De-Stress the Nest

🎙️ Episode 55 – Communication for Connection With Your Kids with Lisa ReicheltIn this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with parenting coach Lisa Reichelt about repairing communication breakdowns and building lasting connection with your kids. Lisa shares three key areas parents can focus on — what you do together, what you talk about, and how you simply “be” together. From entering into your child’s world to asking before giving advice, Lisa offers practical, compassionate strategies for building trust and stronger relationships at every age.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Strong relationships require intentional communication.– Connection grows when you show genuine interest in your child’s passions.– Asking before giving advice empowers kids and builds trus💬 Quotes from Lisa Reichelt:– “You can’t have a strong relationship with someone you don’t communicate well with.”– “Ask your child: are you venting, or do you want advice?”– “Sometimes the most powerful way to connect is simply being present.”📚 Resources Mentioned:– Champion Your Parenting⁠ – Coaching, tools, and support to help parents reduce conflict and build strong, lasting relationships with their kids. – ⁠Heron House Management⁠⁠ – Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-55📅 New episodes every Tuesday💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 54 – Focusing on the Basic Needs First with Carly BuxtonIn this episode, host Hannah Morgan chats with Carly Buxton, co-founder and CEO of Parent Swarm. Carly shares her framework for “protecting the basics” — a set of simple, non-negotiable habits that help her stay grounded during times of stress and chaos. From prioritizing sleep and food to carving out small moments of exercise, Carly shows how meeting your most essential needs first can make everything else more manageable.🔑 Key Takeaways:– When life feels overwhelming, strip back to core needs first.– Sleep, nutrition, and exercise form a foundation for resilience.– Writing down your “basics” gives you a quick reference point on hard days.💬 Quotes from Carly Buxton:– “When everything feels chaotic, I return to my basics — sleep, food, and exercise.”– “If I can focus on these core needs, my stress level drops and I show up better for my family.”– “Protecting the basics means stripping things down to what truly supports you.”📚 Resources Mentioned:– Parent Swarm (Try it free for a month when you join with code HERON at www.parentswarm.com)– Heron House Management📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-54📅 New episodes every Tuesday💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 53 – Systems Thinking for Minimizing Stress at Home with Courtney CecilIn this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Courtney Cecil, Fortune 50 executive, systems engineer, and founder of the Working Moms Movement. Courtney explains how the same efficiency and clarity we use at work can transform our home lives. From identifying recurring pain points to creating simple, repeatable systems, she shares how to reduce stress, prevent conflict, and free up energy for what matters most.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Systems shouldn’t just live at work — they can make home life smoother, too.– Start where the pain is: fix the problems that show up daily or cause the most frustration.– Clear roles, repeatable processes, and predictability reduce resentment and chaos at home.💬 Quotes from Courtney Cecil:– “When you get systems right at home, life becomes smoother and more predictable.”– “Start where the pain is — solve the problems that keep popping up.”– “Processes bring clarity and reduce resentment, because everyone knows their role.”📚 Resources Mentioned:– Working Moms Movement – Courtney’s coaching and programs– ⁠The Life Management System for Working Moms – Courtney’s podcast– Heron House Management — Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-53📅 New episodes every Tuesday💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 52 – Weekend Planning with Your Partner with Miranda Bayard-ClarkIn this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Miranda Bayard-Clark, a preventative couples coach who helps parents protect and strengthen their relationships. Miranda shares why weekends are a common source of conflict for couples and how a simple Friday check-in can prevent tension and ensure both partners’ needs are met. You’ll also learn how to handle misalignment in the moment, so weekends feel more restful, balanced, and connected.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Most weekend conflicts stem from unspoken expectations.– A quick Friday conversation can align priorities and avoid tension.– In-the-moment transparency helps reset when misalignment happens.💬 Quotes from Miranda Bayard-Clark:– “The greatest gift you can give your kids is a strong relationship between the two of you.”– “Most of the conflict occurs on the weekend, because expectations were never communicated.”– “A simple Friday conversation — ‘what do you hope to get out of the weekend?’ — can prevent so much tension.”📚 Resources Mentioned:–  Love After Lullabies - Miranda’s coaching, courses and resources– Heron House Management — Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full transcript: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-52📅 New episodes every Tuesday💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 51 – Personalizing Time Management with Jill WrightIn this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with time management coach and mom of four, Jill Wright. Jill shares how moms can adapt productivity strategies to their real-life circumstances, avoid burnout, and make time management feel supportive rather than stressful. She introduces her four time management archetypes and explains how small, personalized shifts can help you reclaim your time with more ease and confidence.