The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks

Tamron Hall is a two-time Emmy Award-winning TV host, executive producer of her own syndicated talk show Tamron Hall, veteran journalist, and bestselling author. She’s spent decades honing her interviewing skills—from breaking news to deep, heartfelt conversations on the Today show. And today, we’re diving into something that is the driving force of everything she does– curiosity.  Curiosity has shaped her ability to connect deeply with people and has influenced the way she approaches motherhood. It’s also the inspiration behind her latest book, Harlem Honey: The Adventures of a Curious Kid, a beautiful celebration of wonder, exploration, and the power of asking questions. In this conversation, we’ll explore why curiosity is more than just a skill—it’s a superpower. One that opens doors, deepens relationships, and sparks lifelong learning. We’ll talk about how curiosity has shaped Tamron’s journey, how we can cultivate it in ourselves and our kids, and why asking the right questions can change everything. Follow Tamron  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks  3:24 How Tamron became Grand Marshal for Black History Month at Disney World  5:52 Tamron's story of IVF and becoming a mother at 48 7:01 Tamron's experience with fear after the pandemic  9:11 Why curiousity is an opportunity to combat fear in all of our relationships  18:41 Taking community for granted  22:55 Trying to save your child from feeling uncomfortable and learning why that is harmful 29:36 What one thing we can do to bring more curiousity into our lives  

3/18/25 • 32:18

Moms, let’s be real—parenting is a wild ride, full of ups and downs, curveballs, and unexpected turns. But what if there was a way to make those ups and downs a little easier to handle? That’s where your mental health baseline comes in. Today, I’m talking with my friend Julie Taylor, a writer, mom, and someone who just gets it. We’re breaking down what a mental health baseline is, how to boost it, and why taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And trust me, Julie is the perfect person for this conversation—not only does she have a way of making deep topics feel so relatable, but she also speaks from raw, personal experience. A little over a year ago, Julie lost her infant son at birth—a loss that completely changed her understanding of resilience, grief, and what it truly means to rebuild your emotional baseline. Her wisdom comes from lived experience, and I know her perspective will resonate with so many of you. Follow Chatbooks  Follow Vanessa  Follow Julie  8:30 How to determine your baseline in mental health  14:45 Julie's experience with grief  21:00 Do what you say you're going to do for a mental health boost  23:15 Trust the times and seasons  24:10 Try something new, or return to a past hobby  26:15 Not meant to stay in survival mode  29:00 What helped Julie the most going through grief  32:30 How to choose connection with your kids that makes a difference  44:00 You're doing better than you think you are  45:30 Tell your friends the good in them  47:00 Our limitations are invitations for collaborations   

3/4/25 • 50:10

Welcome to another Enter the Chat episode of the MomForce Podcast—where we break down the parenting topics that matter most. Today, we’re diving deep into the balance of emotional validation and setting boundaries with child development specialist, Dr. Siggie Cohen. If you’ve ever struggled with being both the ‘safe space’ and the authority figure in your child’s life, this conversation is for you. Seriously, if your child has ever said "Your the meantest mom ever" –don't fret. Dr Siggie gives us some tools to help us keep our cool.  Dr. Siggie Cohen is a Child Development Specialist with more than 30 years of experience and 1.6 million people following her advice and guidance online. She empowers parents to be calm and confident, with real life examples to learn from.  I know you will enjoy hearing from Dr. Siggie, she has so much wisdom to share! Check out her parenting courses here  Follow Dr Siggie  Follow Chatbooks  Follow Vanessa  6:50 Has Dr. Siggie ever made a parenting mistake?  14:15 Big decisions that require life experience are yours  23:00 No one likes to feel misunderstood  25:05 The chaos of parenting  31:45 The do over  36:15 All of your kids percieve experiences differently  40:00 Why is parenting so stressful?  43:30 What are healthy risks that your kids can take?  47:20 Don't close the door, keep the conversation going   

