Press Record on the Magic: Turning Imperfect Holidays into Lasting Memories
Description
How can filming everyday moments help parents slow down, find gratitude, and reconnect with the beauty of the holidays?
In this episode of the Momcozy Village: Together We Grow podcast, Lalaina Rabary welcomes Kalee Isbell, founder of Isbell Family Films, a company that turns everyday family videos into cinematic keepsakes.
Kalee shares how filming her children began as a form of healing during the early, overwhelming days of motherhood and evolved into a way to see her family and herself with fresh eyes. Together, Lalaina and Kalee explore how recording the small, unfiltered moments can shift your perspective, remind you that you’re doing enough, and become a gift to your future self.
They discuss why ‘perfect’ holiday videos aren’t the goal, how to embrace the messy and the candid, and how to capture memories without feeling like you’re missing them. Kalee also offers practical advice, from filming horizontally and thinking like a storyteller to balancing presence with preservation—and explains why recording is actually a form of mindfulness, not distraction.
The conversation also touches on how to navigate consent, include kids in the creative process, and recognize when it’s okay just to put the camera down. With warmth and humor, Kalee reminds parents that the most meaningful memories aren’t staged—they’re the small, real moments that tell the truth of our families.
Episode Highlights
00:39 – How did recording videos become so important to Kalee?
05:45 – What was the first ever family film that Kalee shot?
07:02 – Is there a perfect setting for reading to your children?
08:17 – Kalee’s message to the moms who are striving for a picture-perfect holiday season.
10:28 – Some heartwarming feedback from Kalee’s clients.
13:45 – Kalee’s top video capture tips for busy moms.
17:07 – Staying present and recording.
19:35 – Tips for capturing a perfectly imperfect Thanksgiving.
21:21 – Consent is important when recording.
About the Guest: Kalee Isbell
Kalee Isbell is a filmmaker, storyteller, and founder of Isbell Family Films, a company born from her own journey through postpartum depression. In the early days of motherhood, Kalee found solace and purpose in creating personal family videos—transforming fleeting phone footage into heartfelt films. What began as a private act of healing has grown into a mission: helping families, couples, and professionals preserve the beauty of their everyday lives.
Through her work, Kalee shows that the most meaningful memories aren’t the picture-perfect snapshots we share online, but the candid, real-life moments that often go unnoticed. She offers practical, actionable tips for capturing and preserving personal stories, insights into how authentic video content can strengthen relationships and brands, and a refreshing reminder that imperfection is where the magic lives.
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Kalee Isbell
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About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow
Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Lalaina Rabary, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.
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Narrated by Abbe Opher
Music by Sokratis Seirlis
Instagram: @koalakids.fm



