doing the inner self-work and reparenting ourselves beats relying on cookie-cutter parenting scripts every time.

They also tackle the changing landscape of creative content, diving into Loryn’s advocacy for artist protection against AI after her public battle over The Good Advice Cupcake. From the rise of AI-generated slop in children’s shows to her behind-the-scenes work with powerhouses like Ms. Rachel and PBS, Loryn reminds us that human connection is at the heart of storytelling. This conversation is a candid look at the emotional work of raising good humans while fighting to protect genuine creative integrity for the next generation.

Links:

https://lorynbrantz.com/

https://www.instagram.com/lorynbrantz/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with New York Times bestselling author Nir Eyal for an eye-opening conversation on mastering focus, shifting limiting mindsets, and reclaiming control over daily attention. Nir pulls back the curtain on the real root causes of distraction, debunking the common myth that technology alone is to blame. Instead, he reveals that an astonishing 90% of phone checks happen without a single notification, driven instead by "internal triggers," fleeting moments of emotional discomfort, boredom, or anxiety. Nir shares an actionable four-step framework to manage these internal feelings, break the cycle of procrastination, and rewrite the internal narratives that hold them back from living intentionally.

The discussion also dives deep into the incredible power of the mind, highlighting the research behind his work in his new book Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Extraordinary Results, including the mind-bending story of a patient undergoing surgery without anesthesia through the power of hypnotic belief. Nir unpacks how beliefs function as tools rather than absolute truths, introducing powerful reframing techniques like Byron Katie’s four questions to dismantle self-sabotaging thoughts. Nir emphasizes the importance of moving past parental hypocrisy, modeling healthy device habits, and leading with purpose and love to build a deeply connected, resilient family.

For parents or anyone feeling stuck, the episode offers crucial, practical strategies to stop limiting beliefs from holding them back.

Links:
www.NirAndFar.com
https://amzn.to/4bjYEL6
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nireyal/
https://www.youtube.com/user/nirandfar
https://twitter.com/nireyal
https://www.facebook.com/nirandfar/
http://instagram.com/neyal99

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this eye-opening episode, clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Piper Grant joins the podcast to unpack the complex evolution of intimacy in relationships after parenthood. Dr. Grant sheds light on how the profound hormonal, neurobiological, and identity shifts of motherhood fundamentally alter couple dynamics, often creating subtle rifts driven by the mental load, loneliness, and miscommunication. Redefining intimacy through the lens of "into me you see," she emphasizes that true connection is built on a foundation of vulnerability and emotional safety. The conversation explores how couples can navigate these shifts across various life stages, from the immediate challenges of the postpartum period to the later transitions of perimenopause and menopause.

Dr. Grant advocates for the power of open communication, patience, and simple practices like non-sexual touch to gently rebuild emotional and physical bonds without performance anxiety. Infused with humor and refreshing honesty, Dr. Grant and Tara aim to break the stigma around relationship struggles in survival mode and offer a roadmap for maintaining intimacy resilience.
This is an essential listen for any couple looking to reconnect and cultivate a deeper understanding of one another amidst the busyness of family life.

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/dr.pipergrant
https://www.instagram.com/born.into.motherhood
www.NumiWellness.com
www.BornIntoMotherhood.com
https://www.youtube.com/@dr.pipergrant

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, professor, and "ray of human sunshine" Kate Bowler to explore the profound idea that joy is not a luxury reserved for perfect circumstances, but a vital force that can be discovered even in life's darkest moments. The conversation dives deep into how modern societal pressures, the American prosperity gospel, and self-improvement culture shape our often unrealistic expectations around happiness. Kate and Tara dismantle the idea that life must be flawless to be fulfilling, explaining instead how genuine moments of joy frequently emerge in the midst of adversity, illness, and crisis.