2/18/25 • 49:19

Emily O'Laughlin started Doing Great Clothing Co when she saw her son Nathan beginning a new chapter: post-high school and ready to work. She noticed that jobs that fit his abilities were few and far between. So she decided to create the solution, even though Emily and her husband both have full-time jobs.  The mission of Doing Great Clothing Co says, "We're passionate about our chance to make concrete changes in the world of special needs. Our mission is to pave the way for those with disabilities to reach those crucial developmental milestones and score meaningful employment." If you are in the early days of a diagnosis with your child, or want to be a better ally and support to those you know with disabilities, or anywhere in between -- listen to this episode! Emily shares some tough experiences and challenges that have helped her and her family get to the point they are at today.  Check out Doing Great Clothing Co.  Doing Great Jobs: A Guide to Creating a Small Business for People with Disabilities  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks 2:05 How Doing Great Clothing Co was born 5:35 Emily's experience raising a child with special needs  7:30 Learning empathy  10:15 A poignant experience in Emily's early motherhood  14:00 Education experiences with Nathan  17:30 You are the CEO of your family  19:55 Concentrate on the joy of your child   

2/3/25 • 26:09

Prepare yourself folks for so much wisdom from Jillian Harris. If you follow Jilian you know she is an absolute dynamo. A true powerhouse—She's an entrepreneur, cookbook author, interior designer, and the creator of The Jilly Box. I love her Jilly box, it's a quarterly subscription box that showcases women entrepreneurs and small businesses. It sold out now but I'm on the Insider wait list!  Jillian is based in Canada and she first captured hearts as a contestant on The Bachelor and later made history as the first Canadian Bachelorette. But Jillian’s story goes far beyond her TV beginnings. While building an inspiring career and raising a beautiful family, she battled burnout and sought to regain balance all while supporting a loved one through mental illness. She's raw, she's real, (she even swears a little) and. I know you’re going to love her.  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Follow Jillian and The Jilly Box  6:00 How Jillian organizes her family memories  8:40 How to remember the daily magical moments  10:35 Growing up with a mother that has a bipolar diagnosis  19:30 What caused Jillian to hit major burnout and how she has dug herself out of it 25:00 How to create rituals that spark joy like "turndown service" 27:00 What it was like when Jillian experienced a wildfire in Canada and her property burned to the ground. Plus, the amazing opportunity that came out of it.  31:00 The relationship advice she wishes she had during her younger years on The Bachelor franchise  33:45 How to keep the overwhelm away and not get stressed out.  35:00 What is next for Jillian 

1/21/25 • 38:47

Becs Gentry is a beloved Peloton instructor, elite runner, and inspiring new mom. Known for her motivational energy and infectious positivity, she’s built a global community of fitness enthusiasts who turn to her for more than just workouts—they come for her life lessons. Recently, Becs completed an extraordinary feat: The Great World Race—7 marathons, in 7 days, on 7 continents, starting with a marathon in Antarctica! In this conversation, we dive into what that incredible adventure was like, as well as the day-to-day realities of balancing motherhood, a demanding career, and a rigorous training schedule. Becs offers a fresh take on resilience, self-care, and finding joy in every step of the journey. Get ready to be inspired and step into the new year with a mindset that’s energized, guilt-free, and full of possibility!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks 3:00 A photo with a fun backstory, spoiler alert: pregnancy announcement!  5:00 Why Becs approaches goals with the "brush up" mentality  7:20 Put your sparkle back in January  9:45 Has Becs always been a runner?  12:40 How the Great World Race experience was mentally for Becs  13:50 The strength of mothers  16:15 Things in parenting that push you to your limits  19:00 Forward is a pace  25:50 Getting more movement in as a family  30:35 Chatting while looking at photos = elaborative reminiscing     

1/6/25 • 33:30

Karalynne Call, the mastermind behind Just Ingredients, shares her incredible journey from struggling with depression to becoming a beacon of hope for clean living and holistic health. Karalynne shares her personal story of hitting rock bottom and how learning about the connection between nutrition and mental health became a turning point in her life. She offers practical tips for making small but impactful changes in your family’s diet, easy ways to clean up the products in your home, and how prioritizing wellness can create a ripple effect in your overall happiness.  Whether you’re curious about clean living, looking for ways to support your mental health, or just need a dose of motivation, this episode is packed with wisdom. Listen to hear how small changes can lead to big transformations. Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks 4:30 Karalynne's struggle with depression  8:25 Karalynne's experience on medication  14:00 How to find trustworthy sources of information  20:15 Gluten, dairy, and allergens  25:00 Substitutes for caffeine  30:45 Eczema tied to gut health  35:00 Are there better choice snacks at the store? 43:00 Karalynne's photo hack for her kids 

