Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Get the App

Don't Mom Alone Podcast

Heather MacFadyen, mother of four boys, connects you the listener with people and resources to help you feel less alone. Consider it an invitation to "withness".

46 minutes 15 seconds

When Friendships Get Messy: Healing, Humor & Finding Your Chicken-Fried Women :: Melissa Radke [Ep 519]
Get ready to laugh! Today Melissa Radke joins me for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation. Her new book Chicken-Fried Women will make you giggle, cry, and think about the women and friendships in your life. We cover many hilarious topics including spray tans, garage sale bras, swim gym, southern church in the 80’s, and laundry on the couch. At the heart of the book is how to navigate adult friendships and here is more of what we talked about:
- What it means to find your people—your chicken-fried women- battered and bruised but still tender on the inside
- Healing a mother-daughter relationship with kindness and boundaries
- How to divorce a girlfriend (and maybe get her back)
- Stick around to the end where Melissa shares the best advice on what it feels like to build your own table (even when it’s hard or uncomfortable)
Connect with Melissa Radke:
- Website: HOME | MELISSA RADKE
- Facebook: Melissa Radke | Facebook
- Instagram: Melissa Radke - Lifestyle, Parenting, Relationships (@msmelissaradke)
Links Mentioned:
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- Gabb phones and watches: Protecting your kids has never been easier. For the best deals, sign up to Gabb today – no contract required – at GABB.com/dma.
- Storyworth: Give all the “moms” in your life a unique, heartfelt gift you’ll all cherish for years–storyworth! Right now save $10 on your first purchase when you go to storyworth.com/dma.
- Function Health: Function currently has a waitlist, but they are offering my audience the chance to skip it! Head to functionhealth.com/DMA or enter code DMA when signing up to skip the waitlist!
- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
21 April 2025, 5:27 am
49 minutes 50 seconds

Mean Girls, Mom Roles & Modern Friendship: Coaching Kids Through Conflict :: Dr. Kelly Jameson [Ep 518]
Today Dr. Kelly Jameson joins me to help us understand the many dynamics of teen friendships. Although this episode mainly applies to girl moms there is advice for the boy mom in this episode as well! Kelly is a trained systems therapist who practices narrative therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy. Through her many years of listening to families and teens, she has learned how to navigate the difficult years of teen and tween friendships and how to help parents coach their kids. Here is some of what we cover:
- The rise of “friend hoarding” and large group dynamics in 2025
- What qualifies as “mean girl” behavior—and why it’s all about power dynamics
- Coaching sons to stay out of the drama—and why that matters
- How moms are becoming more enmeshed in their kid’s friendships and the damage that causes
- The 3 types of friendships every kid should understand
Connect with Dr. Kelly Jameson:
- Website: Kelly Jameson - Therapy. Speaking. Consulting.
- Facebook: Kelly Jameson, PhD | Facebook
- Instagram: Kelly Jameson, PhD (@drkellyjameson)
Links Mentioned:
- Queen Bees and Wannabes: by Rosalind Wiseman
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- Thrive Market: Ready to make the switch? Go to ThriveMarket.com/dma for thirty percent off your first order, plus a FREE sixty dollar gift!
- The Chosen: Last Supper–The people welcome Jesus as king and expect a revolution. Threatened, the leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last. You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com
- Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping. Or save more with 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA.
- Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA
Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
14 April 2025, 5:31 am
59 minutes 23 seconds

Walking Through Grief: Coping, Comforting Kids, and Embodied Emotions :: Erin Nelson and Colleen Montague [Ep 517]
Grief is a journey that no one wants to walk, yet so many of us will experience deep loss in our lifetime. In this episode, Colleen and Erin have an open and honest conversation about Erin’s journey through unimaginable loss—losing her husband in a plane crash, navigating her children’s grief, the heartbreak of her mother’s suicide, and later, the devastating loss of her son in a car accident.

Through her story, Erin shares what it looks like to carry grief in our bodies, the crisis of faith that can come with loss, and how she found her way through the darkness. From those tragedies was born Jessica’s house, a place for families to walk through grief and be supported. And now a book When Grief Comes Home that shares the tools she has learned through so many trials.

