In this festive, fun episode, Tara welcomes Cammy and Celia, hosts of the Bougie Mom Friends podcast, to her holiday party. They explore the excitement and stress of the holiday season, sharing personal anecdotes and practical tips for navigating the challenges that come with it. Cammy and Celia share their 5 “SANTA” tips to surviving the holidays in one piece.

The trio share nostalgic holiday traditions from their childhoods, such as decorating Christmas trees, listening to the Cabbage Patch Kids sing Christmas carols. In this lively conversation, they discuss the challenges of managing holiday clutter, particularly with the stress associated with sending holiday cards, and the emotional weight of keeping or discarding them. They delve into modern mom problems, focusing on the impact of technology and the struggle for confidence in parenting. The discussion shifts to favorite holiday movies, highlighting the joy and nostalgia they bring. Finally, they reflect on New Year's experiences and the common feelings of disappointment associated with the holiday.

If you’re looking for a good laugh while you wrap gifts, listen to this episode!

Link:

https://www.bougiemomfriends.com/

In this raw and honest conversation, Tara and Jill Smokler, OG blogger and founder of the successful parenting blog Scary Mommy, discuss their journeys in the world of mommy blogging, the evolution of parenting content, and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a rapidly changing digital landscape. They reflect on their experiences with Scary Mommy, the impact of ever-shifting social media trends, and Jill's personal health journey with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.

Jill and Tara discuss the challenges of making friends as parents, the dynamics of individual sports, and the importance of understanding neurodivergence in children. Jill shares heartfelt advice to her younger self about appreciating the present, while Tara reflects on the fragility of life. The discussion also touches on feelings of isolation among mothers and the performative nature of social media, culminating in a conversation about the evolution of personal branding in the parenting space.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, empathy, and honest conversation.

Link:
https://www.instagram.com/jillsmokler

This conversation delves into the critical importance of mental health in the workplace. Jenn Cohen and Laura Demuth, hosts of the popular Mighty As a Mother podcast, discuss the unique challenges faced by working mothers, the role of leadership in fostering supportive work environments, and the impact of generational differences and remote work on mental health.

They emphasize the need for employers to provide meaningful mental health resources and cultivate a culture that prioritizes employee well-being. Jenn and Laura explore the challenges faced by working mothers, including the unrealistic expectations of work-life balance and the need for open conversations about their experiences. They advocate for vulnerability and authenticity among mothers to create a supportive community.

The conversation also highlights the importance of recognizing motherhood as an asset in the workplace, rather than a liability. As women increasingly pursue freelance and consulting roles for flexibility, the need for better support systems such as paid leave and flexible work arrangements becomes even more crucial.

The podcast addresses the issue of martyrdom in motherhood and encourages open discussions to break the stigma. By fostering a culture of understanding and support, employers can empower working mothers to thrive in both their professional and personal lives.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/mightyasamotherpodcast/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mighty-as-a-mother/id1687678053

In this engaging conversation, Tara and Erika Hanafin Feldhus discuss the evolving landscape of modern motherhood, focusing on the importance of community support for moms. Erika shares her journey with Hey Mama, an organization that supports mothers in business and motherhood and the launch of Hello Mamas, an app designed to connect mothers at various stages of their parenting journey. They explore the concept of 'mom-u-mental moments' to celebrate personal milestones. Erika also shares her experience navigating divorce and blended families. The discussion emphasizes the need for connection among mothers, the importance of creating one’s own village and the significance of finding time for oneself amidst the chaos of parenting.

Links:

https://www.heymama.co/

www.instagram.com/@erikafeldhus 

www.instagram.com/@hellomamasapp

In this conversation, Tara, Emily Boucher, and Amy Mockbee, early childhood experts and co-founders of Work and Play, reflect on the recent advisory from the US Surgeon General regarding the stressors faced by parents today, emphasizing the need for connection and understanding among parents. The discussion also delves into historical perspectives on parenting, comparing past practices with contemporary approaches, and highlighting the intentionality that modern parents bring to their roles. They discuss the complexities of modern parenting, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection, community support, and self-care. They explore how parents can better understand their children's feelings, the significance of reflecting on their own upbringing, and the value of open communication among parents. The discussion also highlights the role of workshops and community gatherings in empowering parents and fostering connections.

Links:

https://www.workandplayecc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/workandplayecc/

In this lively conversation, Tara and Hunter Clarke-Fields, author and host of the popular Mindful Parenting podcast, discuss the principles of mindful parenting as outlined in Hunter's book, 'Raising Good Humans.' They share personal experiences of parenting challenges, the importance of mindfulness in managing reactions, and the need for authentic communication with children. The discussion emphasizes the journey of breaking away from reactive parenting and fostering a deeper connection with kids through understanding and compassion.

