MomCast

Moms, when should you start prepping your kid for college?Admission isn’t a race to the finish line, but rather a marathon that starts sooner than you might think. That's according to our guest Alex Merrill, the founder of Alliance Tutoring in Connecticut. Alex brings lots of perspective to this role both as a former teacher and a father of three. Simply put, he says one-on-one education is the gold standard. So how do you find the perfect tutor? Alex shares his take, plus much more:* why middle school is a critical time in a child’s development and their journey to college* why preparation will always trump natural ability on standardized tests* the SAT v. ACT debate* how college applications “speak” and offer a story about a student* when to hire a tutor and how to know you have a stellar match for your childMake sure to follow Alex on IG @alliancetutoring and at his website www.alliancetutoring.comFind us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Moms, it takes a unique temperament to meld motherhood and entrepreneurship and it can’t be captured in the sometimes-too-cute moniker “mompreneur.” The challenges and sacrifices are plentiful, but Gillian Stollwerk Garrett wouldn’t have it any other way. Gilly, as she’s affectionately known to her friends and customers, is the founder of Gilly’s Organics. Over 20 years in the skincare business, she’s found incredible success and disappointing lows and she insists it’s all a choice.If you’re a mom who’s also riding the wave of owning her own business, or if you have an idea that just won’t quit you, this interview will solidify your resolve to keep going.Gilly is also a mom of three-two daughters in college and a son in high school-and is as honest as moms come.  Listen for:* why she’s never not momming, no matter how old her kids get* the event that turned her hobby into a legitimate business* the reason entrepreneurs neglect to celebrate their wins enough…and how to do just that* why she stopped selling at Whole Foods and ultimately reframed that disappointment* the reason to get a mentor or coach to hold yourself accountable* the truth about bootstrapping through the growth of your businessYou can find Gilly @gillysorganics on IG and at her website gillyorganics.com.  You can also find her hosting @everydayrockstars on IG as well.Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Moms, sometimes we throw our hands up and wonder if we’re parenting our children the right way, literally questioning the philosophy behind our decisions. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the Danish approach to parenting—a method that has gained global attention for its focus on balance, respect, and emotional well-being. Our guest, Jessica Joelle Alexander, is co-author of The Danish Way of Parenting and she offers practical tips on how to incorporate these ideals into our own daily practices. After all, Denmark has been recognized for decades as one of the happiest cultures in the world.  Interestingly, Jessica is an American who married a Dane and together they’re raising two children. With this unique perspective she shares:* the Danish word hygge (pronounced "HOO-gah"), a feeling of warmth and comfort that comes from slowing down and enjoying togetherness* the stark contrast between self-confidence and self-esteem that Danish culture values* the incredible way in which Danish parents reframe a situation to look at a positive side* the powerful reason parents need to reframe how we judge our kids* a system for “certifying” kids before giving them a cell phone to prove they are ready to be good digital citizenYou can find Jessica on Instagram @jessicaljoellealexander or at her websites Jessicajoellealexander.com  & TheDanishWay.comFind us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Welcome back to another solo episode of MomCast and my “5 Things” that are consuming me this week!Moms, I’m sharing a huge thank you to every listener for helping us build this platform. I’m so grateful that you’re listening, rating, reviewing, and reaching out to me.  When we know better, we do better…together!In this episode, I’m sharing (rambling) about a recent momfail, the unexpected meltdowns of all three of my kids that I didn’t see coming, and why this podcast has changed my marriage (!).We all have those topics that consistently spark arguments between us and our partners.  We try a million ways to explain how we feel but the sentiment never really gets across. Sound familiar?  For me, the challenge was explaining the mental load and invisible labor of being a SAHM.  But these terms didn’t exist 12 years ago when I needed them most!  Today, the mom space and our awareness is changing.  That’s why Ep. 11 was a gamechanger and I’m shouting out Paige Connell for helping me flip the switch in my home.Hear that and much more in this fun episode and don’t forget to email me and let me know which guest you’d like to hear next on MomCast.Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Moms, if you find yourself vacillating between two polar opposite emotions about motherhood, you’re not alone!  