Here are some topics we cover:
- The impact of trauma and grief on the body and nervous system
- The importance of modeling healthy grief and emotional expression for children
- How to come alongside grieving families in tangible, practical ways
- The unique challenges couples face when grieving a child and how to let someone grieve in their own way
- Brightsiding- what it is and how to speak to someone in a dark season
Connect with Erin and Colleen:
- Website: Jessica's House
- Facebook: Jessica's House
- Instagram: Jessica's House (@jessicas_house)
Links Mentioned:
- NACG
- When Grief Comes Home: By Erin Leigh Nelson and Colleen Montague
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- The Chosen Last Supper: You can preorder your tickets for the 3-part theatrical release at TheChosenLastSupper.com.
- Hiya Health: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.
- Purity Woods: Honestly, I have never seen a skincare product of this quality at this reasonable of a price point. And thankfully, the good people at Purity Woods have a special coupon code specifically for my listeners, so you can try it for yourself for 27% off today. Just go to puritywoods.com/DMA or enter DMA at checkout.
- Pair Eyewear: See the world with fresh eyes. Go to paireyewear.com and use code DONTMOM for 15% off your first pair. Mention the show in your post-checkout survey.
- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
7 April 2025, 5:14 am
49 minutes 3 seconds

From Believer to Disciple: Following Jesus in Everyday Life :: Courtney Garrett [Ep 516]
Do you often desire to disciple your neighbors, friends, or acquaintances but don’t know how?

Today Courtney Garrett joins me to talk about her amazing tools to help Christians invite people into going deeper with Jesus. She is an accidental homeschool mom with years of ministry experience who saw a need for discipleship tools. Often people have grown up in church and pieced Bible stories together but they may have gaps in their view of God and His character. Courtney has written 101 Christianity -a study to help direct conversation and lead people to follow Jesus. Here are some topics we cover…
- The difference between being a believer and a committed follower of Jesus
- Stories of high school and college students using 101 Christianity to lead well
- How to ask people into a discipleship study in a gracious way
- How knowing the character of God can help in hard times
- Ideas for discipleship with your family
Connect with Courtney Garrett:
- Website: 101 Christianity
- Instagram: Courtney Garrett (@courtney_garrett_)
Links Mentioned:
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- Cure Hydration: Hydration goes beyond just drinking water—it’s about replenishing the electrolytes we lose through sweat, sleep, alcohol, and daily activities. Water alone isn’t enough to do the job! That’s why you need to try Cure: the electrolyte drink mix that tastes as amazing as it makes you feel. For Don’t Mom Alone listeners, Cure is offering 20% off your first order! Stay hydrated and feel your best by visiting curehydration.com/DMA and using promo code [DMA] at checkout.
- Branch Basics: Make this year the year you say goodbye to toxic products! Right now, our listeners get 15% off the Premium Starter Kit by using code [DMA] at BranchBasics.com. Make 2025 your cleanest, healthiest year yet with Branch Basics!
- Thrive Causemetics: Try your new trusty favorites with an exclusive set for our listeners. New customers can get the Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara and a mini-sized Brilliant Eye Brightener at a special set price with free shipping available at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA or get 20% off your first order.
- The Chosen-Last Supper: The people welcome Jesus as king and expect a revolution. Threatened, the leaders will go to any length to ensure this Passover meal is Jesus’ last. You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com.
- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
31 March 2025, 5:35 am
53 minutes 36 seconds

Mothering Autism: Navigating Grief, Marriage, and Community :: Carrie Cariello, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood [Ep 515]
Do you have a child with autism or neurodivergent tendencies? Do you have a friend with a child that needs support but you're not sure how to show up?