12/31/24 • 46:09

Caitlin Creer is an interior designer known for creating timeless designs from California beach houses to colonial estates in Connecticut. She's also a mom of five, so you know she's got some real-life wisdom to share about juggling design projects around the country, family life, and everything in between. In this episode Caitlin answers your design questions and shares what trends she is tired of and the ones she wants to see more of. Whether you're a design junkie or just trying to figure out how to make your house feel more like home, this episode is packed with inspiration, tips, and plenty of relatable mom moments. Check out Caitlin's brand new book, An Intentional Home, to see more of her beautiful work and stories. And be sure to check out her store Foundation Goods.  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks 3:00 A return to color in design  5:15 How Caitlin got into the design world  9:15 Caitlin's memory of home growing up  14:00 How to create a plan for your home that is unique to you  17:15 How to refresh a room without spending a fortune  20:15 Great sectional for families? 24:30 Organizational tips for busy families  31:15 No one lives in a picture perfect house 24/7 

12/18/24 • 32:23

I’m thrilled to welcome Sarah Molitor to the MomForce! Known to nearly 800,000 followers as @modernfarmhousefamily, Sarah is a mom of seven and an absolute ray of sunshine. As a fellow redhead, I knew right away we were kindred spirits! In our chat, Sarah opens up about a powerful lesson she learned: words matter. She shares how, as a new mom navigating a tough season in her marriage and adjusting to a new place, her words began to reflect negativity. But one eye-opening phone call changed everything, inspiring her to shift her perspective and set her on a mission to help others communicate with grace, purpose, and love. I know you’ll love this conversation! Sarah’s wisdom and experience is very relatable.  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app Sarah's new book Well Said  3:00 Sharing her family story online  9:00 How Sarah decides what not to share online  13:30 Learning the lesson that "words matter"  17:15 Words of encouragement are free  23:30 How to get away from the victim mindset  24:30 Words of encouragement for first time mom Sarah  26:30 How Sarah holds onto what matters   

12/2/24 • 35:37

I am so excited to have Jenny Keller, the “Cookie Queen” herself, on the podcast today! I first met Jenny back in the very early days of Chatbooks and before she'd opened herJenny Cookies bakery–we were both sponsoring the Santa's Secret Workshop in West Hollywood–an event bringing together celebrities and their families to celebrate the holiday season while supporting charitable causes. Well,Jenny, always up for a party, was there with her incredible cookies and her infectious smile and as soon as we met we became fast friends! I soon realized that she was also friends with many of the celebrities there as she'd made a name for herself by planning and catering some of their own star studded parties. A lot has happened since then and Jenny's inspiring journey is now taking a dramatic turn and in this episode she shares all the details! She opens up about the ups and downs of running a business while raising a family, how she creates meaningful family traditions, and the unexpected joys of having older kids. And you won’t want to miss her heartfelt insights on capturing the beautiful, messy, and real moments of family life. So join us as we chat about family, memories, and all the sweet in-betweens of motherhood.  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app 1:30 How Vanessa and Jenny met  7:00 What is a Jenny Cookie and how did that name happen? 14:30 Party and hosting tips and tricks  22:30 How motherhood changes as your kids get older  25:00 Accept that your kids are not going to be your mini me  28:00 Family traditions can be out of the box  35:00 Big changes at Chatbooks  39:00 Family mottos and how to create one  41:30 What is next for Jenny     

