Thriving In Motherhood Podcast | Productivity, Planning, Family Systems, Time Management, Survival Mode, Mental Health, Vision

382 Episodes

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Quarterly Review [Episode 382]

2025-10-0114:06

Every 90 days I like to do a Quarterly Review. With five kids, homeschooling, and running a business, I don’t have time or energy to chase the latest productivity hacks or add one more thing just because. If I’m going to make space for something, it has to be intentional. It has to serve a purpose. And it has to fit into the limited time I actually have. That’s why quarterly reviews matter so much to me. They aren’t about doing more, they’re about creating clarity. A way to step back, look at the last season, and decide what really matters in the next. In this episode, I’ll share: The reason I do a quarterly review How I know it’s time to rest and refocus What makes quarterly reviews work for busy moms Why 90 days is the sweet spot for clarity and momentum This practice has helped me become the anchor that helps me make decisions with confidence and keep moving forward, without trying to do it all.

How To Increase Expectations With Your Kids [Episode 381]

2025-09-2411:28

One of the things I wrote in my 2025 vision was to raise the standards in our home - for homeschooling, for housework, and for our daily routines. But I didn’t want to just be about me pushing harder. I wanted the kids to come with me. This past week we had a breakthrough, and it actually worked without all the meltdowns and fights that usually come when we raise the expectations. Here are a few things that stood out: Vision matters. Creating it prayerfully with God changes everything. Resistance is real. It’s not just the kids. I feel it too. Stories help. A family movie gave us a picture of what raising the bar could look like. We problem-solved. When things didn’t go well, we found a better way together. Now, when I ask them to do something hard - like extra math or a new chore - we talk about it like high jumping. Nervous at first, but exciting. Sometimes you knock the bar over, but then you try again. And it feels so good when you finally clear it. So whether it’s raising the bar in your own home, finding a metaphor that clicks with your kids, or just creating your vision for the year ahead, I hope this story gives you encouragement for your own journey.

This is What Grace Looks Like [Episode 380]

2025-09-1712:14

If you’re in a season where you feel exhausted, stretched too thin, and unsure how you’ll make it through another day, this episode is for you! Postpartum, homeschooling, and caring for five kids has reminded me again just how heavy life can feel. But, in the middle of one of my hardest days, I had an experience that completely reframed how I see God’s grace in survival seasons. It was simple, unexpected, and exactly what I needed. In this week’s Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I’m sharing that story and how it shifted my perspective on hope, resilience, and the small ways we can notice grace every single day. I’ll share: The breaking point - what it feels like to have nothing left to give and still need to show up for your family. A surprising moment of grace - how God reminded me I wasn’t carrying everything alone. Shifting my focus - the practice that helps me notice God’s hand in the middle of ordinary, messy days. A question worth asking - one simple way to reframe your perspective when everything feels heavy. When motherhood feels hard sometimes the greatest gift is remembering we’re not walking it alone. My invitation for you is to slow down today and notice where grace is meeting you.

4 Mantras To Help You Navigate Survival Mode [Episode 379]

2025-09-0911:25

When you’re in a survival season, it can feel difficult to hold onto hope. Between the exhaustion, constant needs, and lack of margin, even the smallest things can feel overwhelming. In this post, I’m sharing four mantras that I’ve been leaning on during these postpartum weeks. These simple phrases have helped me steady myself when the days feel long, reminded me to focus on what matters most, and given me a way to keep showing up with more grace and confidence - even when I don’t have all the answers. I’ll share: A simple mindset shift that makes it easier to take the next step when you don’t know what’s ahead How to recognize when your expectations are pushing you toward burnout (and what to do instead) Why even the hardest breakdowns can hold the seeds of growth and connection A powerful practice that stops resentment from building and helps you get the support you need Each mantra has a story behind it, and together they’ve made survival mode feel just a little lighter. My hope is that as you listen, you’ll find one that speaks to you and gives you strength in your own season.

Personal Update: How it's going with baby #5 [Episode 378]

2025-09-0312:12

It’s been six weeks since our little guys arrived, and I thought it would be fun to share how all of my plans and preparations actually played out in real life. Some things went even better than I hoped - like family evenings together, baby camp activities, and homeschool routines that felt doable. Other things…not so much. Sleep deprivation hit hard, priorities had to shift, and I learned quickly what really matters in a survival season. In this episode, I share the highs and lows of postpartum life with five kids, how we’ve managed to keep our home and homeschooling running, and the ways the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit has carried me (plus the new things I’ve added as I’ve gone through this season again.) 📣Don’t miss this! I’m teaching a brand new FREE class with live Q&A. This is your chance to ask questions about your own circumstances and get extra coaching support. It may only happen once—so keep an eye out and join while you can!

