Stephen and Erin Mitchell, the minds behind the popular Instagram account @couples.counseling.for.parents, are back on the show! This time, they delve into their new book, Too Tired to Fight: 13 Essential Conflicts Parents Must Have to Keep Their Relationship Strong. This insightful guide equips couples with the tools to navigate the inevitable conflicts that arise during parenthood, all while fostering a stronger connection.   Stephen and Erin differentiate between fights and conflicts, highlighting the power of productive and connective communication. They guide couples through broaching difficult conversations, emphasizing self-reflection and open communication.   Recognizing the challenges of balancing parenting and maintaining a strong relationship, the book tackles common issues like resentment, overwhelm, and the feeling of "my life has changed and yours hasn't." Stephen and Erin advocate for working through conflicts together, fostering open communication, and addressing specific issues like the mental load, in-law dynamics, and navigating big decisions. They acknowledge the fear and vulnerability that often underlie these conflicts, emphasizing the importance of learning effective communication and listening skills.  Links: www.CouplesCounselingForParents.com https://www.instagram.com/couples.counseling.for.parents https://www.amazon.com/Too-Tired-Fight-Essential-Relationship/dp/059371427X

In this heartfelt, Ali Prato, host of the popular Infertile AF podcast, shares her poignant journey through secondary infertility and the decision to pursue IVF. She opens up about the emotional toll of multiple miscarriages and the strain it put on her relationship, highlighting the lack of information and support available at the time. Tara also shares her own infertility challenges, emphasizing the importance of mental health and finding peace with the possibility of not having a child. Together, they discuss feelings of isolation, the emotional toll of fertility treatments, and the significance of a supportive community. They introduce Fertility Rally, a platform offering resources for those facing infertility, and discuss Ali's new children's book, 'Work of Art,' which aims to normalize the conversation around IVF for children. This episode underscores the need for safe spaces to discuss infertility and the power of community in navigating such a challenging journey. Links: IG: @infertileafstories @aliprato  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-prato-1699967/  FB: https://www.facebook.com/infertileafpodcast/  Website: infertileafgroup.com

In this conversation, Tara and Dyanne Griffin of TeacherLists discuss back-to-school shopping and preparation. They talk about the challenges of balancing work, family, and school, as well as the stress and expense of shopping for school supplies. Dyanne introduces TeacherLists, a website that collects supply lists from teachers and allows parents to easily find and purchase the required supplies. They also discuss ways to save money, such as shopping in the off-season and taking advantage of tax holidays and retailer deals. The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue with children and being organized to make the back-to-school process smoother. Links: https://wwwteacherlists.com  https://www.instagram.com/teacherlists/ https://www.facebook.com/teacherlists

In this friendly and fun conversation, Nina Spears, (the savvy certified baby planner and doula behind Baby Chick), teams up with Tara to explore the whirlwind world of birth planning. Nina shares her own journey, highlighting the unpredictability of childbirth and the essential role of a birth planner. Clark and Spears share some laughs and reality about packing hospital bags—(like not forgetting your own pillow and snacks!)—and dive into the real pressures modern moms face, especially with social media’s highlight reels. Tara recounts her own childbirth surprises, emphasizing the need for flexibility and preparation. Together, they champion the importance of a supportive network and staying informed about birthing options, while reminding moms to cut themselves some slack and focus on what truly matters: the health and well-being of both mom and baby.   Links: https://www.baby-chick.com/ https://www.facebook.com/teambabychick/ https://www.instagram.com/thebabychick/  https://www.instagram.com/thebabychickchat/ (podcast IG account) https://www.tiktok.com/@babychickofficial https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmXUVzELvqEsWukMD3AvqoA https://pinterest.com/TheBabyChick https://www.threads.net/@thebabychick https://www.linkedin.com/in/nina-spears-95b25123/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chick-chat/id1437830902

Tami Hackbarth, (a life+work coach, author, keynote speaker, and podcast host herself), chats with Tara about her mission to help women reclaim their time and energy through 100% guilt-free self-care, and rebalancing domestic labor at home. Tami opens up about her journey from a decade in politics and public school teaching to becoming a champion for family equity. She shares insights on how self-care can shape the life you desire, ways mothers can carve out guilt-free 'me time,' and the magic of letting go of the 'do-it-all' mindset to empower families. As a Fair Play Facilitator, Tami also reveals how her rich background fuels her coaching expertise. Get ready for an enlightening conversation that promises to inspire and energize! Links: www.tamihackbarth.com

