Suburban Burnout

What happens when life knocks you off your feet and you're still expected to show up, parent, and keep it together? Author, speaker, and former teacher Katie Wood joins Suburban Burnout to share how a life-saving surgery for her daughter led to one of the most powerful tools in her parenting toolbox: gratitude. In this deeply relatable and inspiring episode, Katie walks us through the chaos of parenting four kids, living with a first responder husband, and discovering how simple mindset shifts and morning routines rewired her outlook on life. Spoiler: it didn’t require an hour of silence or a Himalayan retreat, just a few minutes of intention (and a lot of humor). We dive into: Why gratitude can’t co-exist with fear or anxiety The neuroscience behind starting your day intentionally How Katie created her best-selling Simple Seed Journal (and got her kids hooked!) Why humor speeds up healing...literally How to teach kids to be proactive, not reactive, and build resilience from the inside out 🛒 Grab your copy of The Simple Seed Journal on Amazon 🔗 Learn more: www.simpleseedjournal.com 🎙️ www.suburbanburnout.com

In this solo episode of Suburban Burnout, Megan gets real (and a little sarcastic) about modern parenting myths, cosmic energy, generational blame, and why building a fort with your kids might be more therapeutic than your last therapy session. She dives into the generational Olympics of blame: from unsupervised kids on the playground to why Millennials were once labeled “the lazy workforce” but are now apparently “too soft” with their kids. Spoiler alert: We are the helicopter mom, the bulldozer mom, free range mom, lighthouse mom and wine mom. So, why are people quick to blame Millennials once again for being lazy.  We’ll also unpack the November supermoon (yes, it was the closest one to Earth until 2034), the emotional contrast between Lily Allen and Taylor Swift’s music, and why throwing some couch cushions on the floor and building a fort might be exactly what your nervous system needs. ✨ Featuring: stats, pop culture commentary, Dr. Karla callback moments, and parenting insights with just the right amount of sass. Topics include: – Why are we blaming Millennials for lazy parenting (and how that’s going for us) – What a supermoon can teach you about parenting presence – Adult music as therapy: Taylor Swift vs Lily Allen – How play, movement, and connection regulate your kid’s (and your) nervous system – A heartfelt fort-building confession Come for the cosmic parenting metaphors, stay for the fort story. This episode is for the parents who are doing their best, showing up messy, and maybe blaming the moon instead of themselves. 🔗 Explore more at www.suburbanburnout.com

If your child struggles with big emotions, sensory overwhelm, hyperactivity, food aversion or meltdowns, this episode is for you. We’re joined by Dr. Karla Mehlenbacher, a Board-Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and founder of Take Root Brain & Body, to explore what’s really behind so many of the behavioral challenges today’s parents are facing. Spoiler: it’s not always ADHD. Work with Dr. Karla LINK From primitive reflexes to nervous system dysregulation, Dr. Karla breaks down how a child’s brain and body adapt to stress and what signs we’re missing when we rely only on behavior labels. You’ll learn why some kids are stuck in fight, flight, or freeze… and how small, supportive changes at home can create safety, connection, and real growth. This holistic, science-backed conversation is essential for moms, dads, teachers, and caregivers navigating parenting in a modern world. We also talk about what it looks like for adults to heal their own nervous system and why that’s the first step toward parenting with clarity and compassion. Topics include: What primitive reflexes reveal about brain development The truth about behavior vs. biology Movement, meltdowns, and misdiagnosis How to support sensory-sensitive or emotionally overwhelmed kids Tools that help parents and children co-regulate www.suburbanburnout.com Produced by Megan Young, Suburban Burnout 