How I Set Up My Phone To Support Me in Survival Mode [Episode 377]

2025-08-2712:40

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to reach for your phone as an escape. A quick scroll can numb the stress for a moment, but before you know, hours are gone, your energy is drained, and the problems are still waiting. In this episode of the Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I share how I re-designed my phone to actually support me in a survival season (postpartum, homeschooling, and juggling life with five kids). Instead of pulling me away from what matters, it now helps me stay anchored in the essentials. I’ll walk you through: Why your phone might be keeping you stuck in survival mode The simple changes I made to protect my priorities How the three pillars of thriving (scope, structure, and soul) apply even to smartphone use Practical ways to create a system that keeps you focused on what matters most If you’ve ever felt like your phone is running your life instead of helping it, this episode will give you new hope (and some concrete strategies) for making technology work for you. 💡 Want more support? Grab the FREE 5 Step Path from Surviving to Thriving Checklist at thrivinginmotherhoodpodcast.com/checklist. And if you’re ready for deeper help, the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit gives you bite-sized lessons, systems, and mindset tools to guide you through every phase: survivingtothrivingtoolkit.com.

Your Limitations Are A Powerful Asset For Growth with Stephanie Stutznegger [Episode 376]

2025-08-2043:28

As moms, it’s easy to believe our limitations are holding us back. Not enough time, not enough energy, too much on our plates. But what if those very limits are the key to growth? In this week’s Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, Stephanie Stutznegger shares how embracing her limitations as a mom of four transformed her family life from burnout and clutter to systems that actually work. We talk about: The unexpected gift of limits A surprising addition to the family chore chart How she made cleaning fun again The small shifts that created big change Her story if full of simple wins and powerful reminders that we don’t have to do it all, we just have to do it all, we just have to do it together.

The ONE question I ask to prepare for a survival season [Episode 375]

2025-08-1316:40

As I got ready to welcome our fifth baby, I kept coming back to one question: What would this look like if it were awesome? Instead of bracing for survival mode, I asked better questions and came up with simple, practical solutions to make this postpartum season calmer and more enjoyable. In this episode, I’m sharing the four things I focused on during pregnancy to get ready, plus how you can apply these same principles to any survival season in your life. You’ll hear: The mindset shift that helped me stop dreading survival mode What I prepared (and what I didn’t) to make meals easier The simple system I created to keeps kids happy and busy One powerful question to help you set up your own support systems Whether you’re heading into a big transition or just want to feel more supported in daily life, this episode is full of ideas you can make your own.

Homeschool Preparations For the 2025-2026 School Year (6th, 4th, 2nd, Kindergarten) [Episode 374]

2025-08-0613:19

This year I did something different: I prepped our homeschool year before it started. Since we’ve added a new baby to our family, I knew I needed systems that would help us stay consistent, without relying on me to coordinate everything in the moment. We’re using Alveary again, and after learning what worked (and what didn’t) last year, I made four big changes to help this year run more smoothly. I switched from digital to print: I printed all of our lesson plans and materials so we can be screen-free and fully open-and-go. I organized lessons by day of the week: Every day has a folder and matching bookmarks so even my 5-year-old knows what to grab. I set things up for independence: Book covers, color coding, and book darts help the kids take more ownership (and reduces my mental load). I reset our school space: We cleaned out last year’s work and made sure everything has a clear home so no one’s asking me where things go. These changes have helped me feel calm, prepared, and ready for a more peaceful school year, even with a newborn in the mix. 📋 Want support navigating your own season? Grab the free 5-Step Path from Surviving to Thriving Checklist to see where you’re at, and what to focus on next.

4 Foods I Cook From Scratch Every Week [Episode 373]

2025-07-3017:24

If you’re a mom with a house full of hungry people, you already know: they eat all day long. And if you’re trying to cook more from scratch - whether to save money, reduce processed foods, or just feed your family real meals - you’ve probably hit that point where it feels overwhelming to keep up. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly what I cook from scratch every single week. This isn’t a big batch freezer meal plan or a Pinterest-worthy prep system. These are the simple things that fill in the gaps without taking tons of time or energy. You’ll hear: The 5 scratch-cooked staples I make every week (in under 10 minutes of active time each) How I build in leftovers during the week to make lunches easier Why this approach supports both independence and connection at home What it looks like to simplify food as part of the normalizing phase on the 5-step path from surviving to thriving. If cooking from scratch feels impossible or you’re just tired of constantly figuring out what to feed everyone next, this episode is full of ideas to make it feel more doable and less draining. 📋 Grab the free Surviving to Thriving Checklist to see where you’re at on the 5-step path: 5 Step Path From Surviving to Thriving