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Time management is not one-size-fits-all — it needs to adapt to your current season of life.– Knowing your archetype helps you choose strategies that fit your natural strengths and challenges.– Small, consistent changes aligned with your style build habits and free up mental space.💬 Quotes from Jill Wright:– “Seasons change, and our time management needs to change too.”– “It’s not about trying all 200 productivity hacks—it’s about finding the three that actually move the needle for you.”– “When your time management aligns with your personality, it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like freedom.”📚 Resources Mentioned:– Jill Wright⁠ – Time management coaching tailored for busy moms — discover your archetype, align habits with your life season, and move forward with clarity and ease.– ⁠Connect with Jill on Instagram – @growlikeamother– ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Heron House Management⁠ – Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-51📅 New episodes every Tuesday💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 50 – Cycle Syncing for Better Balance with Samantha GauntIn this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with cycle syncing coach, wife, and mom of five, Samantha Gaunt. Samantha shares how women can align their work and home life with their natural rhythms for greater productivity, less stress, and more balance. From understanding the four phases of the menstrual cycle to learning how to plan tasks, meals, and even social events around your energy, Samantha provides a practical roadmap to thrive without burnout.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Traditional routines don’t always work because women’s energy naturally shifts throughout the month.– Cycle syncing helps you know when to rest, when to create, and when to connect with others.– Delegation, planning ahead, and honoring your energy level are powerful tools for reducing overwhelm.💬 Quotes from Samantha Gaunt:– “When we try to force ourselves into a one-size-fits-all routine, we end up feeling frustrated, exhausted, and even guilty for not keeping up.”– “Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s one of the greatest powers we have as women.”– “Once you start syncing your tasks with your cycle, you stop swimming upstream and begin flowing with your natural rhythm.”📚 Resources Mentioned:– Samantha on Instagram: @the.samantha.gaunt– https://www.samanthagaunt.com/– Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-50📅 New episodes every Tuesday💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 49 – Modeling Setting Healthy Boundaries with Dr. Anne WelshParenting coach and boundaries expert Dr. Anne Welsh joins host Hannah Morgan to share how saying “no” can protect your time, reduce stress, and teach your kids to respect their own limits. Together, they explore how daily choices — from PTA sign-ups to household routines — shape the way children learn about balance, priorities, and self-care.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re a form of modeling healthy behavior for your kids– Micro-moments at home shape your children’s understanding of roles and responsibilities– A “heck yes” filter can help you decide which commitments are worth your time– Choosing a monthly “top 3 priorities” keeps you focused and prevents overwhelm💬 Quotes from Dr. Welsh:“Your limits don’t make you a bad mom — they make you human.”“When you protect your time, you show your kids it’s okay to do the same.”“You don’t have to carry a list of 300 to-dos — pick your top three and let the rest go.”“Those little daily moments create the foundation for how your kids see boundaries.”📚 Resources Mentioned:– Dr. Anne Welsh’s coaching services– De-Stress the Nest Podcast Archive– ⁠Heron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-49📅 New episodes every Tuesday💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 48 – Managing (Your Own) Expectations for Success with Liz KentLicensed therapist and maternal mental health coach Liz Kent joins host Hannah Morgan to share how unrealistic expectations can sabotage your confidence, connection, and joy in motherhood. Together, they unpack the pressure to “do it all” — and how letting go of perfection can help you feel more grounded, present, and fulfilled at home.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Unrealistic expectations are often absorbed from culture, family, and social media– Self-compassion is key: Talk to yourself the way you'd talk to a friend– Everyone's life looks different behind the scenes — your “success” should, too– Letting go of shoulds helps you make confident, aligned decisions for your family💬 Quotes from Liz:“We’re all human — we all fall short sometimes.”“Would you talk to your best friend the way you're talking to yourself?”“Make decisions based on your family’s needs — not what you think you ‘should’ be doing.”“Nobody is doing it all. They might just have more help behind the scenes.”📚 Resources Mentioned:– ⁠Liz Kent Coaching⁠: Therapy and coaching support for moms navigating the mental load– Heron House Management: Virtual house management that helps you simplify your home life so you can focus on what matters most📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-48📅 New episodes every Tuesday💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 47 – Fostering True Connection in Your Marriage with Michelle PurtaIn this episode, marriage coach Michelle Purta shares simple but powerful strategies to reconnect with your partner — even during the chaotic parenting years. From micro-connections to Costco dates, Michelle explains how small, intentional moments can make a big difference in your relationship.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Don’t wait for “someday” to prioritize your marriage– Micro-connection is the glue between big moments– Stronger connection leads to better communication– Love languages can be a game changer in daily life💬 Quotes from Michelle:“Your marriage is the foundation of your family.”