Love and frustration, overwhelm and gratitude, emotional and desensitized…they’re all proof of both the blessings and the burdens of this role.That’s why the most powerful word in motherhood is AND. Both ends of the spectrum are true and valid.Our guest today, Lalaina Rabary, lives so authentically in this duality of motherhood. She’s a Texas toddler mom with a second daughter on the way and is feeling all the feels about expanding her family. She’s also a marketing executive for MomCozy, a brand you probably know best for their wearable breast pumps and so much more.Together, Lalaina and I discuss the competing feelings of motherhood, plus:* the impetus to find our mom village* what drives us to reach out to other moms for help* the mind games that IVF conjures up in mothers, including what Lalaina call the “carrot of hope” that it dangles in front of us* the mindset shift around what a new baby really needs from the perspective of a second or third time mom* Demetra’s analogy of how our hearts grow like the “trunk of a tree” to include more love and memories with each child* why mom needs more care in the fourth trimester than the baby!An important website that Lalaina discusses in this episode is pregnancyafterloss.com and we hope you find its resources helpful to you.Please follow her at @lalainarabary and find her at both @momcozy and listen to their podcast called Momcozy VillageFind us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Moms, isn’t it refreshing to talk to a woman who’s as open about her challenges as she is about her wins?  Plus, she’s funny, and warm, and you just want to keep chatting.  That’s Zibby Owens.  This mom of 4 spearheads a book empire (think author and publishing executive) and easily discusses the failures that make her success even more rewarding.You’ve likely heard of her wildly successful podcast, Moms Don’t Have Time to Read Books, which was just renamed Totally Booked with Zibby!We recorded this conversation a few weeks ago, before the unspeakable fires in LA threatened Zibby’s home.  Her family is safe and, miraculously, her house survived; however, the community of Pacific Palisades that she called her family’s “happy place” is decimated.As you’ll hear, resilience is a word that quickly comes to mind when Zibby shares her story. Her fortitude is something that really struck me and I know you’re going to feel it too.  She opens up about the long road to fulfilling her dream of becoming a published author, plus:* why divorce allowed her the time without children to think critically about her goals and work toward them* how she trusted her gut when her second marriage caused a bit of scandal in her social circle* giving shy children tools to step out of their comfort zone (as a former shy person herself)* the power of spending five, focused minutes with your child-no phones allowed!* writing a graphic novel with her daughter* approaching her career with more intention after the passing of her best friend on 9/11* how she really feels about the title “bookfluencer” and her new role running a publishing houseMake sure to follow @zibbyowens and catch Totally Booked with Zibby wherever you listen to your podcasts.Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Moms, want to break out some new food habits but don’t know where to start?  We’ve got you!Like you, we spend a lot of time fixating on food and movement. From what’s for dinner, to keeping up with what snacks our kids like, to fitting in time for exercise. Today’s guest, Stefani Sassos, cuts through all the noise. She’s a registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition Lab.Her common sense advice helps us look at the big picture and make changes through small steps.  As you’ll hear, Stefani is so passionate about exercise and eating well.  Oh, and if you have fought the idea of meal prepping, Stefani will make you a believer! Plus:* hacks for swapping ultraprocessed snacks for more nutritious options* the case for weight training no matter your age* small goals in postpartum that will be boost your motivation* ideas for finally breaking up with your sugar cravings* her favorite quick meal that’s a life-saver…and hits all the macro-nutrients we need* why she’s willing to pay more for organic fruits and veggies* the best reframe for shared family meal timeYou can follow Stefani on IG @stefanisassos and read all of her article at goodhousekeeping.comFind us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Moms, what’s in and out for 2025? Whatever we want! And to get us inspired, we sat down with PEOPLE’S Andrea Lavinthal. We cover it all from fashion trends (spoiler alert: make your own!) to skincare, to vowing to have more fun. The former Style and Beauty Director at PEOPLE, fluent in hair, makeup, fashion, Andrea is now Executive Director, Special Integrative Projects. She dishes about voting for the future Sexiest Man Alive and her fake-it-til-she-makes-it attitude about the Super Bowl.While you’ve seen her on TODAY and Good Morning America, this episode will introduce you Andrea as a mom: creator of family traditions, junk food aficionado, and soccer devotee. She breaks down why Monday dinners are perfect for a girl’s night out, plus:* why she’s teaching her daughter that makeup is meant “to decorate” our faces* how she hosted the theme party to end all theme parties* why getting properly dressed