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New Mexico Momcast
New Mexico Momcast
Author: Vanessa Bush & Becca Lusko Toups
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© 2025 New Mexico Momcast
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ABQ Mom's podcast created just for local moms with hosts Vanessa Bush and Becca Lusko Toups.
Don't miss out on this exciting journey of raising happy, healthy, and curious kids right here in the Land of Enchantment. Subscribe now and be a part of our loving community of NM moms, where we uplift inspire, and laugh through the incredible adventure of motherhood!
42 Episodes
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In this episode of the New Mexico Momcast, we sit down with Aimee Pilegrene — devoted mom, wife, top-notch realtor, and self-taught home chef — to talk about the beautiful chaos of balancing it all. Aimee shares how she blends real estate with real life, the joys (and challenges) of feeding a busy family, juggling sports and the little routines that keep her grounded. Tune in for laughs, inspiration, and a few mom hacks you’ll want to steal! Recommended Resources Mornings Th...
In this episode, we sit down with the multi-talented Kate Bergeron — an accomplished actor, singer, and dedicated mom — for an inspiring conversation about the art of balancing creativity and motherhood. Kate opens up about her journey in the entertainment industry, how becoming a parent shifted her perspective, and the challenges and joys of wearing many hats (sometimes all at once). From backstage stories to bedtime routines, this episode is full of heart, humor, and honest insight into wha...
In this episode, we sit down with Jess Griego, Chief Operating Officer of Bosque Brewing, to explore what it takes to lead one of New Mexico’s most beloved craft breweries. As a COO, mother, and woman in a male-dominated industry, Jess shares her journey, the challenges of scaling a brewery, and how she balances leadership with family life. We dive into the evolving role of women in craft beer, the importance of company culture, and how motherhood has shaped her leadership style. Jess also sh...
On this episode of The New Mexico Momcast, we sit down with Lauren Hall to talk about the much-anticipated Glimmer & Glow: Moms Night Out—a special evening designed to help moms connect and unwind. But beyond the fun, we dive into a critical issue: the epidemic of loneliness that the U.S. Surgeon General has declared a national crisis. Motherhood can be isolating, and in a world where digital connections often replace real-life interactions, finding genuine community is more important tha...
In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Maples and Jade Ryden, wives of New Mexico United players, for an exclusive look into the world of being a "WAG"—the wives and girlfriends of professional soccer players. They open up about the unique challenges of supporting their husbands’ careers, from constant moves and unpredictable schedules to the emotional highs and lows of the game. But beyond the pitch, they’re also navigating the challenges of parenting—often solo during road trips and game ...
Moving to a new state can be overwhelming, but for Olivia Mead, it’s been an adventure she fully embraces! In this episode, we sit down with Olivia, a mom, small business owner, and passionate community builder, to talk about her experience relocating to New Mexico and how she has found connection and joy in her new home. Olivia and her husband run Flicker Mill Candles, a local candle company, as well as Yoga for First Responders, a nonprofit and podcast dedicated to supporting first responde...
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Shelley Repp, Director of NM Dream Center, to discuss the critical issue of human trafficking—a reality that can be much closer to home than many realize. Shelley sheds light on the different types of trafficking, the warning signs to look for, and how parents can protect their children from potential dangers. She also shares the impactful work being done at Dream Center NM, from providing rescue and recovery resources to empowering survivors...
What do public charter schools offer New Mexico families? In this episode, we get real with Angela Lopez, Field Director for Public Charter Schools of New Mexico, who spends her days connecting with parents, students, and school leaders to advocate for quality education. From busting myths to breaking down options, we dive into how charter schools are reshaping learning across the state. Whether you’re exploring alternatives for your child or just curious about what makes these schools differ...
In this special Valentine’s Day episode of Love That Lasts: Secrets to a Thriving Marriage, host Vanessa Bush sits down with her husband, counselor and pastor Nate Bush, for an honest and insightful conversation about what it takes to build a strong, lasting marriage. Together, they dive into key factors that create a healthy relationship, the power of communication and conflict resolution, and the importance of keeping the spark alive through intentional date nights. They also explore the ba...
