A Mom's Life

Season 2. Episode 2.

Last week we answered a LOT of questions from you, our wonderful listeners but we held one back for this week because we thought..why not make an entire episode about it!

Stephanie asked us how we make time for our marriages and what is something we do with our spouse every year no matter the challenges!

We loved that so much and since Valentines Day is right around the corner, we thought we would dive into love, relationships and spicing it up a bit more. 

3:15- Katie & Natalie answer how we make time for our marriage and what we do every year with our spouse. 

10:51 To help us expand this huge topic of relationships and romance…we are even bringing back our friend Randi Levinson. You might remember her from last season where she helped us stay intimate during isolation… she is a couple’s counselor and sex therapist and FULL of great advice.

12:00- First  off..a lot has changed since we talked to you last year around this time! You  have moved out of your tiny LA apartment and MOVED in with another family to create a “pandemic pod” – What is that? 

16:00- Last year we talked a lot about staying intimate during this crazy pandemic. Well, a year later, it is still going on. What new advice do you have for couples? 

18:45- What have you seen change with relationships and sex due to the pandemic?

21:00 - What we can do to strengthen our relationship. 

24:00- How someone can nourish eroticism within themselves.

25:30- If sex is not desirable, you are not going to want to do it. 
27:00 Happiness and sex. Are they linked? How much sex should we be having per week to be happier?
31:10- Why you can't just "turn it on" at the end of the night. 
33:59- Intimacy killers for relationships. Why we need a safe space to be intimate in and what means.
36:53- 5 sexual blueprints. (Sexual, Sensual, Energetic, Kink or Shape Shifter) 
43:00- Intimacy killers for the bedroom. Maintain mystery to preserve intimacy.
46:52-  If there is some homework we could give all our listeners over the next week to help with their relationships, what would it be?

Season 2. Episode 1.

Welcome to Season 2 of A Mom’s Life! Whether you’re a first-time listener or a weekly listener, we’re happy you’re here and that you are back with us! You can subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode. Thank you for being a part of the “A Mom’s Life” community.

For our first episode of season 2, we wanted to do something fun and different. So we asked YOU for questions and we answered them! 

:54 Check in with Katie and Natalie. How's life?
Let's answer your questions!
7:20- Are there things you hate/dread about parenting, and if so, how do you tackle these things? 
9:10-What's your favorite quote and why? How is it relevant in your life?
11:05- What advice would you give to someone who is wanting to start their own podcast?
12:00- What is your go to de-stressor after a long day of work/taking care of the kids?
14:15- Is your relationship with your kids similar to your parents’ relationship with you?
16:20- What has been your favorite stage/age parenting so far and why?
18:40- Favorite products or brands?
22:40- What is your favorite parenting hack?
28:29- What is your best parenting advice given to you by your grandparents or parents?
30:13- How did you decide to make a podcast? What's our favorite episode? What's a topic we want to cover but are hesitant to? What information do you wish you could spread to the world?
34:32- What is one book that every woman/mom should read?
37:20- What's your favorite activity to do with your kids during winter/pandemic?
39:16- it important to have a “bucket list” or does that just set you up for disappointment if items can’t be met due to money, health and commitments? 
40:53- How do we figure out what each episode will be about and find people to interview? 
Have we every completely disagreed with their or each other’s point of view on a topic? 
42:15 - Do you have any advice for having a newborn during a pandemic? 
How do you work from home with a baby? 
48:10- What are your favorite go-to meals for your family that are quick and easy for weeknights? 
51:00- What are your long-term goals for the podcast? What do you want to achieve out of it?
54:25-One word to describe your parenting styles? 

57:35- Minute with Mike has an announcement! 

#43. 
1:30- Last episode of 2020!
2:55- Biggest lesson 2020 taught us
5:03- Biggest blessing of 2020
6:53- Most challenging part of 2020
9:27- Goals for 2020? Did we meet them?
11:15- Goals for 2021
13:50- Baby update!
16:40- Katie update
19:15- Season 2 is in the works! 
20:13- Favorite episode of 2020
22:59- We will be back in February
23:20- Minute with Mike. Words of wisdom as we leave 2020. 

#42. Divorce can be bitter and co-parenting is not easy. We talk with Pam who sheds light on navigating the situation when things don't end smoothly.

