Get Mom Ready Podcast

Click above to listen on Apple or click HERE to listen on Spotify.Show Notes: What we Talked About + Coaching Link There are some parts of motherhood that aren’t necessarily hard because they’re huge.They’re hard because they happen every single day.Dinner. Bedtime. School pickup. Getting out the door. Managing expectations for a “fun” weekend. Thinking about the thing you have to do later… five hours before you actually have to do it.And the very real thing that happened to Holly 2 minutes into our recording…getting the dreaded call from school that your kid has a fever and needs to come home. Cue rescheduling the afternoon meetings, cancelling your productive afternoon, and embracing the call of motherhood.In this week’s episode, we ended up talking about all of it: meal planning, bedtime checklists, school pickup resets, Disney World expectations, and the mental pressure moms carry before anything has even happened yet.And honestly? That’s kind of the point.Because so often, the issue isn’t that we’re doing motherhood “wrong.”It’s that there’s too much friction built into the way we’re trying to do it.Sometimes the most helpful question isn’t:“How do I become better at this?”Sometimes it’s:“Why does this feel so hard in the first place?”This episode is full of the kinds of practical, real-life shifts that come from asking that question.A few of the things we talked through:* taking the pressure off the belief that you have to do something because “that mom” does it* creating a “bank” of meals instead of having to make the decision from scratch each week* noticing where the friction is in your routine and adjusting from there* stopping work 10–15 minutes before pickup to reset your brain before mom mode* preparing kids for what’s coming instead of assuming they’ll just roll with it* holding expectations loosely so one hard moment doesn’t define the whole experienceOne of our favorite takeaways from this conversation was this:“The goal isn’t perfection. It’s reducing friction.”That tiny mindset shift feels small, but it changes a lot.Because once you stop forcing yourself into a system that doesn’t work for your brain, you can actually build one that does.Maybe that looks like taking the pressure off of perfect routine.Maybe it looks like doing more with other moms to make the “daily grind” more fun.Maybe it looks like buying pre-chopped onions and calling it a win.Maybe it looks like realizing your kids don’t need the most elaborate plan to have fun, they just need a mom who isn’t completely maxed out.That’s really what this episode is about: getting curious about the pressure points instead of just powering through them.And maybe, just maybe, giving yourself permission to make things easier.Because you’re allowed to do that.You’re allowed to choose the version of motherhood that works for your actual capacity.You’re allowed to prepare more (or less).You’re allowed to expect less perfection.You’re allowed to care about your experience too.And if you’ve been feeling like every routine in your life has just a little too much drag in it right now, this episode will probably feel very familiar.And if this conversation hits a little too close to home, coaching might be the next right step. We offer coaching calls for moms who want practical support, fresh perspective, and help untangling the mental load. You can book a call here.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Subscribe so you don’t miss an episode:Apple | Spotify | GetMomReady.comWhat if the thing making motherhood feel so hard… isn’t just the workload?What if part of the exhaustion is coming from spending your energy on things you don’t actually value, but feel like you’re supposed to?Anna came in with a simple question:“How do I figure out my values in motherhood?”Not in a fluffy way.In a “my days feel chaotic and I’m barely keeping up” kind of way.What unfolded is a conversation every mom needs about misalignment, mental load, and the things we’re doing just because we think we should.The real problem (that no one tells you)You might not be overwhelmed because you’re doing too much.You might be overwhelmed because: you’re doing things that aren’t actually important to you, but you feel like they should be.And that gap? That’s where burnout lives.The example we couldn’t stop coming back to: DINNERMeal planning. Grocery shopping. Cooking. Cleaning. Repeating.Anna said what we’re all thinking:“I have a system for meal planning and prep… and I still hate doing it.”And that’s the tension:* The system works* But it’s built around something she doesn’t actually valueSo instead of asking:“How do I get better at this?”We asked:“Do you even want to keep doing this?”What we uncovered (aka the actually helpful part)1. Start with what you don’t valueAnna realized:* Home-cooked meals every night? Not it for her* Eating together / eating nutritious meals / quality time? YesThat shift matters.Because when you stop forcing what isn’t yours,you finally have space for what is.2. Systems don’t fix misalignmentYou can optimize your routine all day long, but if it’s built around obligation, you will still feel exhausted.Alignment first. Systems second.3. You’re not just low on time, you’re low on energySome things don’t just take time…They take so much mental and emotional energy:* decision fatigue* guilt* resentmentAnd when your day is full of those things?Of course you feel maxed out.Try this instead of spiraling: get curiousInstead of:“Why can’t I just do this like everyone else?”Try:“Hmm… where did I learn that this matters? Who’s voice am I listening to? How can I find what matters to me and focus more on doing that well?”That one question can unravel a LOT.4. You might be discovering yourself for the first timeSome moms feel like they just want to get back to “their old selves,” you know, pre-kids. And some of us feel like we never even figured out who we were in the first place.* what we like* what we value* what we wantAnd honestly? That’s allowed to take time.5. The simplest test: do you clench or exhale?When you imagine not doing “the thing”…* Do you feel tight, stressed, resistant? → 🚩* Or do you feel relief, space, ease? → 👀That exhale? That’s data. Recognize it and start figuring out what does bring you joy if you want to start prioritizing your life around your values.Of course, there are some jobs in life we just have to do, but for the most part, we get to decide what we pursue, what we spend energy on, and how we do those things to maximize joy in the process.Okay but what do I DO with this?We didn’t just stay theoretical. Here’s where this lands practically:If dinner is draining you:* Try meal delivery for a season* Use pre-made grocery options* Repeat meals you already know work* Lower the bar (a lot)* Or outsource where you canAnd most importantly, take the time to learn what does put food on the table in a life-giving way for YOU.Because maybe your value isn’t cooking from scratch.Maybe it’s having energy left at the end of the day or enjoying time with your family.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.If this episode felt a little too relatable…If you’re:* constantly overwhelmed by decisions* doing things out of guilt* unsure what actually matters to you anymoreYou don’t need another hack.You need:* space to think* someone to process with* permission to do things differentlyThat’s what coaching is for.You can book a call with Hannah or Meredith here.Links & things we mentioned* The blow dryer/shark-airwrap situation… if you know, you know. We were influenced in real time 😂* If you want to go deeper on the time vs. energy conversation, revisit the Jennifer Sise episode. It pairs perfectly with this one and will reframe how you think about capacity.* If this episode stirred up identity questions like “what do I even like anymore?”, the Priscila Smith episode is a must-listen. It’s one of our best conversations on rediscovering yourself and your style.* When Meredith referenced looking at finances before outsourcing meals, that came from the Becca Gonzalez episode - super practical if you’re trying to make changes without blowing your budget.* The book True to You came up as a next step if you want to go deeper on identity, boundaries, and understanding your own patterns in relationships.* For our Houston moms, Tr

Click above to listen on Apple or click HERE to listen on Spotify.Show Notes: What we Talked About + ProductsThis week on Get Mom Ready, we started with a travel horror story.Airport chaos.A toddler meltdown on a plane.And a mom crying under a blanket mid-flight.You know… the usual.But somewhere in the middle of swapping travel stories, the conversation turned into something bigger:How do we actually set ourselves up for success as moms?Not just when traveling.But anytime we’re trying to juggle work, motherhood, logistics, identity, and our own sanity.This episode is one of those conversations where we start talking about travel……and end up talking about support systems, guilt, experimentation, and what it takes to feel present in our own lives.Also, purely by accident, all three of us showed up wearing denim.Completely unplanned.Completely on brand for moms everywhere.So if you want to witness the accidental Denim Day, you can watch the episode at GetMomReady.com.In this episode we talk about…What it actually looks like to navigate travel as a mom.The logistics.The emotions.The unexpected curveballs.We get into:• traveling with kids vs. without them• preparing caregivers before you leave• the difference between real guilt and fear of what other people might think• the tiny logistical decisions that dramatically reduce mental load• how to ask for help without apologizing for it• why a spirit of experimentation might be one of the healthiest mindsets in motherhoodAnd yes, we also talk about what happens when your kid gets the flu on a work trip and you find yourself in an ER at 2 AM in Tampa.Motherhood keeps things humble.The mindset we keep coming back toOne of the biggest themes that came up in this conversation was something we all want to hold onto more:The spirit of experimentation.Instead of asking:“Am I doing this the right way?”What if we asked:“What happens if I try this?”Motherhood changes constantly.What works when your baby is 6 months oldmight not work when they’re 2.What worked last yearmight not work this year.Experimentation gives you permission to:• try something• learn from it• adjust• change your mindAnd honestly? That might be one of the most freeing parenting tools there is.A few things that actually helpedA lot of what made travel feel doable weren’t huge life changes.They were small, practical decisions.A caregiver “playbook”Before leaving, we talked about how helpful it can be to create a shared note with things like:• routines• preferences• school logistics• important contacts• pet instructions• random household things you don’t want someone guessing aboutNot because everything has to be perfect.But because preparation helps everyone breathe easier.Identifying your triggersEvery parent has a couple of things that spike their anxiety more than others.For some it’s choking.For others it’s driving.For others it’s sleep.Instead of pretending those concerns don’t exist, sometimes it helps to just name them.Sometimes readiness looks like saying:“Hey, this is one of my things. Will you humor me?”It’s not about control.It’s about giving your nervous system a little more peace.Making travel lighter (literally)One travel tip that came up in the episode was a portable car seat option that made traveling so much easier.The RideSafer Travel Vest works like a wearable car seat and folds into a small bag.If you’ve ever tried to manage a toddler, a suitcase, a backpack, and a giant car seat through an airport… you know why this matters.When the plan falls apartOf course, motherhood loves to test our plans.In this case, everything was going perfectly…until a toddler woke up throwing up at 1 AM.Cue the ER visit.Cue the Uber ride in the middle of the night.Cue the moment where you think:“Why did I think traveling with a toddler was a good idea?”But the interesting thing?Even in the chaos, the takeaway wasn’t “never do this again.”It was actually the opposite.Sometimes the things we’re most nervous about are the things that remind us:We can handle more than we think.A reminder about support systemsAnother theme that kept surfacing in this conversation:People often want to help more than we realize.Grandparents who love extra time with grandkids.Friends who are willing to be “on call.”Partners who hold down the fort.We’re not meant to do motherhood alone.And sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply let people show up for us.If this episode resonatedWe’d love to hear from you.Tell us:• what season of motherhood you’re in• what you’re experimenting with right now• what topics you want us to cover nextYou can reach us at: [email protected] if you’re in a season where work, motherhood, identity, and life logistics all feel like they’re colliding…we offer Get Mom Ready coaching.You can book a discovery call and choose the coach who feels like the best fit for your season here.If this conversation resonated…You’re exactly who Get Mom Ready is for.Every week we share honest conversations about