11/19/24 • 43:54

Summer Adamson is an influencer and advocate for children with Down syndrome, sharing her daughter Jayne's 'extra' with the world, by showing all of the things she can do with her diagnosis. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast, Summer shares how the diagnosis came as a surprise on the day of Jayne's birth. She talks through how she has found support and resources for her daughter. Summer also shares how we all can learn how to reach out and be more inclusive.  Summer recently released a children's book based on Jayne's life called, A Little Extra Jayne. You can follow Summer on Instagram @a_little_extra_jayne. If you want to share the book in your classroom there is a FREE Teacher Resource Guide available for educators. Email hello@jumellepress.com for the link.  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app 3:00 Dan and Shay suprise  5:30 The day Jayne was born  10:45 What Summer wishes she had known when learning about Jayne's diagnosis  16:30 How they told Jayne about Down Syndrome  19:00 Jayne's sibling support  24:00 How to be more inclusive     

11/4/24 • 34:22

Corrine Stokoe is the founder of fashion deal site Mint Arrow and a mom of five. She lives in sunny Southern California and hosts the Mint Arrow Messages Podcast. I consider Corrine a friend and loved diving deep into the topic of codependency and how it affects relationships. In this episode, Corrine shares her personal journey, revealing the struggles she’s faced with codependency and how it impacted her as a mother and partner. You will learn about the signs of codependency, ways to break free from harmful patterns, and how to foster healthier, more balanced relationships. Tune in to hear Corrine's expert advice and heartfelt stories as she encourages moms to reclaim their independence while maintaining strong, supportive connections with loved ones.  3:15 How Corrine started Mint Arrow and what she feels called to do now.  5:00 What is codependency?  8:10 In-law coping tips  10:35 Running your life around keeping everyone happy 14:15 Why Hollywood is lying to you about marriage  18:05 What do you wish you knew before you got married? 21:05 Needing validation  24:45 Good mother daughter relationships 33:00 Chatbooks reminding you about being a good mom  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

10/22/24 • 35:42

Cassandra Curtis, along with her business partner—actress and fellow mom, Jennifer Garner—has built a company that’s revolutionizing the way we feed our kids, with fresh, organic foods that make a difference. But behind the growing Once Upon a Farm brand is a woman who, like all of us, is balancing the beautiful chaos of motherhood, business, and family. In today’s conversation, we’re diving deep into Cassandra’s personal story, her passion for family memories, and the special moments that have shaped both her business and her life as a mom.  2:30 Cassandra's favorite photo 4:00 How Once Upon a Farm began  9:00 How Jennifer Garner joined the company as a cofounder  12:30 The weirdest foods Cassandra has created during product testing  19:00 How Cassandra captures her family narrative  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app    

10/7/24 • 26:53

Phil's my Pharmacist has answered thousands of moms health questions with his 1M+ TikTok audience, but rewind to 2020 and he didn't even have social media. During this episode Phil shares what got him to begin to share his health advice on the internet. We touch on a lot of hot health topics including:  Supplements: What are the hard and fast rules to follow? ADHD: Can vitamins help the symptoms?   Germs: How to avoid the common cold with kids in school.  Sleep: Why is everyone talking about magnesium? 2:00 How did Phil become "Phil's My Pharmacist"  5:00 Why you should talk to your pharmacist 7:00 How do we know who to trust when it comes to our health?  8:00 What about things like red40?  10:30 Phil's favorite video to film  12:00 Supplements, what ones should we actually take?  18:30 ADHD and supplements and the different types  24:30 Different kinds of magnesium  30:00 How to sleep better  36:00 Are probiotics important?  38:30 Weight loss help  40:00 What one item should you have in your house?  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

9/23/24 • 44:33

Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen are the founders of Slumberkins, a brand that’s reimagining how parents approach emotional learning with their kids. As a former family therapist and special education teacher, they have poured their hearts into creating over a dozen characters and stories to help guide kids through emotions, and they are having  a big impact on parents too. In fact, they just published a book, All Feelings Welcome, just for parents, to embrace the full range of emotions, so we can break the cycles of burnout and over-pleasing.You're going to love hearing how their journey started, how Slumberkins has grown from it's humble beginnings, to Shark Tank, to an Emmy-nominated TV show. It’s a conversation full of heart, and I can’t wait to share it with you.  5:00 How Slumberkins began  10:30 Being kind to ourselves  17:45 How Chatbooks is part of the Slumberkins story  23:30 How the character Otter is helping military families  24:20 Family transitions during divorce  34:00 Be the friend that captures others motherhood moments  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app    

