Modern Mom Probs

This episode explores America250, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Rosie Rios, the program’s Chair and the 43rd Treasurer of the United States, shares her vision and reminisces about the 1976 bicentennial. Tara and Rosie dive into America's Field Trip, a student competition that ignites a passion for history through exploration of National Parks and historic sites. The competition asks students, “What does America mean to you?” Winners will have the opportunity to visit iconic national landmarks.  The conversation highlights the importance of field trips and experiencing history firsthand, while acknowledging the diverse experiences that have shaped America. They touch on the value of unplugging and creating family memories through experiences.  The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of civic education and ways to engage children in civics and foster future leaders. Visit America250.org to learn more about the program and the America's Field Trip student competition.

Hosts of the Moms Talk Autism podcast, Jean Mayer, Shannon Korza, Tash Dillmon, and Brittney Crabtree, discuss their journey as mothers of neurodivergent children and the importance of connection and support. They share how they met online during the pandemic and formed a close-knit community through Marco Polo. The hosts emphasize the need for authentic connections and the power of peer-to-peer support in navigating the challenges of raising neurodiverse children. They also highlight the significance of having a diverse network of friends, both neurotypical and neurodiverse, to provide different perspectives and support. Their podcast aims to provide a platform for parents to feel seen, heard, and understood. The hosts share their experiences of dealing with people who misunderstand their situations. They discuss different approaches to handling these situations, including educating others and setting boundaries. The conversation also touches on the challenges of being a modern mom, such as the mental load and the pressure to be perfect.  Links: https://www.momstalkautism.com/ https://www.instagram.com/momstalkautism/

Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled, discusses the importance of redefining success and rebranding the perception of career pauses for women. She emphasizes the need for a platform that dignifies and supports women who choose to make room for family life. Neha highlights the nuanced view of motherhood and career pauses, challenging the traditional tropes that hold women back. She also discusses the power of intentionality and the importance of support and choice in navigating the different seasons of motherhood. Neha shares the offerings of Mother Untitled, including curated content, a job board, and a directory for women to connect and trade opportunities. She addresses the modern mom problem of social media comparison and encourages women to define their own metrics of success. Links: www.instagram.com/motheruntitled  

In this episode, Tara chats with Mike Julianelle, the creator of Dad and Buried, about his experiences as a parent and his journey as a content creator. They discuss various topics, including watching the Oscars, creating content on Instagram, dealing with trolls, authenticity in parenting content, and the inspiration behind Mike's book 'Dad Truths'.    The conversation provides insights into the challenges and joys of parenting, as well as the ups and downs of being a content creator in the parenting space. Mike shares his perspective on the modern mom problem of judgment and criticism among parents. Parenting has its highs and lows, and it's okay to acknowledge the challenges while still finding humor and joy in the journey.   Links: www.instagram.com/dadandburied https://amzn.to/3xDzaXO https://dadandburied.substack.com/

This week, Dr. Nicole Pensak, a Harvard and Yale trained Clinical Psychologist specializing in postpartum, discusses the challenges and changes in the maternal brain, which undergoes significant changes during the postpartum period, reorganizing and fine-tuning itself to focus on the baby's needs. She shares her personal experiences with postpartum anxiety and how she recovered from it. She also discusses findings from her new book, RATTLED: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain. Dr. Pensak emphasizes the power of the maternal brain and the need for better support and resources for new mothers. She also talks about her TED talk on the subject and the importance of involving partners in the postpartum process. Partners play a crucial role in supporting new mothers, particularly by protecting their sleep and sharing household responsibilities. If you are a new mother or have one in your life, you need to listen to this episode!   Links: https://www.drnicoleamoyalpensak.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Rattled-Anxiety-Power-Postpartum-Brain/dp/1682688305

In this episode, best-selling author, podcaster and award-winning journalist Jo Piazza discusses her upcoming trip to Sicily to solve the murder of her great great grandmother, which inspired her book 'The Sicilian Inheritance'. She shares the challenges of investigating in Sicily, including the bureaucracy and the influence of the mafia. Jo also talks about the themes in her book, such as women's ambition, motherhood, and the support of other women. The conversation highlights the importance of enjoying food and the role of food in the book and in Italian culture. This entertaining convo amongst friends provides insights into Jo's real-life true crime adventure and the inspiration behind her novel.  Jo discusses her motivation for writing 'Sicilian Inheritance' and her desire to honor Lorenza Marsala's life. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating women's lives rather than focusing solely on their deaths. Jo also shares her excitement for the release of the book and the representation it offers to Italian-American women. As a Sicilian-American, Tara expresses her excitement for such representation.  The pair touch on the lack of Italian-American representation in historical fiction and the need for more stories centered around strong Italian-American women. If you love true crime, Italian culture, and badass women, listen to this episode! Links: https://www.jopiazza.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jopiazzaauthor/ https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-sicilian-inheritance-jo-piazza/20266161