Click above to listen on Apple or click HERE to listen on Spotify.Show Notes: What we Talked About + ProductsHey friends! welcome back to Get Mom Ready.It’s the trio holding it down today: Meredith, Hannah, and Anna (Holly will be back!). And yes—today’s audio is a little different: Meredith is traveling and packing light, so her volume is a bit quieter than usual. Turn it up when she’s talking because she drops some of the best mental shifts in the episode.Last week we talked about something counterintuitive: sometimes the most productive thing you can do is… nothing. Step back. Put the phone away. Regulate. Stop letting constant input run your day.This week we’re holding the “both/and”:You can give yourself permission to slow down… and still want to feel more productive.Not “hustle harder” productive —More like: less pulled, less cluttered, less irritated, more present.Because honestly? That’s what most of us want.The theme of this episode: Stop living like everything is urgent.We kept coming back to this word: pulled.Pulled by:* texts* notifications* rabbit trails* “I’ll just do this one quick thing…”* the never-ending mental tabs open in your brainAnd when we’re pulled in ten directions, we end up doing life slightly irritated… even when nothing is actually wrong.So today we talk about what’s actually helping right now — the tiny shifts that reduce mental load and decision fatigue.1) The “leave your phone somewhere else” experimentWe all shared some version of this: physically separating from your phone.Examples from the episode:* leaving your phone in another room during the morning routine* leaving it inside while you play outside after school* charging it in an office (not your bedroom)* treating it like a “landline” — you have to go to it to use itAnd the surprising benefit?Less irritation.Because your kids aren’t interrupting your phone/podcast/text spiral… you’re just with them.No tug-of-war.2) Turn off notifications (and take your power back)We’re not saying “be unreachable.” We’re saying: you get to decide when the world gets access to your attention.One line we loved:“I want to happen to life. I don’t want life to happen to me.”Start small:* turn off Instagram + Substack notifications* mute the noisiest group chats* keep only calls/texts on (or set emergency contacts)This is one of the fastest ways to reduce “everything feels urgent” energy.3) Think one step ahead (not ten)This was Meredith’s core practical shift, and it’s so good:If planning overwhelms you… don’t plan the week.Just think one step ahead.Examples:* prep breakfast the night before* decide lunch while you’re eating breakfast* close curtains + turn on the sound machine before nap time chaos hits* boil extra eggs while you’re already boiling one* chop fruit/veg at night while you’re already cleaning the kitchenIt’s not about becoming a “planner.”It’s about reducing friction so you’re not living in constant scramble mode.4) Time-block your phone the way you time-block your lifeThis might be the most helpful mindset shift for anyone who keeps their inbox at “zero” (hi, Anna 🙋‍♀️):Instead of responding to everything all day long…create a few phone windows.Like:* 11:30–12:00 = texts + DMs* 3:00–3:15 = quick check-in* 8:30–9:00 = respond + catch upBecause being “caught up” isn’t the goal.Being present is.Side note: If you haven’t listened yet, go back to our episode with Jennifer Sise. It ties in perfectly to this chat. We talked about what it looks like to stop living in reactive mode, create intentional rhythms, and make decisions from a grounded place instead of a frantic one.5) A gentle reminder: the goal isn’t perfect systemsWe even said it out loud: we didn’t give “30 hot productivity tips” today.But we did name what’s underneath all of this:* reducing sensory input* creating boundaries around attention* choosing tiny systems that calm your nervous system* making the next right step easierAnd that’s the real productivity hack.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free subscriber.Try this today (one tiny action)Pick just one:* Put your phone in another room for 60 minutes* Turn off notifications for one app* Write down the Amazon/to-do rabbit trail instead of doing it immediately* Prep one thing tonight that future-you will thank you forIf you try something from this episode, tell us what you notice. We really do want to learn alongside you.Listen + keep in touchYou can listen to the full episode wherever you get podcasts, or on our site: getmomready.com (you’ll also find our articles + resources there).If this episode made you exhale even a little… send it to a mom friend who’s living with 47 tabs open.And if you want to take this week’s advice to a more practical level, book a coaching call with Hannah, Meredith, Holly, or Anna to talk through the mental load you’re carrying and create simple systems that make your days feel lighter.We’ll see you next week.

Before we go any further, let’s say this out loud:You are not “too sensitive.”You are overstimulated.Your phone is buzzing.The news is loud.The group chat is on fire.Your calendar is full.Your kids need snacks.Dinner isn’t made.And somewhere in the middle of all of it… you snap.Not because you’re a bad mom.Not because you don’t care.But because your nervous system was never designed for this much input.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We Were Built for Acute Stress, Not Constant StressThousands of years ago, stress came in short bursts.A threat.A reaction.A recovery.Adrenaline up.Adrenaline down.Now?The stress never fully resolves.The notifications don’t stop.The news cycle doesn’t slow down.The scroll never ends.Your body is staying in a low-grade state of fight-or-flight…and then your child spills milk and you feel like you might explode.It’s not about the milk.It’s about the cumulative load.The Part We Don’t Talk AboutThere’s guilt, too.Guilt for turning the news off.Guilt for not being “in the know.”Guilt for having calm when others don’t.But guilt doesn’t regulate your nervous system.And it doesn’t help the world.You can care deeply about what’s happening and still protect your peace.Those are not opposites.If You’re Snapping More Than You Want To, Start HereNot with shame.Not with a new productivity system.Not with a 45-minute meditation you don’t have time for.Start with evaluation.Ask yourself:* What am I allowing into my day?* Is this input helping me live according to my values?* Do I need this much information to be a good mom? A good citizen? A good human?Most of us aren’t overwhelmed because we care.We’re overwhelmed because we have unlimited access to everything, all the time.And no one else is setting limits for us.PS. Don’t stop here. If you want super practical tools for evaluating your life and reducing decision fatigue, don’t miss our conversation with our favorite Productivity Coach Jennifer Sise. It pairs perfectly with this one.Small Ways to Regulate (Even in the Chaos)You don’t need a silent house.You need reps.* Leave your phone plugged in and walk into the next room without it.* Mute the group chat for an hour.* Decide when you will consume news instead of letting it consume you.* Go outside without your phone.* Do something with your hands (puzzles, folding laundry slowly, cooking, painting, organizing a drawer).It will feel uncomfortable at first.That’s not failure.That’s your nervous system detoxing from constant stimulation.The TruthYou cannot carry the entire world and the mental load of your household at the same time.You are allowed to:* Be informed without being flooded.* Care without being consumed.* Protect your nervous system so you can show up regulated for your kids.This isn’t about ignoring reality.It’s about remembering that your children deserve a regulated mother more than they need a mother who knows every headline.And you deserve peace in your own home.If this landed somewhere tender for you, we’d love to hear it.Have you noticed yourself snapping more because of the overwhelm on your phone?What’s helped you regulate lately?Reply here or send us a message on instagram.P.S. A big thank you to Pediped for sponsoring this episode. If you’re looking for developmentally healthy, truly kid-friendly shoes (that your nervous system doesn’t have to fight over), you can get 20% off your first purchase with code MOMREADY at pediped.com.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

