The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks (Vanessa Quigley)

I'm willing to bet that struggling with body image and self worth is quite common for many of us. Almost daily I have to remind myself that how my body looks is the least important and interesting thing about me. But when I hear my teenage and young adult daughters body shame themselves I get down right angry. In my effort to find resources to help me help them I came across a book authored by sisters Lexi and Lindsay Kite called "More than a Body. -that book changed me! Both Lexi and Lindsey have PhDs in the study of body image and media from the University of Utah. Their research focused on harmful media messages, and they are considered experts in body image resilience and media literacy so I was thrilled when Lexi accepted my invitation to be a guest on the podcast a couple of years ago.  

A little more about Lexi and Lindsay: growing up as twins they faced constant comparisons about their appearance from friends and strangers alike. As the years went by they both found themselves critical of their bodies, so much so that they gave up something they both loved to do - competitive swimming. 

Years later the sisters went on to study body image and founded the nonprofit organization Beauty Redefined. For more than 10 years, the Kite sisters have been spreading their “More Than A Body” message. 

In this encore episode you will learn strategies for cultivating self-compassion and resilience and ways mothers can model body positivity. I  encourage you to listen with your daughters and/ or sisters and talk about your takeaways together. It has created some wonderful, healing conversations in my house.

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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6:00 What is body image resilience?

7:00 What to do when you see a photo of yourself you don't like 

9:00 Thinking of your body as a project instead of an instrument 

11:00 How to face insecurities 

17:00 How to talk to daughters about body image 

24:00 Media literacy for kids 

33:30 Young girls and clothing 

38:30 Telling your daughters they are beautiful 

52:00 Magical Everyday Moment 

As moms, wives, and working women there is a certain expectation that we’re always reachable. Having a phone is not only important, it’s almost required! But that doesn’t mean we have to be addicted to our phones. The trick is getting them to work for us in a way that allows us to be more productive, less stressed, and happier! 

Vanessa visits with her sister Leah, who shares all the brilliant ways she uses apps to maximize her phone’s potential. Setting alarms (to wake up in the morning or remember to get your kid from school), using reminders to create checklists (so satisfying!) and shopping lists that automatically pop up when you arrive at the store, adding images to your calendars, shared notes and keeping important information handy - Vanessa and Leah have hacks for each of your native apps that will blow your mind (we’re talking way more than the basic functions here!). 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

I love a fresh start and January is a natural time to do just that. But so many of us can get overwhelmed by the all-or-nothing mentality of resolutions, especially when it comes to diet and physical fitness. Why do we do that to ourselves? This is why I wanted to chat with my friend Erika Peterson of Clean Simple Eats, she knows that when it comes to our bodies it is all about the long game! For more than a decade, and through lots of grit and hard work, she has built a health and fitness empire. In this episode, Erika shares what that's been like – including her experience with healing her postpartum depression. She also shares what healthy eating actually looks like at her house with her 4 kids. Blend up a protein shake and listen in to Erika's expert advice! 

Here is the Chattymonial video we mention in the episode 

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Since Hannah Neeleman of Ballerina Farm was on the podcast in May of 2023 a lot has changed! She is expecting her eighth child very soon and has grown her follower count from 2 million to more than 8 million. 

She not only competed in the Mrs. America pageant, but she won! An amazing clip of her talking on stage about the empowering beauty of childbirth went viral. And as of today, she is just weeks away from delivering her 8th child! And she competes in Mrs World in January. I don't know how she does it! But more than 8 million people get to follow along on Instagram and TikTok as she shares her idyllic life at Ballerina Farm, catching glimpses of her daily life on the farm milking the cows, making gorgeous sourdough bread, and cooking with her kids. 

Hannah was so lovely and generous when we recorded this episode – sharing her journey from Julliard and the big city to farming in the small town of Kamas, Utah. She truly is one of the nicest people I know–and one of the most patient. You're just going to love hearing from her and what is next for Ballerina Farm! 

Time codes: 

2:20 Hannah’s childhood in the flower shop and being homeschooled 

4:03 How she ended up dancing at Juilliard 

5:28 Hannah’s first pageant and why she started doing them 

7:43 Getting married and living in New York City 

10:16 Why they started Ballerina Farm with pigs 

15:07 Getting the kids involved on the farm 

16:53 Being real on social media 

24:06 Hannah and Daniel on having more kids 

26:45 The experience of birth 

31:56 Date night and screen time 

41:00 Beauty in imperfect photos 

43:11 What’s next for Ballerina Farm 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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Every now a special moment reminds us why our photos are so important (a preschooler shedding tears over treasured pictures of his class, for instance), but often times we don’t realize how much they mean to us until we don’t have them anymore. In this second part of our podcast dedicated to photos, Vanessa and Erika discuss organizing, sharing, safeguarding, and printing your photos… and why it’s so important to do so. 

From deleting your blurry outtakes to making your camera roll more manageable, to taking advantage of shared albums and FREE photo storage, this episode shares simple hacks to ensure the moments you swore you’d never forget don’t get lost. Our goal is to strengthen families, and we feel there’s something powerful about putting photos in the hands of children (in fact, it’s science!).

Don't forget to check out our episode show notes and then head on over to the MomForce Facebook group. There are over 8,000 women there, engaging in conversations about all aspect of life! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Addiction can be a heavy topic which is why I am so glad we have Moira Kucaba at the helm of the conversation! She bravely shares her story and shows that there is always a path forward – and it is usually not a straight line. 

As a high achieving student and athlete Moira fell into alcohol and substance abuse during her high school years. Soon she found herself completely taken over by her addictions. By age 21, she confronted her addictions head-on, transitioning from alcohol and drugs to battling an eating disorder for a decade. Through her recovery process, Moira credits her faith and supportive community for helping her gradually reclaim her life. 

Now, as a thriving entrepreneur, devoted mother of two, and esteemed career coach, Moira's resilience shines through. Join us as she shares invaluable insights and tools for confronting life's challenges. She shares what has helped keep her sober for more than 20 years

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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Mother's Day is nearly upon us and it's sure to be unlike any other.

Vanessa and her 4 sisters discuss motherhood and what that means to each of them. With 30 kids between them, spread out across the country, the sisters have seen just about everything and are ready to dish on all that has happened over the past year.

A few of the questions they talk about are -

- "How has your relationship with your husband changed?"

- "What have you learned about your kids?"

- "How will your mothering change as a result of all this?"

- "What have you realized about yourself?"

To hear more from the sisters and other like-minded women from across the globe, be sure to join The MomForce Facebook group. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Budgeting can be a four-letter word! But our friend, Jordan Page makes it simple, and dare we say FUN! We are revisiting our popular episode to highlight Jordan's best tips for creating and sticking to a budget! Psssst - she has a website full of resources and tips, check out her website for details.

Want to learn more about The MomForce Podcast - be sure to join our Facebook group - full of thousands of moms from all over the world, helping each other through the highs and lows of parenting. Follow our host @vanessaquigley for all the latest at Chatbooks. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Known as “The Car Mom”, Kelly Stumpe is a go-to expert when it comes to finding the perfect car for your family. she provides invaluable insights such as the ideal car for accommodating multiple car seats, optimal trunk space, and top safety features in the event of a crash. Explore Kelly's expert advice as she addresses questions from our MomForce community, offering valuable tips on what features to prioritize when choosing a car and which models to avoid. Don't miss her verdict on the timeless minivan vs. SUV debate. Elevate your family's driving experience and learn a few new things before visiting your next car dealership. 

Time codes: 

2:35 What car should I buy for my family?

2:53 What car does Kelly drive?

5:38 SUV or minivan?

8:05 What carseats are best if you need to fit three across on one row 

10:16 Safety mistakes people make when it comes to carseats 

12:26 Used cars 

14:35 Teen driver safety tips 

19:45 How to be safe on the road 

25:23 Camera roll organization 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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Joy Cho is the founder of the Oh Joy! design studio and lifestyle brand. She launched the studio in 2005 and has since designed hundreds of products and collections with brands like Target and Keds. Joy recently wrote a book about kids and confidence. The book details her struggle to fit in and find confidence as a kid. Joy chats with Vanessa about the book and why she wrote it for parents and kids to read together. Listen in on their candid conversation about feeling guilt in motherhood, finding adult friendships, and being an entrepreneur. 

Joy has two daughters and lives in Los Angeles, California. She is a second-degree black belt, an avid tennis player, and a fashion icon. Joy also happens to be the most followed person on Pinterest! We know her advice and wisdom on confidence will inspire you. 

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Confidence in Kids

Artist Morgan Harper Nichols has inspired millions of people with her poetry, music, artwork, and affirmations. In this conversation from December of 2022, Morgan shares what it was like to find out that she is on the autism spectrum at the age of 31. In addition to that, Vanessa shares her experience getting an ADHD diagnosis last year. They both share their journeys of self discovery since those diagnoses. Listen to this episode to hear why Morgan chose to write a book about finding peace and her practical tips for everyday life. Since recording this episode Morgan has continued to share her words and art with the world as well as go back to school to earn her Master's Degree. Congrats Morgan!  