This podcast episode is sponsored by Lovelace Health Systems. We at ABQ Mom choose to work with businesses and organizations that will benefit our listeners and readers. When you think of February, you might picture candy hearts, decadent chocolates, and bouquets of roses. But did you know this month is also American Heart Month? In this special heart health episode of New Mexico Momcast—sponsored by Lovelace Health Systems—we explore why heart disease is a serious threat, especially for wo...
In this special episode, Becca sits down with Anastasia Fajardo—a pregnant mom and a seasoned labor and delivery nurse—to explore the wild, wonderful, and sometimes downright weird world of pregnancy and childbirth. No topic is off-limits as we laugh, learn, and share real-talk insights about navigating pregnancy while juggling the unique perspective of being a healthcare professional. From bizarre cravings and belly laughs to behind-the-scenes delivery room stories, this fun and conversation...
We're kicking off the first episode of the year with you. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s all too familiar this time of year—New Year’s resolutions. But here’s the twist: we’re asking, ‘New Year, Why a New Me?’ For so many of us, January brings a flood of pressure to transform—be thinner, be more organized, and be everything to everyone. But today, we’re flipping the script. What if you didn’t need a ‘new you’? What if the real magic is in appreciating who you already are while...
In this episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Rachael Reardon, the coordinator of the ABQ Mom Club, a vibrant community for mothers in Albuquerque. Rachel, a mom to three children under the age of three, brings a wealth of personal experience and a refreshing perspective on the challenges and joys of parenting small children. Rachael shared her unique insights into the world of motherhood, offering tips on navigating the ups and downs of raising little ones while balancing personal an...
Looking to make the holidays less about stress and more about joy? The New Mexico Momcast is here to help. In this episode, we share tips for cutting down on holiday overwhelm and creating meaningful, memorable celebrations with your family. From planning manageable holiday activities to setting boundaries around gatherings, we cover practical ideas to help you truly enjoy the season. Join us for a conversation on shifting the focus from perfect plans to priceless memories! Reco...
November is Premature Birth Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the families who have experienced the challenges and triumphs that come with premature birth. In our latest episode of New Mexico Momcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Janiors, a resilient mother who shares her personal story of navigating the emotional, medical, and day-to-day realities of having a premature baby. In this heartfelt interview, Elizabeth opens up about the unexpected journey she faced when her baby arri...
In this episode of the New Mexico Momcast, Becca and Vanessa discuss the hidden challenges of overparenting, exploring how hovering and micro-managing can stifle a child’s natural resilience and independence. We’ll unpack the downsides of helicopter parenting, discuss the impact of excessive screen time, and examine the current mental health crisis affecting kids and teens. Our conversation will offer insights into how we, as parents, can encourage growth, autonomy, and grit in our children, ...
In this episode of New Mexico Momcast, we explore the growing disconnect between kids and the natural world with Sarah Candelaria, founder and executive director of Nature Niños. Sarah sheds light on the alarming trend of children spending less time outdoors and the profound effects this is having on their well-being. She shares the many benefits of reconnecting with nature, from boosting emotional resilience to strengthening family bonds. Join us as we dive into practical ways to help kids a...
Why do we like to villanize people who think and believe differently than us? This is something you might be wondering as we creep toward November 5th. In this thought-provoking episode of New Mexico Momcast, hosts Vanessa and Becca dive into intellectual hospitality— the art of showing compassion, understanding, and curiosity towards those with differing beliefs. In a world increasingly divided, particularly in the political realm, the duo explores why it's often easier to embrace hostility ...
This podcast episode is sponsored by Lovelace Health Systems. We at ABQ Mom choose to work with businesses and organizations that will benefit our listeners and readers. In this special Breast Cancer Awareness Month episode of New Mexico Momcast, we sit down with Rosemary Rodriguez, PA-C from Lovelace Women’s Hospital, to discuss the critical topic of breast health. Rosemary shares expert advice on the importance of regular mammograms, what moms need to know about early detection, and tips ...
This podcast episode is sponsored by the Family Teacher Organization at Desert Willow Family School. We at ABQ Mom choose to work with businesses and organizations that will benefit our readers. In this episode, we chat with Adrianne Elkins, principal of Coyote Willow Family School. She shares the distinctive attributes of both Desert Willow and Coyote Willow Family Schools located on the east and westside of Albuquerque respectively. The Family Schools offer a unique K-8 hybrid homeschool...