What happens when you’re the one making the big career move and it means uprooting your whole family? This week on Suburban Burnout, we’re joined by Hope Corona, a global executive at PepsiCo, mom of two, and bold decision-maker who’s built a powerhouse career without losing her sense of humor (or her sanity). 🎧 In this episode: From U.S. Embassy in Mexico City to executive hiring at PepsiCo Moving for her career—for the first time ever Balancing teen parenting with leadership at Fortune 50 companies Navigating burnout and choosing soul-filling over “safe” The best advice for moms re-entering or pivoting their careers If you’ve ever felt stuck between a job you’ve outgrown and a dream you haven’t dared to chase, this episode is your sign. Real talk, empowering insights, and moments that make you laugh and nod, “same.” LinkedIN: Hope Corona  

In this raw and revelatory episode, attorney and founder of Hembree Bell Law, Hannah Hembree Bell, joins Megan to talk about the messy truth of divorce, the emotional unraveling, the legal missteps, and the critical decisions that shape life after the papers are signed. Hannah shares her personal story of going through a high-stakes Texas custody trial while in law school, how that experience shaped her mission, and why she believes divorce can be a courageous, self-affirming decision, when done with clarity. Together, they explore: Why “healing him won’t save the relationship” is a truth many learn too late How to prepare emotionally and logistically before divorce (and why most wait too long) Should you stay in the marriage for the kids? Her take, as a mom and lawyer What’s different about divorce in 2025 and the biggest mistakes people still make The power of creating a ritual (aka your personal Ebenezer) before you leave Her free quiz and prep course that’s changing how women take back control This episode isn’t just about breaking up,  it’s about breaking through. If you’re in a marriage that no longer fits or supporting someone who is, this conversation will give you tools, validation, and a whole new language for what’s possible next. 📍 Resources mentioned: Free quiz + prep course: MyConfidentDivorce.com Follow Hannah: @hannahhembreebell or @hembreebelllaw Her law firm: hembreebell.com 🎧  SuburbanBurnout.com

Reposted from Year One: A Must-Hear Episode for Every Family Navigating Dementia In this powerful episode, we sit down with Mary Osborne, occupational therapist and founder of Your Dementia Therapist, to explore the emotional and practical realities of dementia care. From navigating a loved one’s changing abilities to making sense of the caregiver role, Mary shares the strategies, tools, and compassion she’s gained over a decade in the field. We talk about entering your loved one’s reality, avoiding common missteps, and how caregivers can protect their own mental and emotional health. Whether you're supporting a parent, grandparent, or partner through memory loss or just want to better understand dementia this conversation is filled with validation and insight. 🎧 Full episode streaming on Apple, Spotify, and suburbanburnout.com 📲 Follow Mary on Instagram and social: @yourdementiatherapist 🌐 Learn more at www.yourdementiatherapist.com

Feeling torn between work and home? In this episode, Audrey Pendergrass shares her journey through career pivots, stay-at-home life, and the grief of losing a parent while raising kids. Also how to keep yourself in the game, just in case you want to return. If you're weighing your next move or parenting through something heavy, you'll find clarity, encouragement, and real advice here. Find us on @suburbanburnout Instagram for clips and conversation.  www.suburbanburnout.com  

We’re back from our burnout break with another Suburban Burnout episode, diving deep into how burnout evolves, because it's not just about exhaustion anymore, it's about identity, pressure, and the mental load that never clocks out. Megan and Laura unpack the emotional rollercoaster of sports parenting, the “magical” family trip that didn’t quite deliver, and the quiet (and not-so-quiet) ways parents are stretched too thin. Laura shares big news about her full return to law, how her client list took off, and how it feels re-entering that world while juggling motherhood and her marriage. She also opens up about the summer sports drama that tested her patience and the perspective she gained from it. Meanwhile, Megan reflects on the truth bombs that hit hardest during her recent family trip, and how the experts featured on the podcast have helped both hosts (and their listeners) navigate chaos with clearer vision and lighter hearts. If you’ve ever cried in the car post-vacation or whispered “I can’t do this” between back-to-school nights and bedtime battles, this one’s for you.

