MomCast

Moms, stop brushing off your gut issues! It’s not a sexy topic, but it might save your life. And if you have blood in your stool, constant bloating, or cramping, none of it is normal.NBC News correspondent and mom of two Chloe Melas joins MomCast with insights from her new book, The Girl's Guide to Guts. She gets real about the symptoms she ignored for years before being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. If you’ve been suffering in silence, it’s time to talk to a doctor…and Chloe shows us how to take the shame out of the conversation. As parents, we’re great at putting our kids’ health first, but we can’t ignore our own. Chloe shares TMI about:*how awful her symptoms actually got and how running to the bathroom took over her life*the critical questions about food and lifestyle that doctors never asked…and why that left her suffering longer*how she manages symptoms blending meditation, breathwork, and exercise alongside traditional Western medicine*the sweeping changes she made to her kids’ diet to help prevent their own gut issues (no soda, no fastfood!)*why fiber is our best friend-not just a fad-when it comes to beating disease“The Girl’s Guide to Guts” is on sale nationwide and be sure to follow Chloe on IG @chloemelas

Moms, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holidays are magical and exciting. This season can also be overwhelming when the to-do list includes decorating, gift buying, hosting, baking and more. Add on the demanding relationships with family and travel…it’s no wonder we can feel depleted amidst the celebrating. That’s why Psychotherapist Niro Feliciano is holding our hand this holiday season, with a new book that offers daily practical advice and encouragement. It’s called “All is Calm…ish!” How to Feel Less Frantic and More Festive During the Holidays” and she shares her best, most practical trips for staving off stress and choosing joy: * how to choose fewer, more meaningful activities so your family can actually enjoy each one more * the case for amping up your selfcare when your schedule gets busier * the long-lasting effects of staying self-regulated and how to find micro-moments of joy * why it’s ok for kids to have a long wish list and why we should encourage it * the unexpected reason Niro’s book was released a year later than expected…and why it’s a blessing! Each of the 31 chapters in the book take us from Thanksgiving to Christmas Day-a true daily guide to savoring this season. Make sure to follow Niro on Instagram @niro_feliciano and find out more on her website NiroFeliciano.com. Find us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.com IG: @thelocalmomsnetwork Email: [email protected]

Moms, don’t believe everything you think!Neuroscience proves that the critical voice in your head, or that of your child, is just a default mode-and knowing this can be life changing.In this encore episode, psychologist Dr. Betsy Holmberg, author of Unkind Mind, teaches us how to flip the switch on negative self talk.Dr. Betsy builds up our superpower to recognize this nagging voice and shut it up:*  understand why we’re so hard on ourselves and then catch ourselves when we fall into a judgy mode* learn the science behind two parts of our brain: the Default Mode Network (DMN) and the Central Executive Network (CEN)* the personal struggles that inspired Dr. Betsy to uncover the research and change the course of her own life* our power to explain these strategies to our kids and give them tools to quiet their own inner critic* how to stop ruminating in its tracks, allowing for clearer decision-making and better sleepTo learn about Dr. Betsy Holmberg, head to her website and find her on Instagram @betsyholmbergFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected]

Moms, if you have ever doubted that your professional dreams could coexist beside motherhood, this episode of MomCast is a showstopper!We’re joined by Sophie Chen Keller, bestselling author of Little Wonder. She knows exactly what it means to devote yourself to your children and your career simultaneously. In fact, she was holding two sick children when she got a call from Oprah saying Little Wonder was chosen for her illustrious Book Club!Sophie shares so generously about her path to writing Little Wonder, and the heartbreaking storyline born from the love for her own children. Hear all about* her experience raising her children in the U.S., China, and Germany—and how each culture approaches parenthood* how Little Wonder explores what happens when a mother and child get separated, and the love that emerges from the woman who takes her place* why putting her oldest child in daycare was the turning point in her career that led to unimaginable success* the gift we give our children when they watch us chase a dream* letting go of the “ideal” motherhood we conjured up when our kids were young, replacing it with a more authentic image of ourselvesYou can learn more about our guest at SophieChenKeller.com and follow her on Instagram @imsophiekeller

Moms, before our kids can even talk, we’re drilling the words “please” and “thank you” into their heads. But etiquette goes so far beyond just being polite or using the right fork…so what matters and what can we let go of?Etiquette expert Myka Meier is on MomCast with all the answers!Myka is founder of the world-renowned Beaumont Etiquette, plus she’s a bestselling author, a reality TV star on Ladies of London, and a mom of two. (And it’s not just kids–we adults can use a refresher too.) Myka tackles it all, including:*three stress-free ways for moms to look “put together” quickly*teach kids how to craft a sincere apology in a world of cancel culture*why she skips the terms “lady” and “gentleman” and what she uses instead to motivate kids*how type-B moms might come off as rude… and what to be mindful of*debating what “dress for success” means for the modern workplaceMake sure to check out Myka’s Mini Manners courses and learn more about her and Beaumont Etiquette at MykaMeier.comPlus, follow along on IG @mykameier