If you’ve ever found yourself doing the “invisible work” of your home while also trying to keep everyone alive, fed, and emotionally okay… this episode is for you.This week, Meredith, Hannah, and Anna talk about what’s underneath “I’m fine, I’ve got it,” and why asking for help often feels harder than just doing the thing (even when we’re drowning).Holly is traveling this week, but we’ll be circling back soon to unpack what this season of travel has been like for her, with and without Iris.What we’re really talking about: asking for help in real lifeThis episode isn’t a “make a better chore chart” conversation. It’s about the lived experience of motherhood where:* your brain is carrying 47 tabs open* your body is overstimulated by the end of the day* resentment starts to feel like a pressure in your chest* and you can’t even find the words to say what you need… until you’re already past capacityWe talk about how to notice what’s happening sooner, how to ask more directly, and how to do it in a way that invites partnership instead of defensiveness.Here are the big themes we address.1. “Take responsibility for the help you need.”That sentence hit because it’s not about blaming anyone—it’s about recognizing: my system is overloaded, and I need to say so out loud.Not passive aggression. Not storming around. Not silently keeping score.Just the brave, honest moment of:“I feel like I’m carrying a lot. Can we talk about where we can shift things?”Anna referenced a really helpful Big Little Feelings Substack post that captures the “default parent” tension so well. Here’s the link.2. The “behind the sink” resentmentMeredith named something so many of us feel but don’t always know how to explain:Sometimes our partner is “helping”… but we’re still the CEO of the kitchen (or the parenting, laundry, decisions, etc.).And when you’re always the person behind the sink, it can start to feel like your home runs on your constant, unending effort.The need wasn’t “help more.” It was more specific:“I want you to step in and take the main task. I’ll be the support role for a minute.”That clarity changes everything.3. A reframe that actually helps: “It’s too much for both of us.”We said it plainly: parenting is a lot, even with two engaged adults.When you start from “we’re both carrying a lot,” the conversation becomes:* less accusatory* more collaborative* more honest about realityAnd it opens the door to solutions that feel sustainable instead of combative.A few scripts you can steal* Name it early (neutral + direct):“I’m starting to feel overloaded. Can we look at what’s on my plate today?”* Share impact (without blame):“When I’m doing dishes after bedtime every night, I’m exhausted and we lose our time together.”* Ask for one specific shift (not a full life overhaul):“Can you take nighttime dishes this week? I can’t do the kitchen one more time today.”* Make the work an expectation, not a favor:“This is what our family needs to run. Everyone has a role.”Have a friend who could use these scripts? Share the post.Use tools that remove guessworkFair Play cards (mentioned in the episode) can help you see what’s being carried—and decide who owns what based on capacity and what each person doesn’t mind doing (or even enjoys).It’s not about “perfectly equal.” It’s about “clear and agreed.”Consider outsourcing without shameSometimes the most loving solution is: stop trying to do it all with zero support.Meal help. Laundry help. A babysitter for two hours. A cleaner once a month. Even one recurring outsourced task can change the temperature of your whole home.BTS: We also discuss inviting your kids to help you.A gentle reminder we all neededSome seasons are temporary.Some tasks are forever.And both are easier when you stop trying to be the only functioning adult in the building.If you’re feeling resentful, overstimulated, or chronically behind, it might not mean you’re failing.It might mean you need help. (And you’re allowed to ask for it.)We want to hear from youIf you have:* a script that works in your house* a way you split responsibilities that actually stuck* a system that lowered your mental load* or a future topic you want us to coverSend it to us. We really do build episodes and resources from what you tell us.And if something in this episode hit close to home and you want support, you can book a coaching session with any of us.Today’s episode is sponsored by Pediped—shoes designed to support growing feet, and they’ve been awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association.If you’re looking for kid shoes with more room for toes to move (and a better fit for real-life kid feet), check them out. Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free subscriber! Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Money is one of those topics that can feel instantly overwhelming, especially in motherhood, when you’re juggling a million decisions and your brain is already full.In this episode, we brought on Becca Gonzalez (The Money Girls) to make money feel simple, doable, and even kind of fun.Becca shares how she went from bringing $90,000 of debt into her marriage (and becoming a full-blown “every dollar has a job” enforcer) to building a money system that helped her marriage feel like a team again, and helped her clients stop avoiding their accounts and start making confident decisions.This is not a boring finance episode.This is a “your shoulders drop and you think, oh… I can do this” episode.We cover a lot…1. The money shift that changes everything: understanding what’s happeningBecca’s core message is simple:When you understand what your money is doing, you stop being afraid of it.So many of us are living in:* “I think we’re fine?”* “I don’t want to look.”* “It’s probably bad.”Becca calls this moving from drama to data.When you look at the numbers, it’s almost never as catastrophic as your brain has convinced you it is. And once you know what’s happening? You can actually move forward.Becca shared that in six years of coaching, only a couple of clients were in as bad of a situation as they feared.Most women are spiraling emotionally… while the numbers are manageable.And even if they aren’t? Once you know, you can build a plan.Clarity is power.Becca Tip: If you’re wondering where your money is going, she says historically it’s usually:* Groceries* Eating out* Convenience (hello, Amazon)The good news?Those are controllable.You don’t have to eliminate joy, just decide consciously.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.2. Investing in yourself: Is there a “golden ratio”?One of you asked:How much is too much to gamble on starting a business? Is there a golden ratio?Becca’s answer? There isn’t a magic percentage — but there are grounding questions:* Does money already feel tight?* Do you have any savings buffer?* Are you investing in retirement (or moving in that direction)?* Is this decision coming from fear/scarcity… or clarity and alignment?If you invest while panicked, you’ll likely pressure yourself to earn it back immediately, and that pressure can sabotage your growth.But if you invest from stability and intention? That’s a very different story.She also reframed ROI:Sometimes the return isn’t just financial.Sometimes it’s clarity. Confidence. Direction.And knowing what you don’t want to replicate.3. Getting on the Same Page With Your PartnerThis is where it got really good.Becca sees two common scenarios:* You share life, but not finances* You share life and finances, but you’re not alignedHer biggest lesson from her own marriage?You can’t drag someone into money peace.You can go first.You can model consistency.But you can’t control.Try This: The “Values List”Each partner separately writes 1–5 things they genuinely want to spend money on.Then come together and explain the why behind each one.It turns:“That’s dumb.”Into:“Oh… I didn’t realize that mattered to you.”It shifts the conversation from numbers to meaning.Holly shared that the Fair Play system has been helpful for dividing responsibilities (including money ownership) with less resentment and more clarity.If you’ve never seen it, it’s a card deck and system designed to help couples divide household labor intentionally. You can find it here.4. The Money Rhythms That Actually WorksA. If “weekly money meeting” makes you want to cry, Becca suggests:* Set a timer for 15 minutes* Have a tiny agenda* Make one decision* StopThat’s it.You can build from there. But start small.B. Envelope System vs. Counting UpBecca gave a mindset shift that blew our minds.When you use envelopes, you’re often counting down:“I only have $25 left.”When you budget intentionally, you count up:“I get to spend up to $X.”Same math.Very different psychology.C. Kids + Money: Skills Over Safety NetsWe also talked about saving for kids.529? Trusts? Custodial accounts?Becca’s perspective was powerful:Before opening up any kind of account, determine your family values.She goes much deeper into this on the pod.Becca’s also gave us one game-changing tip for teaching kids wise spending… and stopping the constant “Can I have that?” battle at checkout. Don’t miss this in the episode.A Perspective Shift We’re Still Thinking AboutHolly shared a fact that stopped us:The Equal Credit Opportunity Act passed in 1974, meaning women couldn’t independently access credit without a male co-signer until then.That’s not ancient history.If money feels intimidating… we are still culturally very new to full financial autonomy.Grace. For all of us.Connect With BeccaIf you NEED a Becca in your life or want to check out her offerings, Becca lives mostly on Instagram and is new to TikTok.Learn about her membership + free ch

Holly’s onsite with a client today, so it’s just Anna + Hannah + Meredith on the mic, talking about something that quietly shapes your whole motherhood experience:Friendship.Not “how to make more mom friends.”But how to know who’s safe… and how to be safe when someone hands you something tender.Because motherhood has a way of turning friendship into both:* lifeline* and landmineAnd a lot of us are carrying a low-grade question in the background of our lives:Who can I really bring my real life to?The word we’re side-eyeing: “loyalty”We started with a spicy-ish take from Anna:“Loyalty” feels like a weird expectation to place on friendship.Not because commitment isn’t beautiful, but because friendship isn’t a contract.When people say “I value loyalty,” sometimes what they mean is:* “I need you to prove you’re on my side.”* “I need you to show up the same way forever.”* “I need you to be available when I’m not.”* “Don’t change. Don’t drift. Don’t evolve.”And motherhood will absolutely test that.We talked about the difference between:* desire (“I miss you. I wish we had more time.”)* expectation (“If you cared, you would.”)That line matters.Thanks for reading Get Mom Ready! This post is public so feel free to share it.A safe friend doesn’t demand your nervous systemOne of the most freeing ideas in the episode:A safe friend understands that availability can’t be “drop everything, always.”Instead of “prove you’re loyal,” a safe friendship sounds like:* “Do you have it to give right now?”* “Can I put something here?”* “Do you want validation or feedback?”* “No pressure to respond fast, I just needed to say it.”That’s not distance. That’s respect.The most practical tool we sharedHannah brought in something we wish every adult friendship had language for:Before someone shares something hard, ask:What do you want right now?* Validation?* Support?* Feedback?* Suggestions?* A solution?* Just a place to vent?Because a lot of friendship tension isn’t “bad friend energy.”It’s misaligned expectations:* One person is venting.* The other is fixing.* Someone leaves feeling unseen.* Someone leaves feeling rejected.This one question fixes so much.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.How do you know someone is safe?We didn’t give a cute listicle answer… because honestly, you learn over time.But some clear “tells” came up:Safe friends tend to:* treat other people’s stories with care (no “she wouldn’t mind me telling you…”)* disagree respectfully (no contempt, no reduction)* handle your hard moments without pearl-clutching* let you be human without making it about them* disappoint you sometimes… and let you disappoint them sometimes (without punishment)Safety isn’t perfection.Safety is trust + emotional maturity + respect.Next week: money talk (anonymous + no questions off the table)We have a finance guru joining us next week and no questions are off the table and everything stays anonymous.Send anything you want us to ask to [email protected] and we’ll get answers on next week’s episode.Question for you (comment and tell us)When you think about a “safe friend,” what’s the #1 trait that makes you feel like you can exhale and be fully yourself?Sponsor: Pediped makes developmentally appropriate kids shoes. Use code MOMREADY for 20% off at pediped.com. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Somehow we all wear clothes every day…And yet most of us are still getting dressed on autopilot. In the dark. Half-awake. Wondering how we became the person who owns that many black leggings.In this episode of Get Mom Ready, Holly, Hannah, and Meredith sit down with Priscila Smith (author, Substack writer (Follow her page, Put Together), and actual style whisperer) to talk about why personal style is never just clothes. It’s identity. It’s presence. It’s self-respect. And yes, it’s also a very real way to feel more grounded in your day…even if you’re sweating at the playground chasing a toddler who refuses shoes.And listen…if you’re already thinking, “This episode is not for me,” because the idea of getting ready makes you want to want to crawl in a hole…this episode is especially for you.Priscila is not here to turn you into a fashion influencer or convince you to suddenly care about trends. She’s here for the moms who are tired, overwhelmed, living in default, and just want one small, doable way to feel like themselves again, without adding a 45-minute routine to their morning.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.What we unpack in this episode1) Why what you wear actually changes how you thinkPriscila introduces enclothed cognition—the research-backed idea that what you put on your body sends signals to your brain about who you are and how you show up. Translation: this is not vanity; it’s neuroscience.2) Comfort vs. default (these are not the same thing)Leggings are not the enemy. Autopilot is. We talk about how many moms aren’t choosing comfort, they’re choosing whatever is closest to the laundry pile.3) The most honest closet question you’ll ever be askedPriscila’s rule:👉 “Would you let a friend borrow this?”If the answer is no because it’s faded, stretched, or secretly your emotional support shirt from 2012…that’s data.4) The “three style words” that simplify everythingInstead of chasing trends, pick three words that anchor your style in this season of life (one can absolutely be a feeling word like “comfortable” or “practical”). Bonus: your words are allowed to change, because, you guessed it, you’re allowed to change.5) How to look put together in real-life mom clothesWe get very practical here:• fabric quality• fit (not tight, not sloppy)• monochrome outfits• clean sneakers• layers, jewelry, hair, makeupBecause “top + bottom” is not an outfit. It’s just clothes.6) Why this actually matters more than we thinkCaring about how you show up isn’t selfish, it’s grounding. When you feel more like yourself, everyone around you benefits too.If you want a starting point (no overhaul required)* Wear one outfit you love on purpose this week* Notice how you feel at the end of the day* Look at your laundry basket. What do you keep reaching for, and why?* Add a “third piece” to your go-to casual look* If you’re wearing black leggings…please bless the community with a lint roller 😄You’re welcome.Links & resources mentioned* Priscila Smith’s book: Put Together: It’s Never Just Clothes* Priscila’s Substack: Put Together* Instagram: @priscila_c_smith (one “L,” very important detail)* Sponsor: pediped — use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first orderPriscila also shared that she’s not currently taking 1:1 clients, but if that changes, you’ll hear it first through her Substack.If you loved this episode, send it to a mom friend who’s doing the “oversized tee + chaos bun + survival mode” thing on repeat…and doesn’t realize she deserves better than her 2014 faded leggings. Thanks for reading Get Mom Ready! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Sometimes the most “emotionally healthy” thing you can do as a mom is admit the truth: you’re overwhelmed, you’re over-functioning, and social media is not helping.In this episode, Holly, Hannah, and Meredith sit down with Alli Worthington (author, speaker, business coach (Holly’s actual business coach!), and mom of five) to talk about what it looks like to become an emotionally healthy mom… so we can raise emotionally healthy kids.What we unpack in this conversation1) Why moms feel so much guilt (and why it’s getting worse)Alli doesn’t mince words: social media can be toxic for moms. Because your brain starts believing “everybody is doing everything,” when you’re really watching a highlight reel + a business model.Instead, find your trusted people, and go to them when things feel merky.2) Confidence doesn’t come first… reps come firstWe talk about how confidence is built through action, mistakes, and evidence over time, especially in motherhood. Stop believing the lie that one mistake can mess everything up and instead put effort into becoming the mom you want to be...over and over again.3) What “regulation” actually means in real lifeNot in a fluffy way. In a “how do I calm myself down before I snap” way.Tools that came up:* Counting down (and saying out loud what you’re doing)* Taking a pause before disciplining* Naming what’s happening in your body (hot, sweaty, escalated)* Preparing for your predictable “activation moments” (car line, dinner rush, bedtime)4) Overwhelm makes reactivity inevitableWe talk about how chronic overload pushes you into emotion-brain (amygdala) and takes your thinking-brain offline, which is why you say things you don’t even agree with later…and how to stop this hamster wheel.5) “Over-functioning” (aka: doing too darn much)One of the biggest mic-drop themes: over-functioning doesn’t just exhaust you, it quietly trains everyone around you to do less.Alli’s practical gut-check:If someone can do it 75% as well as you, let them.6) The long game: don’t make your kids your identityThis part matters: if your worth comes from being needed, you’ll accidentally rescue too much, and your kids won’t build competence or confidence.Get Mom Ready isn’t here to tell you how to parent. We’re here to help you stay connected to who you are while you’re doing it, so both you and your kids can thank you later.A question to sit with this weekWhere am I over-functioning right now… and what’s one “75% solution” I can accept without fixing it?Mentioned + linked in this episode (Alli’s stuff)* Alli’s book: Remaining You While Raising Them: The Secret Art of Confident Motherhood* Finding Your Secret Superpower Quiz* Alli’s Instagram: @alliworthington* Alli’s website: alliworthington.com* The Alli Worthington Show (podcast)If you’ve been doing everything and calling it “being a good mom,” consider this your permission slip (actually, your order) to stop over-functioning.And if you know a mom who’s drowning in decision fatigue and trying to do it all perfectly…send her this episode as a little love note. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Getting ready for maternity leave can feel like trying to plan for a season you’ve never lived before…because you are.In this episode, we kick off a multi-part conversation on preparing for maternity leave—starting with mindset and practical preparation (and keeping it very real about what you can and can’t control).What we covered:- Our different maternity leave experiences (corporate, clinical, startup, and flexible/fractional work)- Why mindset matters more than a perfect plan- Setting low (or no) expectations for the leave itself- Identifying where you fall on the spectrum: tightly wound vs. loose, and how to adjust- How to support your team/spouse/community before you step awayThe practical prep that helps most:- List what you do daily / weekly / monthly- Document simple processes and handoffs- Give people a little margin (babies love an early arrival…)Quote we loved: “Grace starts now—not the day maternity leave begins.”SponsorPediPed — kids’ shoes for every seasonUse code MOMREADY for 20% off at PediPed.comWant the full show notes + resources?We put the full breakdown (key takeaways, examples, links, and a shareable recap) on GetMomReady.com.👉 Head there for the complete show notes for Episode 17: GetMomReady.com Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