In this episode of Suburban Burnout, Megan and Laura dive deep into the chaos of summer parenting, their decision to take a break and catch their breath, and the ever-evolving trends we need to keep up with as parents. Unless you want to be a lame parent.  ✨ We’ll keep you updated in our newsletter on what’s next. Stay loud, stay real, and take the break you need. You’ve earned it. www.suburbanburnout.com They also break down the wildest Gen Z and Gen Alpha trends, like soft launching relationships, the truth behind “boop houses,” AI best friends, digital self-harm, and what the heck “Delulu is the Solulu” actually means. With humor, heart, and zero judgment, they explore how tech, fashion, and identity are reshaping childhood and parenting in 2025. Thank you to all the burnouts who’ve listened, shared, and supported this podcast. We’re endlessly grateful for your messages, your vulnerability, and your humor. While we take this much-needed breather, we hope you’ll keep exploring past episodes there’s so much inspiration, validation, and honest conversation waiting for you.

What happens when life throws you cancer, a new baby, and a pandemic, all at once? If you’re Alexandra Rutkay, you build something beautiful anyway. In this episode, Alex, founder of Citymouse, @citymouse_ny opens up about the chaos and clarity that came from facing a rare cancer diagnosis while navigating early motherhood in New York City. She shares how surviving the unimaginable inspired her to create a parenting brand that’s as stylish as it is practical and how an $8,500 investment turned into a seven-figure business in just two years, all while raising her kids and healing her body and mind. Alex talks candidly about the messiness behind the highlight reel: finding strength in her support network, leaning into therapy, trusting her gut over business trends, and designing bags that help parents feel prepared and a little bit cool amid the daily chaos. We dig into: How she balanced chemotherapy appointments with playdates and prototypes The behind-the-scenes of launching a brand from her living room Why community and authenticity are non-negotiables in business How fear can freeze us and what happens when we face it head-on Her hard-won wisdom on time management, mental health, and creating real moments of peace Alex’s story is proof that it’s never too late to start over, dream bigger, or do motherhood on your own terms, with a diaper bag you actually want to carry. If you need a reminder that reinvention is possible (and worth it), this one’s for you. We need your support: FOLLOW-LIKE-SHARE-REVIEW www.suburbanburnout.com

In this conversation, Skylar shares his journey into fatherhood, detailing his upbringing, the challenges of infertility, and the emotional toll it took on him and his wife. He discusses the importance of support during the postpartum period, both for mothers and fathers, and emphasizes the need for healthy routines to combat burnout. Skylar also reflects on his experiences as a father and the co-founding of I Am Nurtured,  In this engaging conversation, Skylar shares his insights on fatherhood, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, presence, and creating lasting memories with children. He discusses the transformative power of becoming a parent, the significance of teaching healthy eating habits, and the role of community support for fathers.  During his own postpartum experience, Skylar searched for answers, but unlike most, he brought a Registered Dietitian’s expertise to the table. Through this experience, he discovered that nutrition and natural solutions can make a huge difference, not just for new moms, but for dads too. We’re thrilled to have him here to share what every dad should know about male fertility, finding your role in the postpartum stage, and nourishing your entire family well. I Am Nurtured : "Our products were created to help you combat the most nagging symptoms of parenthood. Sleepless nights, long days, healing bodies, low energy, and mood swings all seem to come with the territory, but do the side effects have to be so extreme? Our answer is NO. We tailor I Am Nurtured products to your individual stages of parenthood - planning for baby, pregnancy, and the postpartum period." www.suburbanburnout.com  

After years of infertility, Starlyn and Bill Cafferata (@caffsquad) finally saw two pink lines, except this time, there were four heartbeats. What followed was a wild ride through high-risk pregnancy, as specialist after specialist delivered conflicting information, survival odds, and gut-wrenching decisions. Somehow, Starlyn carried all four babies, Lennon, Enzo, Francesca, and Stella, through the chaos, uncertainty, and exhaustion. Then came the next twist: just weeks after their NICU journey, a historic Texas ice storm left them trapped at home with no power, four newborns, and a toddler. In this episode, Starlyn gets real about parenting five kids (including quadruplets!), managing marriage and mental health, and relying on the only thing that kept them afloat: a fierce, loving village of family and friends. This is the story of what it takes to survive the unimaginable, with humor, honesty, and a village that showed up in every way possible. If you’ve been through infertility, IVF, NICU life, or just trying to keep it together as a parent, this one will hit home. www.suburbanburnout.com    