Morgan shares daily affirmations and encouragement on Instagram @thestorytellerco and @morganharpernichols

Time codes: 

2:59 A favorite photo of her family that captures an everyday magical moment 

5:32 Morgan’s journey of finding out she was on the autism spectrum 

7:25 How she finds time to create art 

8:20 Where Peace is a Practice came from 

10:47 Morgan’s motherhood experience 

17:07 How breathwork can change your life 

19:52 Morgan’s boundaries with social media 

22:24 Autism and social events 

34:18 Different communication styles 

38:08 Why Morgan loves to journal

42:36 A recent family photo that has become a favorite 

44:43 Photo organization tips 

47:24 What is next for Morgan 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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Home is the first place a child begins to learn, and the role a parent plays in their children’s education has changed dramatically since the global pandemic began. LaNesha Tabb of @apron_education and author of Unpack Your Impact is an educator and mother who is trailblazing a new curriculum for teachers, parents and students to learn about diversity, inclusion and cultivating important conversations. She shares with Vanessa the responsibility parents have to “disrupt the default” and consciously teach their children how to be anti-racist. In Lanesha’s words she tells us all how we can, “Stop being weird about race”. Additionally, LaNesha is a kindergarten teacher with 20 years of experience and she shares her number one tip for helping children learn at home. 

Vanessa’s home school episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-momforce-podcast-hosted-by-chatbooks/id1464755075?i=1000468947702

LaNesha’s guide for talking about racism: https://laneshatabb.com/home/store28348178-company-site/

Unpack your impact: https://laneshatabb.com/unpack-your-impact/

Read like a rockstar: https://readlikearockstarteaching.com/

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Joy Cho is the founder of the Oh Joy! design studio and lifestyle brand. She launched the studio in 2005 and has since designed hundreds of products and collections with brands like Target and Keds. Joy wrote a book about kids and confidence where she details her struggle to fit in and find confidence as a kid. Joy chats with Vanessa about the book and why she wrote it for parents and kids to read together.

Listen in on their candid conversation about feeling guilt in motherhood, finding adult friendships, and being an entrepreneur. Joy lives with her husband and two daughters in Los Angeles, California. She is a second-degree black belt, an avid tennis player, and a fashion icon. Joy also happens to be the most followed person on Pinterest! We know her advice and wisdom on confidence will inspire you. Since this episode was first released in the fall of 2022, Joy has expanded her business coaching and is now taking on new clients. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 15% off your next Chatbooks order! 

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I am so excited to have Jenny Keller, the “Cookie Queen” herself, on the podcast today! I first met Jenny back in the very early days of Chatbooks and before she'd opened herJenny Cookies bakery–we were both sponsoring the Santa's Secret Workshop in West Hollywood–an event bringing together celebrities and their families to celebrate the holiday season while supporting charitable causes. Well,Jenny, always up for a party, was there with her incredible cookies and her infectious smile and as soon as we met we became fast friends! I soon realized that she was also friends with many of the celebrities there as she'd made a name for herself by planning and catering some of their own star studded parties. A lot has happened since then and Jenny's inspiring journey is now taking a dramatic turn and in this episode she shares all the details! She opens up about the ups and downs of running a business while raising a family, how she creates meaningful family traditions, and the unexpected joys of having older kids. And you won’t want to miss her heartfelt insights on capturing the beautiful, messy, and real moments of family life. So join us as we chat about family, memories, and all the sweet in-betweens of motherhood. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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1:30 How Vanessa and Jenny met 

7:00 What is a Jenny Cookie and how did that name happen?

14:30 Party and hosting tips and tricks 

22:30 How motherhood changes as your kids get older 

25:00 Accept that your kids are not going to be your mini me 

28:00 Family traditions can be out of the box 

35:00 Big changes at Chatbooks 

39:00 Family mottos and how to create one 

41:30 What is next for Jenny 

Vanessa sits down with Shawni Pothier to discuss choosing one word to focus on for the year.  Mindful. Guided. Discipline. Focus. Enjoy. Choose. Be Still. A resolution doesn’t have to be something that’s daunting. Make it simple. Pick one word to represent the coming year. It should be something that inspires you or helps you progress toward who you want to be.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Jennifer Hanks of @cocoscaravan shares her story of losing her husband Justin when her twin boys were just 3 months old. Now, five years later, she is sharing what her friends did to support her during that incredibly difficult experience. In this episode, Jennifer bravely shares what she has been through and the most impactful things friends and family did to support her. She also explains why she decided to share her story online and the power of the community that she has created.  

Jennifer also tells Vanessa about her love of photos and the unique ways she incorporates them throughout her home and family narrative. She is strategic about using photos with her boys so that they know their dad and the stories of his life. 

Jennifer is amazing and I know you are going to love hearing from her. To read her full story go here. If you or someone you know is dealing with grief, remember that you're not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you through this challenging time. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 15% of your next Chatbooks order! 

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00:20 Jennifer’s story and experience losing her husband Justin while having twin baby boys 

3:35 Why she shares her story and the community she has built 

6:45 What you can do for a friend who is dealing with cancer or loss 

10:15 How to support single moms 

13:00 How photos helped in her grieving process 

17:18 Death anniversaries and how to mark the day 

20:45 Photos to show her boys and tell their family story

26:47 Why you should take the photo, even if it is just meant for you to keep to yourself 

28:55 Jennifer’s #1 tip for getting a great family photo

Social distancing has upended most of our lives, we’ve been told to “stay safe, stay home”. And while that is exactly what we need to do, it's created a dire situation for many businesses that rely on the public to keep their doors open. Without major corporations backing them, these “ma and pop” shops have had to get creative in how they continue. 

Vanessa Quigley is joined by her husband Nate, Chatbooks co-founder, as they chat with three local restaurant owners about how they have adapted to the current situation. 

Click here to watch Waffle Love's TV show

Vanessa and Nate's podcast episode on The Nitty Gritty Podcast 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Becoming a first-time mom is quite the adjustment period. I knew that I wanted to be there for my oldest daughter as she began her motherhood journey but I did not want to be overbearing or step on any toes.  Going into the experience of becoming a grandma I wanted to be as helpful as possible so I reached out to this amazing MomForce community for advice. You all shared heartfelt experiences and tips that I decided to pack into this mini episode for you. From freezer meals to the nighttime shift I am truly grateful for everything that was shared. Thank you for sending your thoughts and if you are about to become a mom or grandma I know that you will find something helpful in this episode! 

The joy that our new granddaughter has brought into our family cannot be overstated. If you want to see a few of my favorite moments so far find me on Instagram @vanessaquigley. 

Time codes: 

00:55 Vanessa’s experience having her babies 

1:40 Treat the new mom like your baby, get her everything she needs 

2:30 Don’t ask to hold the baby constantly, help with everything else around the baby like cooking and cleaning

3:45 Let the new parents do the baby stuff, you help run the household 

4:30 Let the new mom hold the baby 

5:00 How to be proactive but not presumptuous 

5:20 How to help with meals and snacks

6:00 Be a gatekeeper for unwanted visitors 

6:15 Run all the errands 

7:00 The night shift 

8:05 How to reassure the new parents that they can do it and are totally capable

9:00 Take all the pictures and videos 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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Motherhood and childhood go quickly. Looking at a photo and taking a moment to reminisce with loved ones is an antidote to the daily pushes and pulls of life. Not only is that magic... it's science! Vanessa is joined by developmental psychologist and University of Utah professor, Dr. Trisha Weeks, to discuss research that proves that printed photos strengthen families. Vanessa knew there was power in putting photographs in the hands of her children, but we wanted to test the science behind it! 

One study (comprised of focus groups and over 15,000 survey respondents) illustrates how physical photographs build a sense of identity, increase self-esteem, and lower behavioral issues.

Documenting our family’s story makes us feel like good moms… and it turns out we really are doing good for our children. It’s science! 

Check out the rest of our research at chatbooks.com/printed-photo-report

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

We’ve all heard of Marie Kondo her method of decluttering that frees up space in your homes, closets, dressers, and attics. But did you know you can do the same thing for your motherhood? You can actually purge some of the things from the way you “mother” that don’t spark joy! Vanessa is chatting with Rachel Nielson, host of the popular 3 in 30 Podcast, about how to take an internal inventory of your to-do list to make sure you have space and time for what you find most fulfilling.  

So how do we declutter our motherhood, you ask? It's very similar to how you would declutter a physical space.

Step 1: Take inventory of how you spend your time. Write down everything you are currently doing - for yourself, for your kids, your job, etc. 

Step 2: On a seperate sheet of paper, write down everything you think you should be doing.

Step 3: Look at those two lists and start Kondo-ing away! Mark which ones aren’t sparking joy, or aren’t necessary, or things that could be delegated to someone else.

Step 4: Once you’ve made this inventory of your life and you’ve eliminated or delegated things off your list, you’re ready for the fun part! Now you get to fill that newly found time and space with things that you truly love including those things you’ve been missing out on.

Rachel reminds us to be careful not to compare to what we see other moms doing on social media. We are each different and the way we mother will be different too! But one thing is for certain...every mother deserves to have deep joy, clarity, and contentment in her life.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Family communication can bring so much joy into our lives but it can also leave us feeling frustrated when messages are left unanswered. Author of Modern Manners, Brooke Romney, joins Vanessa Quigley, Chatbooks co-founder, to answer the MomForce community’s questions like what age is too young for a phone, how to prevent bullying, how to get your kids to talk to you, and what actions to take when a conversation gets heated. 

