MomCast

Moms, the hamster wheel of stress and burnout doesn’t have to be inevitable. Let’s change it together!No hacks today. Clinical psychologist and author Dr. Rachel Goldman walks us through small, sustainable changes for feeling stronger and getting unstuck.Drawing from her new book When Life Happens, Dr. Rachel preaches mindset shifts, small daily actions, and self-compassion to handle life’s changes and unexpected twists:* why “one teeny tiny tweak” can be more powerful than a full life overhaul* how to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset* tools to recognize and stop negative thought spirals (aka “unhelpful thoughts”)* the difference between body positivity, body acceptance, and body neutrality and why it matters* simple ways to build micro-moments of stress relief into your daily routine (even in under a minute!)Tune in for a compassionate, actionable conversation that reminds us change is on the other side of small intentions.You can learn more about Dr. Rachel @drrachelnyc or on her website drrachelnyc.comFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, it’s time to live the life you want. And our guest makes us believe we have the guts to make it happen!Lydia Fenet is a mom of three and a world renowned auctioneer who founded the Lydia Fenet Agency. Confidence is truly her brand; Claim Your Confidence is the title of both her book and podcast. Behind that confidence is an incredible story of resilience, having survived a life changing car accident with her family. But the ordeal didn’t derail her; it rebuilt her.Lydia teaches us how to cultivate our own confidence in career, motherhood, and beyond, plus:* why she broke away from Christie’s after two decades to launch her own agency* how she owns the stage with Elton John for his annual post-Oscars auction* when she stopped leaving detailed to-do lists about the kids before travel (and why we can let go too!)* taking her kids on a work trips to share her passion and work ethic…and sneak in some bonding time* the strong circle of women all over the country that keeps her heart and social calendar fullMake sure to follow Lydia on Instagram @lydiafenet and learn more about her at lydiafenet.comFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, when did you first feel the pressure to be the perfect mother?We all carry a laundry list of to-do’s and obligations that come with this role…but aspiring to be “perfect” can lead to a crippling whisper that tells us we’ll never be enough. Let’s be done with it!The Myth of the Perfect Mom is a new book by therapist Erin Schlozman that shatters the unattainable expectations and helps us discover what we truly want out of motherhood. As the founder of 4th Trimester Wellness, Erin shares practical, compassionate ways to zoom in on our values and glimmers of joy. She is funny and forgiving, and the de-programming she suggests is real:* learn some surprising history about ancient alternatives to breastfeeding * figure out what you don’t want as a means to discover what you do want* why relying on AI for parenting advice is a slippery slope when emotions get involved* working through gender disappointment and bonding concerns * using negative affirmations to get through your day—because good enough is good enough!Check out Erin’s work at erinschlozman.com and follow along @4th.trimester.wellnessFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, parenting tweens and teens can be downright confusing. Some behaviors are developmentally normal—yet those same behaviors can also signal that it’s time to step in.Today’s guests, Sissy Goff and David Thomas, are experts at helping parents understand the difference. Both are licensed therapists with more than 30 years of experience supporting children and families in Nashville. Through their widely followed platform, Raising Boys and Girls, they equip parents nationwide with practical tools.They’re also the authors of the new book Capable, which explains why resilience may be the most important trait we can help our kids develop.In this episode, they share clear guidance on:* what kids wish their parents knew about the pressures of growing up today* understanding the difference between pulling away from parents and isolating from friends and activities* why avoiding eye contact during a sensitive conversation is actually a good thing (and what to do instead)* why boys are more likely to hide their insecurities and struggles and what to say to connect* recognizing whether your child is struggling or truly feeling debilitated by their challengesTo learn more about Sissy Goff and David Thomas, check out www.raisingboysandgirls.com or follow them on IG @raisingboysandgirls Find us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, nothing unlocks the emotions of the human