Forget surface-level advice and toxic positivity Megan and Laura dive headfirst into the emotional and psychological labor of modern life. From parenting and relationships to political tension and personal healing, this show unpacks the why behind our behaviors and offers practical strategies for growth, grounded in both clinical insight and real-life experience. With raw conversations and expert-informed dialogue, guest Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, explores what it really takes to stay connected to ourselves and others in today’s world. Kelsey Blahnik, LCSW-S, @theandway, is a seasoned clinician and peace-making advocate with a deep commitment to community healing. https://www.theandwaytherapy.com/ Her background includes: Leading a group private practice focused on mental health and trauma recovery Working with vulnerable populations, including unhoused individuals with HIV, veterans at the VA, and clients in inpatient and outpatient substance abuse programs Co-hosting monthly gatherings with Love Anyway, fostering understanding in politically polarized communities Her blend of clinical expertise and grassroots activism brings a unique and grounded perspective to every episode. What We Talk About: Emotional Labor in Parenting How to identify, redistribute, and recover from the invisible workload. Guilt, Shame & Compliance Regret Learn the psychological difference and how to move from self-blame to self-awareness. Boundaries Without Burnout Practical tips for setting boundaries in relationships, family, work, and parenting. Unsolicited Advice & Assertive Communication When others overstep and how to speak your truth without spiraling. Individualism vs. Collectivism How cultural conditioning affects everything from parenting to conflict resolution. Conflict as Growth We teach you how to navigate it, not avoid it—because real connection includes discomfort. Parenting With Emotional Intelligence Raising resilient kids while breaking cycles and building healthier dynamics. Navigating Political Conversations How to disagree without disconnecting—and when to walk away. Mental Health, Media, and Modern Life Coping with anxiety, setting realistic expectations, and making intentional choices. Why You’ll Keep Listening: You’re done with surface-level advice and craving emotional depth You’re parenting, partnering, or processing—and want to do it better You want tools rooted in clinical insight, emotional intelligence, and real-life experience You care about community healing, not just personal growth You’ll Walk Away With: Scripts for hard conversations Tools to manage conflict and reduce emotional reactivity Support for parenting in a mentally healthy way Language to advocate for yourself in messy relationships Permission to change, grow, and hold boundaries that honor your values Perfect For: Parents, helpers, cycle-breakers, caretakers, adult children of dysfunction, educators, therapists, and anyone exhausted by the emotional gymnastics of modern life—but not willing to give up on connection.

In this milestone episode, Amanda Nelson (@exploringamanda) gets real about what it takes to build a business, grow a family, and stay grounded through it all. From living on food stamps to launching a wellness brand, Amanda shares her journey of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and personal growth. She explains how she navigates all areas of life day by day. That is when you can truly choose the "balance" needed for you and your family.  Tiktok @exploringamanda Instagram @amandanelz We dive into her evolving mindset around ambition, her first pregnancy experience, and her current path toward expanding her family through surrogacy. She opens up about emotional boundaries, navigating different parenting styles, and the power of trusting your intuition. Whether you're a mom in burnout, a business-builder, or somewhere in between, Amanda’s story will meet you where you are, with honesty, heart, and hard-earned perspective. Topics include: • Entrepreneurship and motherhood • Surrogacy and emotional support • Parenting styles and family boundaries • Mindset shifts and legacy building • Sharing personal stories while protecting your privacy