If you’ve ever thought, “If I could just get more organized, everything would feel easier,” this episode is for you.This week on Get Mom Ready, we’re welcoming someone we trust deeply and couldn’t be more excited to introduce to this community: Jennifer Sise.Jennifer is a time and productivity coach, author, podcast host, and mom who has worked with hundreds of women to help them stop managing time and start owning it. She’s also someone who understands motherhood seasons from the inside out, not from a pedestal.This conversation is honest, practical, and surprisingly gentle.It’s not about waking up earlier, doing more, or finally getting your life together.It’s about understanding why so many moms feel behind…even when they’re doing everything they can.The Real Issue Isn’t Time. It’s Decision Fatigue.One of the most grounding moments in this episode is when Jennifer names what so many of us are experiencing:When you’re making decisions all day long, you end up in chronic decision fatigue.So you default to survival mode.You get through the day, but you’re not building the life you actually want.That doesn’t mean you’re bad at time management.It means you’re tired.What You Want Is Actually PossibleJennifer gently but confidently reminds us of something many moms have stopped believing:What you want is possible.Not all at once.Not without trade-offs.And not without intentional decisions.But you don’t have to choose between being a present mom and having dreams.You don’t have to sacrifice what matters most in order to build something meaningful.You can have both.And the path forward doesn’t start with more effort…it starts with clarity.Why Structure Can Actually Feel Like ReliefThis is the counterintuitive shift many of us need:The more decisions you make in advance, the more margin you create.Structure isn’t about rigidity.It’s about fewer emotional spirals when life goes sideways (because it will).When time is already “set apart,” interruptions feel less personal and less overwhelming.The Recovery HourJennifer introduces a concept we immediately wanted to implement:A weekly recovery hour.A block of time where all the things that didn’t get done have a place to go.Because so much mom stress isn’t about unfinished tasks…it’s about feeling like there’s nowhere to put them.When there’s a plan for recovery, missed tasks stop feeling like failure and start feeling like life.The “Should” ShiftAnother powerful moment in this episode is Jennifer calling out how often we use the word should.I should be able to do more.I should be able to keep up.I should have this figured out by now.She invites us to replace should with want.Not to lower standards.But to bring honesty and ownership back into our choices.Because when you choose something because you want to, you carry it differently.A Gentler Question for the Week AheadInstead of asking:“What’s wrong with me that I can’t keep up?”Try asking:“What decision can I make in advance that would support me?”That one question has a way of quieting the noise.🎧 Listen to Episode 16 of Get Mom Ready for super practical tips on managing your time, cancelling the “shoulds” in your life, and more on the ever-freeing recovery hour.You can also connect with Jennifer here:* Instagram: @jennifersise* Podcast: In Nine Minutes* Book: It’s Only a Matter of TimeIf this episode resonated, share it with a mom who feels stretched thin right now.These conversations land differently when you don’t feel alone.You’re not behind.You’re getting ready in real time.With you,- Holly, Anna, Meredith, and Hannah Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

If you’re entering the new year already feeling behind, tired, or a little disoriented, you’re not alone.At Get Mom Ready, we’ve been hearing this from ourselves and our mom friends this month. The holidays end, routines are disrupted, inboxes are full, and suddenly there’s pressure to feel refreshed, focused, and motivated…often overnight.But for most moms, the new year doesn’t start with rest. It starts with recovery.The Expectation vs. Reality GapJanuary is often framed as a “fresh start.” New habits. New goals. A clean slate.The reality of motherhood looks different.The holiday season is full emotionally, physically, and mentally. Even when it’s joyful, it can be exhausting. So when the calendar flips and life resumes at full speed, it’s normal to feel like you’re still catching your breath.Feeling behind doesn’t mean you failed the new year. It means you’re human.How Mom Guilt Sneaks InThis time of year is especially loud when it comes to guilt.Guilt for not being more organized.Guilt for wanting quiet after weeks of togetherness.Guilt for craving structure while also missing the slower days.Guilt for not feeling as grateful or energized as you “should.”We often see guilt masquerade as motivation, but it’s a fragile fuel. It pushes hard, burns fast, and leaves moms depleted instead of supported.Redefining What It Means to Be “Ready”At Get Mom Ready, we talk often about readiness but not the kind that demands perfection or productivity.Readiness might look like:* Allowing routines to return gradually* Choosing rest before resolution* Naming what actually feels supportive in this season* Taking one honest step instead of ten forced onesMore specifically, it looks like: * Holly Tate giving herself space to do a certain number of workouts in a week rather than specific days* Anna Baker finding joy in stretching rather than high intensity workouts * Hannah Castle, LCSW giving herself permission to take a rest day from training for her half marathon (which by the way, go Hannah! We are so proud of you!)* Meredith Mayo allowing herself to not pack jeans and choose cookies over the holidays because she wants to, knowing it’s just a seasonThen Hannah gracefully challenged all of us to have self-compassion as we work toward the habits we want to build, and Meredith reminded us that we all have many links in our chain that take energy.You don’t need a perfect plan for the year.You don’t need a word, a system, or a fully mapped vision.You need space to ease back into yourself.A Gentler Question for the Week AheadInstead of asking, “What should I be doing right now?”We invite you to ask, “What would support me in this season?”That question tends to lead to quieter answers but ones that last.You’re not behind.You’re not doing it wrong.You’re getting ready in real time.🎧 Listen or watch this week’s episode of Get Mom Ready for an honest conversation about mom guilt, rest, and entering the new year with compassion instead of pressure.If this resonated, consider sharing it with another mom who needs permission to slow down. This season is easier when we don’t walk it alone.Thanks for reading Get Mom Ready! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Happy New Year, friends! This episode of Get Mom Ready is intentionally raw, unproduced, and honest — which feels like the only appropriate way to ease back into life after the holidays. If you’re feeling rested…amazing. If you’re feeling behind, buried in email, and wondering how it’s already January 5th…you’re in very good company.As we step into a new year together, I wanted to pause and reflect on what resonated most with you in 2025. Because what you listened to — and kept coming back to — tells us a lot about what you actually need right now.What You Loved Most: Our StoriesThe top four most-listened episodes of 2025 were our personal stories:* My story* Anna’s story* Meredith’s story* Hannah’s storyAnd honestly? That means more than you know.I remember telling the team that it mattered to me that I went first — that I led with vulnerability. And then the morning my episode went live, I woke up thinking, What have I done? It felt incredibly exposed.Your response confirmed what Get Mom Ready is really about:We don’t need perfect advice. We need to know we’re not alone.Thank you for trusting us with your time, your stories, and your own quiet listening moments — probably while folding laundry or hiding in the car for five extra minutes.The Episode That Spoke Loudest (Fast)After our stories, the most-listened episode of the year was:Decision Fatigue, Mom Guilt, and the Power of Good EnoughWhat’s interesting? It was only released in November.That tells me everything I need to know. Decision fatigue is real. Mom guilt is constant. And “good enough” is something we’re all desperately trying to practice — even when it feels uncomfortable.You can expect us to keep talking about this in 2026. Because if you feel it every day… so do we.The Next Four Episodes That Resonated MostIf we group our stories together, here are the next four episodes that rose to the top — especially for moms who are tired, thoughtful, and navigating big internal shifts:* How to Find the Courage to Change Your Mind About Work and Motherhood* Principled Living: How to Live from Intention Instead of Reactivity* Choosing a Mindset That Works When Mom Life Feels Overwhelming* Get Mom Ready Live (our October live recording)That live episode still holds such a special place in my heart. We pulled it together quickly — partly because Meredith happened to be in Houston — and recorded it at SheSpace, which has been a meaningful space in my own growth journey over the last five years. Getting to share that moment with all of you felt full-circle in the best way.What’s Coming in 2026We’re already deep into recording for the new year, and I’m so excited about what’s ahead.You’ll hear from:* Alli Worthington — my personal business coach, powerhouse leader, mom of five, and someone I personally learn from* Priscilla Smith — a stylist and mom bringing such a refreshing perspective* Jennifer Sise — A business and productivity coach who will help us think differently about capacity and focusAnd of course, you’ll continue hearing from me, Meredith, Anna, and Hannah, having the conversations we wish someone had invited us into earlier.We Want to Hear From YouAs always, this community shapes where we go next.* What topics do you want us to cover?* What questions are you carrying quietly?* Would you be open to a live coaching episode — with one or all of us?If the answer is yes, let us know. Truly.Here’s to a grounded, honest, good-enough start to 2026. We’re really glad you’re here.You can find all episodes and updates here on getmomready.com — and we’ll be back in your ears very soon.Thanks for reading Get Mom Ready! This post is public so feel free to share it.With you,Holly 🤍 Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