experience like motherhood.All the cliches ring true; it’s a rollercoaster, a whirlwind…This week’s guest puts words to these feelings in such a poignant way…and she’s one of our own! Lauren Garcia is curator of The San Antonio Moms Network, one of 100+ suburban sites that make up The Local Moms Network. And if there’s one feeling she radiates, it’s joy!As she celebrates her first anniversary of building her community, she gets vulnerable about:* how positivity has propelled her motherhood forward and helped grow her site* why she decided against having children, then got the shock of her life* the heart condition that changed her priorities and perspective forever* values from her Mexican heritage that she’s passing onto her son (plus some habits she’s leaving behind!)* how she’s erasing the stigma around therapy and medication to bolster mental healthMake sure to follow Lauren @sanantoniomomsnetwork and check out sanantoniomomsnetwork.comFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, we all seem to have collectively embraced the idea that we don’t have to “do it all.” But once we let go of that myth, what do we actually delegate? And how do we outsource without guilt or micromanaging?Our guest this week is Courtney Hirsch, CEO of Jomboy Media, a creator-led sports media company. Courtney shares a refreshingly honest look at what it really takes to build a thriving career while raising a family you adore.Courtney shares so many real-time examples from her life that we can replicate, plus:* how she became a CEO after wanting to be a stay-at-home mom when she got married* why she encourages her staff-both moms and dads-to attend all the special moments in their kids’ lives* why we need to be honest and specific when giving feedback to hired help (it’s not pretentious!)* her take on the much-debated ambition gap and why moms are choosing work more carefully* why her family found it so worth it to relocate from the west coast for the sake of a villageMake sure to follow Courtney on IG @courtney_hirschFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, imagine this: your daughter is riding the rollercoaster of puberty while you’re navigating perimenopause. Sound familiar? This episode takes us headfirst into the wild world of hormones equipped with the absolute best information.We welcome back two powerhouse experts in gynecologic care: Dr. Karlie Provost Goldstein and Dr. Leigh Rosen of ESSE Care. Whether you’re in the thick of perimenopause, supporting a daughter through her first cycle—or both—their expertise is unmatched.Dr. Goldstein and Dr. Provost share red flags about what’s normal and what’s not, even if it’s normal for you. They empower us with details about our bodies we never knew and empower us with facts:- what period pain should feel like for teens and the limitations that definitely aren’t normal- how to prepare young girls for the first period, emotionally and logistically- when endometriosis might begin and the hidden symptoms that could be warnings- the background on that infamous hormone replacement study that caused the wave of backlash on HRT- an exhaustive list of treatment options for perimenopause symptoms (including some you’ve never heard of!) and how they workESSE Care has private practices in Los Angeles, Manhattan, and Fairfield County, CT, and specializes in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. Learn more at their website and on their Instagram account @essecaresurgerywellness. Make sure to follow Dr. Goldstein at @patientsurgeonmama and Dr. Rosen @leighrosenmdFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, information is power. And when it comes to pregnancy, each woman decides how much genetic information she wants to know. Whether you’re convinced of its value, or just curious about what it entails, this episode explains genetic testing before and during pregnancy. Our guest is Prenatal Genetic Counselor Kira Dineen, a passionate scientist and host of the celebrated podcast “DNA Today.” Kira analyzes family history, assesses risks for inherited diseases, and guides patients through genetic testing options. We cover:* what preconception genetic testing can tell us (and what it can’t)* the chances of passing along a condition if you and your partner are both carriers* testing options in the various phases of pregnancy and which types of cells are analyzed* why chromosomal abnormalities become more common as we age* the difference between inherited disease and those that result from mutationsTo learn more about Kira, head to her website dnapodcast.com and check out her podcast “DNA Today” wherever you listen to your shows.MomCast is powered by The Local Moms NetworkIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by the Digital Factory of NBCUniversal at Stamford Studios.