Today Carrie, Kate, and Adrian are here to share their deeply personal stories about their kids and how autism has shaped their families. The amazing thing is each of their experiences is so different- and each of them has approached this diagnosis uniquely. They co-wrote a book called Autism Out Loud that covers a huge variety of challenges. We barely scratched the surface but here are some things we covered…
- The hidden, unexpected grief of special needs parenting
- How raising a child with autism magnifies stress in marriages
- Siblings and how autism affects their lives- the joys and sadness that come with a neurodivergent sibling and how to keep that communication open
- What parents of autistic children really need from friends and family
- It takes risk, invitation, and vulnerability to find your people and a community that can rally around and support you
Connect with Carrie, Kate, and Adrian:
- Website: Tales of an Educated Debutante - Adrian Harrold Wood, PhD
- Website: Finding Cooper's Voice | Welcome to the Secret World of Autism
- Website: Carrie Cariello
- Instagram: Adrian Harrold Wood, PhD (@talesofaneducateddebutante)
- Instagram: Kate (@findingcoopersvoice)
- Facebook: Carrie Cariello
Links Mentioned:
- Autism Out Loud: By Carrie Carieel, Kate Swenson, and Adrian Wood
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- GoPure Beauty: With over 1 MIllion jars sold, this beauty secret is no longer a secret. For a limited time, our listeners get 25% off goPure with code [DMA] at checkout. Just head to gopurebeauty.com/DMA, use code [DMA], and you’re all set
- Purity Woods: Honestly, I have never seen a skincare product of this quality at this reasonable of a price point. And thankfully, the good people at Purity Woods have a special coupon code specifically for my listeners, so you can try it for yourself for 27% off today. Just go to puritywoods.com/DMA or enter DMA at checkout.
- The Chosen: Last Supper : So text your favorite person, grab your favorite box of movie theater candy, and go see The Chosen: Last Supper in theaters. You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com.
- Green Chef: Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Go to GreenChef.com/alonefree and use code alonefree to get started with FREE Salads for two months plus 50% off your first box.”
Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
24 March 2025, 5:35 am
54 minutes 23 seconds

The Truth About Baby Sleep: Breaking Myths, Balancing Attachment and Restful Nights :: Eve Squires [Ep 514]
Is it possible to have a well-rested baby without sacrificing attachment? Are you an exhausted mom who struggles with the nighttime routine?

Today Eve Squires, a sleep consultant with over fifteen years of experience, shares her journey and approach to improving infant sleep without resorting to harsh methods. Sleep is one of the most debated parenting topics, and in the past, I have avoided this topic because it is often confusing with conflicting advice. Eve was exactly the right person to do a deep dive on how to help children sleep through the night, without losing that special bond.

In this episode we cover:
- How to improve sleep without the "cry it out" method
- The hunger vs. habit debate—how to know if your baby truly needs to eat at night
- Nap windows and how to structure baby and toddler awake time for better naps
- Replacing sleep incentives with healthier soothing techniques
- Why some babies sleep well while others don’t (and potential neurological factors)
Connect with Eve Squires:
- Website: Calm and Bright Sleep Support
- Instagram: CALM and BRIGHT SLEEP SUPPORT (@calmandbrightsleepsupport)
Links Mentioned:
- Infant Sleep Plans | Free Self-Assessment | Calm and Bright
- The Rested Baby Plan - Calm and Bright Sleep Support
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- Thrive Causemetics: Celebrate the women in your life with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. o Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA
- Honeylove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable shapewear on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/DMA
- Thrive Market: Ready to make the switch? Go to ThriveMarket.com/dma for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE sixty dollar gift!
- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
17 March 2025, 5:30 am
53 minutes 59 seconds

From Chaos to Calm: Practical Tools to Manage Anger and Overwhelm in Motherhood :: Elizabeth Andreyevskiy [Ep 513]
Do you feel like you’re reacting instead of responding, constantly putting out fires, and struggling to manage your emotions—especially anger?

Today Elizabeth Andreyevskiy joins me to share her journey from explosive to calm in motherhood. Maybe you’ve tried counseling, read the books, and learned the tools, but implementing them in real life still feels impossible. This podcast is packed with practical tools to help us manage the chaos of our homes. God wants us to be whole and to care for our minds, bodies, and spirits so that we can care for our families daily.

In this episode we cover:
- How unmet expectations, physical clutter, and negative mindsets fuel frustration
- The power of meeting your own basic needs (eating, water, and sleeping matter!)
- Practical ways to create space for self-care, reflection, and increased emotional capacity
- Creative ways to get some alone time and reset
- What to do when you do have an explosion of anger and how to bring reconciliation
Connect with Elizabeth Andreyevskiy:
- Website: Anger Coach for Christian moms
- Instagram: Elizabeth (@emotionally_healthy_legacy)
Links Mentioned:
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- BetterHelp–This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Build your support system, with Betterhelp Visit BetterHelp.com/DMA to get 10% off your first month.
- Gabb Mobile —Protecting your kids has never been easier. For the best deals, sign up to Gabb today – no contract required – at GABB.com/dma.
- GiveHugz–Whether you’re treating yourself or looking for a thoughtful gift for someone special, these heatable, coolable plushies are a hug you can hold onto. Check out GiveHugz.co and use the code DMA for 20% off your first order.
- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
10 March 2025, 5:35 am
45 minutes 57 seconds

Modeling Faith: Family Spiritual Habits that Stick :: Chris Pappalardo and Clayton Greene [Ep 512]
Do you want to lead your home well spiritually but are not sure how? Do you need more creative and fun ideas on how to point your kids to Jesus?