We recorded this episode just days before it airs, which means we’re talking about the holidays in real time.Not the Pinterest version.Not the matching-pajamas, perfectly-timed-dinner, everyone-gets-along version.The real one.If you’re already feeling a knot in your stomach thinking about family gatherings, schedules, expectations, or how you’re going to hold it all together this season, then this episode is for you.Because here’s the truth:The holidays don’t just add joy. They add pressure.More people.More plans.More opinions.More logistics.More memories (good and hard).And for so many moms, it brings up the same quiet question every year:How do I stay connected…without it robbing my joy or burning myself out?Let’s Start With a ReframeOne of the most important moments in this conversation came early, when Hannah reminded us of something simple—but powerful:Most people are not trying to hurt you.That seven-thirty dinner invitation?The late-night gathering?The unrealistic expectation?It’s rarely malicious. Often it’s coming from people who haven’t had small kids in decades or who simply don’t live inside your daily reality.Which means we’re left with a choice:We can stew in resentment and dread…Or we can communicate.Not perfectly.Not scripted.Not “therapized.”Just honestly.Boundaries Aren’t About Pushing People AwayThis episode gently dismantles one of the most misunderstood ideas in modern motherhood: boundaries.Hannah said it best:“A boundary is something we do to stay connected, not to cut people off.”Read that again.Boundaries aren’t punishments.They’re clarifiers.They’re not about controlling other people—they’re about being honest about what we can do.A boundary sounds like:* “We’d love to come, but we need to leave by 6:30.”* “Five o’clock would work best for our kids—if not, we’ll still come and head out early.”* “This is what our family needs this year.”No drama.No moral high ground.No ultimatums.Just clarity.And clarity, when offered with kindness, actually protects connection instead of eroding it.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.When We Don’t Say Anything, Things Get Harder—Not EasierOne thread that kept resurfacing in this episode was avoidance.Avoiding hard conversations.Avoiding asking for what we need.Avoiding saying something because “it’s not a big deal.”Until…it is.As Hannah shared, estrangement often doesn’t begin with one huge blow-up.It starts with small, unspoken hurts that pile up over time.And while not every situation needs confrontation, a helpful question is this:Is this making me want to pull away?If the answer is yes, it may be worth gently naming.Not to create conflict but to prevent distance.The Holidays Add More Than We RealizeBeyond family dynamics, the holidays also bring a massive increase in mental load:* School events* Performances* Parties* Gift-buying* Clothes for themed days* Social obligations* Endless “shoulds”And social media doesn’t help.It can feel like everyone else is:✔ Doing everything✔ Loving every minute✔ Creating magical memoriesMeanwhile, you’re just trying to survive December without snapping.So we talked about permission.Permission to:* Skip parties* Say no to traditions that don’t serve your family* Choose a few meaningful things instead of everything* Let “good enough” be good enoughOne practical idea Hannah shared was sitting down as a family and deciding:What actually matters to us this season?Everything else is optional.You’re Allowed to Do Christmas Your WayThis episode wasn’t about lowering standards—it was about choosing them on purpose.It was about:* Planning ahead* Communicating early* Being on the same team as your partner* Naming triggers before you’re in the middle of them* Giving yourself grace when things aren’t perfectAnd most importantly, remembering this:There is no perfect family.There is no conflict-free holiday.There is only imperfect people doing their best.A Gentle Reminder as You Head Into the HolidaysYou don’t have to do everything.You don’t have to please everyone.You don’t have to explain yourself perfectly.You do get to:* Ask for what you need* Protect your energy* Choose connection over performance* Assume the best about others—and yourselfIf this season feels tender, heavy, or complicated—you are not behind.You are human.And you’re not alone.Thanks for reading Get Mom Ready! This post is public so feel free to share it.Listen to the Full EpisodeIn this conversation, we cover:* How to communicate boundaries without sounding defensive* Why clarity actually builds connection* How avoidance creates more stress long-term* Practical ways to simplify the holidays* How to opt out without guilt* Why “fumbling” conversations are better than none at allResources for YouIf you’re needing support beyond this episode, you can find all of our free resources here on GetMomReady.com including:* The Wellness Guide* The Medical Mom Guide* The

Today on Get Mom Ready, Meredith and Holly sit down with our dear friend and co-host Anna—her first full episode back after a couple months away navigating her daughter Emmie’s fourth heart surgery.And I can’t overstate this: her honesty, clarity, and resilience left both of us speechless (and a little teary).This episode is a conversation about what happens when life demands more of you than you ever thought you had.It’s about adrenaline and advocacy, fear and fortitude, and the very real stretch of motherhood that doesn’t happen in curated moments—but in hospital chairs, sleepless nights, and the tiny victories of a 3-year-old taking her medicine.It’s also about growth. Not the Instagram kind. The kind you only recognize when you look back and realize:“Wow. I handled that differently than the last time. I’m not the same person anymore.”Below are a few of the biggest themes from Anna’s story—offered gently, because if you’re in a season of crisis, transition, or simply feeling stretched thin…this episode will meet you there.1. Seasons Give Us Permission to Be DifferentOne of the most powerful things Anna said was this:“I can cognitively know it’s a season, but I don’t always give myself permission to live like it is.”Same, girl. Same.This time, she let herself do the season she was in:— Eat protein bars at midnight instead of real meals— Sleep upright in a hospital chair— Let the house go— Let her normal rhythms go— Let her expectations go— Let herself be held instead of holding everything togetherAnd in doing so, she found a grace and groundedness she didn’t even know she was capable of.What would shift for you if you stopped fighting your season…and started cooperating with it?2. You Don’t Know Your Capacity Until Life Pulls It Out of YouThis may be the quote of the year:“Our boundaries aren’t stretched and pushed—and we don’t grow—until our circumstances demand it.”Anna didn’t set out to be a superhuman.She didn’t choose this level of endurance.She didn’t wake up with a plan for how to stay connected, calm, and present through medical trauma.But when the moment required it, something in her rose.Not perfectly.Not without tears.Not without frustration.Not without breakdowns in bathroom stalls and whispered prayers for strength.But she rose.There is a kind of strength inside mothers that only emerges in fire. And it doesn’t arrive with fanfare. It arrives because it has to.3. Parenting Requires Curiosity, Not ControlA moment that stopped us in our tracks:Emmie refusing her medication—refusing it so consistently that the hospital wouldn’t discharge her.Every mom listening felt that tension:The stakes are high. You’re exhausted. Your patience is fried. You just want your baby to please take the medicine so you can go home.But instead of forcing or panicking, Anna—along with her support team—got curious.What would motivate her?How does her little mind work?What matters to her right now?When they realized the strongest motivator was separation from Mom, everything shifted.And later, when she learned “taking medicine = staying home,” the reasoning clicked.What a beautiful reminder:Kids aren’t giving us a hard time. They’re having a hard time.And parenting is less about control, more about creativity and connection.4. You Can Do Hard Things, But You Don’t Have To Do Them AloneAnna talked about the difference between this surgery and the last one.Last time:— Phillip had shingles— He couldn’t stay in the room— He lost his job— She felt isolated, overwhelmed, and underwaterThis time:— He was able to be present— He brought his science mind to medication decisions— They operated as a team— They supported, relieved, and uplifted each otherAnd somewhere in the mix—of prayer, personal growth, and simply time—something healed between them.Not magically.Not in a straight line.But enough to carry them through one of the hardest seasons of their lives with unity and tenderness.This episode is a reminder that marriage in crisis doesn’t have to collapse. Sometimes, it becomes the lifeboat.5. Growth Isn’t Perfection—It’s ProgressOne thing we deeply appreciate about Anna: she made it clear she wasn’t a saint in that hospital room.She broke down.She got frustrated.She lost her temper.She complained.She was human.But she saw her growth.She noticed the difference in her mindset.She noticed the new strength inside herself.She noticed the gentleness she extended to her own heart.She noticed she was becoming someone more rooted, more resilient, more aware.Progress, not perfection.Always.(We’re putting that on a mug. Or a sweatshirt. Or Anna’s forehead. TBD.)If You’re a Medical Mom—or a Mom in Crisis—You Are Not AloneIf this episode stirred something tender in you, please know:You don’t have to walk your hard season alone.Anna has created incredibly thoughtful resources for medical moms, available for free right here on GetMomReady.com.Meredith has her wellness guide.Hannah has grounding and mindset tools.Holly has her working-mom an

