If you've ever wondered whether best-selling author Gabrielle Blair -- A.K.A. Design Mom -- finds parenting fun and easy or just makes it look that way, you're going to love this conversation! We're talking about the new book she co-authored with her husband Ben, The Kids Are All Right: Parenting With Confidence in an Uncertain World, and wow does she have great ideas!

She shares her tips for defining and creating a "family culture," reducing parenting stress, finding more joy and happiness in the process, and making sure you have your eye on "the long game." Plus, I ask her how the heck she gets her kids to voluntarily haul rubble and strip paint in the house they're renovating! Trust me -- you'll totally steal her advice.

-----

Support Our Awesome Sponsor:

Phyla Skincare: If you struggle with acne or have kids who do, save 25% your first order with code COOLMOM on Phyla Phortify Probiotic Serum. (There's a reason Ryan Reynolds is an investor!) This is the breakthrough, science-backed, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts, all without side effects or harsh chemicals like Accutane. Hard recommend!

-----

Our Cool Picks of the Week include an incredible designer you can now find at Target for less, and @swingthevote on Instagram, which offers a wealth of info for college students voting out of state and looking for information and volunteer opportunities.

----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Find Gabrielle Blair: Website, Substack, Instagram, Threads

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Threads

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot of moms are hitting a phase where our kids get older and we're wondering what the next chapter looks like for us. If you know you can be more fulfilled with your life but don't know where to start, you'll get so many helpful tips from my guest, award-winning journalist Katherine Goldstein

She's the founder of The Double Shift, a fellow at The Better Life Lab at New America, and a fierce advocate for moms, families, and gender equity.

Tune in to hear us discuss Katherine's popular HuffPost op-ed There's a Life Coach for Everything These Days, and describe the questions to ask yourself before a big pivot. She also has fantastic advice about how to decide whether you need a life coach, career coach, or mayyyybe just a good therapist and community of friends.

-----

Support Our Awesome Sponsor:

Phyla Skincare: If you struggle with acne or have kids who do, save 25% your first order with code COOLMOM on Phyla Phortify Probiotic Serum. (There's a reason Ryan Reynolds is an investor!) This is the breakthrough, science-backed, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts, all without side effects or harsh chemicals like Accutane. Hard recommend!

-----

Our Cool Picks of the Week include a fabulous book just for moms and another Substack community that's especially helpful for women over 40, whether you have kids or not.

----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Find Katherine Goldstein: Website, Substack, Podcast Instagram,

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Facebook, Threads

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tips for managing anxiety could not be a more timely topic, after the US Surgeon General's advisory about parents and mental health and the start of a new school year. You are going to LOVE my guest, Dr. Christopher Willard. He's an incredibly engaging and relatable author, clinical psychologist, and faculty member at Harvard Medical School. He's also one of the leading advocates for mindfulness as "psychological first aid" for parents and kids.

He discusses the proven benefits of mindfulness including boosting positivity, regulating emotions, reducing anxiety and depression, and even changing our brains in ways that help us focus, absorb information, self-regulate, solve problems, and even create happiness.

You'll learn what mindfulness is, how we can practice it in our daily lives, age-by-age exercises we can share with our kids, and other tips for reducing stress and anxiety. Dr. Willard even does a little live breathwork exercise that nearly puts Liz in a trance live on air!

Tune in for his valuable insights to help all of us better manage anxiety and self-regulate as we head into a new school year.

-----

Support Our Awesome Sponsor:

Phyla Skincare: If you struggle with acne or have kids who do, save 25% your first order with code COOLMOM on Phyla Phortify Probiotic Serum. There's a reason Ryan Reynolds is an investor -- It's the breakthrough, science-backed, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts all without harsh chemicals or side effects. Hard recommend!

-----

Our Cool Picks of the Week include a discussion about the benefits of travel, and a Instagram account that sounds wacky but really is wonderful!

----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Find Dr. Chris Willard: Website, Instagram, Amazon

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Facebook, Threads

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads

Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Hope is bold," Brad Montague tells me. The New York Times best-selling author and illustrator explains how hope, in combination with play, togetherness, and joy, can be a force for change, and help spark kids' imaginations for what's possible. 

What a treat you’re in for this week! It’s a truly inspiring, happy-making conversation with the man you may know for his many children’s books (including the upcoming Fail-a-bration, already a #1 new release!). He also created the Kid President web series and the global social good movement Socktober. Or maybe you’re just a fan of his super popular Instagram account, like everyone else I know. 

