Nestled in the heart of Bergen County, Acton Academy is not just any school—it’s a launchpad for young world changers. Whether it's mastering a skill, diving deep into personal passions, or simply understanding themselves better, these young learners are the captains of their educational journeys. Each year, the school's vibe of innovation and creativity is showcased in its annual podcasting competition, pushing students to weave compelling stories and engage audiences, proving that learning can indeed be as exciting as it is enlightening. Tara interviews the winners of this year’s podcast competition Marcos and Jeph.  Tara also interviews Michal Leshem, the founder of Acton Academy of Bergen County about what sets AABC apart and about crafting a community where every 'young hero' is empowered to take ownership of their learning and perhaps, change the world. You don’t want to miss this incredible (and adorable) conversation with these hard-working learners! Links: https://www.actonbergen.org/

In this episode, Jennifer Friedman, a seasoned pediatric dietitian, spills the beans on navigating the tricky waters of selective eating in kids. Tara and Jennifer chat about why toddlers might snub their spaghetti, but snack on sweets. Jennifer explains that selective eating is just another step in growing up, tied to their budding independence and evolving taste buds. The conversation takes a deeper dive into how this finicky phase can be more pronounced in kids dealing with sensory issues, autism, allergies, anxiety, or OCD. Jennifer dishes out some tasty tips on making mealtime a blast and not a battle, emphasizing the power of a positive environment and engaging kids in the food prep dance—from the grocery aisles to the kitchen counter. She also cracks the code on why snacks are often the go-to for the discerning young diner: they're just plain predictable and delicious! Plus, they dish on making new foods fun by turning taste tests into a game and why it's okay for mom to cut herself some slack when the peas remain on the plate. With a spoonful of wisdom and a pinch of humor, Jennifer and Tara offer a recipe for easing mealtime mayhem and expanding tiny palates. Links: https://www.jennyfriedmannutrition.com/

In a heartfelt chat combined with laughter and a few tears, Tara Clark sits down with content creator Kristina Kuzmic for a deep dive into the rollercoaster ride of parenting and personal growth. Kristina opens up about her early days of single motherhood, wrestling with depression and scraping by in poverty, all while discovering her knack for creating relatable content. They share laughs over Kristina's candid tales from her new book, 'I Can Fix This and Other Lies I've Told Myself While Parenting My Struggling Child,' where she peels back the layers of her journey with a child facing mental health challenges. Throughout the conversation, Tara and Kristina stress the importance of shedding the heavy cloak of societal judgment that often weighs down modern moms, and discussing the importance of understanding and support. It's an invitation to parents everywhere to trust, listen, and learn from their littlest teachers, turning everyday challenges into lessons of love and trust. Links: https://kristinakuzmic.com/

In her highly-anticipated new podcast, "Parenting and You," Dr. Shefali Tsabary, best-selling author, international speaker and clinical psychologist, takes listeners on a profound journey into the heart of parenting, drawing from a treasure trove of wisdom that blends Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. She dives into real-time, heartfelt discussions with parents. Each episode feels like a chat with a wise friend, tackling the nitty-gritty of parenting struggles while offering a comforting shoulder and actionable advice. As she shares tales from the trenches, Dr. Shefali emphasizes the transformative power of reparenting oneself and doing inner work. It’s all about discovering your authentic self and tossing the old, dusty playbook out the window!  She invites everyone to download "Parenting and You," promising that her insights are just the kind of game-changer weary parents need. Links: https://www.drshefali.com/

Entrepreneur, speaker, award-winning author, and co-founder of Mabel's Labels, Julie Cole shares her experiences as an entrepreneur and mother of six children. She discusses the challenges faced by mompreneurs and the importance of being taken seriously in business. Julie emphasizes the need to manage family and work expectations, set boundaries, and communicate effectively. She also highlights the value of delegation, asking for help, and saying no to unnecessary commitments. Julie provides tips for productivity and time management, including prioritizing tasks and being proactive. She encourages potential entrepreneurs to seek support, network, and let go of mom guilt. Julie's key message is to focus on role modeling, forgiveness, and choosing the battles worth fighting. If you ever wanted to start a business during nap time or between drop off and pick up, listen to this episode! Links: https://mabelslabels.com/en-US/juliecole https://www.instagram.com/juliecoleinc

Award-winning journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall gets real about juggling her busy career with motherhood. She shares the inspiration she finds in her own mother and the message behind her special Mother's Day Extravaganza episode. In this heartwarming conversation, Tamron and Tara celebrate the diverse realities of motherhood. Tara and Tamron joke about being “that mom” on the playground watching every little move their sons make and learning to let go. From her son's birthday joy to the pressures of societal expectations, Tamron emphasizes the importance of embracing each other's journeys and ditching the comparison trap.  Tune in for Tamron's Mother's Day Extravaganza, a show designed to uplift and create a space for all moms to feel seen and celebrated. Don't miss it! Check your local listings for air times. Links: https://tamronhallshow.com/

This episode explores America250, a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Rosie Rios, the program’s Chair and the 43rd Treasurer of the United States, shares her vision and reminisces about the 1976 bicentennial. Tara and Rosie dive into America's Field Trip, a student competition that ignites a passion for history through exploration of National Parks and historic sites. The competition asks students, “What does America mean to you?” Winners will have the opportunity to visit iconic national landmarks.  The conversation highlights the importance of field trips and experiencing history firsthand, while acknowledging the diverse experiences that have shaped America. They touch on the value of unplugging and creating family memories through experiences.  The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of civic education and ways to engage children in civics and foster future leaders. Visit America250.org to learn more about the program and the America's Field Trip student competition.