Moving out of Endless Survival Mode with Chelsie Jenkins [Episode 372]

2025-07-2343:04

What does it really look like to move out of endless survival mode? In this episode, I’m joined by Chelsie Jenkins, a mom of five who has weathered some of the most intense seasons life can bring: the loss of a child, cross-country moves, special needs caregiving, supporting a spouse through grad school, and more. Chelsie shares how, despite years of feeling like she was barely keeping her head above water, she began to shift her mindset, create sustainable systems, and prepare for her next big transition - adding a new baby and starting school - without spiraling back into chaos. As a founding member of the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit, Chelsie learned to: Recognize survival mode patterns Implement home systems in a way that worked with her capacity Involve her kids in meaningful ways Approach upcoming life changes with peace instead of panic If you’ve ever felt like you can’t catch a break, or like you’re failing at motherhood because everything feels so hard, this episode will offer real hope and show you how the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit can help you too.

5 Truths About Survival Mode [Episode 371]

2025-07-1619:23

I’m just days away from entering the newborn phase with my fifth baby, and as we prepare for all the unknowns ahead, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons that have carried me through over the last 12 years of motherhood. In this episode, I’m sharing five truths I’m reminding myself of right now. Truths I’ve leaned on through moves, healths challenges, grief, and growing a family. If you’re in a hard season too, I hope these offer you the same lifeline they’ve offered me. I talk about: The mindset shifts that completely changed how I experience hard days One powerful question that helped me stop spiraling and start healing What I now expect when everything feels like it’s falling apart A moment that proved I’m never walking through this alone The hardest truth to accept, but the one that’s brought the most growth You don’t have to wait for life to calm down to feel better. There are simple things that can help right now! You’re not alone. And even in the middle of hard, there’s still so good ahead. If this episode was helpful and you're in a survival season, I’d love to invite you to check out the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit. It’s full of encouragement, practical things you can do today, and support for every phase of the journey—whether you’re just trying to make it through the day or starting to build something more.

13 Lessons Learned From Pregnancy #5 [Episode 370]

2025-07-0922:34

I’ve been through five pregnancies and honestly, none of them have been easy. But this one surprised me. Yes, there were hard days, but something was different. I wasn’t drowning in the way I had in the past. In fact, I’ve found myself feeling grateful, even in the middle of the hard. And I believe anyone, pregnant or not, can experience the same shift. In this episode, I’m talking about some simple mindset shifts, practical tools, and totally unexpected lessons that made this season feel lighter, more joyful, and even productive. If you’ve ever wondered: How do I keep moving forward when I feel stuck in survival mode? Is it possible to thrive in a season where I can barely function? Can I actually enjoy life when everything feels hard? …this episode is for you!

Homeschooling You Are Doing It Right Just By Doing It with Ginny [Episode 369]

2025-07-0245:32

Today on the podcast, I’m talking with Ginny Yurich from 1000 Hours Outside all about her : new book Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just By Doing It. But we go way beyond homeschooling — into faith, resilience, growth, and how to stop feeling behind. If you’ve ever questioned your path as a parent, homeschooler, or entrepreneur — this conversation will remind you: You’re more capable than you think. Wherever you’re at — whether homeschooling, building a life that works for your family, or figuring it out as you go — I hope this gives you some encouragement and permission to trust your path. Resources we mentioned: Ginny’s website: 1000 Hours Outside Follow along on Instagram: @1000hoursoutside Her new book Homeschooling: You’re Doing It Right Just by Doing It: Grab it here

Do A Quarterly Review With Me: Survival Mode Edition [Episode 368]

2025-06-2524:49

When life feels overwhelming or you know you’re headed into a hard season the last thing on your mind might be a quarterly review. But I’ve found it’s exactly when I need it most. In this week’s episode of the Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I’m walking you through how I do a quarterly review when I’m in survival mode—like right now, at the end of my pregnancy, heading into the newborn phase. Spoiler: This is not your typical "set big goals, hustle hard" kind of conversation. Instead, I’m sharing: How I reflect on what actually happened (even when the days blur together) How gratitude, small wins, and honest questions help me shift my mindset What it looks like to plan a quarter focused on surrender, presence, and creating simple joy Why your circumstances don’t have to define the memories you create If you're in a season where energy is low, the future feels uncertain, or you’re holding a lot—this episode is for you. Whether you're using the Thriving in Motherhood Planner or just grabbing a notebook, these simple prompts can help you anchor yourself and your family—even when life feels messy.