Tune in for Brad's thoughts on learning from failure, advocating for “hopepunk,” and why we should aspire to be joyful rebels — right along with our kids.

-----

Support Our Awesome Sponsor:

Phyla Skincare: If you struggle with acne or have kids who do, save 25% your first order with code COOLMOM on Phyla Phortify Probiotic Serum. There's a reason Ryan Reynolds is an investor -- It's the breakthrough, science-backed, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts all without harsh chemicals or side effects. Hard recommend!

-----

Our Cool Picks of the Week include naps, a new children's books, and the ultimate Gen X radio station -- that the Gen Z-ers like too.

----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Find Brad Montague: Website, Instagram, Substack, Amazon

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Facebook, Threads

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads

Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Guess what? We all age! So why is the world so tough on women who do just that? Can we reclaim aging as something to celebrate? You'll get some wonderful answers today from Karen Walrond, author of the award-winning Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little Hell

We discuss how we all inadvertently promote ageism (ever said "senior moment" when you forget something?), how to "self-interrogate" to understand our choices a little better, Karen's nuanced view on women increasingly going grey, why in the world marketers are selling so many anti-aging serums to 14-year-olds, and whether she sees hope for positive change.

Above all, Karen shares ways we can reclaim the joy in aging, practice gratitude, and find a path to feeling good about ourselves at any age.

Support Our Awesome Sponsor:

Phyla Skincare: If you struggle with acne or have kids who do, save 25% your first order with code COOLMOM on Phyla Phortify Probiotic Serum. It's the breakthrough, side-effect-free, science-backed, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts before they start.

-----

Our Cool Picks of the Week include an affordable electric kettle, Sari Botton's Substack, and the 1Password app for protecting yourself against hacks and data breaches.

----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Find Karen Walrond: Website, Instagram, Substack, Amazon

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Facebook, Threads

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads

Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Life is hard. Adulting is hard. The political climate is hard," confesses Dr. Christine Koh, one of my favorite humans and the host of the Edit Your Life Show. So she's here to share 5 small (really!) life edits you can make right now, that have immediate and positive impact.

One of my favorite: Identifying the kinds of people you should be spending time with, thanks to a 4-question litmus test. It's brilliant.

You'll find Christine's tips to be actionable, specific, and above all, realistic! I know you'll get so much out of her wisdom and this honest conversation, because phew, we can all use a little centering right now.

----

Support Our Awesome Sponsors:

Phyla Skincare: Save 25% your first order with code COOLMOM on this breakthrough, science-backed, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts before they start - with no side effects.

FreshCut Paper: Save 20% on 5 or more artisan-designed pop-up floral cards that are far more

-----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Find Dr. Christine Koh: Website, Instagram, Substack, Podcast

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Facebook, Threads

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads

Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode is a must-listen for all parents of kids who have smartphones, especially if you're worried about the impact of social media on mental health. 

Dr. Devorah Heitner a renowned author and expert on kids and technology, joins me to provide thought-provoking insights that challenge a lot of the conventional wisdom, so get ready for a fresh take on parenting in the digital age. 

You'll get actionable advice for parents, compelling research that supports it, and the nuances of complex issues surrounding kids, tech, and well-being -- including where she agrees and disagrees with the Surgeon General's recommendations, the unintended consequences of social media age restrictions, and the laws and regulations that we should be advocating for to ensure heath and safety for all of us. Not just for our children.

----

Special offer from Phyla Skincare: Save 25% your first order with code COOLMOM on this truly breakthrough, science-backed, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts before they start - with literally no side effects. (Literally!) There's a reason Ryan Reynolds is an investor and advocate and the brand is headed to Sephora soon.

-----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Find Dr. Devorah Heitner: Website, Instagram, Substack, Amazon

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Facebook, Threads

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads

Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community and Out Tech Your Kids

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So here's a fun surprise: Today, my own daughter and rising high school senior, Sage, joins me on Spawned for the first time! She's asking fantastic questions about college admissions on behalf of teens who have shared them with us.

In our third and final podcast in our Insider's Guide to College Admissions, with Alyse Levine of Premium Prep, you'll learn about weighted grades, class rank, tough math teachers, padding extracurriculars, arguing with parents about college preferences, and procrastinating on the personal essay. Plus, Sage's excellent hack for identifying colleges where you'll fit in.