Hosts of the Moms Talk Autism podcast, Jean Mayer, Shannon Korza, Tash Dillmon, and Brittney Crabtree, discuss their journey as mothers of neurodivergent children and the importance of connection and support. They share how they met online during the pandemic and formed a close-knit community through Marco Polo. The hosts emphasize the need for authentic connections and the power of peer-to-peer support in navigating the challenges of raising neurodiverse children. They also highlight the significance of having a diverse network of friends, both neurotypical and neurodiverse, to provide different perspectives and support. Their podcast aims to provide a platform for parents to feel seen, heard, and understood. The hosts share their experiences of dealing with people who misunderstand their situations. They discuss different approaches to handling these situations, including educating others and setting boundaries. The conversation also touches on the challenges of being a modern mom, such as the mental load and the pressure to be perfect.  Links: https://www.momstalkautism.com/ https://www.instagram.com/momstalkautism/

Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled, discusses the importance of redefining success and rebranding the perception of career pauses for women. She emphasizes the need for a platform that dignifies and supports women who choose to make room for family life. Neha highlights the nuanced view of motherhood and career pauses, challenging the traditional tropes that hold women back. She also discusses the power of intentionality and the importance of support and choice in navigating the different seasons of motherhood. Neha shares the offerings of Mother Untitled, including curated content, a job board, and a directory for women to connect and trade opportunities. She addresses the modern mom problem of social media comparison and encourages women to define their own metrics of success. Links: www.instagram.com/motheruntitled  

In this episode, Tara chats with Mike Julianelle, the creator of Dad and Buried, about his experiences as a parent and his journey as a content creator. They discuss various topics, including watching the Oscars, creating content on Instagram, dealing with trolls, authenticity in parenting content, and the inspiration behind Mike's book 'Dad Truths'.    The conversation provides insights into the challenges and joys of parenting, as well as the ups and downs of being a content creator in the parenting space. Mike shares his perspective on the modern mom problem of judgment and criticism among parents. Parenting has its highs and lows, and it's okay to acknowledge the challenges while still finding humor and joy in the journey.   Links: www.instagram.com/dadandburied https://amzn.to/3xDzaXO https://dadandburied.substack.com/

This week, Dr. Nicole Pensak, a Harvard and Yale trained Clinical Psychologist specializing in postpartum, discusses the challenges and changes in the maternal brain, which undergoes significant changes during the postpartum period, reorganizing and fine-tuning itself to focus on the baby's needs. She shares her personal experiences with postpartum anxiety and how she recovered from it. She also discusses findings from her new book, RATTLED: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain. Dr. Pensak emphasizes the power of the maternal brain and the need for better support and resources for new mothers. She also talks about her TED talk on the subject and the importance of involving partners in the postpartum process. Partners play a crucial role in supporting new mothers, particularly by protecting their sleep and sharing household responsibilities. If you are a new mother or have one in your life, you need to listen to this episode!   Links: https://www.drnicoleamoyalpensak.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Rattled-Anxiety-Power-Postpartum-Brain/dp/1682688305

In this episode, best-selling author, podcaster and award-winning journalist Jo Piazza discusses her upcoming trip to Sicily to solve the murder of her great great grandmother, which inspired her book 'The Sicilian Inheritance'. She shares the challenges of investigating in Sicily, including the bureaucracy and the influence of the mafia. Jo also talks about the themes in her book, such as women's ambition, motherhood, and the support of other women. The conversation highlights the importance of enjoying food and the role of food in the book and in Italian culture. This entertaining convo amongst friends provides insights into Jo's real-life true crime adventure and the inspiration behind her novel.  Jo discusses her motivation for writing 'Sicilian Inheritance' and her desire to honor Lorenza Marsala's life. She emphasizes the importance of celebrating women's lives rather than focusing solely on their deaths. Jo also shares her excitement for the release of the book and the representation it offers to Italian-American women. As a Sicilian-American, Tara expresses her excitement for such representation.  The pair touch on the lack of Italian-American representation in historical fiction and the need for more stories centered around strong Italian-American women. If you love true crime, Italian culture, and badass women, listen to this episode! Links: https://www.jopiazza.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jopiazzaauthor/ https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-sicilian-inheritance-jo-piazza/20266161