9/10/24 • 47:11

If you’ve spent time on Instagram or Pinterest then it is likely that you have seen Becki Owens work. She is one of the most sought-after interior designers known for her clean, modern, and inviting design aesthetic that millions have tried to replicate. When we recorded this episode with Becki last year I was so impressed with how down-to-earth she is when there are so many things she could brag about! So let me do some bragging for her… she has an exclusive furniture collection with Sam's Club called "Details by Becki Owens", Becki also partnered with Kuka Home to debut the "Becki Owens Home" collection, she has an ongoing collaboration with Surya, a paint collection with Dunn-Edwards, a line of lighting fixtures with Hudson Valley Lighting, and a line of delicious signature scents with Pura. She has a new product-focused Instagram page called Becki Owens Living that's dedicated to showcasing her own curated collection of home decor and furniture items along with some of her favorite design tips.  So you can see why I was so thrilled to have her on the podcast to have her answer some of your toughest design questions! Like… What to do with a huge blank wall? Or how to swap out your "boob lights" for something a little more tasteful–c'mon you konw what I mean right?! Becki is the best and I know you're going to love learning from her and hearing why, with all she does, motherhood is priority #1! Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app 10:00 - How Becki got started in the design world  22:00 - What to replace boob lights with in your home  25:00 - What to do with a giant blank wall  30:00 - Becki's dream client  33:00 - Behind-the-scenes as an interior designer is not as glamorous as it looks  35:30 - How Becki decorates for the holidays  41:00 - How Becki Chatbooks and saves her family memories  45:00 - What's next for Becki   

8/26/24 • 45:21

I'm willing to bet that struggling with body image and self worth is quite common for many of us. Almost daily I have to remind myself that how my body looks is the least important and interesting thing about me. But when I hear my teenage and young adult daughters body shame themselves I get down right angry. In my effort to find resources to help me help them I came across a book authored by sisters Lexi and Lindsay Kite called "More than a Body. -that book changed me! Both Lexi and Lindsey have PhDs in the study of body image and media from the University of Utah. Their research focused on harmful media messages, and they are considered experts in body image resilience and media literacy so I was thrilled when Lexi accepted my invitation to be a guest on the podcast a couple of years ago.   A little more about Lexi and Lindsay: growing up as twins they faced constant comparisons about their appearance from friends and strangers alike. As the years went by they both found themselves critical of their bodies, so much so that they gave up something they both loved to do - competitive swimming.  Years later the sisters went on to study body image and founded the nonprofit organization Beauty Redefined. For more than 10 years, the Kite sisters have been spreading their “More Than A Body” message.  In this encore episode you will learn strategies for cultivating self-compassion and resilience and ways mothers can model body positivity. I  encourage you to listen with your daughters and/ or sisters and talk about your takeaways together. It has created some wonderful, healing conversations in my house. Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app 6:00 What is body image resilience? 7:00 What to do when you see a photo of yourself you don't like  9:00 Thinking of your body as a project instead of an instrument  11:00 How to face insecurities  17:00 How to talk to daughters about body image  24:00 Media literacy for kids  33:30 Young girls and clothing  38:30 Telling your daughters they are beautiful  52:00 Magical Everyday Moment 

8/5/24 • 55:58

Wedding season is here and it is a great time to reminisce on your own love story. In this episode of The MomForce Podcast we are diving into the topic of "Empowering Relationships,"  with some incredible guests who share their insights on how to strengthen relationships. Hear from influencer and author Sazan Hendrix, professional dancer Jenna Johnson of Dancing with the Stars, design queen Julia Marcum, ballerina extraordinaire Misty Copeland, and entrepreneur and philanthropist Camila McConaughey as they discuss their personal experiences and offer tips to be a better partner. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from these amazing women and enhance your own relationships! 2:00 Forbidden love with influencer and author Sazan Hendrix  5:30 Professional dancer Jenna Johnson on working with her spouse 7:45 Family movie night and date night traditions with Julia Marcum of Chris Loves Julia  9:30 Misty Copeland on growing up with a single mom and how amazing single parents are. And how grateful she is for her supportive partner.  10:40 Camila McConaughey on how she keeps curiousity alive in her marriage with Matthew McConaughey.  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