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in the kitchen at 5:30 p.m. wondering, “What on earth do I feed these children?” — or debating screen time rules, or trying to squeeze a workout into the tiniest slice of your day — then you know that motherhood is one big, long chain of decisions.And not just big decisions.The tiny ones, the repetitive ones, the ones that never end…those are the ones that quietly wear us down.In this week’s episode, we explore the everyday negotiations moms make with our kids, our partners, our schedules, and most importantly, ourselves. And we kept coming back to three themes: decision fatigue, mom guilt, and the surprising freedom of choosing “good enough.”Below is a recap of the biggest takeaways.The mental load isn’t about time — it’s about brain space.We talk about mental load all the time, but this episode brought it down to earth.It’s not just doing the thing, it’s thinking about the thing:* deciding what to cook* deciding whether to send lunch to daycare* deciding which show is appropriate* deciding when you can possibly work out* deciding whether the house needs cleaning or the kids need your attention more* deciding if this is the week you finally meal plan (…probably not)As Hannah said in the episode: “It’s not time — it’s brain power.”The brain power it takes to sort through a million tiny choices all day long leaves us tapped out, irritated, and sometimes questioning whether we’re even doing a “good job.”And that’s where the value vs. cost lens becomes a lifeline.Value vs. Cost: A simple way to make decisions easierMeredith introduced this idea beautifully: Every decision has a value and a cost.For example:The meal planning exampleA mom who values eating around the table may choose sheet-pan meals over elaborate dinners because the cost (time + mess + mental energy) is too high in this season.Another mom may value ease and peace in the evenings, so she chooses mac-and-cheese some nights with zero guilt.Both are right.The daycare lunch exampleFor Holly, the cost of prepping Iris’s food every day is higher than the value she’d gain by sending healthier options. So she chooses the daycare meals — and names it as a decision she feels good about, not guilty about.The screen time exampleFor Hannah, the constant decision-making around TV — What can they watch? For how long? Is this appropriate? — was draining her whole afternoon.So she decided: No TV on school days.The value: less stress.The cost: more art projects and a messier house… but worth it.When we’re honest about what we value in this season, costs become easier to accept.Good Enough Is Good EnoughThis phrase came up repeatedly.Not as a cop-out.As a grounding truth.“Good enough” means we stop chasing some imaginary ideal of the perfect mom — the one who cooks organic meals, keeps the house tidy, creates magical routines, and still manages to train like an athlete.“Good enough” gives you permission to choose what matters today and let the rest be…good enough.As Meredith said:“Name it and move on.”Name what season you’re in.Name what you’re choosing.Name what you’re letting go of.And move forward without shaming yourself.Remove decisions wherever you canA big theme of this episode was reducing unnecessary decisions, not because we’re weak, but because we’re human.Where can you streamline?Where can you create defaults?Where can you outsource?Where can you eliminate a recurring decision altogether?For Holly, it was incorporating a post-daycare-drop-off walk so she doesn’t have to choose when to move her body.For Hannah, it was eliminating weekday screen time so she doesn’t have to police it.For Meredith, it was releasing the pressure to train like an athlete and embracing the season she’s in: walking, Pilates, and baby-on-hip strength training.Sometimes the healthiest choice is simply the one that keeps you from burning out.A takeaway for you this weekWhere are you carrying unnecessary decision fatigue?* Meals?* Screen time?* Laundry?* Workouts?* House tasks?* Your kid’s school choices?* Weekend plans?* Routines?Ask yourself:* What do I truly value in this season?* What is the real cost of trying to live that out?* What decision can I remove, simplify, or delegate?* Where can I choose “good enough” and let the guilt go?Motherhood becomes a lot lighter when we stop performing and start deciding with intention.Thanks for reading Get Mom Ready! This post is public so feel free to share it.A reminder: You’re invited into our communityIf you want support, structure, and resources for this kind of principled, grounded motherhood, our Get Mom Ready community is full of tools to help you live this out at your own pace.You don’t have to consume everything.It’s not a course.It’s a buffet.A tribe.A resource library for whatever you’re facing this week.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomread

This week’s episode started a little… off the rails. 😅 Anna was out, Holly couldn’t remember what episode number we’re on, and we hadn’t prepared a topic ahead of time for today’s conversation.And honestly? That was perfect.Because where we landed was exactly what so many moms are living in:* Transitioning from a demanding job into staying home* Wondering how not to create “new bosses” for yourself* Feeling both grateful and restless in a new season* Trying to figure out what your actual capacity is now that life looks differentWe ended up having a really honest conversation about capacity, seasons, and being a kind boss to yourself.In This Episode, We Talk About:1. When Your Job Changes but Your Internal Boss Doesn’tMeredith shares about a coaching client who’s leaving a high-capacity job to become a stay-at-home mom. Her big question:“How do I not make new bosses for myself at home?”We talk about:* How easy it is to carry the same pressure, urgency, and “shoulds” into a new season* The idea that wherever you go, you take you with you* How to notice when you’re recreating a pressure cooker in a place that was supposed to be restful2. Bringing the Best of Your Old Season Into the New OneWe circle back to Hannah’s Principled Living Guide and how it can help you ask:* What from my previous job/season do I want to bring into motherhood?* What rhythms, routines, or expectations do I want to gently let go of?* What actually matters for this season of our family, not the imaginary ideal in my head?Hannah shares a simple example: “tidy times” with her kids instead of cleaning all day, every day. Little containers of order instead of letting cleaning boss you around.3. The Guilt of Paying for Childcare (and Feeling Like You Must “Earn” Every Minute)We go there.Hannah talks about:* Paying for childcare and feeling like every single hour has to be “income producing”* The paralysis of having one free hour and not knowing whether to run, eat, organize, or rest so you do none of it and then judge yourself later* The invitation to disappoint the voice in your head that says you must be maximally productive at all timesMeredith names it so well: sometimes you have to let that inner voice be disappointed so you can actually live the life you say you want.4. The Danger of Going “All In” on One IdentityHolly shares a “hot take” she’s still working out:* Women who go all in on being a full-time stay-at-home mom or a full-time working mom can sometimes ignore a big, important part of themselves* When that part feels unfed or unseen, it can leak out as resentment, misery, or the sense that “everyone is miserable”* The goal isn’t a perfect balance; it’s honesty:* What part of me feels fulfilled right now?* What part feels undernourished?* Is there a small, creative way to honor that part in this season?5. Extra Time vs. Extra CapacityHolly shares about leaving her full-time job and realizing:* There’s a difference between having time on your calendar and having energy in your body* You can have open blocks on your calendar and still feel totally spent* Or, like she’s feeling now, you can have extra energy and not quite know where to put itWe talk about treating that extra energy with curiosity instead of urgency:“What do I want more of, not just what else can I cram into this day?”6. Seasons, Not Life SentencesWe keep coming back to this idea:* Some seasons you wake up at 5am and work out.* Some seasons you sleep every second you can because…baby.* Some seasons you volunteer for everything.* Some seasons your only “extra” is survival.And that’s allowed.You’re not signing a lifetime contract with any one rhythm. You get to pivot, reset, and change your mind as life changes.Practical Ideas We MentionedThese came up organically in the conversation and are too good not to list out:* Use our Principled Living Guide to name what matters in this season and what you’re okay releasing.* Create “tidy times” instead of cleaning constantly—short, intentional cleanups instead of an all-day mental load.* Make a list on your fridge: “Things [Your Name] Likes To Do.” When you get an unexpected pocket of time, you don’t have to remember from scratch.* Give yourself a personal, non-kid, non-work goal:* Run a race* Take a class* Grab quarterly coffee with someone * Learn something just because you want to* Think in seasons: What do you want more of this fall/winter/spring? Walks? Friend time? Rest? Creative work? Start there.* Be the boss you wish you had. If you’re “the boss of you” now, can you be a kind, compassionate one?A Little Love Note to Anna & Emmie 💛We recorded this episode on the day baby Emmie was in surgery, and we felt Anna’s absence so deeply. Good news - Anna and Emmie have been back home for a few weeks and Emmie is recovering really well. We’re beyond grateful! Also: Anna, we know you told us the episode number. Multiple times. In writing. We accept our fate. 😂Resources Inside the Get Mom Ready Paid CommunityIf this episode s

Traveling with kids isn’t a vacation—it’s an adventure with snacks. In this episode, we trade the glossy reels for real-life rhythms: the “loaf of bread” baby who snoozes through flights, the squirrely toddler who doesn’t, and the car-trip rules that keep everyone safer (and saner). We dig into choosing your trip’s purpose on purpose. Is your goal character-building memories or maximum kid joy? That single choice clarifies everything from schedules to expectations. You’ll hear our tips for staying sane with your spouse (“same team” energy), how humor and narrating out loud regulate everyone’s nervous system, and the small logistics that buy big peace. Plus our hottest tip: pack a “Colleen Bag.” Tune in to find out what that golden nugget is.In Today’s episode* Real trips, real talk: Chicago with a mobile toddler, solo-parent flights, and a 9-hour red-eye with an 8-month-old (yes, the scream happened—and the flight still ended).* Mindset reframe: Hard ≠ bad. Travel builds resilience for you and your kids. You get to choose what that looks like.* Model it out loud: Simple narration scripts to teach coping to your kids (“This is hard, and it will build character that I want”).* Partnership on purpose: A pre-travel “same team” pact or safe word to cut the snippy spirals.* Environment hacks that buy margin: Right hotel/floor, monitor-to-patio range for post-bedtime connection, and when public transit beats parking + car seats.* Block out the noise: Parent for your child, not the crowd—other people’s opinions don’t ride home with you.* Empower the kid: Make them a teammate with clear roles that unite you instead of frustrating you.Things We Love + Links* Book 1:1 coaching with Hannah, Meredith, Holly, or Anna—schedule directly on the site.* 👟 Sponsor: Pediped — use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order at pediped.com.* Inspo from two of our favorite women—Helen Keller and Sara Blakely. * Subscribe to Get Mom Ready for Sunday-night episode drops + resources: getmomready.com* Join the paid community for guides and group coaching (Meredith’s Wellness Guide, Holly’s Pumping Guide, Hannah’s Principled Living, Anna’s Marriage-in-Parenting toolkit).Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Practical Reflection Questions* What’s one mindset reframe I can borrow this week?* Which two hacks from this episode would help us most on our next trip?* Where can I reduce friction (hotel choice, transit, packing) to create one pocket of connection?* What narration line will I practice with my kid to model regulation?* What’s our couple safe word or pre-trip agreement to keep us united?* What goes in our version of the Colleen Bag (name 3 items)?* Where am I parenting for the crowd instead of for my child—and how will I block out the noise? Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