Vanessa tells Brooke about HeyFam, the new FREE app created by the Chatbooks team to make family communication easier. You can find HeyFam on the For You tab in the Chatbooks app. 

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Download the Chatbooks app and use promo code: POD20 at checkout 

Free photo organization course 

Are you looking for real-life, tried and true, tips and tricks to help with all the nitty-gritty stuff of mom life? Well, this podcast is for you! Join host Vanessa Quigley, mom of 7 and co-founder of Chatbooks, as she talks to parenting experts, celebrities, and real-life moms about recognizing the magical moments of life. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Vanessa and co-host Erika are talking to Emily Nelson, co-founder of High Fitness. Emily shares how and why she started the High Fitness movement with her co-founder Amber Zenith. What is High Fitness, you might ask? Take everything you loved about aerobics in the 80's and throw in some burpees and tuck jumps. Using simplified aerobic sequences and adding intense fitness-based moves, participants get a safe and effective workout! Check out High Fitness’ Youtube Channel or Instagram page for ideas. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

March is National Sleep Month and to kick off our 3 part series dedicated to helping us get the best sleep possible, we have pediatric sleep consultant Becca Campbell joining Vanessa and co-host Kara to talk all things related to babies sleeping. Here are some tips from Becca:

Tip #1: Many moms like to have their babies close to them at night. A bassinet next to the bed is a great way to keep your newborn close. But then you might find yourself waking up to every coo and grunt. Try moving the bassinet to the other side of the room. Your baby is still nearby, but all those sweet nighttime sounds aren’t disturbing your own sleep.

Tip #2: Does this scenario sound familiar? Baby is tired and cranky but won’t go down for a nap, so you strap him in the car seat for a quick ride around the neighborhood to fall asleep? Becca says eliminate the props. Teaching your baby to fall asleep without pacifiers, bottles, or car rides allows them to self-soothe, so when they wake up 20 minutes into their nap, they can roll over and fall back asleep on their own.

Tip #3: It’s 5 am and your toddler is ready to roll for the day... to buy ourselves more precious sleep, we give them a sippy cup of chocolate milk, turn a show on and go back to bed. Yes, we might get an hour or so of sleep, but this teaches your child that as soon as they wake up, they get their “fix”. Becca suggests waiting at least 10 minutes before giving any drinks or shows or “fixes”. 

Need more help? Use code MOMFORCE to get $10 off Becca’s sleep course. And check out her website for a free napping calendar. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

When it comes to finding out what is important to you in your life, the first step is to name what matters. Kendra Adachi, New York Times bestselling author of The Lazy Genius Way, shares how this mantra has changed how she lives her life. She is a podcaster, mom, author and creator of a life-changing chicken recipe (seriously, you need to check it out), and she joins Vanessa on The MomForce Podcast to discuss how you can be your own lazy genius. Kendra shares stories of how she has overcome her perfectionist tendencies and how making and building connections with other people ultimately is what she has named as what matters most.

SHOW NOTES:

Find Kendra on Instagram and her website.

Change-your-life chicken: https://www.thelazygeniuscollective.com/blog/change-your-life-chicken

Kendra’s book: The Lazy Genius Collective

The MomForce Facebook Group

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

LaNesha Tabb is the founder of @apron_education and author of Unpack Your Impact. She has more than 16 years of teaching experience and is trailblazing a new curriculum for teachers, parents, and students to learn about diversity and inclusion. She shares with Vanessa the responsibility parents have to “disrupt the default” and consciously teach their children how to be anti-racist. In LaNesha’s words she tells us all how we can, “Stop being weird about race”. 

Vanessa’s home school episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-momforce-podcast-hosted-by-chatbooks/id1464755075?i=1000468947702

LaNesha’s guide for talking about racism: https://laneshatabb.com/home/store28348178-company-site/

Unpack your impact: https://laneshatabb.com/unpack-your-impact/

Read like a rockstar: https://readlikearockstarteaching.com/

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Vanessa is joined by her sisters for this special throwback episode. We take a walk down memory lane and share the best tips and tricks from Season 1 with the sisters. Between the 5 of them, they have 31 children! Each sister brings a different parenting style to the table and shares what has worked best for them. In this episode, they cover family campouts, allowance, kid's birthday parties, babysitting, and hygiene. 

If you want to hear more from the sisters in Season 4 join our MomForce Facebook Group and weigh in on the discussion!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Babysitting episode 1 & episode 2 

FREE babysitting printable 

Finding the perfect gift can be hard, especially for those closest to you. Vanessa Quigley, Chatbooks co-founder and mother of 7, reflects on past episodes with guests Shea McGee, Dr. Tina Bryson and Jordan Page, and shares their tips and tricks on how they strengthen their most important relationships. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Growing up with sisters meant a lot of fights. But it also meant you had a tight knit group of built in best friends. While not everyone grows up in such a big family, friendships of any sort are important. Moving away from family and transitioning into different phases of life has reinforced the importance of creating and maintaining meaningful relationships as adults.

Vanessa and all of her sisters are together to chat about the value of friendship, the importance of girl time and meeting people in this busy phase of life. Between parks, play dates, and preschool, all the girls share what has worked for them throughout the years. 

Don’t forget to join us over on the MomForce Facebook Group where we’ve committed to creating MomForce Meet-Ups! Also - check out our Chatbooks Podcast page for more fun information and tidbits!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Sharon McMahon of the @sharonsaysso Instagram account is a former high school government and law teacher that has been called “America’s Government Teacher”. She began building her "Governerds" community while sharing bipartisan facts about how the U.S. government works in preparation for the 2020 presidential election. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Sharon and Vanessa Quigley talk about the current events in Ukraine and how to discuss them with our kids. Listen to this episode for Sharon’s tips on how to raise kids to be critical thinkers in the fast-paced world of 24/7 news and technology. Plus, what action she is taking with her own children to make sure that they are good citizens and leaders. 

Follow Sharon Says so on Instagram and check out SharonMcMahon.com

Make a Chatbook and use code POD20

Did you ever think you’d be homeschooling all of your kids? Well whether we like it or not, many of us are getting that opportunity right now amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. And in today’s MomForce Mini Vanessa shares some of her experiences homeschooling 5 of her 7 children and why she loved it! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Design icon Julia Marcum of Chris Loves Julia shares some incredible words of wisdom with Vanessa Quigley on how to make your home a place you love. For the past 12+ years, Julia and her husband Chris have been renovating homes and sharing their process with the world on their blog and Instagram accounts. During the conversation, Julia gets real about the things you don’t see on Instagram. You’ll love hearing her candid opinion in this episode!

 Follow Julia on Instagram and check out chrislovesjulia.com

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Venus Morris Griffin bravely shares her harrowing life story and experiences for this last episode of season 3 of the podcast. I want to offer a trigger warning for all listeners – we will be discussing the abuse that Venus endured throughout her 20-year marriage to her first husband.

Today she is the mother of 7 and a very successful realtor in Georgia. While facing betrayal, abuse, infertility, addiction, mental health crises, and so much more Venus was able to create a beautiful life. 

I first heard Venus' story when Instagram creator and author, Brandon Stanton, of Humans of New York, shared a 13-post feature about her. Venus worked two jobs and got herself to college after growing up in a violent home with a mom who was an addict. While at college she dated and married Tripp Morris and started their family together. Although there were signs of abuse during their engagement, things really began to unravel 20-years later when she received a phone call from a prostitute. Her husband's double life was uncovered and he was sentenced to 45-years in prison, leaving Venus in tremendous amounts of debt and with a nursing baby.

In our conversation, Venus shares what she felt in that moment of betrayal and how her faith and determination helped her to not only survive but thrive!

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Ginny Yurich, a mom of 5 in Michigan, is the creator of a global movement known as 1,000 Hours Outside. The goal is to balance the average 1,000+ hours a child spends in front of a screen per year with 1,000 hours of unstructured outdoor play.

After a tricky start to motherhood, Ginny decided she wanted to try something new with her young kids. A friend invited her to take part in “nature days”. After a year of gathering together with friends and letting their kids play outside, Ginny realized they had spent more than 1,000 hours together. After looking back on the year and the changes she had seen not only in her kids but also in herself, she knew she was onto something. She coined the slogan, “1,000 Hours Outside: A movement for those who want a slower childhood and a fuller life”. Now her outdoor curriculum has been used around the globe and she is sent personal success stories on a daily basis. In this episode, Ginny tells Vanessa what life is like right now for her family, and what to do about video games! 

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Free 1,000 Hours Outside trackers

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Caitlin Creer is an interior designer known for creating timeless designs from California beach houses to colonial estates in Connecticut. She's also a mom of five, so you know she's got some real-life wisdom to share about juggling design projects around the country, family life, and everything in between.

In this episode Caitlin answers your design questions and shares what trends she is tired of and the ones she wants to see more of. Whether you're a design junkie or just trying to figure out how to make your house feel more like home, this episode is packed with inspiration, tips, and plenty of relatable mom moments.

Check out Caitlin's brand new book, An Intentional Home, to see more of her beautiful work and stories. And be sure to check out her store Foundation Goods. 

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3:00 A return to color in design 

5:15 How Caitlin got into the design world 

9:15 Caitlin's memory of home growing up 

14:00 How to create a plan for your home that is unique to you 

17:15 How to refresh a room without spending a fortune 

20:15 Great sectional for families?