This week on Suburban Burnout, Megan and Laura reflect on Mother’s Day and how it often brings more insight than rest. From hilarious cat chaos to complex parenting dynamics, they share personal stories and insight on the emotional labor of motherhood and the importance of trusting your gut. They dive into the everyday moments that demand courage: advocating for your kids at school or on the field, speaking up at the doctor’s office, or dealing with pushy people who cross your boundaries. With real-life examples, they explore the pressures moms face to conform, the guilt that sneaks in when we push back, and why honoring your instincts is the ultimate act of self-care. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about how to speak up, when to walk away, or whether to trust that nagging feeling in your gut—this one’s for you. Topics include: – The unexpected drama of pet ownership (yes, the cats are back) – Why setting boundaries in parenting and business is hard—but necessary – How coaching, teachers, and school dynamics can shake your confidence – Emotional intelligence in communication, decision-making, and relationships – Real talk on guilt, self-advocacy, and why sometimes, you just need to say “no” Chapters: 00:00 Mother’s Day Reflections 03:01 Navigating Parenting Challenges 06:02 The Cat Saga: Unexpected Surprises 11:59 Setting Boundaries in Life 18:05 Advocating for Our Children 24:00 The Complexities of Coaching and Trust 31:50 Navigating Parenting Fears and Guilt 34:01 The Importance of Speaking Up 36:49 Trusting Your Instincts in Relationships 42:02 Setting Boundaries with Uncomfortable People 51:03 Understanding Business Relationships and Conflicts 58:03 Advocating for Yourself in Various Situations

Raising teenage girls isn’t for the faint of heart, and no, it’s not just the hormones. In this episode, Megan and Laura unpack the tangled web of adolescence with raw honesty, humor, and insights drawn from Lisa Damour’s Untangled. From eye rolls to emotional outbursts, they dive into the shifting dynamics of privacy, independence, and friendships (yes, including the dreaded frenemies). www.suburbanburnout.com SUBSCRIBE to the monthly newsletter You’ll hear real talk about bullying, body image, food messaging, and why venting isn’t the same as complaining. They break down the difference between authoritative and authoritarian parenting and why the way you phrase things can make or break the moment. Whether you're in the thick of teen girl drama or bracing yourself for what's ahead, this episode offers relatable stories, fresh perspectives, and practical tools for staying connected, calm, and confident. Spoiler: Lighthouse parenting might just save your sanity.  

Tired of stepping over toys, wrestling with Tupperware lids, or emotionally spiraling over that box of baby clothes in the attic? Same. In this episode, Megan and Laura share exactly how to spring clean and organize without the meltdown, yours or your kids’. Find our guide to working through sentimental items or even your childhood home, Join our newsletter to receive this PDF for a step-by-step guide. www.suburbanburnout.com You’ll learn: How to declutter without guilt, using emotional tools for letting go of sentimental items (yes, it’s okay to keep some things). Simple systems that help your home run smoother, from designated drop zones to realistic chore charts that even toddlers can follow. How to create micro habits that prevent mess before it piles up. Budget-friendly ways to refresh your space without a full-blown renovation. Tips for teaching kids responsibility, money management, and why rotating toys is a sanity-saver. This episode is your real-world guide to creating a home that functions better, feels lighter, and reflects what actually matters, without requiring a label maker obsession or Pinterest-worthy perfection. Need an expert in the Austin, Texas Area? Look no further than BMoore Organized 

In this episode, Megan and Laura unpack the rising anxiety so many parents are feeling right now, but don’t worry, we’re not here to add to the noise. We’re here to help lighten the load. From the invisible mental strain of parenting to financial stress and the endless digital overwhelm, we get honest about what’s really weighing us down. We share our own stories, validate the daily chaos you might be navigating, and offer some deeply reflective (and surprisingly satisfying) questions that can help bring clarity, calm, and a bit more control back into your life. We’re diving into: Why anxiety feels like the new baseline for parents The emotional cost of doing it all (and doing it alone) How modern life erodes community—and why rebuilding it matters Letting go of pressure and reassessing your values The questions you actually need to ask to move forward with more peace This isn’t about bubble baths and deep breathing—this is about getting real, reclaiming your time, and remembering who you are underneath the mental load. Find all these questions on our blog www.suburbanburnout.com  Book Rec: Getting TO Neutral    