Help! My Kid Hates Writing With Julie Bogart [Episode 367]

2025-06-1857:54

Feeling stressed about your child’s writing progress? You’re not alone—and in this episode, I’m joined by the one and only Julie Bogart to talk all things homeschool writing. Julie is the creator of the award-winning Brave Writer program and has helped hundreds of thousands of families find a more peaceful, effective way to teach writing at home. With over 25 years of experience (and five kids of her own!), she brings wisdom, humor, and so much heart to this conversation. We cover how to choose the right writing curriculum, why creative writing matters, and how to stop stressing over whether you’re “doing enough.” Whether you're brand new to homeschooling or just feeling stuck, this episode will give you some fresh perspective and encouragement from one of the best in the field.

My 3 Part Life Management System [Episode 366]

2025-06-1118:05

Over the years, I’ve built a rhythms that helps me manage the things I want to do, the person I want to become, and the reality of a very digital world. In this episode, I’m walking you through a 3-part system I use to stay focused and present: The Thriving in Motherhood Planner that helps me move forward in small pockets of time A reflection notebook based on the core of the bullet journaling method (no rulers or fancy spreads required) My Notion-based “second brain” that holds digital tasks, notes inspiration, and big picture thinking This episode gives you an inside look at how I keep things running without burning out and how you can build something similar, on piece at a time. Want to create your own system with real support? The Surviving to Thriving Toolkit is your guide through five intentional phases of growth, complete with tools, strategies, and structure. Join the waitlist here.

Designing A Personal Curriculum For The Year [Episode 365]

2025-06-0417:56

At the start of each year, I don’t just set goals, I also build a personal curriculum. It’s something I first heard from Brendon Burchard years ago, and it’s completely changed how I approach growth in the middle of real life. In this episode, I’m walking you through the exact steps I’m using to design my personal curriculum for 2025. I’m sharing how I choose a few meaningful books, link them to my vision, and apply what I learn in practical, doable ways. Here’s what I cover: How I connect my learning to my bigger vision and goals for the year What it looks like to align reading, reflection, and action in real-time A behind-the-scenes look at how I organize all of this in my second brain system This isn’t about doing more, it’s about growing with intention, in the areas that matter most right to you. Tune in and get inspired to create your own personal curriculum.

Effective Routines For Time Management with Anna Dearmon Kornick [Episode 364]

2025-05-2844:08

In this episode, I’m joined by time management coach Anna Dearmon Kornick to talk about what really happens when your well-oiled routines stop working. We’re diving into why systems fall apart when life shifts, how to create new rhythms without starting from scratch, and the small habits that make a big difference in your week. From weekly planning that actually fits your season to routines that help you shift from work to home (without bringing your to-do list to the dinner table), this conversation is full of real talk and doable ideas for busy moms. Resources Blueprint to Balance - https://annadkornick.com/blueprint-to-balance Anna's Website: https://annadkornick.com Anna's Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/annadkornick/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/annadearmonkornick/ 🧰 And if you want the weekly planning system I use, it’s all inside the Surviving to Thriving Toolkit

Empower Your Kids (And Yourself!) To Love The Outdoors with Susie Spikol [Episode 363]

2025-05-2140:07

Do you want to get your kids outside more, but feel intimidated by the work it takes to make it happen? What do you even do once you're out there? In this week’s episode of the Thriving in Motherhood Podcast, I’m talking with Susie Spickle, naturalist, mother of three, and author of Forest Magic for Kids. She shares simple, practical ways to make getting outside a regular, joyful part of your life,no matter what season you're in. Whether you're juggling babies, navigating busy public school schedules, or feeling stuck on where to start, Susie offers encouragement and ideas that truly meet you where you are. Listen in as we talk about: How to spark imaginative outdoor play for every age Why kids don’t need perfect fairy houses or “Pinterest play” What real benefits outdoor time offers How to scaffold outdoor activities based on age (and attention span) Where to look in your own community for low-stakes, high-fun nature support This episode is full of ideas you can try today!

#box-pro-ellipsis-17594877963715{-webkit-line-clamp:2;}Thriving In Motherhood Podcast | Productivity, Planning, Family Systems, Time Management, Survival Mode, Mental Health, Vision

Thriving In Motherhood Podcast | Productivity, Planning, Family Systems, Time Management, Survival Mode, Mental Health, Vision