7/19/24 • 14:07

In this episode of The MomForce Podcast titled "The Power of Showing Up," Vanessa Quigley chats with Dr. Tina Bryson, an expert in parenting and child development. They explore the essential role of the "4 S's" – Safe, Seen, Soothed, and Secure – in fostering secure attachments and emotional resilience in children. Dr. Bryson highlights that showing up consistently and empathetically is crucial for a child's development and well-being. This episode is packed with practical parenting tips and insights into creating strong family bonds, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their parenting skills. Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Tina  Follow Chatbooks More on the research from Chatbooks and HP about strengthening families. Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

6/18/24 • 36:19

Dr. Lisa Damour has been a huge resource to me on my parenting journey. She the mother of 2, the host of one of the top parenting podcasts Ask Lisa, and a New York Times bestselling author three-times over–In fact she wrote 2 of my all time favorite parenting books Untangled and Under pressure and I've heard amazing things about her latest book The Emotional Lives of Teenagers. I was so honored to have her as a guest on the Momforce Podcast years ago to talk about the deteriorating mental health of kids and teens these days. In this encore episode you will see that Lisa is a welcome voice of reason committed to  “Untangling Family Life” as she calls it. I love how she's able to explain calmly and rationally how we can best help our kids. In this conversation we talk a lot about stress and I love her nuanced approach–so often we assume it's bad and try to avoid it at all costs. But really, the stresses of life, are not only inevitable but can also be beneficial in certain contexts. especially for adolescents, as it's what helps them learn to navigate challenges and build resilience. I know you will love learning from Lisa and gleaning from her wisdom for your own family. Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

6/2/24 • 33:17

Addiction can be a heavy topic which is why I am so glad we have Moira Kucaba at the helm of the conversation! She bravely shares her story and shows that there is always a path forward – and it is usually not a straight line.  As a high achieving student and athlete Moira fell into alcohol and substance abuse during her high school years. Soon she found herself completely taken over by her addictions. By age 21, she confronted her addictions head-on, transitioning from alcohol and drugs to battling an eating disorder for a decade. Through her recovery process, Moira credits her faith and supportive community for helping her gradually reclaim her life.  Now, as a thriving entrepreneur, devoted mother of two, and esteemed career coach, Moira's resilience shines through. Join us as she shares invaluable insights and tools for confronting life's challenges. She shares what has helped keep her sober for more than 20 years Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Moira   Moira’s Habit Tracker Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

5/13/24 • 27:46

As we head into Mother’s Day this year I want to share some wise words from some of the women who have joined me over the years on The MomForce Podcast. Through 5 seasons we've talked about everything from infertility, to adjusting to life with a newborn, to how to get your teenagers to talk to you. I hope you can take this super-cut episode as my little Mother’s Day gift to you!   Time codes:  2:00 Sharon McMahon 5:40 Myriam Sandler 8:03 Jennifer Borget 11:25 Ralphie Jacobs  15:22 Myriam Sandler Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first  Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app  

5/7/24 • 17:47

Join Abby Cox as she shares her inspiring journey from small-town farm life to residing in the governor's mansion in Salt Lake City. Growing up in the small town of Fairview, Utah she never imagined herself living a life in politics. Since becoming First Lady, Abby created the “Show Up” initiative, which invites everyone to show up in their community through service opportunities.  This year she has refocused her efforts on the larger nationwide initiative of “Disagree Better”. Meant to help ease the political discourse that has gotten so impassioned over the years.  During the conversation, Abby shares how she has personally learned how to “Disagree Better”. She explains what she does when she disagrees with her husband or kids on political issues, how we can better understand each other, and why it is important to never stop doing the work.   