This week we’re turning down the shame around nutrition and remembering food is fuel. Hannah is traveling (we miss you, friend!), so it’s Holly, Anna, and Meredith—our certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner—digging into how food, wellness, and mom life all collide.Meredith brings her best tips for navigating the overwhelm of nutrition in real life—when you’re short on time, not sure what to believe, or just tired of thinking about what’s for dinner.We covered everything from morning hunger and cortisol to whether peanut butter counts as protein (Meredith has thoughts) and the importance of morning light.But most importantly? Spoiler: it’s not about perfection, it’s about paying attention to how your body feels and making small, doable shifts.Things We Loved This Week* Meredith’s favorite peanut butter – Maranatha (don’t tempt us with a spoonful straight from the jar)* Naked Collagen in your coffee – extra protein without changing the taste* Prime Protein Powder – an easy grab for busy mornings* Naked PB – peanut butter powder for more protein, less fat* Kelly LeVeque, Best-selling author, celebrity holistic nutritionist and wellness expert – If you’re not already following her, go do it now. * 👟 And thank you to our sponsor, Pediped! Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order at pediped.com.Practical Reflection Questions* What would it look like for you to add just one simple nutrition habit this week?* When do you notice your body feels best fueled? Can you create a repeatable system around that?* Are you holding yourself back with all-or-nothing thinking? What’s one “middle ground” choice you could try today?✨ Want Meredith’s full Wellness Guide and extra resources from this episode? Join the Get Mom Ready paid community.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

This week we’re diving into a topic that feels tender, vulnerable, and oh-so-universal: body image in motherhood. From Target pajama fails in the hospital to Pelotons collecting dust in the garage, we’re getting real about what it looks like to live in (and love) our changing bodies.In this conversation, we cover:* Why “the weight will just fall off” might be the least helpful phrase ever* Shame in the closet—why keeping old jeans in sight isn’t actually motivating* Joyful movement vs. punishment: how to reframe exercise* Permission to let movement look different in different seasons (walking counts!)* How compassion—not shame—actually helps us show up better in our bodiesWe laughed (hello lanolin-stained tops 🙈), we cried, and we wrestled honestly with how much pressure we put on ourselves to “get back” instead of asking, what’s actually good and kind for me in this season?Things We Loved This WeekSponsor Love: This episode is brought to you by Pediped. Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order at pediped.com.💡 Other shoutouts from this convo:* Mindset by Carol Dweck (strikes again 🙌)* Peloton (don’t sponsor us 😂)* ClassPass (DO sponsor us please 🙌)* Evelyn Tribole & intuitive eatingPut it Into ActionSome actionable ways to rethink body image with kindness this week:* Audit the “shoulds.” Ask yourself: what am I telling myself I should be doing that isn’t actually helping me? (Think Peloton guilt, old jeans in the closet, or meal plans that feel like punishment.)* Choose fun first. If movement bored you today, try something that sparks joy instead—walking, dancing in your kitchen, or a new class. Joyful movement counts.* Reframe your closet. Keep only the clothes that feel helpful right now. Box up or donate the rest so your daily choices don’t come with shame attached.* Replace shame with compassion. When the critical voice pops up, remind yourself: “If shame worked, it would’ve worked by now. Compassion is the way forward.”💌 Want the reflection questions and key takeaways delivered straight to your inbox each week? Subscribe at GetMomReady.comGet Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

A huge thanks to everyone who came to the live recording! It was the first time we’d ever done an in-person recording, and we had tons of fun. It was so special for Holly to be hosting it at SheSpace, a place that has meant so much to her growth, personally and professionally over the last five years. Hannah Castle, LCSW walked us through an exercise of three questions to helps us identify the principles we want to center on: * When I’m at my best as a mom, what’s true about me?* What do I want my kids to feel in our home?* If I could hold onto one principle in hard moments, what would it be?We also invited everyone to subscribe to us here at GetMomReady.com and consider joining our paid community where we do live coaching calls and have a buffet of resources for you to pick and choose from on your motherhood journey. Until next time! Holly, Hannah, Meredith, & AnnaP.S. A HUGE thanks to Case Mundy, our audio engineer and producer of today’s show that made the recording and live stream possible. If you’re looking for an audio engineer to take your event to the next level, email Case here. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Hey, Get Mom Ready crew! This week we’re talking mindset—not as a buzzword, but as the everyday attitude + beliefs that guide how we show up… for ourselves, our kids, and each other.In this episode, we dig into:* Surfing & the “messy beginning”: why humiliation reps are actually growth reps (Mer’s Hawaii saga 🏄‍♀️).* Growth vs. fixed mindset (thanks, Dr. Carol Dweck): what it looks like for moms in real life.* Words matter: reframing “I have to” → “I get to,” and why your self-talk sets your ceiling.* Check the facts vs. ride the feelings: a quick reality check tool when the spiral starts.* Belief-checking: noticing the stories under the story (and when to phone a therapist/friend).* Whose voice is in your head (and in your AirPods)? Curating inputs on purpose.* Principled living x mindset: aligning tiny choices (like packing lunches) to what you value.* It’s okay to be… annoyed: emotions can coexist with love; seasons change.* Perspective > comparison: how to borrow inspiration without borrowing shame.* Two reflection prompts to take into the week:* Whose voices am I listening to right now?* How can I live today in a way I’d want to live again?Resources we love* Mindset by Carol Dweck — The research behind growth vs. fixed mindset. For moms and kids, try the “yet” shift (“I can’t do this… yet”), praise effort/strategy over outcomes, and model trying new things (even when you feel like a buffoon on a surfboard). TED Talks and summaries are great if you’re nap-trapped.* Quiet by Susan Cain — This one celebrates introverts (kids and adults). Super helpful for understanding different energy needs at home, designing calmer routines, and giving your quieter kid (or quieter self) room to thrive without guilt.* Pediped Shoes — Because mindset also shows up in how our kids move through the world. We love Pediped for giving little feet healthy support (and bonus: they’re actually cute).* Get 20% off your first order with code MOMREADYTry this (quick wins)* Fact Check in 30 seconds: “What do I know? What am I feeling?” Name both. Act from facts, care for feelings.* Voice Audit: Write the 3 voices you’ll let shape your parenting mindset this season (a real-life friend, a book/podcast, and your own inner compass).* Tiny Reframe: Swap one “have to” for a “get to” today and notice the shift.Coming Soon…Alli Worthington, Author of Remaining You While Raising Them, will be joining us on the pod in a few weeks. If you have questions for Alli, share them with us at GetMomReady.com, and be sure to tune in when her episode drops.🎧 Tune in to Episode 7 wherever you listen to podcasts, and tell us your favorite takeaway—and which voice you’re choosing to turn up this week.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