Today, Chris Pappalardo and Clayton Greene join me to talk about spiritual rhythms with our kids. They share plenty of ideas on creating a space for spiritual growth that doesn't need to be a checklist-driven, box-checking exercise. Their new book discusses establishing morning and evening rhythms that align with how God wired us to connect spiritually and practically with Him.

We talk about modeling the gospel in a way that is authentic and free from unnecessary baggage for our kids to carry into the future. I get personal by sharing how my dad modeled this in my life—and that’s really what these habits create: our kids modeling the habits and behaviors we practice that point to Jesus.

We cover-
- 6 Key Shifts for Building Lasting Spiritual Habits
- Real-Life Examples: like how to practically walk out a spiritual habit with our kids
- Navigating Different Seasons: Dealing with a spouse or teens who are not on board
- And we each reflect on how we learned spiritual formation from our parents
Connect with Chris and Clayton:
- Website: GoodKind - From the Makers of Advent Blocks
- Instagram: GoodKind (@goodkind.co)
Links Mentioned:
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- The Chosen–You can get your tickets now at TheChosenLastSupper.com. preorder your tickets for the 3-part theatrical release. Text your favorite person, grab your favorite box of movie theater candy, and go see The Chosen: Last Supper in theaters.
- Hiya Health– We've worked out a special deal with Hiya for their best selling children's vitamin. Receive 50% off your first order. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. get your kids the full-body nourishment they need to grow into healthy adults.
- Purity Woods– Honestly, I have never seen a skincare product of this quality at this reasonable of a price point. And thankfully, the good people at Purity Woods have a special coupon code specifically for my listeners, so you can try it for yourself for 27% off today. Just go to puritywoods.com/DMA or enter DMA at checkout.
- Pair Eyewear–See the world with fresh eyes. Go to paireyewear.com and use code DONTMOM for 15% off your first pair. And support the show by mentioning Don’t Mom Alone sent you in the post-checkout survey.
Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
3 March 2025, 6:27 am
51 minutes 27 seconds

Perimenopause Guide: Managing Symptoms, Emotional Changes, and Weight Gain During Hormonal Shifts :: Dr. Kamilia Smith [Ep 511]
Have you ever been to your doctor or OBGYN and felt that your symptoms were dismissed? Do you know how to identify the main issues of perimenopause and menopause?

In this follow up episode with Dr. Kamilia Smith, we continue our deep dive into perimenopause, exploring how it impacts women's emotions, physical changes, and overall well-being. She clearly breaks down some of the hormonal fluctuations women go through and what some potential treatments are for each of those symptoms in a very nuanced field. Perimenopause can bring emotional upheaval and weight gain, exacerbated by hormonal changes that are often ignored. The stress of the "sandwich generation" — caring for our aging parents while raising children — adds to the emotional load.

We cover so many helpful topics-
- Eggs and AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone)
- FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone): these levels help indicate how your ovaries are functioning
- How the term bioidentical hormones is often used as a marketing tool
- Hormonal changes, along with sleep disruptions, decreased mobility, and shifts in eating habits, all contribute to weight gain during perimenopause
- Mental health can take a hit during this stage, with symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, attention deficit, and night sweats. Learning how to manage these mental health changes is critical to our health
Connect with Dr. Kamilia Smith:
- Website: Kamilia Smith Voted Best Dallas Gynecologist | Charleston House
- Facebook: Charleston House Gynecology
- Instagram: Charleston House - DALLAS WOMENS HEALTH (@charlestonhousegyn)
Links Mentioned:
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- GiveHugz–Check out GiveHugz.co and use the code DMA for 20% off your first order. Trust me, you’ll want one for you and one to share.
- Green Chef–Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Go to Greenchef.com/alonefree and use code alonefree to get started with FREE salads for two months plus 50% off your first box.
- Thrive Causemetics–Celebrate the women in your life with Thrive Causemetics. Luxury beauty that gives back. o Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA
- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
24 February 2025, 6:29 am
26 minutes 49 seconds

Flipping the Switch to Hope: from worst-case to unimaginable good :: Heather MacFadyen [Ep 510]
I don’t often do a solo podcast but God has been working on my heart when it comes to parenting teens and expectations and I felt prompted to sit down and share what I am learning with you all.