everyday is a must * the mindset that will help her survive an upcoming family trip to Disney * how to avoid becoming botox and filler “blind”* her surprising reaction to getting proposed to years after having kids with her partnerMake sure to follow Andrea @andilavs and follow her work @peopleFind us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Moms, do you ever wonder if the push to include affirmations and self-talk in your daily routine-both for you and your kids- is actually worth it or just a bunch of BS?This episode confirms you are not wasting your time!Our guest, Dr. Reon Baird-Feldman, is trained in neuropsychology and breaks down exactly why affirmations work. They also, quite literally, change the way we think!Dr. Reon, a trusted and longtime contributor to The Local Moms Network, explains why a child’s brain is primed to reap the benefits of affirmations and so much more:* how affirmations rewire the brain to boost resilience and confidence* why creating a positive voice can shatter doubt* why a child’s brain is malleable for far longer than we may think* how to draw boundaries to protect your peace* why trying to be a good parent is, indeed, proof that you are one!Dr. Reon leads a private practice called 2nd City Psychological Consulting that serves clients in California, New York, and Connecticut.  You can find her at 2ndcitypsych.com or helloalma.com and follow her IG @reonbairdfeldman Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Sibling relationships can be incredibly warm and incredibly tricky, too. But when siblings are best friends, the love is truly palpable. In this episode, Kaki Dudley McGrath and Lauren Dudley Stephens, co-founders of the clothing brand Dudley Stephens, take us inside their partnership as sisters and entrepreneurs. If you’re not familiar with the brand, Demetra calls it the best way to feel totally put together and completely comfortable all day long!Kaki and Lauren have 5 children between them (close cousins, of course!) and open up about the family dynamic that prompted their close relationship. Their varying strengths and confidence in each other also boost their success in business.Moms, if you’re wondering how to get your own kids to be tight-knit, this conversation offers a lot of empathy…and much more:* entering the world of podcasting to pull back the curtain on mixing family and business * ruminating on how to minimize competition amongst siblings for our time and affection* how parent relationships can set the stage for loyalty and love* the contrast in how we view motherhood before and after having kids (hint: nothing can really prepare us)* showing children the joy and fulfillment that work outside the home can bring* shouting out the childcare that makes moms capable of doing all the things* the incredible book “Moms on Call” by Lauren Hunter and Jennifer Walker that Lauren and Kaki swear by!Make sure to follow Dudley Stephens @dudley_stephens or find them at www.dudley-stephens.com Their fun, new podcast is called Two Sisters in Business with Lauren & Kaki…give them a listen!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Moms, we’ve heard the saying about turning pain into purpose. It’s an idea even more powerful when we consider our roles as CEO of our home and leaders within our families.Our guest today, Ellie Ander, is an incredible example of turning challenges into advocacy, whether it be for mental or physical health. Ellie is also the entrepreneur behind our sister site Chicago North Shore Moms who celebrates the fulfilling career that The Local Moms Network launched for her.In this intimate conversation, Ellie shares three opportunities for advocacy that sprung from terrifying situations in her life.  Rather than stay silent or stagnant, she pivoted, finding agency and empowerment. Listen in to hear:*how losing her mother to breast cancer taught her the power of grief counseling*why she made the brave decision to have a double mastectomy after learning she carries the BRCA gene*what helped her regain a sense of control after she and her family survived a mass shooting in Chicago in 2022 Listening to Ellie will absolutely inspire you to reevaluate how you approach the challenges in your life and what action you’ll take in response. We’re grateful to Ellie for her courage in sharing her story and nudging us to create change.Make sure to follow Ellie at @chicagonorthshore on IG and at chicagonorthshoremoms.com.Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Mom, you are pure magic during the holidays!We all know the warm memories our children carry into adulthood are the result of a mom who worked her tail off to spark joy and smiles. Each year we get a bit savvier with making it all happen…and that’s exactly the message from our incredible guest, Kaylen Maduka of our sister site here at The Local Moms Network, South Houston Moms!Kaylen is the grounded voice we need to help us actually enjoy the Christmas season. She shares her tips and tricks for thriving-and sometimes just making good enough, good enough…hallelujah!Join us as we dish about:*our favorite Christmas traditions around our neighborhoods and inside our homes*Elf on the Shelf ideas that are manageable and fun*our favorite ways to support