If you’ve ever eaten a rushed lunch on a Zoom call, sighed at the amount of unread texts on your phone, or over-explained your “no,” this episode is for you.In this week’s episode, we’re talking about principled living and what it looks like to make decisions from your values instead of every demand, meltdown, or email ping.Meredith calls it building your “internal operating system.” Hannah frames it as trusting your intuition. Together, we unpack what it means to decide before the moment so that when life gets chaotic, we can show up grounded and confident—whether that’s in the boardroom, the playroom, or the carpool line.Tune in to hear: • Why principled living starts with knowing yourself (and why that takes practice) • How boundaries really work: they’re about what you will do, not forcing others to change • Detaching from reactivity, not from people—staying connected while staying calm • The “walking out of myself” test: how to tell when you’re betraying your own values • Why disappointing others is sometimes the most principled thing you can doThings We Love (and Mentioned) • Boundaries by Henry Cloud & John Townsend - The OG “say no without feeling like the worst human” book. We unpack how boundaries aren’t about controlling others—they’re about deciding what you will do. • Extraordinary Relationships by Roberta Gilbert - An oldie (with a very 80s cover) but a mind-blower on living from your values instead of reactivity. Meredith says it’s the book you’ll throw across the room and then pick back up.• Pediped (sponsor): Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order at pediped.com. Iris picked the orange-and-pink Flex this week and we’re obsessed.Quick & Actionable Steps From the Episode:* When did I feel most “reactive” this week? What value of mine felt threatened in that moment?* What are the top 3 values I want to lead with this season (e.g., presence, honesty, margin, generosity)? Why these three?* Where am I walking out of myself? (Look for the pit-in-your-stomach, procrastinated text, or over-explaining “no.”)* What is one place I’m outsourcing decisions to “shoulds” (internet, relatives, group chat) instead of my own discernment?* What disappointment am I willing to tolerate in others so I can stop disappointing myself?Hannah created this Principled Living Guide for our paid subscribers to have a practical list of questions they can work through to build their own list of principles they want to live by.Scripts You Can Steal* Capacity-honest no: “I wish I could. I’m at capacity this week, so I’ll pass. Let’s try for next month.”* Boundary-in-action (not control): “If the conversation turns disrespectful, I’m going to end the call and we can try again later.”Lunch on Zoom: “I’m eating so I can stay focused—I’ll mute while I chew.”* Parenting pause: “I’m not ready to answer. I’ll think about it and circle back after dinner.”* Friend disappointment (and it’s okay): “I know this is a bummer. I’m choosing rest tonight so I can show up well tomorrow.”Come hang with us: • Upgrade to the paid community at GetMomReady.com for behind-the-scenes content, reflection prompts, and practical templates we’re creating. • Join us on Instagram @GetMomReady—we’d love to hear the principles you’re living by this fall Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Hey friend—this week is our first topic episode! We’re talking about the courage to change your mind about work and motherhood, how to tell intuition from anxiety, and why giving yourself room to pivot is a gift to you and the people around you.Along the way, we detour into finding ways to engage in your own hobbies as a mom, color analysis (because yes, your cherry red can make you feel instantly more “put together”), and a mindset shift that beats the Saturday “mom guilt” spiral.In This Episode* Change your mind without the shame spiral. “This is the best decision for our family right now” can be true today—and different next season.* Intuition vs. anxiety. A simple check to spot the difference and choose your next right step.* Scarcity → abundance. Borrowing from Carol Dweck’s Mindset, we reframe Saturdays (and mom life) away from “I must make every minute perfect” to “I’m grateful for this day—and there are many more to come.”* Work, identity, and wholeness. It’s not either/or. You’re allowed to design a life that makes you feel more whole.* Friendly heads-up. If Meredith sounds a tad like a robot this week, forgive her—she was in Hawaii on a hotspot (dreamy backdrop, crunchy Wi-Fi). And yes, Meredith still isn’t on social media. Connect with her here.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Stuff We Mentioned* Color Analysis: Meredith’s Choice: House of Colour * SLUMBERPOD: Because sleep is everyone’s love language* Book: Mindset by Carol Dweck (fixed vs. growth—helpful for moms and littles)* Pediped: Our incredible sponsor - kid, parent, and pediatrician-approved footwear for children. Use code MOMREADY at checkout for 20% off your first order at pediped.com.Join us: Subscribe free at GetMomReady.com for weekly episodes. Upgrade to the paid community for templates, behind-the-scenes, and deeper dives on identity, capacity, and rhythms.Leave us a Comment: What’s one decision you’re reconsidering right now—work, routines, or otherwise? We’d love to cheer you on. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Hi friends, it’s Hannah (your Mindset Mom).If I could sum up my story in one phrase, it would be intentionality. For me, that looks like belonging to yourself, trusting your intuition, and giving yourself room to pivot when life changes.But let’s be honest—living that way didn’t come naturally. It took a few career pivots and a hurricane (literally, Hurricane Harvey) to push me toward what I now know is my true calling: helping moms increase their capacity, find joy in motherhood, and love their kids well.Layer on top of that: nursing struggles, two babies just 26 months apart, and the constant pressure I put on myself to be “more capable”—and you get a season that felt heavier than I imagined.There were bathroom floor moments. There were “can we survive on one income?” phone calls. There were tears in the pediatrician’s office and days I wondered why it felt like I couldn’t “do it all”. But slowly, through therapy, faith, and a whole lot of stubbornness, my capacity did grow. And along the way, I learned that “hard” doesn’t mean “wrong.”In this episode, I share honestly about all of it—the disappointment, the turning points, and the small, grace-filled wins that helped me find joy again. My hope is that it feels like sitting with a friend who says: you’re not crazy, it really is this hard… and you’re doing better than you think.In this episode, you’ll hear:* Why knowing to yourself matters more than pleasing everyone else* How I literally worked myself out of a job—and why that was the right pivot* The circus that comes with having 2 under 2 (potty-training a toddler while nursing a newborn, anyone?)* How I learned that it’s okay to not be okay* The grief of hitting capacity but still longing for a bigger family* Why supporting moms first is the most powerful way to support kids* Why I don’t buy into the idea that motherhood has to be miserableEpisode Shoutouts* We love our friends at pediped®. They make shoes designed with pediatric science to support growing feet—because supportive shoes = thriving kids. Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order.* Birds & bees- The Instagram account that saved me during the “how are babies born?” phase with my kids. Highly recommend.We’ve now shared all four of our stories—mine, Meredith’s, Anna’s, and Holly’s. Starting next week, we’ll move from introductions into topics—the everyday realities of staying grounded as moms while raising kids. First up: personal fulfillment, the impact of external voices on decision-making, and integrating work and motherhood. I can’t wait.With you,HannahPS: Subscribe at GetMomReady.com for weekly episodes (and behind-the-scenes extras if you’re part of our paid community). And come say hi on Instagram @GetMomReady—I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Hi friends—Meredith here 👋 (your resident Wellness Mom and Enneagram 7 who, as you’ll learn, process tough emotions through humor. Welcome to the ride).Today I’m sharing my journey to motherhood—four miscarriages, a moldy bathroom (yep), a detour into NaPro Fertility, acupuncture needles, and finally: letting go. I wish I could tell you I “zen-surrendered.” Actually, I rage-surrendered. And it was enough.What I learned: your intuition often whispers the answer long before the experts do. Mine said “mold + acupuncture.” Once I did the work—and then stopped trying to control every lab result—my body surprised me. Cue my perfect little chubby prince, Ethan. 🍼In this episode, I get into:* Intuition > protocol: The moment “mold + acupuncture” landed while I was on an ultrasound table* Rage-surrender: Why my turning point wasn’t candles and breathwork; it was “I’m done.”* Finding the right care team: Hopeful, human practitioners > sterile “cautious optimism”* Humor as a lifeline: Taylor Swift on blast, a bathtub, and one very necessary whiskey 🥃* Being “right on schedule”: The most annoying, and strangely comforting, truthStuff we mentioned (and why I love it):* Sponsor: PediPed.com — Comfy, foot-healthy shoes for little walkers. Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your order.* e.l.f. Halo Glow Filter — Hannah’s “did you get a facial?” foundation dupe. ( She did not. She just glows.)* 🩺 NaPro (Natural Procreative Technology) — The fertility specialty I tried; helpful for investigating hormone patterns like progesterone.If you’re in the thick of it…You are not alone. Whether you’re testing, trying, grieving, or resting—your timeline isn’t behind. You’re right on schedule, even if that sentence makes you want to throw a shoe at me today. (Fair.)Come hang with us* Say hi on IG @GetMomReady* Paid folks: My Postpartum Wellness Guide is available to you now.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Next week on Get Mom Ready…We’re dropping our last intro episode before we dive into weekly topics: Hannah Castle (our Mindset Mom) shares her story on her career in social work and experience in motherhood, including the challenges of breastfeeding, handling multiple young children, and the emotional and mental toll it takes. It’s validating, practical, and so compassionate.With you,Meredith 💛P.S. Friendly boundary: please skip the “I’m so sorry” replies—send me your story, your questions, or your favorite healthy snack recipe instead. 😉 Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Hi, I’m Anna—mom to Emmie, wife to Phillip, and the operations arm behind Get Mom Ready. Today I’m sharing something that no mama-to-be plans for: our journey with congenital heart disease (CHD) and what it’s looked like to embrace being a “medical mom.”In this episode, I talk about finding out during pregnancy that something was wrong with our daughter’s heart, navigating multiple hospital stays and surgeries, and how we’ve learned to hold the tension of making everyday life magical while still parenting with boundaries. If you’re walking through medical unknowns—or love someone who is—I hope this conversation helps you feel seen and a little less alone.In this episode, I share:* The day we learned about Emmie’s congenital heart disease and how quickly life changed* What hospital life really looks like (including the 2:22 moment I’ll never forget)* How community carried us—and practical ways to let people help* Marriage in the middle of medical trauma: what supported us and what we learned the hard way* The phrase I’m living by right now: “It’s not that serious” (and when it is)Links & mentions* Get Mom Ready: Subscribe free or join the paid community → GetMomReady.com* Paid members get my Hospital Packing List (what to bring for everything from a quick stay to the long hauls).Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* Pediped Footwear (today’s sponsor): Thoughtfully made kids’ shoes from sandals to sneakers → pediped.com* Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order.* Jones Road Beauty: Bobbi Brown’s clean makeup line we keep mentioning → jonesroadbeauty.com* BrüMate: The handled, twist-to-close water bottle Meredith won’t stop talking about* Berne Brown on The Tim Ferriss Show - How to Save Your Marriage* Radical Candor (the book that changed my life)* Our Favorites List: A single place for everything we rave about on the show → free access at GetMomReady.com* Join us on Instagram for extras and to share your story: @GetMomReadyFor the moms in the thick of itIf you’re facing CHD or any kind of medical unknown with your child, your feelings are valid. Let people help. Take the walk. Eat the ice cream for breakfast sometimes. And when you can, remember: not everything is that serious—but the love you’re building absolutely is.Paid community members can grab my Hospital Packing List today at GetMomReady.com. I made it so you don’t have to think when you’re already carrying so much.What’s next?Next week, we hear from Meredith Mayo (our Wellness Mom). She gets vulnerable sharing never-before-heard stories about her road to motherhood and the hardship of walking through miscarriage. Meredith opens up about the grief, the grit, and how her Enneagram 7 spirit helped her find light even in the darkest seasons. At the heart of it all? Learning to trust your gut as a mom. Don’t miss it.Follow along on Instagram: @GetMomReady—Anna Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

It’s here, friends—the very first episode of Get Mom Ready (A production of The Ready Network)!We’re four moms, in four different phases of motherhood, with one mission: to help you stay grounded while raising your kids.In this first episode, Holly (👋 hi, that’s me!) shares her story of becoming a mom—the joy, the heartbreak, the pumping saga, and why I believe moms deserve a space that’s not just about parenting, but about you.No matter what phase of motherhood you’re in—we want you to feel seen here.What you’ll hear in today’s episode:* Why we created Get Mom Ready (spoiler: because moms are more than “just moms”).* My story of miscarriage, loss, and eventually welcoming our daughter Iris 🌈.* The reality of exclusively pumping for a year (portable pumps for the win 🙌).* How each of my co-hosts—Hannah Castle, LCSW, Anna Baker, and Meredith Mayo, MSW, NTP—brings a different perspective to this community.Products & Mentions from this episode:* Jones Road Beauty Miracle Cream (we’re manifesting that Bobbi Brown collab ✨).* Jimmy Fallon’s kids’ books: Everything is Mama + Everything is Dada.* Pediped 👟 – Our very first sponsor! Shoes designed by a mom, for babies, toddlers, and kids. Use code MOMREADY for 20% off your first order at pediped.com.(Psst. access our running list of favorite mom-approved products here.)Join the conversationWe’d love to hear from you! Share your biggest challenge as a mom, or what you want us to talk about next, in the discussion board on GetMomReady.com.And don’t forget—you can subscribe for free weekly episodes, or upgrade to our paid community for bonus content and deeper conversations.What’s next?Next week, Anna gets real about her journey as a medical mom—navigating hospital stays, surgeries, and the perspective shift it brought to her parenting. You don’t want to miss it. Follow along on Instagram here. Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe

Hey friend,Motherhood is messy, beautiful, and overwhelming — and if you’re anything like us, you’ve probably wondered: Who am I in the middle of all this?That’s why we created Get Mom Ready — a podcast (and community!) about staying grounded in who you are while raising your kids.I (Holly!) teamed up with three amazing women who each bring a unique perspective:* Hannah Castle — our Mindset Mom (therapist & social worker)* Meredith Mayo — our Wellness Mom (whole-person health enthusiast)* Anna Baker — our Medical Mom (resilience is her superpower)* And me, your Working Mom (making work work in a way that feels right for you)Each week, we’ll bring you real, raw, and relatable conversations for moms, by moms — the kind that make you feel seen, help you exhale, and maybe even laugh-snort into your coffee.Because motherhood doesn’t come with a manual, but it can come with a community. And that’s what we’re building here.Episode one drops Monday.We’re so glad you’re here. 💛Why Join the Inner Circle?Our weekly podcast is free for every mom — but if you want to go a layer deeper, that’s where our Inner Circle comes in.As a paid member, you’ll get:✨ Juicy behind-the-scenes moments we can’t share on the main feed✨ 2 times a week, we'll share our most helpful tools, templates, and resources for real mom life✨ Exclusive conversations with all-star guests we know you’ll love✨ A front-row seat to the laughs, the tears, and the “same here” momentsThe best part? Every mom is welcome. Whether you’re a Type A scheduler, a Type B free spirit, or somewhere in between — you belong here.Because motherhood is better when we don’t do it alone.Join the inner circle as a paid subscriber:Get Mom Ready is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.Holly, Hannah, Meredith & AnnaGetMomReady.com Get full access to Get Mom Ready at www.getmomready.com/subscribe