24:30 Organizational tips for busy families 

31:15 No one lives in a picture perfect house 24/7 

The sisters are back! Chatbooks co-founder Vanessa Quigley is joined by her 4 sisters for a special holiday episode. They dig into dozens of questions from our MomForce community about the holidays and how to navigate tricky family situations. They cover everything from healthy boundaries, relationships with inlaws, and how to make kids feel special. Listen in to be inspired to choose your own way this year!  

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Listen to more episodes with the sisters: Mini Holiday ep and the Gifting ep

Brooke Romney’s Modern Manners For Teens

Have you ever said something to your child or husband and then thought, “Oh my gosh. I am my mother!” Well for better or worse, our childhood experiences, family dynamics, and the way we were mothered all play a role in how we raise our own families.

Vanessa and her sisters Erika, Leah, Shelly, and Kara are joined by their mother April Munns to chat about how she’s influenced each of their mothering styles. With 30 children between the sisters, they see little bits of their mom in themselves and celebrate their ability to see life through rose-colored glasses—something they inherited from her. April’s ability to “remember the good stuff” is apparent as she recalls some funny stories and even some of the harder parts of life while raising 12 children.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Emily O'Laughlin started Doing Great Clothing Co when she saw her son Nathan beginning a new chapter: post-high school and ready to work. She noticed that jobs that fit his abilities were few and far between. So she decided to create the solution, even though Emily and her husband both have full-time jobs. 

The mission of Doing Great Clothing Co says, "We're passionate about our chance to make concrete changes in the world of special needs. Our mission is to pave the way for those with
disabilities to reach those crucial developmental milestones and score meaningful employment."

If you are in the early days of a diagnosis with your child, or want to be a better ally and support to those you know with disabilities, or anywhere in between -- listen to this episode! Emily shares some tough experiences and challenges that have helped her and her family get to the point they are at today. 

Check out Doing Great Clothing Co. 

Doing Great Jobs: A Guide to Creating a Small Business for People with Disabilities 

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2:05 How Doing Great Clothing Co was born

5:35 Emily's experience raising a child with special needs 

7:30 Learning empathy 

10:15 A poignant experience in Emily's early motherhood 

14:00 Education experiences with Nathan 

17:30 You are the CEO of your family 

19:55 Concentrate on the joy of your child 

Today's episode is a special one that is close to my heart. I am sharing my unexpected journey from dreaming of Broadway to becoming the co-founder of Chatbooks. Growing up in a family of 12, I learned the power of big dreams and resilience, I was especially inspired by strong women in her life.

I pursued vocal performance in college, but after getting married young and starting a family, my path shifted. Years later, overwhelmed with mom life, a simple moment with my youngest child sparked the idea for Chatbooks—proving that sometimes, our biggest opportunities come from unexpected places.

In this episode I share the early struggles of entrepreneurship—running out of money, making mistakes, and launching ideas that flopped. But a viral video changed everything, reinforcing that fear and failure are just part of the process.

I encourage you to embrace discomfort, take action even when it’s messy, and recognize the value of your own stories. The dream you start with may not be the one you end up chasing, but what matters is having the courage to pursue something. I hope a part of my journey can inspire yours. 

Let's connect! Find me on Instagram @vanessaquigley

It's recommended that 4th graders get 10-12 hours of sleep per night. But kid's activities are often built around adult schedules! A nighttime routine is imperative for happy, healthy kids...but it's hard! 

Kara and Vanessa discuss their evening routines to help their big and little kids get the sleep they so desperately need. They agree: you have to set a time to officially wind down for the evening. When you can, have a family dinner at a consistent hour and use that time to reflect on the highs and lows of the day. Allow children to wind down by reading or listening to an audiobook. But sometimes you might just have to give everyone a "sleep gummy". HEY...whatever works!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Picky eaters are stressful! Jennifer Anderson of Kids Eat In Color has a mission to help parents feel confident feeding their families. Through her website and courses, she offers parents insights into family mealtime - especially with picky eaters! Jennifer joins Vanessa to talk through her best tips and tricks for fulfilling family meals. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Tamron Hall is a two-time Emmy Award-winning TV host, executive producer of her own syndicated talk show Tamron Hall, veteran journalist, and bestselling author. She’s spent decades honing her interviewing skills—from breaking news to deep, heartfelt conversations on the Today show. And today, we’re diving into something that is the driving force of everything she does– curiosity. 

Curiosity has shaped her ability to connect deeply with people and has influenced the way she approaches motherhood. It’s also the inspiration behind her latest book, Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid, a beautiful celebration of wonder, exploration, and the power of asking questions.

In this conversation, we’ll explore why curiosity is more than just a skill—it’s a superpower. One that opens doors, deepens relationships, and sparks lifelong learning. We’ll talk about how curiosity has shaped Tamron’s journey, how we can cultivate it in ourselves and our kids, and why asking the right questions can change everything.

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3:24 How Tamron became Grand Marshal for Black History Month at Disney World 

5:52 Tamron's story of IVF and becoming a mother at 48

7:01 Tamron's experience with fear after the pandemic 

9:11 Why curiousity is an opportunity to combat fear in all of our relationships 

18:41 Taking community for granted 

22:55 Trying to save your child from feeling uncomfortable and learning why that is harmful

29:36 What one thing we can do to bring more curiousity into our lives

Lisa is the mother of 5 and a talented actress, radio and podcast host, author, and comedian and I'm so grateful that we've become good friends over the years because she can always make me laugh. But I've also learned so many important life lessons from her. In this episode we chat about lots of good stuff including the important role humor has played in her family especially as they faced difficult times, including her husband Christopher's 4 year battle with ALS. Christopher passed away in June of 2020 just a few months before we recorded this interview. I was so impressed with her perspective and strength then, but as I've watched her over the past 2 years I continue to be amazed at how she's able to find joy and purpose and even humor while still working through grief and healing with her family. Lisa is one of my heroes and I'm so excited for you to learn from her. 

Watch the viral Real Mom video 

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Since the original release of this episode in 2020, Shea McGee has released her second book, had her design series on Netflix renewed for a third season, and had a sweet baby girl join the McGee family. So how did a girl who went to school in Public Relations end up creating Studio McGee? Shea joins Vanessa Quigley to talk about how she built her brand, alongside her husband Syd, while trying to balance life with two small kids.

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Unlock the secrets to a restful night's sleep for both parents and little ones with Toddler Sleep Coach Jessica Berk on this episode of "Enter the Chat." If you're struggling with bedtime battles, midnight wake-ups, or nightmares, Jessica has the answers you've been searching for. As a certified sleep expert, she has successfully guided countless families in establishing and maintaining effective sleep routines. From toddlers to older kids, Jessica shares invaluable insights on making bedtime a breeze. Plus, she unveils a foolproof plan for holiday travel, ensuring a seamless return home. Dive into this must-listen episode for practical tips on addressing common sleep issues and reclaiming peaceful nights for your entire family.

Time codes: 

2:41 What is the best age to move a child from the crib to a bed?

4:09 Playing musical beds every night and how to create new habits 

5:43 How are your kids falling asleep at bedtime? 

9:00 Handling things at bedtime around 7 PM is a lot more doable then waking up in the middle of the night 

15:48 What to do about monsters under the bed and other nightmares 

20:15 The best universal bedtime and why it is important 

20:54 How to get older kids to go to bed at a reasonable time

21:30 What to do about siblings that share a room and keep each other up talking at night 

24:27 The average amount of sleep every age group should be getting 

25:12 The best ways to handle holiday travel and not mess up sleep routines 

29:21 Free toddler sleep masterclass 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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Jessica’s FREE Toddler Sleep Course

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Since recording this episode for Season 1 of The MomForce Podcast, Ralphie Jacobs of Simply on Purpose has grown her following to more than 400k on Instagram and continues to teach live workshops and courses for parents. In today’s episode, Ralphie and Vanessa tackle tough parenting questions about disciplining toddlers (and teenagers) and how modeling good behavior for our children helps them better understand expectations. Ralphie reminds us that it’s never too late to make positive changes and that sleep can do wonders for toddlers and teenagers alike! 

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Do your kids believe in Santa Claus? If so, at what age should you tell them the truth? Should we feel guilty about “lying” to our children? Vanessa shares her opinions about all things Santa, on this MomForce mini.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Being married for 25 years is an accomplishment. Throw in raising 7 children and running a successful business and that is something to be proud of! Vanessa is joined by her husband Nate on this special episode where they share 7 tips for feeling more connected.  

Tip 1. The Check-in. 

Tip 2. Assume the Best. 

Tip 3. Cheer Each Other On. 

Tip 4. Date Each Other. 

Tip 5. Have Fun!

Tip 6. Work at the Relationship.

Tip 7. Don’t Compare. 

Marriage and running a business are not for the faint of heart. But if you put the work in, you can reap the dividends and happiness in your marriage. And if all else fails, take Nate’s advice, “I know that if I’m doing the dishes, Vanessa’s happy“.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Not everyone is fortunate enough to have a great relationship with their Mother-in-Law, but Vanessa says she hit the jackpot! In today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa (a new MIL herself!) chats with her Mother-in-Law, Bonnie Quigley, about their success in fostering their in-law relationship. It's all about space, support, and respect.