“Connection doesn’t have to be big — it has to be consistent.”“Date night is what you make of it.”📚 Resources Mentioned:– Michelle Purta Coaching: marriage coaching and resources for moms– Love Languages Assessment by Gary Chapman– Heron House Management: virtual house management for busy families📝 Full Transcript: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-47📅 Episodes released weekly on Tuesdays💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 46 – Planning a Stress-Free Vacation with Nick LoperNick Loper from Side Hustle Nation shares his favorite tips for low-stress family travel. Learn how planning ahead and involving your kids can create more joy and fewer meltdowns.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Planning ahead brings peace of mind and excitement– Seasonal school breaks help narrow vacation ideas– Kids stay more engaged when they help plan– Use calendars to reduce decision fatigue💬 Favorite Quotes:> “If you don’t put it on the calendar, it doesn’t happen.”> “Anticipation is half the fun.”> “Let the kids help plan.”📚 Resources:– Side Hustle Nation: A community and resource hub for people building extra income streams.– The Side Hustle Show: A podcast featuring stories and tips from successful side hustlers.– Heron House Management: Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full transcript: https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-46📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 45 – Tools for Dealing with Parenting Conflict with Lisa ReicheltParenting coach Lisa Reichelt shares 5 practical strategies to reduce conflict and create more calm at home. Learn how your response shapes your child’s behavior—and why silence, empathy, and questions are powerful tools.🔑 Key Takeaways:– Lower your voice to de-escalate– Create silence to spark reflection– Ask questions to give kids ownership– Lead with empathy, not reactivity💬 Quotes from Lisa:> “Your child will respond differently when you respond differently.” > “Silence is powerful — it gives your child space to reflect.” > “Empathy isn’t giving in — it’s role modeling right relationships.”📚 Resources:Champion Your Parenting – Coaching, tools, and support to help parents reduce conflict and build strong, lasting relationships with their kids.Heron House Management⁠ – Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full Transcript:Read the full transcript HERE📅 Episodes released weekly on Tuesdays💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

🎙️ Episode 44 – Aligning Our Time to Our Values with Courtney CecilIn this episode, coach and podcast host Courtney Cecil shares how working parents can align their time with what matters most. Learn how defining your family values can lead to less stress, clearer decision-making, and more meaningful time.🔑 Key Takeaways: – Your time, money, and energy should reflect your values – Aligning with your partner helps reduce conflict – Start with your long-term vision, then work backward – Say no with confidence by knowing what you’re saying yes to 💬 Quotes from Courtney: > “Knowing your values leads to time freedom.” > “You don’t need to do it all — just do what aligns.” > “Start with the end in mind.”📚 Resources Mentioned: Working Moms Movement – Courtney’s coaching and programsThe Life Management System for Working Moms – Courtney’s podcastHeron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full Transcript: Read the full transcript HERE📅 Episodes released weekly on Tuesdays💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

In this insightful episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan welcomes Paige Connell, a working mother of four and viral content creator known for her candid, relatable take on the mental load of motherhood. Together, they dive deep into what mental load really means—how it manifests in families, why it so often falls on women, and how couples can begin the work of redistributing it more equitably. Paige shares personal stories, practical tools, and honest advice that every overwhelmed parent needs to hear.Key TakeawaysMental load is the invisible, nonstop cognitive and emotional labor of running a household, often falling disproportionately on women.There's a big difference between doing the task and anticipating, coordinating, and managing the task.Many couples talk past each other about mental load because they don’t have shared language or clear goals.Making the invisible work visible—through lists, tools like the Fair Play method, or regular check-ins—is the first step to change.Equity doesn’t always mean doing 50/50. Sometimes the goal is acknowledgment, time equity, or simply the ability to be present after a long day.These dynamics extend beyond parenting and romantic relationships—they show up in workplaces, friendships, and family systems too.Quotes“Mental load is a running to-do list in your brain that never gets shorter—it only gets longer.”“I realized I was already doing the work of a house manager—I just wasn’t getting paid for it.”“Often, men think they’re sharing the load equally, but there’s a disconnect between doing and planning.”“If you’re always the one buying the Mother’s Day gift and collecting the Venmos—that’s mental load, too.”“You can’t fix what you can’t see—make the invisible visible.”“Before you redistribute the work, get on the same page about what success looks like.”Resources MentionedFair Play Method by Eve Rodsky – fairplaylife.comReminders app, shared spreadsheets, and simple tools to make invisible labor visiblePaige’s Instagram and TikTok for ongoing mental load conversations and content: @sheisapaigeturner Heron House Management for support reducing the mental load at homeSubscribe & Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!Episodes Released Weekly on TuesdaysThis episode of De-Stress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.