They offer actionable insights into reclaiming a sense of lightness amid daily chaos. In her new book Joyful, Anyway, Kate highlights the transformative role of collective effervescence, the shared energy and connection fostered through community celebrations and mutual support. The episode provides practical strategies for  moms to intentionally weave playfulness and service into their daily routines. This conversation serves as a beautiful reminder that while joy may be fleeting, actively cultivating it through community and shared experiences is essential for building true resilience.

If you are looking for that glimmer of joy, tune in to this episode, and subscribe to Modern Mom Probs today.

Links:

https://katebowler.com/
https://amzn.to/4pUqqE4
https://www.instagram.com/katecbowler/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt episode, Tara welcomes therapist, author, and podcast host Dr. Cassidy Freitas to share her personal journey through parenthood and her expert insights on navigating postpartum challenges. They dive into how childhood and cultural legacies shape modern parenting styles, often triggering cycles of stress and control. Dr. Cassidy explains how systemic issues, social media, and even AI impact modern motherhood, making it harder than ever to find balance.

Drawing from her book Mom Needs a Moment, Dr. Cassidy offers highly practical strategies for creating protected boundaries and margins amidst the daily chaos of digital-era lives. She explains how to identify personal triggers, regulate reactions, and cultivate deep self-compassion. The episode also highlights the significance of personal space, offering invaluable resources for both parents and therapists looking to foster authentic well-being. Whether you are navigating the vulnerable early days of a newborn or managing the complexities of the teenage years, tune in to discover how to unpack stressful cycles, embrace vulnerability, and build deeper, more meaningful connections with your children and yourself.

Links:

https://www.drcassidymft.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drcassidy/

https://amzn.to/3TaCu7S

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you turn life’s darkest, most chaotic moments into comedy? In this episode, internet sensation, comedian, and author Laura Clery joins the show for an incredibly candid conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of humor. Laura takes us behind the scenes of her journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, sharing how she found her unique voice through unapologetic storytelling and "over-sharing" on her rise to capturing over 26 million followers. Together, Tara and Laura dive into the unbelievable story of her miraculous survival after a refrigerator fell on her, exploring both the deep physical and mental toll of unexpected trauma and how comedy became her ultimate tool for processing pain and finding a path forward.

They also explore the creative process behind Laura’s new book "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Hotter" discussing how she successfully balanced raw, vulnerable writing with the signature humor her fans adore. Beyond the laughs, Laura opens up about the complex realities of navigating public life, setting essential boundaries as a mother and a survivor of addiction and abuse, and managing the intricate dynamics of co-parenting and divorce in the relentless spotlight. Laura offers a powerful, funny, and deeply human reminder of how resilience can shape our coping mechanisms, proving that when we find the courage to laugh through the chaos, we reclaim our power. This one is a must-listen!

Links:
https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraclery
https://www.instagram.com/lauraclery/
https://amzn.to/3Rhddbt

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Motherhood is a wild ride, and honestly, sometimes you just have to laugh so you don't cry. This week, Tara sat down with comedian, actress, and podcast host of Funjelah, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes for a deeply relatable chat about marriage, babies, and everything in between.

Anjelah shared her incredible journey from NFL cheerleader to viral comedy sensation, but she also gets raw about the less glamorous side of things, like newborn survival mode and the pressure on modern moms. Together, she and Tara spoke about finding your village, surviving the social media noise, and keeping the spark alive in a long-term marriage. Anjelah also shared about the inspiration behind her new comedy special called Ugly Baby, now on YouTube.

Packed with laugh-out-loud stories and genuine honesty, this episode feels less like a formal interview and more like catching up with a close friend who just gets it. It’s funny, it’s real, and it’s a great reminder that none of us are doing this perfectly.

Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bvkoxZ6xcw

https://anjelah.com/

https://www.instagram.com/anjelahjohnson/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with media trailblazer Angela C. Santomero, the creator behind some of the most beloved educational children's programming, such as Blues Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, to discuss what kids really need to thrive in today's fast-paced, screen-filled world. Drawing from decades of experience in child development and storytelling, Angela shares how intentional media can help children build confidence, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills while offering parents practical strategies to navigate modern parenting with less pressure and more purpose. Both Jersey girls, Tara and Angela even discuss their time at Nickelodeon and their love of pizza!
Together, Tara and Angela explore everything from the inspiration behind Angela's newest children's book series, Princess Penelope’s Purse of Preposterous Things, to the evolving role of screens in childhood, the power of hitting pause before reacting, and why parents don't have to strive for perfection.
If you've ever wondered how to raise emotionally resilient kids in a digital world without feeling overwhelmed yourself, this episode is for you.

Links:
https://princesspenelope.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@PrincessPenelopeOfficial
https://www.instagram.com/angelasclues

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does it mean to build the family that's right for you, even when it doesn't fit society's expectations? In this episode, Tara sits down with Jacqueline Stein, founder of The Only Hearts Club, to explore the realities of raising an only child, navigating outside opinions, and finding confidence in your parenting decisions. Jacqueline shares how a simple Facebook group grew into a thriving global community for mothers of only children and why creating meaningful connections beyond traditional family structures matters more than ever.

Together, Tara (an only child with an only child) and Jackie unpack the myths surrounding only-child families, the pressure many moms feel from relatives, social media, and cultural expectations, and how self-awareness and authenticity can help moms tune out the noise. They discuss sibling dynamics, chosen family, mental health, and the evolving definition of family in modern motherhood.

Whether you're raising an only child, considering your family size, or simply looking for reassurance that there's no one "right" way to parent, this conversation is for you!

Links:

www.instagram.com/theonlyhearts

www.theonlyhearts.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when a joke about beige baby clothes turns into a cultural phenomenon?

In this episode, Tara sits down with content creator, satirist, and author Hayley DeRoche, the internet's beloved voice behind the viral "Sad Beige" commentary. What began as playful observations about muted nursery décor and monochromatic baby wardrobes quickly evolved into a deeper conversation about modern motherhood, social status, consumer culture, and the pressures parents face online.

Hayley shares the inspiration behind her book, Dress Your Baby in Sage and Taupe, and explains why the "Sad Beige" aesthetic resonated with millions of parents. Together, Tara and Hayley explore how social media algorithms shape parenting trends, the ways capitalism influences the choices we make for our families, and why certain parenting aesthetics can function as subtle markers of class and identity. With equal parts humor and insight, this conversation unpacks the performative nature of parenting in the digital age and challenges listeners to think critically about the messages they're consuming and buying into.

Whether you've laughed at a Sad Beige video or found yourself wondering why parenting feels like a competition sometimes, this episode offers a fascinating look at the intersection of internet culture, motherhood, and modern society.

Links:

https://www.hayleyderoche.com/

https://amzn.to/3SaRvGa

https://www.tiktok.com/@sadbeige

https://www.instagram.com/officialsadbeige

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara welcomes OB-GYN and author, known as @theperioddoctor, Dr. Charis Chambers to explore how parents can revolutionize their approach to talking about puberty and menstruation, fostering respect, confidence, and health in adolescents. Dr. Charis shares powerful insights from her new book and experience, emphasizing early, honest, and ongoing conversations as the cornerstone of positive change.

Key topics:

• The importance of early and consistent puberty education
• Overcoming generational shame and secrecy around periods
• Building trust and respect through open dialogue
• How parental reactions shape children’s body image and confidence
• Practical tips for talking about menstruation with children and teens
• The role of trusted adults and resources, including the Little Words Project bracelet
• Addressing misconceptions and gaps in medical and educational systems
• The impact of societal and cultural influences on puberty conversations
• Strategies for parents of boys to support understanding of menstrual health
• The importance of balancing digital connection with mindful presence

Tune into this episode if you want to have a different (more empowering) conversation with your children than your mother had with you!

Links:
https://www.instagram.com/theperioddoctor
https://amzn.to/4euBJhZ
https://www.youtube.com/@ThePeriodDoctor

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.