As a special bonus, Bebe shares the gifts that she, as a Mother-in-Law, has cherished most (and don’t we all need help with that!).

Follow along with Vanessa and the latest from The MomForce Podcast @vanessaquigley.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!  

Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen are the founders of Slumberkins, a brand that’s reimagining how parents approach emotional learning with their kids. As a former family therapist and special education teacher, they have poured their hearts into creating over a dozen characters and stories to help guide kids through emotions, and they are having  a big impact on parents too. In fact, they just published a book, All Feelings Welcome, just for parents, to embrace the full range of emotions, so we can break the cycles of burnout and over-pleasing.You're going to love hearing how their journey started, how Slumberkins has grown from it's humble beginnings, to Shark Tank, to an Emmy-nominated TV show. It’s a conversation full of heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you. 

5:00 How Slumberkins began 

10:30 Being kind to ourselves 

17:45 How Chatbooks is part of the Slumberkins story 

23:30 How the character Otter is helping military families 

24:20 Family transitions during divorce 

34:00 Be the friend that captures others motherhood moments 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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As we head into Mother’s Day this year I want to share some wise words from some of the women who have joined me over the years on The MomForce Podcast. Through 5 seasons we've talked about everything from infertility, to adjusting to life with a newborn, to how to get your teenagers to talk to you. I hope you can take this super-cut episode as my little Mother’s Day gift to you!  

Time codes: 

2:00 Sharon McMahon

5:40 Myriam Sandler

8:03 Jennifer Borget

11:25 Ralphie Jacobs 

15:22 Myriam Sandler

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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Erika Peterson has built a health and fitness empire with her husband JJ over the past 10 years. This episode originally aired in January 2023. Today Clean Simple Eats is made up of health products, more than 800 recipes, fitness programming, and a large community that supports each other through various challenges. 

Erika is a mom to four kids, during the conversation she candidly shares what brought her to start Clean Simple Eats. More than a decade ago she was dealing with postpartum depression and looking at ways to positively impact her life and change up her diet. She started making healthier treats and recipes and sharing them online. Just weeks into her changes she began to feel better and the recipes began to snowball online. 

She shares the key to sticking with a healthier lifestyle and how you can get your kids involved. 

Time codes: 

3:00 Having teenagers 

4:30 A fun family photo in Hawaii with an interesting backstory 

7:50 Living in Hawaii 

8:15 Building Clean Simple Eats 

9:05 Having people believe in you when you are starting something 

11:15 Starting to make healthy swaps in her diet 

13:00 Posting on Instagram and beginning partnerships 

13:45 Finding people that believe in you when you don’t believe in yourself 

17:45 All about small changes for big results 

20:10 The magic of bulk prep and make things you know your family will eat 

22:40 How she creates all the protein flavors like bananas foster and cookies and cream

29:15 How Erika and JJ have worked together for 10 years 

38:15 What is the real key to success and sticking to their longterm health 

45:00 Photo organization  

Check out Clean Simple Eats 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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Sazan Hendrix may be a content creator with millions of followers but before that, she was a girl that fell in love with a boy her family did not approve of. In this episode, Sazan opens up about her love story with her husband Stevie, and how they found happiness throughout the hard times. Not only that, but Sazan shares what her family life is like today and the healing that has happened. And she explains what she means when she says she wants to live, "A Real Good Life", -- emphasis on the real! 

I know you will be fascinated to hear from Sazan about her business experiences and what keeps her going as a mother to three little ones. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 15% of your next Chatbooks order! 

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4:00 Sazan's photo with a fun backstory about being first time parents 

6:40 Breaking cultural boundaries and family disapproval to marry her husband Stevie

7:15 Going through the hard before you get to the good 

8:00 Kurdish culture and traditions 

9:35 Choosing Stevie over family in the beginning 

11:15 Her family relationships today 

14:30 Incorporating Kurdish culture into the Hendrix home 

19:55 The beauty of a 5 minute break 

22:25 What to do on the hard days 

24:00 Life in Hollywood 

27:45 A REAL good life 

29:40 Sharing her faith online 

33:30 Deciding what family moments to share online 

40:00 Goals for her photo collection  

Stephanie Nielson began sharing her life in 2005 through her blog the NieNie Dialogues, she centered her writing on home life and motherhood. Then in 2008, she was in a fiery plane crash with her husband Christian. They both survived but she was badly burned over more than 80 percent of her body. She then wrote her New York Times bestseller, “Heaven is Here” about the entire experience. 

During our conversation, Stephanie shares what life looks like now that kids are growing up and moving out of the house, what daily little things make all the difference in creating a happy home, and how simplicity is key to making holiday time extra special. Stephanie is a delight and inspiration – I know you will love hearing from her. 

Time codes: 

5:43 Seasons and the beauty of change 

8:38 Why Stephanie’s story has touched so many lives 

13:24 How to turn a bad day around 

18:11 Raising teenagers and young adults 

21:42 Full circle moment for Stephanie with the Arizona Burn Center 

34:38 The importance of documenting her family’s life 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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Stephanie’s Chatbooks Ad

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The Home Edit—you've seen their work, right? You can’t miss their trademark way of organizing according to the colors of the rainbow, or maybe you've seen their successful Netflix series. For sure you've heard of some of their impressive Hollywood clients like Khloe Kardashian, Drew Barrymore, and Reese Witherspoon. Well, with their expertise and fun personalities best friends Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin catapulted to stardom, and in February of 2022 I was able to chat with them about how we can transform the chaos of our homes (and our camera rolls!) into beautiful organized spaces. Very shortly after releasing this episode, however, Clea bravely announced on Instagram that she had breast cancer. The world watched as she battled cancer with an incredible amount of grace and strength. I'm happy to report that she is now cancer free and back to work with Joanna on several big new Home Edit projects.

It was just anoounced that they are set to star in the TV revamp of the crazy-popular show “Extreme Home Makeover"--I cannot wait for them to shout "move that bus"! And, they have a new book coming out this fall about how to stay organized. I'm happy to get to share this encore episode with you– you're going to love learning what systems they use to keep their own homes organized and what the "low bar lifestyle" is all about.  

It’s Chatbooks birthday sale! Find the best deals of the year and print your memories!  

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Known for her incredible talent on the dance floor, Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy has helped so many women who struggle with infertility feel seen and known as she has shared her journey to becoming a mother. We originally aired this episode last year and had an incredible response from our community so I wanted to share it again. Jenna’s adorable baby boy Rome is now 1 and has accompanied her on tour with the Dancing with the Stars team. 

Jenna is a bright light in the dance community and you're going to love learning more from her including what it was like meeting her husband on Dancing with the Stars and how they ultimately fell in love and started their family. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!

Make a book for Mother's Day!

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Ashley Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz, entrepreneur, and mother of five, shares her story of resilience and hard work. In this conversation with Chatbooks co-founder, Vanessa Quigley, Ashley opens up about her childhood struggles and how they shaped the person she is today. Ashley and her husband Ryan both pursued careers as entrepreneurs, Ashley as the director of Smash Dance Academy, and Ryan as co-founder of tech giant Qualtrics. As success came, the couple put philanthropic efforts at the top of their priority list and have been huge supporters of Encircle, Primary Children’s Hospital, and 5 For the Fight. 

In 2020, Ashley and Ryan became owners of the Utah Jazz basketball organization. Amid their stewardship responsibilities, Ashley shares how she has kept her family grounded and what they do to stay connected. You don’t want to miss her tips for creating non-negotiables for your family! 

Encircle 

5 for the Fight 

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Free photo organization course

Happiness is part of the human experience, and today’s guest never tires of exploring the many facets of emotion and happiness. Gretchen Rubin, author of The Four Tendencies, has devoted her career and writing to understanding how humans respond to their expectations. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, she explains that people’s responses to outer and inner expectations determines which of the four tendencies (upholder, questioner, obliger, or rebel) they have.

SHOW NOTES:

The Four Tendencies Quiz

Gretchen’s favorite parenting books: 

How To Talk So That Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

Siblings Without Rivalry

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Lisa Damour is joining Vanessa and her sister Shelly on The MomForce Podcast to talk about stress and anxiety. To begin the episode she outlines when anxiety is at normal levels in our kids and when it is time to step in and get help. Dr. Damour gives practical tips and tricks on how we can help our kids and ourselves cope with strong feelings. She also explains what negative coping strategies look like and what to replace them with. Give it a listen and check out her award-winning books Untangled and Under Pressure  

Make a Chatbook and use code POD20

Prepare yourself folks for so much wisdom from Jillian Harris. If you follow Jilian you know she is an absolute dynamo. A true powerhouse—She's an entrepreneur, cookbook author, interior designer, and the creator of The Jilly Box. I love her Jilly box, it's a quarterly subscription box that showcases women entrepreneurs and small businesses. It sold out now but I'm on the Insider wait list! 

Jillian is based in Canada and she first captured hearts as a contestant on The Bachelor and later made history as the first Canadian Bachelorette. But Jillian’s story goes far beyond her TV beginnings. While building an inspiring career and raising a beautiful family, she battled burnout and sought to regain balance all while supporting a loved one through mental illness.

She's raw, she's real, (she even swears a little) and. I know you’re going to love her. 