In this conversation, Tara welcomes Erica Djossa, registered psychotherapist, founder of wellness company Momwell and host of the popular podcast Momwell. Erica shares about her new book, “Releasing the Mother Load: How to Carry Less and Enjoy Motherhood More.”    The two catch up on life and how Erica's platform, Momwell, has evolved into a full-fledged maternal mental health platform. Her new book explores the concept of the invisible load that mothers carry and provides strategies for shedding perfectionism and anchoring in personal values. They also discuss the default parent dilemma and the importance of involving partners in sharing the load.   If you want to carry less and enjoy motherhood more, listen to this episode!   Links: https://www.momwell.com/ https://www.momwell.com/listen https://bookshop.org/p/books/releasing-the-mother-load-how-to-carry-less-and-enjoy-motherhood-more-erica-djossa/19999376

Kim Rittberg, digital marketing strategist, video expert and host of the popular podcast "The Exit Interview with Kim Rittberg," joins the show to drop some serious knowledge on how to nail your elevator pitch.   Kim isn't just another expert; she's a walking, talking encyclopedia of accomplishments, business savvy, and confidence. Her secret weapon? The ABC method: Accomplishment (brag a little, but keep it real!), Business (what you do, be crystal clear!), and Confidence (own it!).   Practice makes perfect, but remember, your perfect elevator pitch should be you with the volume turned up. Tara shares how bringing the “high energy” makes a lasting impression, like she did in a recent encounter with actor Andrew Santino.    Kim reminds us that helping others is key. When you pitch, approach it with the intention of genuinely adding value to the other person's life. Plus, clarity is crucial. A clear message and mission are the keys to unlocking successful communication.    As a busy modern mom juggling all of the things, Kim emphasizes the importance of being kind to yourself and embracing the beautiful, messy journey of continuously evolving as a person.   Links: https://www.kimrittberg.com/ https://www.kimrittberg.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/kimrittberg/

In this episode, Tara talks with Zach Watson about the importance of involving dads in invisible labor. Zach, a popular content creator and coach, shares his personal growth from a "recovering manchild" to an advocate for recognizing the mental load carried by mothers. They discuss his full-time leap into content creation, the emotional toll of his dog's passing, and his role as a Fair Play facilitator. The episode also highlights Zach's collaboration with actress Kristen Bell on a video addressing decision fatigue, underscoring the significance of shared parenting responsibilities and communication. Zach shares a very creative way to start this conversation with a partner. You're going to want to hear it! Links: https://www.instagram.com/realzachthinkshare https://www.tiktok.com/@zachthinkshare

In this episode, Tara talks with the hilarious Gwenna Laithland about evolving parenting styles. Gwyneth, creator of Momma Cusses, host of the popular podcast Childproof, and author of the new book, Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting and Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kid Needs Therapy, shares her shift from traditional to responsive parenting. They discuss the need for intentionality and adaptability in parenting, especially as children grow. Gwyenna gets real about a moment that made her rethink her parenting style and the beauty of making amends. The conversation also touches on balancing fun with discipline, and the continuous learning involved in raising children.   Links: https://www.mommacusses.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mommacusses/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mommacusses

In this episode, Tara talks with the hilarious Gwenna Laithland about evolving parenting styles. Gwyneth, creator of Momma Cusses, host of the popular podcast Childproof, and author of the new book, Momma Cusses: A Field Guide to Responsive Parenting and Trying Not to Be the Reason Your Kid Needs Therapy, shares her shift from traditional to responsive parenting. They discuss the need for intentionality and adaptability in parenting, especially as children grow. Gwyenna gets real about a moment that made her rethink her parenting style and the beauty of making amends. The conversation also touches on balancing fun with discipline, and the continuous learning involved in raising children.   Links: https://www.mommacusses.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mommacusses/ https://www.tiktok.com/@mommacusses

In this conversation, Chelsey Goodan discusses her book 'Underestimated: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls' and the importance of empowering and supporting teenage girls. She highlights the societal pressure on girls to be perfect and likable, and the need for adults to create safe spaces for girls to explore their identities. Chelsey emphasizes the role of curiosity and non-judgment in building trust and opening up conversations with teenage girls. She also addresses the challenges of social media and the importance of media literacy in navigating its impact. Overall, the conversation explores ways to empower and uplift teenage girls in a society that often underestimates them. Takeaways: Teenage girls are often underestimated and face societal pressure to be perfect and likable. Building trust and creating safe spaces for girls to open up is crucial in empowering them. Curiosity and non-judgment are key in engaging in meaningful conversations with teenagers. Parents and adults can support teenagers by listening, reflecting, and encouraging self-exploration. Links: https://www.chelseygoodan.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ChelseyGoodan/ https://www.modernmommydoc.com/ https://www.modernmommydoc.com/doing-it-all/ https://www.instagram.com/modernmommydoc https://www.instagram.com/modernmommydoc Support The Show Follow & DM me @modernmomprobs Pick up my book Check out Modernmomprobs Shout out to Citizens of Sound Leave a review