small businesses while we shop*the “it” toys and gifts that are making their way under our trees*some wonderful ways to teach our kids about gratitude, and also to help our communities and families in need*and most of all…how to find GRACE for ourselves as we tackle this most wonderful time of the year!Don’t forget to follow Kaylen at @southhoustonmoms or find her online at southhoustonmoms.comFind us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Trigger Warning: Moms, please listen without any kids around.Sometimes, our child needs to walk a different path than the one all of the other kids are walking. And as parents, it’s hard to anticipate how hard we’d fight to keep them on the “normal” path. Today’s guest, Alicia, gave her son space to do something unexpected; he dropped out of high school. She shares his compelling story from depression, to the desert, to Dean’s List.This episode, though, is far more than a teenager’s story; it’s the portrait of a mother who, quite literally, walked beside her child in his most difficult moments.Alicia opens up about a spectrum of moments and feelings in her family’s journey:*her divorce and the ripple effect it created in her family*signs of detachment that her son showed*how an illness altered her son’s interests*the terror of learning her son had run away*why volunteerism is connected to gratitudeWe hope you’ll share your thoughts with us after you listen!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Who’s the mom behind the mic? Today, MomCast host Demetra Ganias shares her 5 Mom Truths.MomCast is an extension of what The Local Moms Network does best; we help every mother feel seen, valued, and supported. Here, Demetra shares why she’s so passionate about that mission, and she’s spilling some mom wisdom she has learned as a mom of three.Following a career in television news as a reporter and anchor, Demetra took an 8-year pause to build her family. She jumped back into the work force through her public speaking coaching business, Ganias Media Lab. She found her way to TLMN as an editor, creating content for our network of moms and finding confidence in her most valuable role yet: champion for moms!Join the conversation for some relatable girl time and more:*why “imposter syndrome” doesn’t exist anymore*the conversation that changed Demetra’s trajectory as a mom*how a baby in pink, noise canceling headphones sparked joy*why “It must be nice…” got eradicated from her vocabulary*the day that country singer Jelly Roll triggered happy tears*why every mom is the best momFind us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

What a joy to chat with a TV and movie star whom we grew up watching!  Marla Sokoloff is an actor, director, and producer whose resume reads like a hit list of 90’s classic television and stretches all the way to an upcoming Netflix movie. You may have first met Marla as Gia on Full House (and more recently, Fuller House) and caught her stints on favorites like 7th Heaven and Party of Five. She spent years on The Practice, earning herself a whole new legion of fans. Most recently, she’s shining both in front of and behind the camera for The Merry Gentlemen, a not-so-traditional Christmas movie that debuts on Netflix just in time for Thanksgiving. What really makes her enthralling in our conversation is how she balances her many professional roles with raising three kids in LA alongside husband Alec Puro, a composer and drummer for Deadsy.  You will connect with so much of what Marla shares as we explore the conviction and vulnerability of motherhood:* how she feels about everything 90’s being hot again!* the weekly tradition that keeps her marriage strong and doesn’t budge from her calendar* why she reads her daughter’s texts and didn’t put off “the talk” with her tween* the rollercoaster of becoming-and staying!-relevant in Hollywood for decades* how Marla found fulfillment on the other side of the camera as director and producer* her evolution from new mom to 3-time girl mom…and the confidence that comes with experienceBe sure to follow Marla @marlasokoloff on Instagram and check out The Merry Gentlemen on Netflix starting November 20.Please take a moment to rate, comment and share MomCast!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

There’s a universal truth in motherhood: we’re doing too much. Whether for our kids or for our home, we most often fulfill the overwhelming majority of demands…and we’re not happy about it. In fact, we feel disappointed, frustrated, resentful and burnt out. So what can we do about it?Today’s guest, Paige Connell, is an influencer-turned-advocate who gives us the vocabulary and the confidence to ask for what we want: an equitable division of labor. A podcaster and mom of 4 based in Massachusetts, Paige says wanting our needs met is NOT nagging!  Yet advocating for change does require some strategy and honest conversations.  