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6:00 How Jillian organizes her family memories 

8:40 How to remember the daily magical moments 

10:35 Growing up with a mother that has a bipolar diagnosis 

19:30 What caused Jillian to hit major burnout and how she has dug herself out of it

25:00 How to create rituals that spark joy like "turndown service"

27:00 What it was like when Jillian experienced a wildfire in Canada and her property burned to the ground. Plus, the amazing opportunity that came out of it. 

31:00 The relationship advice she wishes she had during her younger years on The Bachelor franchise 

33:45 How to keep the overwhelm away and not get stressed out. 

35:00 What is next for Jillian 

Join Abby Cox as she shares her inspiring journey from small-town farm life to residing in the governor's mansion in Salt Lake City. Growing up in the small town of Fairview, Utah she never imagined herself living a life in politics. Since becoming First Lady, Abby created the “Show Up” initiative, which invites everyone to show up in their community through service opportunities. 

This year she has refocused her efforts on the larger nationwide initiative of “Disagree Better”. Meant to help ease the political discourse that has gotten so impassioned over the years. 

During the conversation, Abby shares how she has personally learned how to “Disagree Better”. She explains what she does when she disagrees with her husband or kids on political issues, how we can better understand each other, and why it is important to never stop doing the work. 

Cherish every single day. That is what Dallas based photographer and blogger Jennifer Borget strives to do as a homeschooling mom of 3. In this episode Jennifer opens up about race and diversity and her journey as a Black woman married to a White police officer raising a multiracial family.  She shares great resources and insights for all of us to learn from. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Link to Jennifer’s blog: https://cherish365.com/

Eye-opening posts about race and racism: https://cherish365.com/my-must-read-blogs-for-black-history-month-2021/

16 Best Diversity and Inclusion Books for Kids: https://cherish365.com/16-best-diversity-and-inclusion-books-for-kids/

Find Jennifer on Instagram

The first of a new series! Vanessa and her sisters are going to take turns giving their own "unpopular" opinion on a trending topic/debate/question. We love the diversity of our Facebook group, The MomForce, and would love for you to join the group and chime in on the conversations happening here.  

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Parties are a fun chance to explore your creative, crafty side. But they can also bring the pressure to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that doesn’t always go as planned. 

Vanessa and Leah sit down to talk about birthday parties. Maybe you’re prepared to make throwing a Pinterest-worthy party a part time job. Or perhaps you don’t possess the time, money, or mental capacity to host 20 kids at your house. Doing what works best for you will result in everyone being much happier! And the same holds true for your kids. While one child may plan their next party all year long, a movie and ice cream date may be the other child’s speed. Do you! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

FIND. YOUR. PEOPLE. This was the number one tip from this episode’s MomForce guest, Renae Ingles, as she discussed her family’s journey with their son who was diagnosed with autism at two-years-old. Renae Ingles is a retired athlete, wife to NBA player Joe Ingles (go Jazz!), and a mother of three. Her life may appear picture perfect, but Renae is quick to open up about the highs and lows that she faces on a daily basis within her family of 5. She has become a passionate spokesperson for autism awareness, research, and education since her son, Jacob, was diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder a couple of years ago. In this episode Renae clears up some common myths about autism and shares advice for anyone that might be facing a new diagnosis.

Find Renae on Instagram.

Kulture City: https://www.kulturecity.org/

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

In this episode of The MomForce Podcast titled "The Power of Showing Up," Vanessa Quigley chats with Dr. Tina Bryson, an expert in parenting and child development. They explore the essential role of the "4 S's" – Safe, Seen, Soothed, and Secure – in fostering secure attachments and emotional resilience in children. Dr. Bryson highlights that showing up consistently and empathetically is crucial for a child's development and well-being.

This episode is packed with practical parenting tips and insights into creating strong family bonds, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their parenting skills.

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More on the research from Chatbooks and HP about strengthening families.

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If you’ve spent time on Instagram or Pinterest then you’ve likely seen Becki Owens work. She is one of the most sought-after interior designers, known for her warm and inviting aesthetic that millions have tried to replicate. She has countless product lines and collabs – and today she is answering some of your toughest design questions! Things like what do I do with this huge blank wall or what do I replace all my outdated lighting with!? 

I know you will enjoy hearing about Becki’s journey to where she is today, her family life, and the role motherhood plays in her day-to-day schedule.  Join us as we delve into Becki's world, learn from her expertise, and gain inspiration for your own interior design projects. Whether you're a design enthusiast or a homeowner seeking practical advice, this episode has something for everyone. 

Time codes: 

5:40 Becki’s personal style 

8:22 How to find your style and stick to it in your home 

9:22 How to do a color story for your home design 

13:40 Following trendy decor 

14:30 Becki’s favorite scents for home 

17:40 How she keeps her family as her number-one priority 

21:45 What to do with a small bedroom closet 

22:40 What to do with a giant blank wall 

23:30 LVP or carpet in a basement with kids and dogs

36:50 Holiday family photos  

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Moms, let’s be real—parenting is a wild ride, full of ups and downs, curveballs, and unexpected turns. But what if there was a way to make those ups and downs a little easier to handle? That’s where your mental health baseline comes in.

Today, I’m talking with my friend Julie Taylor, a writer, mom, and someone who just gets it. We’re breaking down what a mental health baseline is, how to boost it, and why taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

And trust me, Julie is the perfect person for this conversation—not only does she have a way of making deep topics feel so relatable, but she also speaks from raw, personal experience. A little over a year ago, Julie lost her infant son at birth—a loss that completely changed her understanding of resilience, grief, and what it truly means to rebuild your emotional baseline.

Her wisdom comes from lived experience, and I know her perspective will resonate with so many of you.

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8:30 How to determine your baseline in mental health 

14:45 Julie's experience with grief 

21:00 Do what you say you're going to do for a mental health boost 

23:15 Trust the times and seasons 

24:10 Try something new, or return to a past hobby 

26:15 Not meant to stay in survival mode 

29:00 What helped Julie the most going through grief 

32:30 How to choose connection with your kids that makes a difference 

44:00 You're doing better than you think you are 

45:30 Tell your friends the good in them 

47:00 Our limitations are invitations for collaborations 

Karalynne Call, the mastermind behind Just Ingredients, shares her incredible journey from struggling with depression to becoming a beacon of hope for clean living and holistic health. Karalynne shares her personal story of hitting rock bottom and how learning about the connection between nutrition and mental health became a turning point in her life.

She offers practical tips for making small but impactful changes in your family’s diet, easy ways to clean up the products in your home, and how prioritizing wellness can create a ripple effect in your overall happiness. 

Whether you’re curious about clean living, looking for ways to support your mental health, or just need a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom. Listen to hear how small changes can lead to big transformations.

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4:30 Karalynne's struggle with depression 

8:25 Karalynne's experience on medication 

14:00 How to find trustworthy sources of information 

20:15 Gluten, dairy, and allergens 

25:00 Substitutes for caffeine 

30:45 Eczema tied to gut health 

35:00 Are there better choice snacks at the store?

43:00 Karalynne's photo hack for her kids 

I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah Molitor to the MomForce! Known to nearly 800,000 followers as @modernfarmhousefamily, Sarah is a mom of seven and an absolute ray of sunshine. As a fellow redhead, I knew right away we were kindred spirits!

In our chat, Sarah opens up about a powerful lesson she learned: words matter. She shares how, as a new mom navigating a tough season in her marriage and adjusting to a new place, her words began to reflect negativity. But one eye-opening phone call changed everything, inspiring her to shift her perspective and set her on a mission to help others communicate with grace, purpose, and love.

I know you’ll love this conversation! Sarah’s wisdom and experience is very relatable. 

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Sarah's new book Well Said 

3:00 Sharing her family story online 

9:00 How Sarah decides what not to share online 

13:30 Learning the lesson that "words matter" 

17:15 Words of encouragement are free 

23:30 How to get away from the victim mindset 

24:30 Words of encouragement for first time mom Sarah 

26:30 How Sarah holds onto what matters 

You don’t usually hear the words Juilliard trained ballerina and pig farmer in the same sentence -- but welcome to the wonderful world of Hannah Neeleman, founder of Ballerina Farm. In this episode, Hannah shares her fascinating journey from New York City to rural Utah and how she went from ballerina and pageant queen to mother of seven building a direct-to-consumer working farm. Something Hannah believes is that "life is better when we know our farmers and know our food." She shares her everyday farm life on social media and people can’t get enough, she has more than 4.5 million people following her on Instagram, and continues to grow. 

In this conversation with Chatbooks co-founder Vanessa Quigley, Hannah gets real and honest about the ups and downs of sharing her life on the internet. Plus, she shares what a day in her life looks like, lets us know if she plans on growing her family of 9 any further, and she gives a sneak peek into some exciting new developments for Ballerina Farm! 

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There’s something about summer that seems to make kids hungrier. And with kids home all day, there’s an added challenge when it comes to meal planning. Vanessa, and her sister Shelly, discuss little steps you can take to make summer meal planning easier. You don’t always have to prepare a big, fancy dinner. You know what your people like! Use these tips to be ready on the go, learn to cut corners, and use your resources. Make summer meal planning easy on yourself! 