SummaryIn this episode of De-Stress the Nest, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Miranda, a preventative couples coach who helps parents strengthen their relationship before stress and resentment take root. Miranda introduces a practical, weekly ritual for couples—a relationship check-in that helps reduce conflict, clarify expectations, and build emotional intimacy. She breaks down each part of the ritual, shares tips for making it approachable (even fun!), and explains why this simple habit can have a powerful impact on your family dynamic.Key TakeawaysRelationships often decline after kids—not due to lack of love, but from stress and disconnection. Preventative habits help preserve emotional closeness.A weekly ritual that includes appreciation, household management, emotional repair, accountability, and planning for fun can significantly reduce stress and misunderstandings.Framing the check-in as a helpful, low-pressure experiment can make partners more open to trying it.Customizing the check-in to fit your relationship needs is key—whether you’re navigating parenting, big life decisions, or just staying connected.Couples who do this consistently report fewer conflicts, more clarity, and deeper emotional connection.Quotes from the Episode“The greatest gift you can give your kids is a solid relationship between the two of you.”“This one small weekly habit can drastically decrease your stress levels as a couple.”“When you lay out expectations together, you avoid so many of the little resentments that build up.”“I’m moving from being a marriage saver to a divorce preventer—getting to couples before they hit the breaking point.”“If both people want to stay together, it’s absolutely doable. You just need tools.”Resources MentionedIf You’re In My Office, It’s Already Too Late by James J. Sexton (book)Heron House Management for support reducing the mental load at homeWant to try the check-in? Miranda recommends setting the mood with a glass of wine or takeout and following her simple agenda: appreciations, logistics, emotional repair, accountability, and something fun to look forward to.Subscribe & Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!Episodes Released Weekly on TuesdaysThis episode of De-Stress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.About Heron House Management:Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 10, 15 and 20+ hours/month.Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation pro

In this episode of De-Stress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Alyssa Wolff—homeschooling mom of five— who shares her practical and refreshing approach to self-care for working parents. She introduces the idea of prioritizing personal time before the second shift begins, offering realistic ways to build quiet, restorative rhythms into your day—no matter your children’s ages or your work schedule.Key TakeawaysTake your primary self-care break before transitioning into the evening caregiving “second shift.”Use nap or quiet time intentionally, not for chores or productivity, but to truly recharge.Brand quiet time as a treat for kids to foster independence and cooperation.Even working parents can carve out post-work recharge time by adjusting routines and meal prep.Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for being present and patient with your family.Quotes“This is not time to clean the house. This is time to send everyone to their rooms—peace and quiet for everyone.”“If you don’t fill your cup before the second shift starts, you’re running on empty by bedtime.”“Quiet time isn’t punishment—it’s a privilege. You just have to brand it that way.”Resources MentionedHeron House Management — Support for working parents“The Second Shift” book by Arlie HochschildBreathwork, meditation, and mindset practices (no specific tools named, but mentioned as part of Alyssa’s routine)Subscribe & Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!Episodes Released Weekly on TuesdaysThis episode of De-Stress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.About Heron House Management:Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 10, 15 and 20+ hours/month.Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan sits down with time management coach and mother of four, Jill Wright, to dive into the surprisingly powerful concept of “Time Confetti.” Coined by author Brigid Schulte, time confetti refers to the scattered pockets of downtime we all experience throughout the day — waiting in line, sitting in the school pickup lane, or microwaving lunch. Jill reframes this often-overlooked concept as a tool for busy moms (and anyone, really!) to reclaim their time, improve productivity, and integrate meaningful self-care without carving out hours from their schedule.Key TakeawaysTime confetti is made up of small, scattered pockets of time we often overlook.Recognizing and intentionally using these moments can dramatically improve both productivity and well-being.Creating a “Time Confetti List” in your phone with 5–10 minute tasks can help you quickly act instead of defaulting to phone scrolling.You can use these time pockets for self-care (meditation, stretching, journaling) or admin tasks (signing school forms, replying to quick emails).Alternating between rest and productivity based on your energy levels helps maintain a balanced nervous system.Strategic micro-rest throughout the day can be more effective than trying to recharge only after you're completely depleted.Quotes“We don’t need more time—we need to see the time we already have.”