Moms, there’s no shame if we need help connecting with our kids. After all, building a relationship isn’t intuitive—it takes work.Kirk Martin, a dad and founder of the Celebrating Calm platform, has helped thousands of parents build strong relationships with their children.  Spoiler: the strategy works by changing the parents’ approach, not the children.Kirk’s experience centers on strong-willed kids and those with ADD and ADHD. He offers all families real examples of success and hacks we can try today. Join us to hear:- how to identify a strong-willed child and why they require a unique approach  - reframing discipline as a form of teaching- what it means to validate a child with intensity, even if it feels counterintuitive- how to eliminate power struggles with a small investment of time and some quirky interventions- using body language and tone of voice to diffuse a stalemateMake sure to listen to the Calm Parenting Podcast and head to CelebratingCalm.com to learn more.Find us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by the Digital Factory of NBCUniversal at Stamford Studios.

Moms, feeding our kids can feel like a full-time job and just when we think we’ve got it figured out, the rules change.With the government rolling out an updated food pyramid, it’s no wonder we’re curious about what actually matters. We’ve got you! Registered dietitian Stefani Sassos joins us for the key takeaways on the latest guidelines and all the food hacks to keep mealtime manageable.A mom of two and Nutrition & Fitness Director at “Good Housekeeping,” Stefani’s motto is “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” We’ll take it!In this episode, we cover:*what the new food pyramid gets right—and where protein (and red meat) really fit*exactly how to read labels, including how much added sugar is too much*why fiber is the unsung hero for digestion, cancer prevention, and long-term health*why frozen veggies are a mealtime MVP for both nutrition and your wallet*how to stay away from clever marketing and stick with whole foods when snackingMake sure to follow Stefani for more @stefanisassos and @goodhousekeepingFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by the Digital Factory of NBCUniversal at Stamford Studios.

Moms, what happens when you mix celebrity news, mom-group gossip, and real talk about covering stubborn grey hair? You get a must-listen episode with People’s Andrea Lavinthal.We sat down with the media executive and mom of two for a hilarious, honest conversation that feels like the ultimate escape from reality. We dive into:* why the Beckham family drama is triggering all of us (yes, you too)* real fears of parent-child estrangement and the growing conversation about “toxic” parenting* the unspoken rules of mom groups and how to avoid a Tisdale-style debacle* just how unhinged we’d look if our private texts ever got leaked (hello, Taylor Swift and Blake Lively chaos)* the facial treatments we swear by for 40-something faces—and Andrea is dropping namesIf you’re not already following Andrea, get on it!  Find her @andilavs and @peopleFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by the Digital Factory of NBCUniversal at Stamford Studios.

Moms, the childhood you create for your kids shapes who they become. It’s an enormous responsibility, right! It forces us to look at our own triggers and insecurities and do better.Our guest is Celia Kibler, a parenting expert and creator of the Be A Better Parent App. A mother of 5 kids in a blended family-and a grandmother to 9!-Celia has been supporting parents for more than 40 years. She grew up in a loving home where yelling was common and vowed to help other families break this generational cycle. As you’ll hear in the episode, her strategies are simple enough to try immediately, along with other advice she has gathered over a lifetime:*how to notice the good your child is doing-and make sure to tell them you notice!* why our goal should be for children to cooperate, not obey (and what the difference is)* how yelling at our children changes their relationship with themselves, not just us* the power that lies in modeling mutual respect between us and our children* how we teach integrity by inviting children to make decision along with us and then hold up their end of the bargainNow you can have access to Celia and her decades of professional experience 24/7!  Download the Be A Better Parent App and gain access to online resources, a private member community, and monthly live masterclasses.You can also learn more at BeABetterParent.com or in Instagram @beabetterparentdotcomFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by the Digital Factory of NBCUniversal at Stamford Studios.