Tara and Hunter explore the nuances of parenting, emphasizing the importance of reflective listening, the balance between independence and interdependence, and the role of mindfulness in emotional regulation. They discuss the challenges posed by modern technology and the necessity of setting boundaries to foster better relationships with children. The dialogue highlights practical strategies for parents to cultivate a mindful approach to parenting, ultimately aiming to raise emotionally intelligent and resilient children.

Links:

https://mindfulmamamentor.com/

https://mindfulmamamentor.com/podcast/

In this conversation, Tara and Jewel Hohman discuss the complexities of female friendships, the challenges of maintaining connections during different life phases, and the importance of community. They explore the concept of the 'friendship dip' that many experience in their twenties and thirties, and provide insights on how to make new friends, especially as a mother. The discussion emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, consistency, and positive interactions in building meaningful friendships, while also addressing how to navigate conflicts and the natural ebb and flow of relationships.

They also discuss how friendships can dissolve unexpectedly and the emotional impact of such experiences. They explore the importance of maintaining friendships throughout life, the skills required to foster connections, and the significant effects of loneliness on well-being. The discussion emphasizes the need for community support and the normalization of feelings of loneliness, especially among mothers. They conclude with a call to action for listeners to invest in their social fitness and to seek meaningful connections.

If you have ever had a hard time making friends, you should listen to this episode!

Links:

www.connectionwithjewel.com

In this special solo episode, Tara delves into the challenges faced by modern mothers, particularly the pressures and judgments that arise from social media. She shares personal anecdotes about her own parenting journey, emphasizing the importance of trusting oneself and finding a supportive community. Tara discusses the evolution of motherhood, the need for self-identity beyond being a mom, and the beauty and heartbreak that come with raising children. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to embrace their unique parenting paths and enjoy the journey.

If you’ve ever been mom shamed, you should listen to this episode!

In this conversation, Tara and T.H. Irwin discuss the complexities of co-parenting after a difficult divorce, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries, understanding narcissism, and maintaining a positive environment for children. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating communication, the role of therapy, and the significance of community support. The discussion also highlights the launch of their podcast, Divorce Etc. with the exExperts, aimed at providing resources and empowerment for those going through divorce, along with the importance of in-person events for connection and growth.

Takeaways:

• Co-parenting requires clear boundaries and a business-like approach.
• Understanding narcissism is crucial for effective co-parenting.
• Mistakes in communication with children are inevitable; accountability is key.
• Therapy is essential for navigating the emotional challenges of divorce.
• Community support can provide invaluable resources during a divorce.
• It's important to communicate positively about the other parent to the children.
• Avoid giving unsolicited advice to those going through a divorce.
• The Divorce Etc with the exExperts podcast offers a wealth of resources for navigating divorce.
• In-person events foster connection and empowerment among women.
• Rediscovering oneself post-divorce is a vital part of the healing process.

https://exexperts.com/

In this fun, super engaging conversation, Tara and Renee Reina, host of the popular podcast The Mom Room talk about the evolution of parenting discussions, particularly during the pandemic, and how it has influenced their personal journeys. They explore the challenges of motherhood, the mental load that often falls on women, and the importance of confidence among modern moms. The conversation also touches on generational differences in parenting roles, the impact of social media on self-perception, and the significance of finding joy in family adventures. As they reflect on their own experiences, they emphasize the need for open conversations about parenting and the importance of supporting one another in this journey.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/thereneereina

https://www.instagram.com/themomroom

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mom-room/id1521655911

https://open.spotify.com/show/6OVPiBv0ivIC6tZ90E0MI5

For Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, Tara welcomes Michelle Valiukenas, a mother, advocate, and founder of The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation. After the loss of her angel daughter, Colette, Michelle started the foundation, which provides financial aid, education, and advocacy to support families navigating high-risk pregnancies, NICU stays, and loss. Michelle's mission is to create a world where every choice, parent, and family is supported and empowered. In this raw conversation, Tara and Michelle explore topics like infertility, pregnancy loss, infant loss, and the importance of community. 

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who has experienced pregnancy loss or infant loss, or knows someone who has.

Links:

www.colettelouise.com

Facebook: @colettetisdahl

Instagram: @colettelouisetisdahl

Twitter: @thetisdahl

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-colette-louise-tisdahl-foundation/