“Rest is productive. But so is knocking out admin tasks that drain your mental load.”“It’s not about carving out a girls’ weekend. It’s about a five-minute recharge that keeps your day on track.”“You don’t have to choose between being productive and taking care of yourself — time confetti lets you do both.”Resources MentionedOverwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time  by Brigid SchulteResearch by Harvard behavioral scientist Ashley Whillans on time perception and leisureNotes app tip: Create two “Time Confetti” lists — one for self-care and one for admin tasks⁠ Connect with Jill Wright⁠ Subscribe & Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!Episodes Released Weekly on TuesdaysThis episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.About Heron House Management:Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 10, 15 and 20+ hours/month.Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

In this empowering episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan sits down with marriage coach Michelle Purta to explore the radical yet transformative concept of loving yourself most—especially after becoming a parent. Michelle shares how prioritizing your own well-being isn’t selfish—it’s the foundation for deepening intimacy, improving communication, and reigniting joy in your relationship. Tune in for a refreshing perspective on how self-love can create more connection, patience, and fulfillment in both marriage and motherhood.Key TakeawaysLoving yourself most is not selfish—it’s essential for healthy relationships.When you take care of your needs, you increase your capacity for patience, compassion, and joy.Self-love empowers you to advocate for your needs, set boundaries, and have deeper intimacy.Many women lose their sense of self in motherhood; reconnecting with who you are is critical for a thriving marriage.Ask yourself: Am I designing my life, or just living out a script handed to me?Quotes“When we love ourselves most, we truly embody kindness—not just for others, but for ourselves.”“Things go from romance to responsibility so quickly after kids, but that doesn’t mean love has to fade.”“We’ve been taught to run ourselves ragged for everyone else—what if there’s a better way?”“When you know yourself deeply, you become magnetic—you radiate joy, creativity, and compassion.”“You can’t be fully known and loved in a marriage if you don’t even know who you are.”Resources MentionedLearn more about Michelle Purta’s coaching services and how she helps moms and couples reignite their marriages at michellepurtacoaching.com.Follow Michelle on Instagram for relationship tips and inspiration: @michellepurtacoachingSubscribe & Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!Episodes Released Weekly on TuesdaysThis episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.About Heron House Management:Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 10, 15 and 20+ hours/month.Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan is joined by Dana Baker-Williams, an ADHD and anxiety coach for parents, teens, and young adults. Dana shares practical strategies for creating “brain backups” to support executive functioning and reduce family tension. From visual aids to consistent routines, Dana offers simple yet powerful tools to help both parents and children thrive, especially in households managing ADHD or anxiety.Key TakeawaysWhy Brain Backups Matter: People with ADHD often struggle with working memory. Visual and external reminders are essential to support follow-through.Make it Visible: Use whiteboards, sticky notes, color-coded folders, and written schedules to keep important information front and center.Establish Zones & Routines: Designated “landing zones” for backpacks, keys, and shoes help reduce daily chaos.Create External Accountability: Replace willpower with systems—like chore reminders via Alexa, or schedules posted in common areas—to reduce nagging and missed tasks.Prepare for Transitions: Kids with ADHD and anxiety need time and clarity. A visible weekly schedule can ease stress and avoid meltdowns.Involve Kids Early: Even young children benefit from predictable routines and can be taught to engage with visual schedules as they grow.Quotes“If you have ADHD, you need a backup system because out of sight really is out of mind.”“Visual reminders are a gift—whiteboards, sticky notes, and color-coded folders give working memory a break.”