In this conversation, Tara welcomes Erica Djossa, registered psychotherapist, founder of wellness company Momwell and host of the popular podcast Momwell. Erica shares about her new book, “Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More.”    The two catch up on life and how Erica's platform, Momwell, has evolved into a full-fledged maternal mental health platform. Her new book explores the concept of the invisible load that mothers carry and provides strategies for shedding perfectionism and anchoring in personal values. They also discuss the default parent dilemma and the importance of involving partners in sharing the load.   If you want to carry less and enjoy motherhood more, listen to this episode!   Links: https://www.momwell.com/ https://www.momwell.com/listen https://bookshop.org/p/books/releasing-the-mother-load-how-to-carry-less-and-enjoy-motherhood-more-erica-djossa/19999376

Kim Rittberg, digital marketing strategist, video expert and host of the popular podcast "The Exit Interview with Kim Rittberg," joins the show to drop some serious knowledge on how to nail your elevator pitch.   Kim isn't just another expert; she's a walking, talking encyclopedia of accomplishments, business savvy, and confidence. Her secret weapon? The ABC method: Accomplishment (brag a little, but keep it real!), Business (what you do, be crystal clear!), and Confidence (own it!).   Practice makes perfect, but remember, your perfect elevator pitch should be you with the volume turned up. Tara shares how bringing the “high energy” makes a lasting impression, like she did in a recent encounter with actor Andrew Santino.    Kim reminds us that helping others is key. When you pitch, approach it with the intention of genuinely adding value to the other person's life. Plus, clarity is crucial. A clear message and mission are the keys to unlocking successful communication.    As a busy modern mom juggling all of the things, Kim emphasizes the importance of being kind to yourself and embracing the beautiful, messy journey of continuously evolving as a person.   Links: https://www.kimrittberg.com/ https://www.kimrittberg.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/kimrittberg/

In this episode, Tara talks with Zach Watson about the importance of involving dads in invisible labor. Zach, a popular content creator and coach, shares his personal growth from a "recovering manchild" to an advocate for recognizing the mental load carried by mothers. They discuss his full-time leap into content creation, the emotional toll of his dog's passing, and his role as a Fair Play facilitator. The episode also highlights Zach's collaboration with actress Kristen Bell on a video addressing decision fatigue, underscoring the significance of shared parenting responsibilities and communication. Zach shares a very creative way to start this conversation with a partner. You're going to want to hear it! Links: https://www.instagram.com/realzachthinkshare https://www.tiktok.com/@zachthinkshare

In this episode, Tara talks with the hilarious Gwenna Laithland about evolving parenting styles. Gwenna, creator of Momma Cusses, host of the popular podcast Childproof, and author of the new book, Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting and Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kid Needs Therapy, shares her shift from traditional to responsive parenting. They discuss the need for intentionality and adaptability in parenting, especially as children grow. Gwenna gets real about a moment that made her rethink her parenting style and the beauty of making amends. The conversation also touches on balancing fun with discipline, and the continuous learning involved in raising children.    Links: https://www.mommacusses.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mommacusses/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mommacusses  

In this conversation, Chelsey Goodan discusses her book 'Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls' and the importance of empowering and supporting teenage girls. She highlights the societal pressure on girls to be perfect and likable, and the need for adults to create safe spaces for girls to explore their identities. Chelsey emphasizes the role of curiosity and non-judgment in building trust and opening up conversations with teenage girls. She also addresses the challenges of social media and the importance of media literacy in navigating its impact. Overall, the conversation explores ways to empower and uplift teenage girls in a society that often underestimates them. Takeaways: Teenage girls are often underestimated and face societal pressure to be perfect and likable. Building trust and creating safe spaces for girls to open up is crucial in empowering them. Curiosity and non-judgment are key in engaging in meaningful conversations with teenagers. Parents and adults can support teenagers by listening, reflecting, and encouraging self-exploration. Links: https://www.chelseygoodan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ChelseyGoodan/ https://www.modernmommydoc.com/ https://www.modernmommydoc.com/doing-it-all/ https://www.instagram.com/modernmommydoc https://www.instagram.com/modernmommydoc Support The Show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out Modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

In this conversation, Dr. Whitney Casares, pediatrician and founder of Modern Mommy Doc and Tara discuss strategies for setting your day up for success, finding the right time to exercise, and balancing workouts with daily tasks. They also explore the importance of scheduling tasks and prioritizing, defining your priorities, and exploring new hobbies and interests. One of the most enlightening discussions revolved around "center points," which Dr. Casares defines as the five key areas in a person's life that bring joy and fulfillment. Identifying these center points is crucial, and the exercises in her book guide readers through this process. The conversation concludes with a discussion on having conversations with your partner, practicing compassionate assertiveness, and maintaining accountability. Dr. Whitney's book, 'Doing It All: Stop Overfunctioning and Become the Mom and Person You Are Meant to Be,' provides further insights and strategies for achieving a centered life.TakeawaysSet your day up for success by finding a routine that works for you and prioritizing rest and self-care.Don't feel pressured to be a morning person if it doesn't align with your natural energy levels and preferences.Schedule tasks and prioritize based on your values and what matters most to you.Explore new hobbies and interests that bring you joy and help you expand your horizons.Practice compassionate assertiveness when having conversations with your partner about sharing responsibilities and maintaining accountability.Links:https://www.modernmommydoc.com/https://www.modernmommydoc.com/doing-it-allhttps://www.instagram.com/modernmommydocSupport the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

In this episode, Tara and Kelley Coleman, a feature film development executive turned author and disability advocate, discuss the realities of parenting a child with disabilities. Kelley, a mother of two boys, one with multiple disabilities, shares her journey and the challenges faced. She talks about her new book, "Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child," offering guidance to parents in similar situations. The conversation covers the need for community support, understanding, and the celebration of small victories. During the conversation, Kelley emphasizes the critical need for validation and support within the community. It's not just about having access to resources; it's about the community understanding and embracing individuals with disabilities. The pair also touch on the practicalities of managing responsibilities and finding joy in tough times, like Kelley's metaphorical "yellow sweater."If you’ve ever felt that navigating the system is daunting, then listen to this episode.Links:www.kelleycoleman.com http://www.instagram.com/@hellokelleycoleman Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

In this episode, Tara speaks with Emily Nichols, a mother and habit coach, about how busy moms can develop sustainable health habits. Emily shares her journey from emotional eating to fitness coaching, emphasizing the importance of small, incremental habit changes. They explore habit loops and stacking, using examples like "pee squats" and making the bed with positive affirmations. The conversation also covers the emotional aspects of motherhood, such as avoiding projecting insecurities onto children and adapting parenting styles to each child's needs. The episode highlights the importance of keystone habits, which are small but influence other healthy behaviors, and the need to customize habits to fit different life seasons.If you are looking to make small changes that will pay off big time, listen to this episode.Links:https://emily-nichols.com/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

JoAnn Crohn, a parenting educator and host of the popular No Guilt Mom podcast joins the show to share her perspective on the complexities of modern parenting.Joann opens up about her battle with postpartum depression. It's a struggle many mothers face but often suffer through in silence. Joann's experience underscores a crucial message: being the best parent is intrinsically linked to being the best version of oneself. It's a reminder that self-care isn't selfish; it's essential.Tara shares her own experiences of feeling trapped in the martyr role as a mother. It's a common narrative where moms are expected to sacrifice everything for their families, often at the expense of their own dreams and well-being. JoAnn and Tara discuss how societal influences reinforce this role and the conscious effort required to shift these dynamics within our families. The concept of being a "no guilt mom" is about finding harmony between personal fulfillment and parenting responsibilities.This conversation is a deep dive into the challenges faced by modern moms and the importance of reevaluating and releasing unrealistic expectations. It's about prioritizing well-being and embracing the freedom to be the best version of ourselves—for us and for our families.Links:https://www.instagram.com/noguiltmomhttps://www.facebook.com/noguiltmomhttps://www.noguiltmom.comSupport the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

As a journalist, author, and marketing executive, Amy brings to the table her profound understanding of life's challenges, particularly through the lens of her new book, "The Setback Cycle: How Defining Moments Can Move Us Forward." In this conversation, Tara and Amy uncover the wisdom that can help us all move through life's inevitable setbacks with resilience and grace.Amy illuminates the four critical phases of the setback cycle: establish, embrace, explore, and emerge. She stresses the importance of recognizing when we're experiencing a setback and the power of introspection to unearth the underlying reasons. It's not just about acknowledging the setback; it's about fully embracing it, which sets the stage for exploration and, ultimately, emergence.Amy's insights are a reminder that setbacks are not the end but rather a pivotal point that can propel us forward—if we approach them with intentionality. True growth comes from working through the entire cycle, and Amy's book provides the tools to do just that.If you are feeling disengaged with certain areas of your life, listen to this episode!Links:https://www.amyshoenthal.com/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