4/29/24 • 52:34

Known for her incredible talent on the dance floor, Jenna Johnson Chmerkovskiy has helped so many women who struggle with infertility feel seen and known as she has shared her journey to becoming a mother. We originally aired this episode last year and had an incredible response from our community so I wanted to share it again. Jenna’s adorable baby boy Rome is now 1 and has accompanied her on tour with the Dancing with the Stars team.  Jenna is a bright light in the dance community and you're going to love learning more from her including what it was like meeting her husband on Dancing with the Stars and how they ultimately fell in love and started their family.  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order! Make a book for Mother's Day! Follow Vanessa Follow Jenna  Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app  

3/9/24 • 48:53

What jeans should I be wearing?! Fashion designer, content creator, mom of three, and style educator Merrick White is answering that question and so many more during this episode of The MomForce Podcast. She has been in the blogging space for more than a decade and shares daily fashion tips to help guide us all. Merrick is responding to questions from the MomForce community about how to do a successful closet cleanout, how to find your personal style, and of course – what  jeans will make you feel good! I know you will love this episode and what Merrick has to say about fashion in motherhood. Not only that she shares a great guide for teaching our teens and tweens about making appropriate clothing choices. You don’t want to miss it!  Time codes:  5:35 Jeans 101  13:30 Finding your personal style  14:45 Postpartum fashion  16:30 Capsule wardrobes  20:00 Criteria for a closet clean out  22:00 What Vanessa should keep and what she should get rid of  30:15 Selling clothes and organizing a clothing swap  40:00 The pajama pants trend and how to help teens make appropriate clothing choices  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Merrick  Check out Merrick’s first viral post  How to find your personal style quiz Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

3/9/24 • 48:15

World famous ballerina Misty Copeland has an incredible story to share. When she discovered ballet at the age of 13 she was living in motel rooms and struggling to find a place to sleep on the floor between her five siblings. Thanks to a ballet class offered at the Boys and Girls Club and a mentor that took special interest in her abilities, Misty was on pointe shoes within three months of starting classes. A true prodigy, she began performing professionally less than a year after that.  Misty’s mentor and teacher from the Boys and Girls Club invited her to live in her home so that she could provide the stability Misty needed to focus all of her time and energy on ballet. From there Misty continued to excel in every aspect of the ballet world.  On June 30, 2015, she became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theater's 75-year history. Since that time she has used her voice to promote inclusion and diversity in ballet through her foundation. You are going to love hearing from Misty. Time codes:  00:50 Photos of her son Jackson that have a fun backstory  13:30 Support your kids dreams and listen to them  14:00 How to be a hands on parent and nurture your kids interests  15:00 If Misty will have her little boy do ballet  17:30 The importance of representation in ballet and the steps Misty has taken through her foundation and philanthropy to make that happen  19:50 Why Misty is hopeful for the future of diversity and inclusion in the dance world  21:30 How to help move diversity and inclusion forward wherever you are  26:25 Misty’s ultimate mom hack secret  28:00 The role journaling has and still does play a part in Misty’s life  29:30 Creating a Chatbook of her little family and sending it to relatives as a surprise  31:15 Misty on growing her family and writing her next children’s book, Bunheads 2  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Misty  Check out the Misty Copeland Foundation  Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

3/8/24 • 32:58

Becoming a first-time mom is quite the adjustment period. I knew that I wanted to be there for my oldest daughter as she began her motherhood journey but I did not want to be overbearing or step on any toes.  Going into the experience of becoming a grandma I wanted to be as helpful as possible so I reached out to this amazing MomForce community for advice. You all shared heartfelt experiences and tips that I decided to pack into this mini episode for you. From freezer meals to the nighttime shift I am truly grateful for everything that was shared. Thank you for sending your thoughts and if you are about to become a mom or grandma I know that you will find something helpful in this episode!  The joy that our new granddaughter has brought into our family cannot be overstated. If you want to see a few of my favorite moments so far find me on Instagram @vanessaquigley.  Time codes:  00:55 Vanessa’s experience having her babies  1:40 Treat the new mom like your baby, get her everything she needs  2:30 Don’t ask to hold the baby constantly, help with everything else around the baby like cooking and cleaning 3:45 Let the new parents do the baby stuff, you help run the household  4:30 Let the new mom hold the baby  5:00 How to be proactive but not presumptuous  5:20 How to help with meals and snacks 6:00 Be a gatekeeper for unwanted visitors  6:15 Run all the errands  7:00 The night shift  8:05 How to reassure the new parents that they can do it and are totally capable 9:00 Take all the pictures and videos  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