Check out our website for Show Notes, links to recipes, the watermelon hacks, as well as our meal planning printable.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

While our moms may have been great about buying Christmas gifts year round and filling stockings months in advance, we aren’t all cut out for that sort of holiday preparation. But the season is upon us and whatever you celebrate, it’s finally time to start thinking about gifts! 

It’s not hard to get our kids to share what they want. They presented us with a seven page (front and back) letter to Santa, after all. But Santa is on a budget, and we don’t want to fill their Christmas with more “stuff.” On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa is joined by her sisters Kara and Shelly to talk about those “home run gifts.” The ones sure to get played with year round. Scoring the gift that stops them in their tracks doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank, either! The sisters share their tricks and tricks to finding the best toys at the best prices (while sharing what was a big miss, as well). 

Gift giving isn’t always easy. Husbands, extended family, neighbors, and in-laws are sure to leave you stumped. Some of our favorite gifts haven’t been extravagant. Finish a project your spouse was never going to wrap up on their own. Personalize something they can treasure for years to come. Give them the gift of an experience they won’t forget. Help beautify the neighborhood, or make charitable donations on behalf of others. 

Simplifying your shopping list will prevent you from making that panicked last-minute dash to Target to load up your cart with stuff you don’t need. Being prepared will also allow you to put thought into gifts and make the most of your holiday season. After all, it can’t be the most wonderful time of year if you don’t enjoy it!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Our MomForce has spoken and one thing on many summer bucket lists is camping! Whether your idea of camping involves a tent or a hotel room full of kids, family camp-outs are a great way to foster memories.

Vanessa Quigley is joined by her sister, Kara, co-founder of Raising Wild Swimwear and mother of 4, to discuss the highs and lows of braving the great outdoors. While they agree that camping may not be for everyone, there are ways to create a memorable trip without requiring expert survivalist skills. And hey, everything tastes better by a campfire, right?

Visit our website for a fun camping printable!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Moms everywhere are overwhelmed: driven to tears, hyperventilating, rage cleaning, or perhaps hopping in the car and driving away. Caring for an entire family is challenging. Often we ask ourselves, are we doing enough? Are we fun enough, compassionate enough, patient enough? 

Good moms have bad days. The newborn stage is hard. The toddler stage is hard. Teenagers are hard. Heck! Even our adult children are hard! On today’s episode of The MomForce Podcast, Leah joins Vanessa to talk about how they handle the weight that motherhood places on your shoulders. They discuss recognizing your own needs and taking action. 

Join the MomForce Facebook Group and join in on our daily conversations!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Father’s Day is around the corner and on this extra special episode of The MomForce Podcast, Vanessa is talking to three very different dads about what fatherhood looks like in their home. Aaron McGee of @fatherhoodisdope talks about destigmatizing fatherhood. Scout Masterson talks about the adoption process he and his partner, Bill, went through to finally get their two children. Jeremy Andrus is a serial entrepreneur and the current CEO of Traeger Grills. He talks about teaching his 6 children the importance of service and giving back to their community. Whether you are in LA, Tennessee, or the mountains of Utah, fatherhood looks different for everyone. But one uniting factor for all these dads is teaching their kids to make the world a better place! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Building a business takes patience, grit, and a whole lot of passion. Vanessa chats with Anna Lozano and Lindy Sood of @lovepoweredco. The mission at Love Powered Co is "to empower the next generation of mindful leaders, through the POWER of I AM. "

Starting a company while raising young families didn't come without its hiccups, but Anna and Lindy's passion for helping others through positive affirmations has been what has kept the two of them going. If ever the world needed to be flooded with inspiring self-talk, it's now! 

To find more information on Love Powered Co, check out their website and instagram. They offer products for littles, teens, and adults.

Then be sure to head over to our MOMFORCE FACEBOOK GROUP - full of thousands of moms from all over the world, helping each other through the highs and lows of motherhood!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Author Laura Tremaine shares the ten types of friends you should have in your life in her new book, The Life Council. Laura dives deep into why making friends as an adult is hard, and explains a no-fail way to make new friendships flourish! She shares the ups and downs she has experienced and why it is okay for relationship priorities to shift during different seasons of life. 

In this conversation with Chatbooks co-founder, Vanessa Quigley, Laura shares how to work through tricky friendship moments and how to recognize when a friendship needs to end. No matter what's happening in life -- you need friends! Listen to this conversation and you will be inspired to make better connections and put more effort into the relationships that matter. 

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We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

There are varying degrees of grief, but it is always complicated. Time heals, but grief never fully goes away. Rather it evolves and manifests itself differently over time. It is human nature to want to help those we love through difficult times. Sometimes our actions are helpful, sometimes our words are meaningful. But other times even the best intentions leave us with our foot stuck in our mouth.

In this episode, Vanessa sits down with Keenan Sanders, one of Chatbooks’ original MomForcers and a mother who has experienced heartbreaking loss. Five years after the death of her daughter, she reflects on the lessons she’s learned, the healing she’s experienced, and provides insight on how others were able to help her through her darkest moments.

From discussing death with children, to showing friends and neighbors support, and the importance of being selfish as you heal, this episode covers some of the often overlooked aspects of grief. Everyone’s rock bottom is different, and many people may never discover theirs. But all grief is valid and should be treated delicately.

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

How did Jamie Kern Lima go from waiting tables at Denny’s to selling her cosmetics company for more than a billion dollars? Driven by the desire to create makeup products that would help with rosacea — a lifelong skin condition she was frustrated by — Jamie knew she had to make her products stand out. After appearing on national television without any makeup, along with real women as models, Jamie continued to grow IT Cosmetics until it was ultimately bought by L’Oreal for 1.2 billion dollars. Jamie stopped by The MomForce Podcast to talk about the ups and downs of her career and share how she found the confidence to believe in herself.

To purchase a copy of Jamie’s book “Believe It”: https://www.believeit.com/

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We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Dubbed “The Godfather” by Vanessa, Susan Peterson is a well known name in the entrepreneur world. Known for her super successful baby moccasin and bag brand, Freshly Picked. Susan started Freshly Picked at home with her sewing machine making every pair of leather shoes by hand. She started to grow and decided to go on Shark Tank. Since her appearance on the show years ago, she has built an incredible brand and is working on three more.  

In this first ever live episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and Susan answer questions from a studio audience comprised of female founders and entrepreneurs. They touch on everything from handling the mental load at home to knowing when you need funding. Not only that but Susan emphasizes the value of mentorship, the reality of facing failures, and the importance of mental health in your journey. Listen in and be inspired! 

Time codes: 

02:54 The First Q4 Experience & Marketing with Kourtney Kardashian

5:32 Gifting Dad a Christmas Book Mishap

7:58 Making Genuine Connections

9:42 Finding Purpose in Business

12:25 The Fear of Failure

14:54 Advice for Moms Stepping into Entrepreneurship

19:15 Supporting Other Women's Businesses

20:46 The Hardest Part of Susan's Entreprenuer Life

23:20 Funding and Accountability in Business Growth

27:59 Starting a Business After 13 Years Home with 4 Kids

32:55 What Susan is Doing Next 

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Camila McConaughey is an entrepreneur, model, designer, and philanthropist. She came to the United States from Brazil at 15-years-old and found work as a house cleaner and waitress. Years later she was able to break into the modeling industry. Today she is married to Matthew McConaughey and living in Austin, Texas where they are raising their three children. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Camila and Vanessa Quigley talk about family dynamics and what it really takes to make a marriage work. Camila shares insights into her parenting style and if she and Matthew will be going for baby #4! 

Follow Camila McConaughey on Instagram and check out her online community at WomenofToday.com  

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Host Vanessa Quigley and co-host Erika to talk to licensed sex therapist and sleep expert Christine Lawler about the science behind our sleep routines. Here are a few of Christine's tips:

Tip 1. If you don’t fall asleep within 20 minutes of lying down, get out of bed and go do something productive until you start to feel drowsy. 

Tip 2. Stop the negative talk. When we tell ourselves, “I’m a terrible sleeper”, we create an association that can make it difficult to get rest. Our beds need to be the place where we sleep, not scroll social media.

Tip 3. Find your ideal amount of sleep. Some people can function perfectly on 6 hours while others need 7.5 hours. Christine helps her clients find that sweet spot that allows them to get the most beneficial night's sleep.

Tip 4. Talk about sex. Tiredness can be interpreted as disinterest. Open conversations about where your head is at can clear most confusion about desire and frequency. 

Tip 5. It’s ok for both partners not to go to bed at the same time. You may just need to get more creative at when you can be intimate. 

You can check out Christine’s websites The Peaceful Sleeper and Christine Lawler for more tips and resources on both topics! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Traditions show children that their family circle is a living link to a chain of generations. Research shows that much like displaying printed photos, practicing family traditions helps build children’s identity and family connection. But holiday traditions can be overwhelming! You don’t have to do ALL of the things in order to make your season magical. 

Rituals and traditions can be as elaborate as planning daily activities for your Elf of the Shelf, or as simple as starting each morning with a kiss as you send your kids out the door. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Erika and Leah join Vanessa to discuss the traditions they had growing up, the traditions they bid adieu to as they got older, and the compromises they made when their spouses brought their own holiday traditions to the family. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Phil's my Pharmacist has answered thousands of moms health questions with his 1M+ TikTok audience, but rewind to 2020 and he didn't even have social media. During this episode Phil shares what got him to begin to share his health advice on the internet. We touch on a lot of hot health topics including: 

• Supplements: What are the hard and fast rules to follow?
• ADHD: Can vitamins help the symptoms?  
• Germs: How to avoid the common cold with kids in school. 
• Sleep: Why is everyone talking about magnesium?