In this empowering episode of Suburban Burnout, we sit down with Leslie Oduwole—a two-time Collegiate All-American athlete turned educator and Assistant Principal at Pflugerville ISD. Leslie shares her personal journey from the tennis courts to school administration and dives deep into the realities of today’s public education system. We discuss how parents can effectively support their children, whether they’re navigating academic pressures, school safety, bullying, special education needs, or the maze of college prep. Leslie also offers clear guidance on advocating for accommodations, understanding student rights during school investigations, and fostering student growth without getting lost in the college admissions race. Whether your child is neurodivergent, anxious about school, or aiming for a top-tier university, this episode is packed with tools, insights, and encouragement for every stage of the journey. www.suburbanburnout.com Key Takeaways: Leslie’s transition from student-athlete to school administrator What real parental involvement looks like today How to build better communication with teachers and school leaders Understanding special education resources, both in and out of school systems A breakdown of students’ rights during school investigations Addressing bullying and digital peer pressure with empathy and clarity How colleges evaluate applicants—and why balance matters more than burnout Helpful Resources for Parents in Texas: 🌟 Special Education & Evaluation Resources: Texas Project FIRST (Families, Information, Resources, Support, and Training) – A parent-friendly site created by parents, for parents of students receiving special education services. Navigate Life Texas – Find diagnostic testing options and special needs support services outside of the school system. Texas Education Agency – Special Education Parent Resources – Learn your rights and how to request an evaluation. The Arc of Texas – Advocacy and education resources for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Cally Conklin, Statewide Education Specialist and lawyer with Crime Stoppers of Houston. Cally breaks down the real dangers kids are facing today, from cyberbullying and sextortion to the rising addiction to vaping. We talk about the difference between peer conflict and bullying, the impact of David’s Law, and how parents can start tough but necessary conversations about online safety, sexting, and substance use. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the digital world your kids are growing up in, this conversation is a must-listen. A proud native of Dripping Springs, Texas, Cally earned her BA in English from the University of Texas at Austin before going on to graduate from Texas A&M University School of Law. Mother of three she knows first hand the difficult decisions and guidelines we as parents need to enforce to keep our kids safe. https://crime-stoppers.org/ www.suburbanburnout.com Takeaways Cally Conklin transitioned from law to nonprofit work. Cyber safety is a top concern for parents and educators. Bullying is defined as intentional, repeated harm. David's Law mandates schools to investigate cyberbullying. Parents play a crucial role in empowering kids against bullying. Open conversations about expectations are vital for families. Monitoring tools can help parents keep kids safe online. Private profiles limit strangers' access to children. Traffickers often pose as peers to exploit minors. It's never too late for victims to seek help. Parents should lean into uncomfortable conversations with their teens. Discussing sexting is crucial for understanding its implications. Legal consequences of sexting can affect minors significantly. Vaping devices are often disguised to evade detection by parents. Nicotine in vaping products is highly addictive and more concentrated than in cigarettes. Open dialogue about vaping can empower teens to make informed choices. Schools are implementing strict policies against vaping to deter usage. Parents should be aware of the potential dangers of digital communication. Encouraging teens to share their experiences can foster trust. Parents are doing better than they think by seeking information and having conversations. Chapters 00:00Cally Conklin's Journey to Crime Stoppers 02:58Understanding Cyber Safety Concerns 06:01Defining Bullying vs. Peer Conflict 12:00The Impact of David's Law 14:57Empowering Kids to Be Upstanders 19:56Navigating Online Safety and Privacy 27:57Understanding Human Trafficking and Sextortion 40:50Navigating Difficult Conversations with Teens 44:27Understanding Legal Implications of Sexting 51:39Addressing the Vaping Epidemic 01:01:43Empowering Parents in Digital Conversations