So often as parents, we live in a worst-case scenario mindset, when it feels like the dreams and expectations for a child's future are not aligning with the present. We obsess over baby monitors, teen friendships, and grades/sports but this comes from a place of worry, or even fear-based control.

God wants freedom and hope in our parenting! I realized I have a choice: to believe in an imagined bad scenario or to flip a switch and choose hope and expect in God for unimaginable good things to come. Both choices involve belief, imagination and control. I'm choosing to double down turn my belief toward hope, knowing that even when things don't go as planned, God's story is far greater.

In this episode, I will share the steps God gave me to practically practice choosing hope over worry. How to walk with the Spirit and produce fruit instead of formula-based parenting rooted in power and control. Reminding my own heart that God is good and has a good story for our kids- let’s lean into the HUGE expectation that God is the God of HOPE and let our prayers align with that truth.

Connect with Me:
- Website: Heather MacFadyen | Right Where You Belong
- Facebook: Don't Mom Alone
- Instagram: Heather MacFadyen (@dontmomalone)
Links Mentioned:
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- HoneyLove: Treat yourself to the most comfortable bra on earth and save 20% Off sitewide at honeylove.com/dma . After you purchase, they’ll ask you where you heard about them. PLEASE support our show and tell them we sent you. Treat yourself to Honeylove, because you deserve it.
- Cure Hydration: Hydration goes beyond just drinking water—it’s about replenishing the electrolytes we lose through sweat, sleep, alcohol, and daily activities. Water alone isn’t enough to do the job! That’s why you need to try Cure: the electrolyte drink mix that tastes as amazing as it makes you feel. For Don’t Mom Alone listeners, Cure is offering 20% off your first order! Stay hydrated and feel your best by visiting curehydration.com/DMA and using promo code [DMA] at checkout.
- BetterHelp: Discover your relationship green flags, with Betterhelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/DMA to get 10% off your first month.
- Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
17 February 2025, 6:31 am
41 minutes 8 seconds

Helping Kids Connect with Their Grandparents :: Isabel Tom [Ep 509]
Do you feel that it is hard to connect with your aging parents? Are your kids and grandparents not communicating well through the generational gap?

In this episode, Isabel Tom, author of The Value of Wrinkles shares insights into her background, her work with the elderly, and her experience growing up in a multigenerational household. She gives a unique perspective of how much joy and life we can bring to the generation before us but it takes a lot of intentionality. This conversation covers practical tips for deepening these family ties and the mutual blessings they can bring.

We cover a wide range of topics-
- Simple ways to involve children in caring for their grandparents or older relatives
- How to foster meaningful conversations across generations
- How small acts of kindness can make a big difference in an elder’s life
- An Investigator Kit Isabela created to help families connect
- How to talk to your kids about elder issues- dementia or physical constraints
Connect with Isabel Tom:
- Website: The Value of Wrinkles by Isabel Tom
- Facebook: The Value of Wrinkles
- Instagram: The Value of Wrinkles®️ (@isabelctom)
Links Mentioned:
Related Episodes:
Featured Sponsors:
- Purity Woods: I have never seen a skincare product of this quality at this reasonable of a price point. And thankfully, the good people at Purity Woods have a special coupon code specifically for my listeners, so you can try it for yourself for 27% off today. Just go to puritywoods.com/DMA or enter DMA at checkout.
- Thrive Market: Ready for a junk-free start to 2025? Head to ThriveMarket.com/dma and get 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift.
- Thrive Causemetics: Thrive Causemetics is luxury beauty that gives back. o Right now, you can get an exclusive 20% off your first order at thrivecausemetics.com/DMA
Find links to this week’s sponsors and unique promo codes at dontmomalone.com/sponsors.
10 February 2025, 6:35 am
More Episodes? Get the App