In this engaging episode, Tessa Stuckey, known as the Mom Therapist, shares her inspiring journey to becoming a therapist and a mom. Tessa delves into one of the largest modern mom problems– managing screen time and social media, offering valuable advice for parents on setting boundaries and educating children about healthy technology use. She highlights the significant impact of screens and social media on adolescent mental health and the need for proactive modern parenting. Tessa also discusses her book, 'For the Sake of Our Youth,' which explores cultural influences and solutions related to adolescent mental health in the digital age. Additionally, she introduces the nonprofit organization Look Up, which she founded to support families facing screen time and social media challenges. Link:  https://www.tessastuckey.com/ https://www.lookupnonprofit.com/

Marisa Peters, cancer survivor and visionary behind Be Seen, opens up about her battle with cancer and underscores the lifesaving power of early detection for colon and rectal cancer. She champions the Be Seen movement, aiming to shine a light on the often-taboo topics of colorectal cancer symptoms and screenings. Marisa’s call to action is clear: prioritize your health and advocate fiercely for yourself. She also dishes on the 'biggest modern mom problem'—making purposeful use of time to ensure personal well-being stays at the top of the agenda. This conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the importance of being seen and heard in our own health narratives. Links: https://beseen.care https://www.instagram.com/beseen.care/

Motivational speaker Jesse LeBeau shares his inspiring journey from growing up in Alaska to becoming a successful speaker and mentor for teenagers. He overcame bullying and pursued basketball, using it as a way to stay focused and motivated. Jesse's passion for basketball led him to break into the entertainment industry and work with celebrities like Kobe Bryant, Heidi Klum, and Kevin Durant. His journey helped him realize the impact he could have on kids' lives and started speaking at schools and writing a book.  In this honest conversation, Jesse discusses the importance of confidence, belonging, and setting boundaries with technology. Jesse suggests finding something you're passionate about and using it as a driving force in your life. He emphasizes that confidence is built through accomplishing goals and earning it, not through empty compliments. Jesse’s advice is applicable, not just for teenagers, but for children of all ages.  This one’s for the underdogs! Links: https://www.jesselebeau.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jesselebeau

In this captivating episode, author Cory Allen recounts his remarkable journey from a challenging family background, to embracing Western and Eastern philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology. He shares the critical importance of self-awareness, self-trust, and the power to choose one's actions. The two also discuss how negative thought patterns and comfort zones hinder personal growth, while also sharing how fear can play a paralyzing role as well. Highlighting themes from his book 'Brave New You,' Cory explains how building confidence through small wins is vital. The conversation spans on an array of topics including misinformation, meditation, self-discovery, and the unique struggles faced by modern moms. Cory provides profound insights on the necessity of nurturing oneself and the importance of self-care. Tara enriches the dialogue by exploring the impact of social media and the importance of adaptability. This insightful conversation offers listeners valuable advice for personal growth and well-being, a must-listen episode for all!

In a lively chat, Tina Cartwright, the force behind Rebranding Motherhood, champions a refreshingly honest portrayal of motherhood, far from the polished norms. Sharing her own trials as a Black mother in corporate America, Tina calls for true visibility and support for all moms. She and Tara tackle the 'perfect mother' myth, advocating for authenticity and connection. Highlighting her own near-fatal health scare, Tina emphasizes the critical need for mothers, especially women of color, to advocate for their health. Their conversation underlines the importance of building a community that empowers mothers to trust their instincts and embrace their real, messy, and beautiful journey. Links: @rebranding.motherhood (INSTAGRAM)  https://www.rebrandingmotherhood.co/ https://www.youtube.com/@rebrandingmotherhood?si=KgYcCOvBpILduL75

In a revealing conversation, Emily Paulson, author of Hey Hun: Sales, Sisterhood, Supremacy, and Other Lies Behind Multilevel Marketing, pulls back the curtain on the not-so-shiny world of multilevel marketing (MLM) companies. With a blend of personal anecdotes and a sharp critique, Emily dives into her own journey through the enticing yet deceptive landscape of MLMs. Tara and Emily discuss the often predatory tactics used to recruit hopefuls, the staggering failure rates among participants, and the hefty financial load carried by distributors caught in the MLM web.The conversation wraps up on an empowering note with Emily, also a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, sharing her road to sobriety and the creation of the Sober Mom Squad, a community for mothers walking the sober path. The podcast episode truly peels away the glamorous facade of MLMs to spotlight the pressing need for integrity and support in personal and professional realms. Links: https://www.emilylynnpaulson.com/

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