Moms, if you’re trying to get pregnant again and it’s just not happening, you’re not alone—and it can be scary. You might even feel like your body is betraying you, because you’ve conceived and delivered before.Enter Dr. Lucky Sekhon.  She’s a double board-certified OB-GYN and fertility specialist. Her new book, The Lucky Egg, is a one-stop shop for everything she has learned in her career, offering practical, science-based information.Dr. Sekhon debunks fertility myths, clarifies advice around treatments like IUI and IVF, and she explains:*the biological clock is real! what changes in our mid 30’s and how quickly*she shatters the perception that wanting more children is selfish or a “champagne problem”*why food restrictions can backfire and how a “heart healthy” works to help*the process of egg freezing vs. embryo freezing*why this is the best time in history to try and have a baby: advances in science, plus financial input from employers for reproductive careMake sure to follow Dr. Lucky at @lucky.sekhon and learn more on her website theluckyegg.comFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, we have so many partners in raising our kids and one of the most trusted should be our pediatrician.Today, we sit down with Dr. Mona Amin, the pediatrician millions of parents turn to on social media for clear, credible answers about our children’s health. Known for her no-nonsense, science-backed approach, Dr. Mona cuts through the headlines on her platform PedsDocTalk and as host of The PedsDocTalk Podcast.She’s relatable rather than rigid, empowering parents to be curious and confident without feeling confined by “rules.”We cover the biggest hot-button topics in pediatrics, and you will definitely be surprised by what you hear:* real talk about vaccine schedules, plus what Dr. Mona says you can skip and what’s a must!* her expert take on possible link between vaccines and autism and why we need more research in this debate * the true causes of precocious puberty and what parents can realistically control to support their kids* when it’s safe to travel with a newborn and why a mom’s mental health should guide decision-making from day one* why multiple opinions might come into play for a neurodivergent diagnosisMake sure to follow Dr. Mona on IG @pedsdoctalk and catch her on The PedsDocTalk PodcastFind us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by Stamford Studios Digital Factory.

Moms, be honest…how’s your relationship going?In today’s MomCast, we’re steping back from the day-to-day of mom life and dive into something just as important (if not more!): our marriages. We spend so much energy on parenting that our partnerships can easily slip to the bottom of the priority list.Our guest is Jocelyn Freeman, one half of the marriage-psychologist duo behind Meet the Freemans. Jocelyn and her husband, Aaron, coach couples around the world and are known for breaking down real-life relationship scenarios on Instagram. Jocelyn got us very clear on what actually strengthens a marriage and the work it takes for that to happen.We learn some incredibly practical, eye-opening tools to get us started, plus:* how holding a weekly family meeting can keep you and your partner aligned on needs, feelings, and expectations* what a “love deposit” is and why building a surplus creates relationship security* whether it’s ever okay to go to bed angry (the answer may surprise you)* why commiserating about our marriage can often turn into complaining…and something much more harmful* why mentioning divorce during conflict shuts down important conversations and keeps couples from resolving the real issuesMake sure to follow Jocelyn @meet_thefreemans and check out her website www.meetthefreemans.comYou can also hear more from Jocelyn and Aaron on their podcast "Empowered Couples"Find us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by the Digital Factory of NBCUniversal at Stamford Studios.

Moms, only you know when your family is complete. Deciding how many children to have is a deeply personal decision, and frankly, one that requires no approval from family and friends.  Yet, judgement abounds…That’s why Shannon Eng, a California-based mom, created the platform Only, Not Lonely Kids.  She and her husband have one child, by choice, and she celebrates other families who make the same decision.Shannon spoke so honestly about her feelings and, truthfully, even moms of multiple kids will agree with much of the realities of motherhood we struggle with. Listen in to hear:* the common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding only children—and why most of them aren’t true* how Shannon and her husband decided together on having one child and how they navigated outside pressure* the inspiration behind creating Only, Not Lonely Kids and how the community supports one-child families* sharing the emotional and practical factors that went into their decision to stop at one child…and yes, mental health and finances both matter!.* encouragement for other parents to trust themselves, honor their limits, and define family size on their own terms.Learn more about Shannon on IG @onlynotlonelykids - give her a follow!Find us at www.thelocalmomsnetwork.comIG: @thelocalmomsnetworkEmail: [email protected] facilities provided by the Digital Factory of NBCUniversal at Stamford Studios.