This is such a fun, helpful episode -- and I hope you'll consider listening with your own college-minded kids, who probably have different questions than you do.

A special offer from Premium Prep: Mention Spawned for a free 30-minute college counseling session with a best-fit counselor at Premium Prep

A special offer from Phyla Skincare: Save 25% with code COOLMOM on the game-changing, derm-recommended, probiotic acne serum that prevents breakouts before they start, with literally no side effects. (Literally!)

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Join: Spawned Podcast FB Community

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Facebook, Substack, Threads

Find Alyse Levine: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe to get cool picks, deals + helpful info in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What a treat to have 30 minutes during Pride Month with the one and only Jonathan Van Ness, who's out with a brand new children's book, Gorgeously Me! We're talking about how to create a culture of acceptance for kids who are different, but we touch on so much more. Like the book that traumatized Jonathan as a kid (eek!), their strongest memory of Barney, the importance to them of faith and spiritual connection, unpacking the mantra "I am exactly who I'm meant to be," optimism for the future, and some compelling advice for parents who want to raise our kids to be the best version of themselves.

I can't wait for you to listen!

Also, I have to humblebrag a little that Jonathan says I "slayed my Cool Pick of the Week" -- but theirs is fantastic too. Stick around to hear them both.

----

Thanks to our sponsor Premium Prep, the personalized college counseling service that helps with applications, financial aid, essay writing, and more. Visit PremiumPrep.com and mention Spawned or Cool Mom Picks for a free 30-minute 1:1 session with a best-fit counselor.

-----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Find Jonathan Van Ness: Queer Eye on Netflix, Getting Curious, Instagram, TikTok, Amazon

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Substack, Facebook, Threads

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads

Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks each week right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am so happy to continue our 3-Part Insider Guide to the College Admission Process with my guest, Alyse Levine, one of the country's most prominent college counseling experts. Today we're focusing on a grade-by-grade guide to supporting our kids on the path toward college applications.

Some of the topics we cover:

• Why middle school should be about focusing on healthy work habits
• How and when to make the most of clubs and after-school experiences
• Plotting out high school courses like a decision tree
• Why Alyse calls 10th grade "a pivotal year"
• What “demonstrated interest” is, and why it matters
• Different ways to visit colleges and when to start
• How and when to start creating your college list
• How to frame the (dreaded) personal essay to take off pressure
• Why there are no limits to essay topics (contrary to popular belief)
• How to decide whether to apply Early Decision
• Putting mental health first, always.

Spoiler: Even if you start late, it may not be late. Just breathe!

A special offer from Premium Prep: Mention Spawned for a free 30-minute college counseling session with a best-fit counselor at Premium Prep, who will be matched to your student. They've helped guide 93% of their students into one of their top three choices, so take advantage! She also describes on the podcast just what the team can do for you in those 30 minutes.

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Join: Spawned Podcast FB Community

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Facebook, Substack, Threads

Find Alyse Levine: Website, Facebook, Instagram

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Pages

Subscribe to get cool picks, deals + helpful info in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh off his viral commencement address at the University of Michigan, I'm joined by best-selling author Brad Meltzer. (Yes, that Brad Meltzer from the "I Am..." biographical children's books we all own!) He talks about his thoughts on kindness as a "naive ideal worth fighting for," the need for more empathy online, his love for the Harlem Globetrotters, and why he believes one person can change the world. Plus, he shares some deeply personal stories of kindness that changed his own life, including one in a random men's room. You are going to love what he has to say.

Plus, by popular demand, Cool Picks of the Week is back! Whoo! (Though a new audio cue...eh, stay tuned for that one.)

----

Thanks to our sponsor Premium Prep, the personalized college counselling service that helps with applications, financial aid, essay writing, and more. Visit PremiumPre.com and mention Spawned or Cool Mom Picks for a free 30-minute 1:1 session with a best-fit counselor they'll match to your student's interests and your family's needs.

-----

Follow Spawned: Apple, Spotify, Amazon

Join: The Spawned Podcast FB Community

Find Cool Mom Picks: Instagram, Facebook, Threads

Find Liz Gumbinner: Instagram, Facebook, Substack, Threads

Find Brad Meltzer: Website, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Threads

Shownotes from today's episode: Cool Mom Pick Podcast Page

Subscribe for cool picks right in your inbox: coolmompicks.com/subscribe/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices