The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks

We're back! This is season 7 of the MomForce Podcast and we couldn't be more grateful that you're here. This season is going to be more exciting than ever. You'll keep hearing from exciting guests with their expert opinions and stories on the podcast, but we're also bringing back Vanessa's sisters to join every other episode for some sister chats and funny family lore from their youth.    In this episode, Vanessa shares how the new structure of the podcast will be as well as share one of her most vulnerable parenting moments that might make your skin crawl just a little... hey, we're all making this parenting thing up as we go!   Don't forget to get started on your Chatbooks and if you're a first time user, use code TAKE50 for 50% off your first classic book in a subscription!

For a lot of us school is back in session or about to be and mornings can be… A LOT! We’re bringing back a favorite to share with you today. This episode,“Good Mornings for YOU!”, is exactly the kind of real talk we all need to hear. We're talking about those mornings when your kid is hunting for the cleanest dirty shirt, scrambling to throw together a sack lunch, and then you can’t find the car keys. Oh have we been there! I  originally recorded this episode 6 years ago with my younger sister Leah , who also has 7 kids and our babies are all so muhc more grown up now. But mornings can still be rough!  So join us as we not only swap tales of the fails, but also some of the wins that help keep our morning routine running smooth–becuasee we want YOU to have a good morning too! Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  3:39 How to prep for success before you go to sleep  7:47 How to make lunch packing more efficient and stree free  15:37 The secret to fresh bread throughout the week  17:32 The magic of a hair drawer in the kitchen filled with a brush, combs, elastics, gel, etc.  24:27 The discovery of the sonic boom alarm clock  26:50 Why you should get dressed like you mean it 

Vanessa chats with "Spicy Ones" coach Mary Van Geffen for a conversation about what it really takes to parent strong-willed, defiant kids. Mary shares how her own journey—from being a spicy child herself to raising one—led her to become a gentle parenting coach.  They swap tips on how to stay calm, kind, and firm even on the days your child pushes all your buttons. You'll hear why separating your worth from your child’s behavior is one of the most important things you can do as a mom, and how choosing to love your child unconditionally—even when they are hard to love—is actually a spiritual discipline. If you’re raising a spicy one this is your reminder that you’re not broken, your kid’s not broken, and you’re not alone! Mary has opened her Moms of Spicy Ones®️ group program back up. This 8 week course is the guide to building a beautiful (and durable) relationship with your strong-willed, intense powerhouse - no matter their age. Only listeners of this podcast get access to one of five exclusive $50 off coupons. The code is MOMFORCE. Registration is at https://www.maryvangeffen.com/moso Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Follow Mary 1:00 "Very good moms can have wildly defiant children." 2:00 "A spicy one is loyal to their own soul more than to your agenda." 3:05 "We’re in charge—but we’re not always in control of them." 6:59 "Sometimes, it’s not the child that’s spicy—it’s the parent’s level of support and need for control." 10:02 "I want to reduce the number of children who grow up feeling like they’re wrong or broken." 17:01 "Parenting is a spiritual discipline, practicing unconditional love for someone who isn’t always lovable."  

What if we treated friendship with the more intentionality? In this encore episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley welcomes author and podcaster Laura Tremaine, whose bestselling book The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs has helped women everywhere rethink what meaningful connection truly looks like. Laura shares her wisdom on how to build your personal "life council"—a diverse circle of friends who each offer something unique, from the "fun friend" to the "mentor" to the "battle buddy." Together, Vanessa and Laura explore the real work of friendship, navigating social anxiety, giving ourselves grace for unmet expectations, and even surviving friendship breakups. They talk candidly about how modern life has made connection more difficult—and more vital than ever. Whether you're deep in friendships or longing for them, this episode is a reminder that we were never meant to do this life alone!  Since this episode went live Laura has wrapped up her podcast of six years, 10 Things To Tell You, and has launched her new substack where she shares her musings and conversations.  Follow Chatbooks  Follow Vanessa  Follow Laura 8:45 Why you might not have a best friend that covers all your needs  15:50 Your spouse is not your best friend  23:20 Using a to-do list to uplevel your relationships  30:02 How to make friends as an introvert  33:50 Tips for managing social anxiety  40:39 Where to make new friends as an adult  43:15 Do something that is already on the calendar  47:23 What to navigate friendship breakups   

Do you ever worry that you are too strict or too lenient? Questioning all your parenting choices? In this heartfelt and hilariously honest encore episode, Vanessa Quigley is joined by her sister Leah (fellow mom of seven!) for a deep dive into the chaos, comedy, and total emotional overload of motherhood. From rage-cleaning the car to crying in the pantry, they open up about the moments that push moms to the edge—and how to find your way back. Together, they share vulnerable confessions, real tips that actually work (yes, even sex gets a moment), and crowd-sourced wisdom from the incredible MomForce community. Whether you're overwhelmed by toddlers, teens, or just the dinner dishes, this episode will make you feel seen, laugh, and remember: you're doing better than you think. Use code CB15 for 15% off a Monthbooks subscription.  Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  7:30 We are all human. It's normal to reach a breaking point.  9:05 Words from the MomForce community about bad days as a mom.  11:30 When Meghan Markle admitted that she's not okay.  14:00 How to institute a "room of tranquility".  16:15 The mental load and how to identify your needs.  21:00 Ask for attention and time with your husband when you are feeling stressed.  26:00 Smiling is science!  28:00 The magic of an 8 second hug.      

In this heartfelt season finale of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley is joined by Chatbooks CMO, and fellow mom, Karen Peterson for a conversation that every parent will feel in their bones. Together, they open up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting milestones, from preschool graduations and big-kid beds to the life-shifting moment of sending a child off to college. They reflect on the beauty of “lasts and firsts,” the myth of control in motherhood, and the power of reframing painful transitions as sacred moments. Karen shares her personal journey raising her son Gavin, a sought after D1-bound wheelchair basketball athlete who defied the odds after being born with spina bifida. She recounts the early years, where simple, difficult moments like coaxing Gavin through tears with a walker at the back of Costco laid the foundation for the independence and strength he now carries into adulthood. They also talk candidly about the grief and growth that comes with change, the emotional whiplash of summer parenting, and how moms so often hold themselves to impossible standards. Whether you’re deep in toddler chaos or navigating an emptying nest, this episode is a reminder that you're doing better than you think.  Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  5:15 Reframing lasts into firsts  5:45 We are supporting characters in our children's lives  7:20 Realizing you have a lot less control than you think you actually do  9:45 The reality of being a parent of a D1 athlete  10:56 Our kids are our greatest teachers  14:00 Every stage of motherhood has hard moments  15:29 Photos help remind us of all of the hard things we've made it through  18:48 Life transitions are all about the "and" to process all the feelings  22:40 You are the perfect parent for your child. You know what your child needs even if other parents judge you.  25:40 Live in the moment this summer. Chatbooks will be there for you when school is back in session!     

When Neha Ruch left her high-powered career to become a stay-at-home mom, she didn’t see it as stepping back—she saw it as stepping into something deeper. In this episode, Neha, founder of The Power Pause and author of the book by the same name, shares how embracing a career pause led her to a more grounded, intentional version of ambition. She talks candidly about identity shifts in motherhood, the surprising ways her family has grown from her presence at home, and how we can all challenge hustle culture in favor of something more meaningful. This is a conversation for anyone navigating the messy, beautiful in-between of motherhood and self. As Neha says, "it doesn't have to be an identity crisis, it can be an identity evolution".  5:00 Choosing to leave a career in the height of the girl boss era.  8:07 Look at the vast gray area between full-time working or full-time staying at home.  11:30 What language you can use to convey that you are spending your time with your kids instead of "stay at home mom".  23:30 Goals dignify time. A career pause is not a life pause.  26:45 The importance of personal development while parenting.  29:40 A woman's career is a long game.  33:43 "I resist the culturally induced urge to dream bigger. What if this is my big dream?" Follow Chatbooks Follow Vanessa  Follow Neha      

She’s back! In this special return episode, Vanessa catches up with Myriam Sandler of @mothercould, who first joined The MomForce Podcast three years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Myriam is now a published author, and her new book, Playful By Design, is a tool for parents everywhere to rethink how they approach play at home. From her viral take—“I hardly play with my kids”—to her genius strategies for cultivating independent play, Myriam shares how creating the right environment (not more Pinterest crafts) is the secret to raising curious, confident kids. As she puts it: “Yes, I engage and connect with them… but I’ve built a space where they can play on their own and that’s the goal.” Vanessa and Myriam also dive into: The unexpected power of Play Dough   Why chia seed goop is a sensory win and a parental cautionary tale How to turn “no” moments into easy yeses And how Chatbooks photo books are actually made for kids to relive their own stories This conversation is full of real talk, practical tips, and plenty of laughs—especially if you’ve ever found slime in your carpet! I know you are going to love it.  Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  Follow Myriam  Order Playful By Design 5:35 Why Myriam "doesn't play with her kids"  9:36 The weirdest thing Myriam has made for her kids.  10:47 Why Myriam is not afraid of messes at her house  15:20 How Myriam organizes her family memories  22:17 What is the balance between sensory play and your sanity as a mom? 29:28 Connection is at the heart of everything  32:39 How to approach alone time and self care -- without guilt! 

Today’s episode is extra special—it’s our Mother’s Day episode, and I’ve got my oldest daughter, Laken, in the studio with me! I’ve been wanting to have her on the podcast for a long time, and since she was in town this past week, I finally convinced her to sit down and chat about motherhood. If you don’t already know her, you’re going to love her. She’s the most amazing mom to my granddaughter, Mauve, and she’s been a huge part of this podcast since the very beginning—six seasons ago! She actually wrote and recorded our theme song and has been our audio engineer ever since. I’m seriously so lucky to work alongside her... and even luckier to be her mom. In this episode, we swap stories, laugh a lot, and share a few lessons we’ve learned along the way as a mother and daughter. It's a little peek into the beautiful (and sometimes messy) reality of family life—from both sides of the generation gap. Think of it as a celebration of the little moments that make it all worth it—and a reminder of why we do what we do at Chatbooks. We also know that Mother’s Day can bring up all kinds of emotions. For some, it’s a day full of joy. For others, it might feel bittersweet or even heavy. However you’re feeling this year, please know we see you, we’re thinking of you, and we’re sending you so much love.  Listen to my podcast episode featuring my mom  Follow Chatbooks  Follow Vanessa  I Am My Mother!  4:30 Expectations on your first Mother's Day as a new mom  8:30 What it is like to see your daughter become a mother  15:00 "Family Fandangos!" 21:15 Moments in your parenting journey when you have to step into the role of mother  23:20 The drawbacks of parenting in the age of social media 29:01 Why Monthbooks are the greatest gift for a grandma  33:00 Behind the Scenes of the newest top secret project at Chatbooks 40:00 The ups and downs of parenting through the teen years  44:00 The different seasons of life and motherhood that you can lean into as an artist 47:08 Mom as a camp counselor/daughter as a camper dilemma  50:00 "I hope you will do better than we did"     

If you haven’t come across RaQuel yet—aka The Capacity Expert—that’s about to change. With bold, truth-telling videos that are equal parts empowering and uncomfortable, RaQuel is shaking up the mental health conversation in all the best ways.  Instead of prescribing prevalent self care solutions like bubble baths and spa days, RaQuel invites us into deeper work—work that involves honesty, self-responsibility, and a better understanding of what we’re actually capable of. I brought questions straight from our MomForce community to this conversation, and RaQuel delivered. You're going to be challenged, in the best way, and inspired to think differently about your own capacity. Follow Vanessa  Follow RaQuel (and find her e-book at the link in bio)  Follow Chatbooks  5:00 Why RaQuel is disrupting the mental health space.  6:05 Capacity is strength  7:15 Why don't the self care practices society prescribes work? 9:43 The power of choice and how to avoid playing a victim  11:00 Does a diagnosis limit your capacity?  14:51 What to do about volatile emotions during pregnancy 17:49 When do you know it's time to get professional help?  21:45 How to explore your relationship with responsibility  22:30 How to find low cost therapy  27:50 Feeling discomfort is an opportunity to grow  34:40 Why we pathologized struggle   

Today's episode is a special one that is close to my heart. I am sharing my unexpected journey from dreaming of Broadway to becoming the co-founder of Chatbooks. Growing up in a family of 12, I learned the power of big dreams and resilience, I was especially inspired by strong women in her life. I pursued vocal performance in college, but after getting married young and starting a family, my path shifted. Years later, overwhelmed with mom life, a simple moment with my youngest child sparked the idea for Chatbooks—proving that sometimes, our biggest opportunities come from unexpected places. In this episode I share the early struggles of entrepreneurship—running out of money, making mistakes, and launching ideas that flopped. But a viral video changed everything, reinforcing that fear and failure are just part of the process. I encourage you to embrace discomfort, take action even when it’s messy, and recognize the value of your own stories. The dream you start with may not be the one you end up chasing, but what matters is having the courage to pursue something. I hope a part of my journey can inspire yours.  Let's connect! Find me on Instagram @vanessaquigley

Tamron Hall is a two-time Emmy Award-winning TV host, executive producer of her own syndicated talk show Tamron Hall, veteran journalist, and bestselling author. She’s spent decades honing her interviewing skills—from breaking news to deep, heartfelt conversations on the Today show. And today, we’re diving into something that is the driving force of everything she does– curiosity.  Curiosity has shaped her ability to connect deeply with people and has influenced the way she approaches motherhood. It’s also the inspiration behind her latest book, Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid, a beautiful celebration of wonder, exploration, and the power of asking questions. In this conversation, we’ll explore why curiosity is more than just a skill—it’s a superpower. One that opens doors, deepens relationships, and sparks lifelong learning. We’ll talk about how curiosity has shaped Tamron’s journey, how we can cultivate it in ourselves and our kids, and why asking the right questions can change everything. Follow Tamron  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks  3:24 How Tamron became Grand Marshal for Black History Month at Disney World  5:52 Tamron's story of IVF and becoming a mother at 48 7:01 Tamron's experience with fear after the pandemic  9:11 Why curiousity is an opportunity to combat fear in all of our relationships  18:41 Taking community for granted  22:55 Trying to save your child from feeling uncomfortable and learning why that is harmful 29:36 What one thing we can do to bring more curiousity into our lives  

Moms, let’s be real—parenting is a wild ride, full of ups and downs, curveballs, and unexpected turns. But what if there was a way to make those ups and downs a little easier to handle? That’s where your mental health baseline comes in. Today, I’m talking with my friend Julie Taylor, a writer, mom, and someone who just gets it. We’re breaking down what a mental health baseline is, how to boost it, and why taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And trust me, Julie is the perfect person for this conversation—not only does she have a way of making deep topics feel so relatable, but she also speaks from raw, personal experience. A little over a year ago, Julie lost her infant son at birth—a loss that completely changed her understanding of resilience, grief, and what it truly means to rebuild your emotional baseline. Her wisdom comes from lived experience, and I know her perspective will resonate with so many of you. Follow Chatbooks  Follow Vanessa  Follow Julie  8:30 How to determine your baseline in mental health  14:45 Julie's experience with grief  21:00 Do what you say you're going to do for a mental health boost  23:15 Trust the times and seasons  24:10 Try something new, or return to a past hobby  26:15 Not meant to stay in survival mode  29:00 What helped Julie the most going through grief  32:30 How to choose connection with your kids that makes a difference  44:00 You're doing better than you think you are  45:30 Tell your friends the good in them  47:00 Our limitations are invitations for collaborations   

Welcome to another Enter the Chat episode of the MomForce Podcast—where we break down the parenting topics that matter most. Today, we’re diving deep into the balance of emotional validation and setting boundaries with child development specialist, Dr. Siggie Cohen. If you’ve ever struggled with being both the ‘safe space’ and the authority figure in your child’s life, this conversation is for you. Seriously, if your child has ever said "Your the meantest mom ever" –don't fret. Dr Siggie gives us some tools to help us keep our cool.  Dr. Siggie Cohen is a Child Development Specialist with more than 30 years of experience and 1.6 million people following her advice and guidance online. She empowers parents to be calm and confident, with real life examples to learn from.  I know you will enjoy hearing from Dr. Siggie, she has so much wisdom to share! Check out her parenting courses here  Follow Dr Siggie  Follow Chatbooks  Follow Vanessa  6:50 Has Dr. Siggie ever made a parenting mistake?  14:15 Big decisions that require life experience are yours  23:00 No one likes to feel misunderstood  25:05 The chaos of parenting  31:45 The do over  36:15 All of your kids percieve experiences differently  40:00 Why is parenting so stressful?  43:30 What are healthy risks that your kids can take?  47:20 Don't close the door, keep the conversation going   

Emily O'Laughlin started Doing Great Clothing Co when she saw her son Nathan beginning a new chapter: post-high school and ready to work. She noticed that jobs that fit his abilities were few and far between. So she decided to create the solution, even though Emily and her husband both have full-time jobs.  The mission of Doing Great Clothing Co says, "We're passionate about our chance to make concrete changes in the world of special needs. Our mission is to pave the way for those with disabilities to reach those crucial developmental milestones and score meaningful employment." If you are in the early days of a diagnosis with your child, or want to be a better ally and support to those you know with disabilities, or anywhere in between -- listen to this episode! Emily shares some tough experiences and challenges that have helped her and her family get to the point they are at today.  Check out Doing Great Clothing Co.  Doing Great Jobs: A Guide to Creating a Small Business for People with Disabilities  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks 2:05 How Doing Great Clothing Co was born 5:35 Emily's experience raising a child with special needs  7:30 Learning empathy  10:15 A poignant experience in Emily's early motherhood  14:00 Education experiences with Nathan  17:30 You are the CEO of your family  19:55 Concentrate on the joy of your child   

Prepare yourself folks for so much wisdom from Jillian Harris. If you follow Jilian you know she is an absolute dynamo. A true powerhouse—She's an entrepreneur, cookbook author, interior designer, and the creator of The Jilly Box. I love her Jilly box, it's a quarterly subscription box that showcases women entrepreneurs and small businesses. It sold out now but I'm on the Insider wait list!  Jillian is based in Canada and she first captured hearts as a contestant on The Bachelor and later made history as the first Canadian Bachelorette. But Jillian’s story goes far beyond her TV beginnings. While building an inspiring career and raising a beautiful family, she battled burnout and sought to regain balance all while supporting a loved one through mental illness. She's raw, she's real, (she even swears a little) and. I know you’re going to love her.  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Follow Jillian and The Jilly Box  6:00 How Jillian organizes her family memories  8:40 How to remember the daily magical moments  10:35 Growing up with a mother that has a bipolar diagnosis  19:30 What caused Jillian to hit major burnout and how she has dug herself out of it 25:00 How to create rituals that spark joy like "turndown service" 27:00 What it was like when Jillian experienced a wildfire in Canada and her property burned to the ground. Plus, the amazing opportunity that came out of it.  31:00 The relationship advice she wishes she had during her younger years on The Bachelor franchise  33:45 How to keep the overwhelm away and not get stressed out.  35:00 What is next for Jillian 

Becs Gentry is a beloved Peloton instructor, elite runner, and inspiring new mom. Known for her motivational energy and infectious positivity, she’s built a global community of fitness enthusiasts who turn to her for more than just workouts—they come for her life lessons. Recently, Becs completed an extraordinary feat: The Great World Race—7 marathons, in 7 days, on 7 continents, starting with a marathon in Antarctica! In this conversation, we dive into what that incredible adventure was like, as well as the day-to-day realities of balancing motherhood, a demanding career, and a rigorous training schedule. Becs offers a fresh take on resilience, self-care, and finding joy in every step of the journey. Get ready to be inspired and step into the new year with a mindset that’s energized, guilt-free, and full of possibility!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks 3:00 A photo with a fun backstory, spoiler alert: pregnancy announcement!  5:00 Why Becs approaches goals with the "brush up" mentality  7:20 Put your sparkle back in January  9:45 Has Becs always been a runner?  12:40 How the Great World Race experience was mentally for Becs  13:50 The strength of mothers  16:15 Things in parenting that push you to your limits  19:00 Forward is a pace  25:50 Getting more movement in as a family  30:35 Chatting while looking at photos = elaborative reminiscing     

Karalynne Call, the mastermind behind Just Ingredients, shares her incredible journey from struggling with depression to becoming a beacon of hope for clean living and holistic health. Karalynne shares her personal story of hitting rock bottom and how learning about the connection between nutrition and mental health became a turning point in her life. She offers practical tips for making small but impactful changes in your family’s diet, easy ways to clean up the products in your home, and how prioritizing wellness can create a ripple effect in your overall happiness.  Whether you’re curious about clean living, looking for ways to support your mental health, or just need a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom. Listen to hear how small changes can lead to big transformations. Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks 4:30 Karalynne's struggle with depression  8:25 Karalynne's experience on medication  14:00 How to find trustworthy sources of information  20:15 Gluten, dairy, and allergens  25:00 Substitutes for caffeine  30:45 Eczema tied to gut health  35:00 Are there better choice snacks at the store? 43:00 Karalynne's photo hack for her kids 

Caitlin Creer is an interior designer known for creating timeless designs from California beach houses to colonial estates in Connecticut. She's also a mom of five, so you know she's got some real-life wisdom to share about juggling design projects around the country, family life, and everything in between. In this episode Caitlin answers your design questions and shares what trends she is tired of and the ones she wants to see more of. Whether you're a design junkie or just trying to figure out how to make your house feel more like home, this episode is packed with inspiration, tips, and plenty of relatable mom moments. Check out Caitlin's brand new book, An Intentional Home, to see more of her beautiful work and stories. And be sure to check out her store Foundation Goods.  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks 3:00 A return to color in design  5:15 How Caitlin got into the design world  9:15 Caitlin's memory of home growing up  14:00 How to create a plan for your home that is unique to you  17:15 How to refresh a room without spending a fortune  20:15 Great sectional for families? 24:30 Organizational tips for busy families  31:15 No one lives in a picture perfect house 24/7 

I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah Molitor to the MomForce! Known to nearly 800,000 followers as @modernfarmhousefamily, Sarah is a mom of seven and an absolute ray of sunshine. As a fellow redhead, I knew right away we were kindred spirits! In our chat, Sarah opens up about a powerful lesson she learned: words matter. She shares how, as a new mom navigating a tough season in her marriage and adjusting to a new place, her words began to reflect negativity. But one eye-opening phone call changed everything, inspiring her to shift her perspective and set her on a mission to help others communicate with grace, purpose, and love. I know you’ll love this conversation! Sarah’s wisdom and experience is very relatable.  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app Sarah's new book Well Said  3:00 Sharing her family story online  9:00 How Sarah decides what not to share online  13:30 Learning the lesson that "words matter"  17:15 Words of encouragement are free  23:30 How to get away from the victim mindset  24:30 Words of encouragement for first time mom Sarah  26:30 How Sarah holds onto what matters