“Instead of relying on your willpower, rely on your habits and routines.”“We can’t just expect our kids to try harder. We have to give them the tools to succeed.”Resources MentionedDana’s website: parentinginreallife.orgTools mentioned: whiteboards, sticky notes, Alexa reminders, Skylight calendar, chore zonesTip: Write out weekly family schedules on Sundays using chalkboards, whiteboards, or printed templatesSubscribe & Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!Episodes Released Weekly on TuesdaysThis episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.About Heron House Management:Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 10, 15 and 20+ hours/month.Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands, to explore how dual-career couples can more effectively manage money and household responsibilities as a team. Brian shares practical strategies, including the HALT method and weekly money check-ins, to reduce financial tension and strengthen relationships. He also opens up about his own financial personality and how he and his wife navigate emotional triggers around money. If you’ve ever argued with your partner about spending—or avoided the topic altogether—this episode offers a thoughtful roadmap for turning those conversations into moments of connection.Key Takeaways:- Use the HALT method (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) to avoid emotionally charged money talks.- Schedule financial conversations proactively—ideally on weekend mornings when you're rested and calm.- Transparency and regularity in financial discussions are key, especially in dual-income households.- Couples often have different financial personalities (e.g., spender vs. saver) that need understanding and accommodation.- Aligning spending decisions with long-term values can reduce stress and improve relational harmony.- Living simply and prioritizing financial independence offers more freedom and less daily overwhelm.Quotes from the Episode:- “If your emotions are high, your cognition is going to be low.”- “You’re not just talking about money—you’re talking about whether you're living your life on purpose.”- “It cannot be a conversation where your kids are next to you. That’s a disaster.”- “Money is just a tool. If you’re not making spending decisions on purpose, you’re missing out on better ways to use it.”- “Living more simply and having enough money to be completely free—that’s buying yourself happiness.”Resources Mentioned:- Modern Husbands – Brian’s platform supporting dual-career couples with household and money management.- HALT Method – A communication technique for managing emotional states.- Tiller – A financial tool Brian and his wife use for budgeting and transparency.- JL Collins – Referred to as the "godfather" of the Financial Independence (FI) movement.- FIRE Movement – Financial Independence, Retire Early framework.Subscribe & Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!Episodes Released Weekly on TuesdaysThis episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.About Heron House Management:Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 10, 15 and 20+ hours/month.Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

Summary:In this episode, Hannah welcomes Shivani, a busy mom working in the fast-paced Bay Area tech industry, to talk about how she manages stress and avoids burnout through intentional home organization and decluttering. Shivani shares her twice-yearly condo sweeps, her smart use of mind maps and digital tracking, and how participating in Buy Nothing groups has helped her build community and minimize clutter.Key Takeaways:Decluttering twice a year, during season changes, creates a major reset for both home and mental clarity.Creating a mind map of your home and listing every space that can collect clutter helps remove overwhelm from the process.Using a simple "donate, trash, keep" system streamlines decluttering decisions.Shivani recommends donating through Buy Nothing groups for higher emotional ROI compared to selling items.Weekly mini-decluttering (like Shivani’s Sunday morning routine) keeps clutter from building up.Inventory management can include digital notes tracking the last use of items, making decisions easier over time.Building a system for acquiring fewer new items is as important as decluttering old ones.Quotes:"It’s required. I can either live with clutter and be stressed, or declutter and have more peace.""When money is involved, people act entitled. When gifting through Buy Nothing, there’s gratitude and community.""Mind mapping my inventory turned something overwhelming into something manageable.""Time is as valuable as money. Negotiating on Facebook Marketplace wasn’t worth it for me."Resource Mentioned:Buy Nothing Project (Facebook Groups and local chapters)Freecycle Subscribe & Leave a Review:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!Episodes Released Weekly on TuesdaysThis episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.