In this episode, Tara speaks with Elizabeth Pearson, a former corporate sales leader turned executive coach, and author of "Career Confinement." Elizabeth's story is one of transformation, courage, and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond the conventional path. She shares her story of feeling unfulfilled in her corporate job and how she found purpose in helping women break free from their self-imposed cages of mediocrity and rise to their full potential.Elizabeth shares her belief in the intertwining of spirituality and career fulfillment. She speaks about feeling spiritually bankrupt in her corporate role and how making a pivot in her career path allowed her to find more meaning and freedom. This is a concept that might seem foreign to some, but Elizabeth insists that our professional lives and spiritual well-being are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they are deeply connected.One of the most significant barriers that modern moms face is the relentless self-judgment and criticism that we impose on ourselves. Elizabeth's message is clear: the cages we find ourselves in are often of our own making, and the doors are never truly locked. By challenging our scarcity mindset and survival brain, we can open ourselves up to new possibilities. She suggests seeking therapy, exploring holistic practices, and breaking routine patterns as ways to shift our mindset and embrace the freedom we deserve.This conversation is a reminder of the power of our inner voice and the importance of honoring it. Whether it's a dream deferred or a nagging feeling that there's more to life, it's never too late to make a change. Remember, the journey to fulfillment is not just about the destination but about the growth and discovery along the way.If you ever felt stuck both personally and professionally,  listen to this episode!Links:elizabethpearson.comhttp://linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-pearson-1901192http://instagram.com/coach.elizabeth.pearsonhttp://tiktok.com/coachelizabethpearsonhttp://www.youtube.com/@coachelizabethpearsonhttps://a.co/d/fBrAY9R Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

In this episode, Tara welcomes Dr. Maggie Vaughan, award-winning Psychotherapist and head of youth transformation at tapouts. Their discussion delves into the pervasive issues of mom guilt and burnout, offering strategies and insights invaluable to modern moms.Dr. Vaughan explores the impact of intensive parenting trends, which have placed an immense burden on mothers. The societal expectation that a mother's constant engagement is directly proportional to her child's success has led to an epidemic of stress and burnout. Mothers are feeling the pressure to dedicate every waking moment to their children, often at the expense of their own well-being.She advises them to prioritize quality engagement with their children over quantity, suggesting that even ten minutes of focused time can significantly impact a child's development. This approach fosters secure attachments and nurtures independent, confident, and resilient children. She also emphasizes the necessity of self-care for mothers. It's crucial to recognize that children need well-adjusted parents. Sacrificing sleep, leisure time, and support to spend every moment with our kids can lead to exhaustion and stress that ultimately trickles down to them.Dr. Vaughan highlights the benefits of seeking support, whether from family, friends, or programs like tapouts. tapouts offers life skills coaching that can alleviate some of the pressures of parenting, helping children learn critical life skills that benefit the entire family unit. Both Tara and Dr. Vaughan share personal experiences with the program and praise tapouts for its positive reinforcement and fun learning environment.If you want to put an end to mom guilt and help your children thrive, listen to this episode!Links:Links:https://tapouts.com/landing?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=taramodernmomprops&utm_content=taraxmaggies-hownoteshttps://www.instagram.com/tapoutsapp/https://www.facebook.com/tapoutsapp/Try tapouts for yourself with a free first trial session. If you love it, you can get 50% off the first month with code TARA50.Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

In the season two finale, Tara welcomes Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, author, and host of the wildly popular podcast Raising Good Humans. She shares insights from her groundbreaking new book, "The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans." Tara and Dr. Aliza discuss the challenges of modern parenting, what it means to raise good humans, the importance of maintaining strong parent-child relationships, and the concept of repair in relationships. Dr. Aliza explains that rules are not meant to hinder the relationship or sensitivity of caregiving, but rather to ensure safety and provide structure. She emphasizes the importance of finding support that resonates with each individual parent's values and beliefs, as well as filtering out the noise and focusing on what truly matters, which can be difficult given today’s climate of information overload.Dr. Aliza acknowledges that no parent is perfect and through storytelling, she illustrates that it is essential to show children that perfection is not attainable and that being flawed is part of being human.If you want to foster a stronger parent-child relationship and want to tap into the five principles of parenting, listen to this episode!Links:Website: https://draliza.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisinggoodhumanspodcast/Newsletter: https://dralizapressman.substack.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/raising-good-humans/id1473072044?i=1000622613224Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review

In this episode, Tara interviews Liz Swenson, author and illustrator of “You Got This, Mama! From Boobs to Blowouts A Survival Guide for New Moms” and her new book "Raising Tiny Humans: From Potty Training to Prejudice, A Survival Guide for the Wild Toddler Years." They discuss the challenges of motherhood, particularly during the toddler years. Swenson shares her motivation for writing her new book and the benefits of an illustrated guide for busy parents. They also touch on the emotional toll of parenting, the importance of self-care, and fostering executive function skills in children, which are crucial for a child's development and success. Liz shares activities and games in her book that can help parents foster these skills in their toddlers.The episode concludes with a discussion on parenting during the tween and teenage years.If you need help surviving the toddler years, you should listen to this episode!Links:https://lizswenson.org/https://www.instagram.com/lizswensonbff/Support the show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review