You won’t want to miss this empowering hour that speaks to every mom:* defining invisible labor and equitable division of labor* the foundations of the “Fair Play” method as created by Eve Rodsky* discussion about whether moms should have to get “buy in” from husbands and partners* why moms become the “default parent” who manages the family’s schedule and needs…and how to break the cycle* creating more equitable examples for our kids so we create a new dynamic * asking ourselves where we require appreciation and acknowledgementYou can find Paige Connell on Instagram @sheisapaigeturner and make sure to listen to her podcast On the Same Page with Abby and Paige wherever you listen to your shows.   Please take a moment to rate, comment and share MomCast!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Surviving the day to day of motherhood doesn’t often leave time or energy to think about building a dream career-we get it.  But what if there was true progress in small steps? It’s true! Whether you need a nudge or a (gentle) shove to get thinking about what actually fulfills you, this episode delivers.We’re talking to Mary Olson-Menzel - a celebrated career coach, founder of MVP 360 Coaching, and an industry leader across media, tech, healthcare and more.  She is also author of a new book What Lights You Up? Illuminate Your Path and Take the Next Big Step in Your Career.Mary’s experience is on both sides of the job market: hiring for major corporations and coaching people on how to get hired. In this rapid-fire interview, Mary offers her wealth of know-how whether you’re a work-from-home mom or work out of the house:*breaking out of your routine and comfort zone to WANT the upgrade*deciding if you’re truly ready to make a leap*how to talk about a career pause to stay home and raise kids (hint: play it up!)*polishing your social presence: we’re talking LinkedIn, Instagram, and more*tell your career story unabashedly by owning it!*how to ask your boss for more flexibility and/or more moneyYou can find Mary Olson-Menzel at maryolsonmenzel.com and on IG @maryolsonmenzelDon’t forget to rate, comment and share MomCast!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Trigger Warning: Today’s episode discusses drug addiction and suicideHow often have you heard a family’s heartbreaking story and thought, “Not my family,” or “Not my kid.” Yet, nothing is impossible. Our episode this week is the courageous testimony of Anita Devlin, a business owner based in New York and mother of 2 grown kids, who describes how her son’s drug addiction engulfed him and their entire family for many years.  His recovery will span the rest of his life.Anita’s not a doctor, nor does she give professional advice; she shares her mission to eradicate shame, urging parents to take off the blinders, face reality, and get help. She has traveled the country with her message, connected countless families with treatment facilities, and even co-written a book with her son called S.O.B.E.R.Anita is proof that vulnerability is a superpower.  No matter how old your kids are, you’ll be moved by her story as she explains*the warning signs of addiction that she ignored or explained away*how her entire family experienced consequences from her child’s addition, including the family dog*why toxic masculinity had to go out the window in order for her son to get help*the turning point that drove her to separate herself from her son*how family therapy paves the way for healingAnita runs We Heave Ho, a moving business, and makes the interesting connection between the secrets of addiction and the secrets people have inside their home when she and her team go in to help them move. We all have aspects of our lives we don’t want anyone to know!You can find Anita Devlin at weheaveho.com (@weheaveho)She also mentions a podcast by Zac Clark that she loves for the awareness it brings to addiction and recovery called The Zac Clark Show (@thezacclarkshow) Don’t forget to rate, comment and share MomCast!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Embarrassing OB/GYN question? No such thing! Today’s episode is one you’ll want to listen to solo, Mom, because we get into ALL THE THINGS related to womaning and mothering from a medical perspective. Our guest is Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, board certified OB/GYN, who has been treating patients for more than 25 years and has delivered countless babies.  In her signature style that melds honesty and empathy, Dr. Shieva explains everything moms need to know about our reproductive health.  Topics include:*painful sex after pregnancy or during perimenopause*know your own anatomy…lesson included!*VBAC? What makes you a good candidate to have a vaginal birth after c-section*how close is too close to have back-to-back pregnancies*what exactly is a PAP smear test and what it detects*how to spot the symptoms of a urinary tract infection*the various types of birth control and which is best suited for you*detecting fibroids and endometriosisTo learn more about Dr. Shieva you can find her on IG @drshievag or on her education platform @tribecalledvDon’t forget to rate, comment and share MomCast!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