2:00 How did Phil become "Phil's My Pharmacist" 

5:00 Why you should talk to your pharmacist

7:00 How do we know who to trust when it comes to our health? 

8:00 What about things like red40? 

10:30 Phil's favorite video to film 

12:00 Supplements, what ones should we actually take? 

18:30 ADHD and supplements and the different types 

24:30 Different kinds of magnesium 

30:00 How to sleep better 

36:00 Are probiotics important? 

38:30 Weight loss help 

40:00 What one item should you have in your house? 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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Valentine's Day, do you love it or hate it? Do you expect roses and chocolate? In this MomForce Mini episode, Leah talks about the unmet expectations she once had about love day back when she was dating her husband. She tells us how those have changed over the years and how her family of 9 (NINE!) likes to celebrate Valentine's day! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

What jeans should I be wearing?! Fashion designer, content creator, mom of three, and style educator Merrick White is answering that question and so many more during this episode of The MomForce Podcast. She has been in the blogging space for more than a decade and shares daily fashion tips to help guide us all. Merrick is responding to questions from the MomForce community about how to do a successful closet cleanout, how to find your personal style, and of course – what  jeans will make you feel good! I know you will love this episode and what Merrick has to say about fashion in motherhood. Not only that she shares a great guide for teaching our teens and tweens about making appropriate clothing choices. You don’t want to miss it! 

Time codes: 

5:35 Jeans 101 

13:30 Finding your personal style 

14:45 Postpartum fashion 

16:30 Capsule wardrobes 

20:00 Criteria for a closet clean out 

22:00 What Vanessa should keep and what she should get rid of 

30:15 Selling clothes and organizing a clothing swap 

40:00 The pajama pants trend and how to help teens make appropriate clothing choices 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! 

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How to find your personal style quiz

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With 11 siblings and 7 children of her own, it’s safe to say Vanessa has experimented with a range of possibilities when it comes to allowance. Whether it’s getting paid for simple household chores, getting a job, or being paid for good grades, teaching kids the value of a dollar is hard! 

Vanessa chats with her sister Erika about the different allowances (and reasons for them) they received as kids, and how they’ve used money to reward (and sometimes penalize) their children as they’ve grown up. From splitting the costs of non-essentials to emphasizing the importance of money-making skills, we’ll cover what’s worked, what hasn’t, and all the reality checks along the way (you’ll want to hear about the time Erika’s son, Jett, hit the jackpot with his lemonade stand). 

There’s always more conversation on the MomForce Facebook Group Page. We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Karalynne Call of @just.ingredients and mom of 6 kids, teaches us why we must nourish our minds and bodies. 15 years ago Karalynne found herself in the depths of severe depression. After attempting suicide she knew she needed to find help. Karalynne began her journey of healing through trial and error and plenty of research. Today, as a certified nutritionist, she has helped thousands of families swap out everyday ingredients in their homes to live a more balanced and non-toxic lifestyle. Karalynne tells Vanessa Quigley why living this way should be the top priority for every family. 

 Follow Karalynne on Instagram and check out justingredients.com

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Sleep is one of a mother’s most coveted things. Vanessa's sisters, Kara and Shelly, are talking about all things sleep. Thanks to the tips Shelly learned from Lauren Olson’s episode, her baby Otto has mastered sleeping in this crib. Kara is due with her 5th baby this summer and some guidance from Becca Campbell’s episode provided much-needed direction on how to make sure newborns (and moms) can get the rest they need. 

For more information on these sleep pros, check out their websites!

Christine Lawler

Becca Campbell

Lauren Olson

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Marriage takes work! That is the lesson Nate Quigley shared the first time he was on The MomForce Podcast. For round two, Vanessa and Nate dig deep into their marriage, and what has worked and what hasn't! They open up about how good communication helps them navigate conflict while fostering greater connection. Nate shares why "birding" is his favorite date night activity and Vanessa tells why she has fully embraced it over the years. They also weigh in on the worst marriage advice they were ever given. 

Tune in to hear the Quigleys share the ups and downs of their relationship and how they just launched a new app to help strengthen families called Hey Fam! 

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Actress and singer Lea Michele made her first appearance on Broadway before she had even completed elementary school. From there she starred in countless musicals and landed her most well-known role as Rachel Berry on the hit show Glee. This past year Lea’s life changed completely when she gave birth to her baby boy Ever. Her road to motherhood was filled with heartache and setbacks. During her conversation with Chatbooks co-founder Vanessa Quigley, Lea opens up about her struggles with PCOS and infertility and why no one really knew what she was going through. Listen to this episode to hear Lea share her real and honest experiences on The MomForce Podcast. 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

On this episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa and her sister, Shelly, talk about creating a schedule that will work for any family. Limiting the number and type of activity each season and remembering to schedule days off (or even family dinner!) will keep everyone - not just the kids - from burning out. Finding a way to sync the family calendar lets everyone know what’s on the horizon.

While some families live by the rule that you don’t need to start activities right way, others see the benefit in exploring interests at a young age. Whatever approach you choose, it’s important that no one feels stretched too thin! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Long gone are the days of being bound by 24 exposure rolls of film (36 if you splurged). We aren’t lugging around giant SLRs as often anymore, and there simple alternatives if you just can’t find the time to catch up on your scrapbooks. But despite technology improving so drastically (and making things SO much more convenient) we still aren’t always capturing the moments we’ll treasure when we look back at photos.

In the first part of this two episode podcast, Vanessa and her sister, Erika, chat about their tricks for taking the photos they’re going to love forever. It’s not always the perfectly posed kids in coordinating outfits that they look back on with the greatest sense of fondness. Sometimes it’s the real life moments; the piles of tiny shoes left by the back door, the child’s name written in crayon (even when it’s across the furniture), the stubbornness of a pre-teen not thrilled about having their photo taken, or the change of background that would have otherwise gone unnoticed that sparks the happiest memories. 

Photographing life’s everyday events can make us more mindful of what’s happening in that time, sparking a feeling of gratitude that may have otherwise escaped us. In the trenches of motherhood it’s easy to overlook the magic of the moment. Looking back on a photo allows you to see the greatness. As a rule of thumb, if it makes you smile, snap a photo of it! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Also, be sure to join our thriving and entertaining MomForce Facebook group! Let us be part of your village!

There is one word that all parents want to avoid when it comes to their kids, and that is entitled. We all want to create opportunities for our families to experience the joy of service, but how do we get started?

Vanessa chats with Kristin Andrus about how to create a culture of service in your family. Kristin is the self-proclaimed “Chief Culture Officer” of her family and married to Jeremy Andrus, CEO of Traeger Grills. With 6 young kids, Kristin has found simple ways to make service fit into their busy schedules. She recommends picking what you are passionate about and giving or doing what you can. You don’t have to travel the globe to make a difference!

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking! 

Wedding season is here and it is a great time to reminisce on your own love story. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast we are diving into the topic of "Empowering Relationships,"  with some incredible guests who share their insights on how to strengthen relationships. Hear from influencer and author Sazan Hendrix, professional dancer Jenna Johnson of Dancing with the Stars, design queen Julia Marcum, ballerina extraordinaire Misty Copeland, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Camila McConaughey as they discuss their personal experiences and offer tips to be a better partner. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from these amazing women and enhance your own relationships!

2:00 Forbidden love with influencer and author Sazan Hendrix 

5:30 Professional dancer Jenna Johnson on working with her spouse

7:45 Family movie night and date night traditions with Julia Marcum of Chris Loves Julia 

9:30 Misty Copeland on growing up with a single mom and how amazing single parents are. And how grateful she is for her supportive partner. 

10:40 Camila McConaughey on how she keeps curiousity alive in her marriage with Matthew McConaughey. 

Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order! 

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In this powerful episode, we hear the inspiring life story of Venus Morris Griffin, a mother of 7 and a highly successful realtor in Georgia. Content Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including abuse in Venus' 20-year marriage to her first husband.

Venus's path to success wasn't easy. Growing up in a home with an addicted mother, she defied the odds by working two jobs and putting herself through college. It was during this time that she met and married Tripp Morris, and together they started a family.

However, behind the seemingly happy facade, Venus faced immense challenges. Signs of abuse surfaced early in their engagement, but it wasn't until 20 years later, after a shocking call in the middle of the night, that Venus discovered her husband's double life. Tripp was sentenced to 45 years in prison, leaving Venus with overwhelming debt and six kids.

In this candid conversation, Venus shares her emotions during that moment of betrayal and how her unwavering faith and determination helped her not only survive but thrive. Despite facing betrayal, abuse, and more, Venus managed to create a beautiful life for herself. 

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This is an uncertain time, full of worry and anxiousness. Being pregnant can intensify those feelings! In this MomForce mini-episode, Vanessa is chatting with her sister Kara about her experiences being pregnant with baby #5 during a pandemic. Lets just say, thank heavens for FaceTime! 

We are so happy you are here! Make a Chatbook and use code POD20. Happy Chatbooking!