3/4/24 • 09:59

Marriage takes work! That is the lesson Nate Quigley shared the first time he was on The MomForce Podcast. For round two, Vanessa and Nate dig deep into their marriage, and what has worked and what hasn't! They open up about how good communication helps them navigate conflict while fostering greater connection. Nate shares why "birding" is his favorite date night activity and Vanessa tells why she has fully embraced it over the years. They also weigh in on the worst marriage advice they were ever given. Tune in to hear the Quigleys share the ups and downs of their relationship and how they just launched a new app to help strengthen families called Hey Fam! This episode originally aired in February of 2023.  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Audrey Follow Chatbooks Try out HeyFam our new family chat app

2/13/24 • 52:41

Audrey Roloff, a former collegiate athlete from Portland, Oregon, captivated audiences during her love story with reality TV star Jeremy Roloff. Their relationship grew thanks to handwritten letters back and forth despite being primarily long-distance and culminated in a televised wedding on “Little People, Big World”,  watched by millions. After exchanging vows and welcoming their first daughter, the couple chose to step away from the TV spotlight. Transitioning to entrepreneurship, Audrey and Jeremy have built Beating 50 Percent, aimed at helping couples beat the statistic that half of marriages will end in divorce. In this podcast episode, Audrey shares insights from their book "Love Letter Life" and offers practical tips for nurturing connection with your spouse. She is also a dedicated Chatbooker and shares how she uses photo books to strengthen her family.  Tune in to hear Audrey's candid reflections on sustaining a successful marriage beyond the glitz of reality TV, and discover how the Roloffs are making a lasting impact beyond the screen. Time codes: 3:00 Redhead connection  4:30 Getting ready for baby number four  5:15 Little People, Big World journey  6:55 Getting married on the show with millions of people watching  8:00 Stepping away from reality TV 9:00 The art of writing letters to your spouse  13:45 Beating 50 Percent  15:50 The "52 date night challenge" and prioritizing your marriage  17:30 Finding joy in your partner's joys  20:50 What questions to ask to build connection in your relationships  27:01 How to lock in memories  29:00 Tricks for taking family photos  Buy The Marriage Journal  Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Audrey Follow Chatbooks The MomForce Podcast on TikTok  Listen to more of The MomForce Podcast  

2/6/24 • 32:23

If your child is spirited, independent, and strong-willed, you might feel like you're at your wit's end with parenting. That's where Mary Van Geffen comes in as the go-to parenting coach for moms dealing with Spicy Ones™️. Parenting these kids can be isolating and tough, but Mary knows firsthand that having support and a community makes it easier to embrace and understand your lively and determined child. As the international parenting coach for moms of Spicy Ones™️, Mary specializes in helping capable individuals who feel overwhelmed by motherhood. She encourages them to stay calm, be kind, and stand firm in their parenting approach. Mary offers online parenting classes and her popular 8-week group program: Moms of Spicy Ones, is designed to empower moms with the confidence to adopt gentle and respectful parenting practices, even if it's different from how they were raised. Time codes:  3:00: How the Spicy One term came to be 10:30: Twenty percent of kids are difficult, strong-willed, and determined  16:00 Tantrums are part of human development and human development is messy 35:30 How to use “the do-over” in family situations  42:00 How to see the good in your child  44:00 How to participate in Mary’s courses   Check out Mary Van Geffen’s website  Sign up for Mom’s of Spicy Ones waitlist Use code: MOMFORCE for 20% off your first Chatbooks order!  Follow Vanessa Follow Mary Van Geffen  Follow Chatbooks The MomForce Podcast on TikTok  Listen to more of The MomForce Podcast

1/26/24 • 43:51