“If happiness is getting what we want, contentment is wanting what we have.” This is the profound lesson in today’s episode with guest Niro Feliciano, psychotherapist and author of This Book Won’t Make You Happy, Eight Keys to Finding True Contentment. She urges us to find joy in the everyday moments-even with ambitious plans and exciting achievements-because “life happens between the goal posts.” As a mom of 4 kids, Niro gets it.  She faces the same juggle we do every day and offers tactical advice for handling it all:*understanding the difference between happiness and contentment*how to explain prioritizing another child, a career, or yourself in a way kids can understand*asking the question “Where am I not replaceable?”*staying curious about our partners to strengthen this pivotal relationship*doubling down on our own sleep, exercise, and self-care when supporting our children through anxiety and other challengesJoin us!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

What is your relationship with alcohol? That’s the question we explore today with guest Deb Podlogar, known to her fans as “Mocktail Mom.” If you’re sober or sober curious, or simply wondering about your connection to mommy wine culture, this conversation is transformative. A Kentucky-based mother of two girls, Deb has built a brand and trusted following thanks to her openness about breaking up with alcohol, and also the joy of finding camaraderie around mocktails. Deb invites us to be introspective without a hint of judgment or prescriptive advice. The Mocktail Mom’s delicious recipes are reason enough to check her out, but Deb has also created a resource guide, a virtual mocktail summit and a podcast, called Thriving Alcohol-Free.You won’t want to miss Deb Podlogar in this vulnerable interview in which she shares:* the traumatic circumstances during her 40’s that made her depend on alcohol as her “BFF”* why alcohol was numbing both the pain-and joy-in her life, and how she feels now* the reason she didn’t initially share her break-up with alcohol with those close to her* the monumental shift in the non-alcoholic beverage industry that is a boost to anyone taking a break from booze* her fun tips for creating a mocktail spot in your home to help your sober journeyJoin us!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

If you’re not convinced that pushing your child to succeed can put their mental health at risk, this conversation is the wakeup call you need.  Jennifer Breheny Wallace wrote the breakthrough book Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic-and What We Can Do About It, urging parents to draw the line between encouragement and pressure. An award-winning journalist and author, Wallace uncovered links between children at “high achieving schools”-both public and private-and mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Most importantly, Wallace offers hope! She reframes how we talk to our children about their role in their family and in their community, and answers the looming question that parents must answer: “So what now?” Wallace insists this is not an anti-achievement book-but messaging matters.In this must-hear episode she shares her trademark tips, including:*the role of “mattering” in a child’s journey through school and beyond*specific steps to help your child matter beyond their grades, skills, and talents*the vocabulary to help disconnect a child’s achievement from their self worth*why household chores are critically important and how to link chores with your child’s individual strengths*how we moms can bolster ourselves, boosting our child’s knack for resilience  The studies Wallace sources in her book include a 2019 government report and further research by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Join us!Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.comFollow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetworkSend us your ideas for our next podcast!Email [email protected]

Do I have baby blues or postpartum depression? Do I need medication to ease my anxiety and is it safe during pregnancy? Questions like these are completely normal-and the exact reason why motherhood and mental health should always be in the same sentence. Dr. Jennifer Okwerekwu has dedicated her career to this synergy! Dr. O, as patients affectionately call her, is a Harvard-trained reproductive psychiatrist who sees patients from before they conceive to long after they become moms. She is most passionate about erasing the “white-knuckling” that can sometimes define motherhood. As a mom of two young girls herself, she knows the stress and expectations we carry from both society and ourselves. In this incredible conversation, Dr. O brings agency and tranquility to our evolution. She reframes some of the most common concerns, like anxiety and judgment, and erases any possible stigma about reaching out for professional help. Whether you’re struggling or not, Dr. Okwerekwu is the boost that moms need as she teaches us the definition of matrescence and the emotional stages of becoming a mother validates the notion of birth trauma and birth disappointment and how to move forward with the stress that it leaves behind nudges us to step out of the “stress soup” that is dangerous to ourselves and our children, both inside and outside of the womb explains the changes in our brain that persist for years after having a baby, negating the idea of the “snap back” after delivering Join us! Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.com Follow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetwork Send us your ideas for our next podcast!

When was the last time you described a teenage girl as wise, powerful, curious, and kind? It’s not the norm-but it should! That’s the mission of Chelsey Goodan, author of the groundbreaking new book UNDERESTIMATED: The Wisdom and Power of Teenage Girls. Chelsey shatters the image of the “dramatic” and “hormonal” teenage girl and corrects the course so parents, teachers, and society see them for their potential instead of their flaws. Chelsey draws on her decades of work with teenage girls, both as a sought-after tutor and mentor, to discuss what empowerment really looks like. Listen to Chelsey Goodan in this far-reaching conversation with host Demetra Ganias to both debunk the myths of teenage girls and learn tangible steps to, quite literally, rewrite the conversation with our daughters. Chelsey offers effective strategies to: *stop fixing a teen’s problems and give her space to solve her own dilemma, leading her to self trust *minimize criticism and judgment to avoid having girls become distant and putting up walls *allow girls to feel all emotions and grow from negative experiences *teach mothers how to stop the cycle of projecting our own stories onto our daughters Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.com Follow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetwork Send us your ideas for our next podcast! Email [email protected]

When Layla Lisiewski became a mom, she couldn’t find the mom community she craved…so she built one. Beginning with Greenwich Moms, Layla gathered resources for families ranging from pediatricians to preschools to after-school programs. She did the work so moms wouldn’t have to, fulfilling her mission of “giving moms the gift of time.” Ten years later, Layla has brought this incredible concept to more than 145 suburbs nationwide, touching more than 4 million moms! Beyond resources, each hyper-local site is a small business that is run by a local mom, offering her a flexible, fulfilling career. Together, the nationwide sites comprise The Local Moms Network, which kicks off MomCast with this inaugural episode. Host Demetra Ganias sat down with our CEO to discuss resilience, empowering mothers, and Layla’s hopes for this latest venture from TLMN. This can’t-miss conversation includes: *Layla’s take on how Division I Lacrosse at Brown University prepared her for motherhood and entrepreneurship *keeping playfulness and curiosity alive with her kids, encouraging them not to take life too seriously *owning her ambition, supporting women and teamwork, and learning to embrace failure Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.com Follow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetwork Send us your ideas for our next podcast! Email [email protected]

Gen X and Millennials first met Ereka Vetrini on Season 1 of The Apprentice 20 years ago! Now we’re loving her, along with millions of her followers on Instagram and TikTok, as the recipe creator we cannot stop watching! This mom of two teens is a breath of fresh air and is unabashed in pursuing her passion for food and connection. Leaning on her Italian roots and dedicated to a healthy lifestyle, Ereka puts her own twist on cooking and parenting-no gatekeeping necessary! Ereka gets candid with host Demetra Ganias in an endearing conversation that will leave you curious and invigorated. Hear her takes on:*why it’s never too late to jump into the creator economy and why video is key *asking your partner to take on more at home for the sake of your success (with inspiration from Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg) *How to get picky eaters to give new meals a try *all of Ereka’s beauty must-haves and splurges, from skincare to workouts PLUS, Ereka has a special discount code for MomCast listeners for her new line of beautiful aprons-a kitchen staple that is both fashionable and functional! Visit her brand By Ereka and use code FRIENDS20 for 20% off your favorite apron. Find us at thelocalmomsnetwork.com Follow us on IG @thelocalmomsnetwork Send us your ideas for our next podcast! Email [email protected]

A sneak peek at what's ahead...