Follow us on Instagram: @amomslifepodcast@KatieLKenney @ntendall
Click here for our website and like us on Facebook @amomslifepodcast

1:11- Katie & Natalie talk holiday stress and divorce
5:30- Welcome Pam!
6:51- Pam's backstory. Divorced 10 years ago with one daughter. Her custody battle begins.
8:40- File for divorce or live in a home with no love?
9:30- Perfect storm. Job loss, divorce, devastating custody decision.
11:15- Leaving daughter with her dad and moved to another state
12:30- Doing what you have to do. Driving back and forth.
14:05- Nobody knows what kind of parent you are except you
15:30- How they didn't make great co-parents and why she was so thankful for email!
16:50- Making sure her daughter knew she was loved at all times. Getting creative. and not counting on her ex.
20:30- Not venting to your child
26:30- Why she moved back to Indiana
27:54- What her time away gave her. Self-reflection and learning something from the divorce.
30:00- Why divorcecare.org is a great resource!
31:20- Co-parenting events you had to be at.
33:38- Why she gave her daughter a cellphone at age 9.
36:00- Finding learning opportunities in the struggle.
39:30- Navigating the holidays after divorce
42:15- Minute with Mike. Top three suggestions for navigating the holidays after divorce.

STAY WITH US
Next week, and every week, a brand new episode just for you, Momma! Subscribing, following, and five-star reviews are our love language! Thank YOU for being part of our community. 

41. We are finding out what men really want for Christmas ... and what they don't want. We are joined this week by our other halves. Scott and Doug shine a light on what the best gifts are for men. Tip: get creative! Disclaimer: we realize this may not be what every man wants but we sure know a lot of men who agree!

#40.  A gift guide with a few of our favorite things!
Something for everyone on your list!
NOTE: DO NOT LISTEN WITH YOUNG YEARS AROUND. SANTA MENTIONED.

Follow us on Instagram: @amomslifepodcast@KatieLKenney @ntendall
Click here for our website and like us on Facebook @amomslifepodcast

WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS EPISODE
:41- It's shopping time!
2:00- Do kids get too much stuff? The 4 gift rule discussion.
5:40- Do you wrap or leave unwrapped Santa gifts?
8:05- Not letting the big gifts come from Santa
10:00- Giving calendars. Help kids how to learn how to give back
11:00- 12 Beers and 12 Root beers of Christmas
13:30- Gift guide starts

For anyone on your list:

Calm Optics Blue Light Blockers: calmoptics.com
Everyone is on screens SO MUCH right now, they have sizes for kids and adults. They block that bad blue light and save your eyes. This brand works great and we love these glasses!
COUPON CODE: 

For little kids:
Piggy Paint: piggypaint.com
This nail polish is safe, fun for the kids, all kinds of cute colors, non-toxic and easy to clean off of hands and carpet!

COUPON CODE: MOMLIFE

Eat2Explore: eat2explore.com
This cooking subscription box teaches kids about a country and a food popular from that country and/or culture. Hands on learning and a lesson on culture. 

COUPON CODE: MOM20 

For bigger kids:

The Comfy: thecomfy.com 
The blanket that you wear. Extra warm, extra soft and extra comfy. Your kids will love this.

If that idea isn't for you, try the Calm Optics Blue Light Blockers, it's the perfect gift for school-aged kids

For your siblings:

Strength for the Journey necklace: travelingpendants.com
Beautiful handmade pendants with a unique number on the back so you can register your pendant, wear it, then share it with someone special. The necklace gives you strength for the journey you're navigating. 

Slim Chillers Skinny Freezer Wine Popsicles : slimchillers.com 
Wine popsicle that comes in lots of flavors, for lots of fun, excellent gift for anyone over 21.

For your parents or your in-laws:

PeachSkin Sheets : peachskinsheets.com
The softest sheets, maybe ever. Lots of colors. All sizes. So comfy. Like sleeping on peach fuzz. 

For your friends: 

Female - Pure & Care Hair masks : pureandcare.dk/en/
Not expensive and totally invigorating hair masks that leave your hair silky, conditioned and smooth. 

39.  However your Thanksgiving looks this year, it will probably still involve food. We are getting great turkey tips and beyond from our friend and chef, Candace Rinke.

Her cooking and entertainment website can be found here.

Follow us on Instagram: @amomslifepodcast@KatieLKenney @ntendall
Click here for our website and like us on Facebook @amomslifepodcast

WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS EPISODE
1:10: Intro to Candace
3:25: Cranberry Sauce
5:52: Gravy (Strain it)
7:06: Mashed Potatoes
10:00: How long things last in the fridge
11:45: Cookie baking.
13:28: How early to start prepping
14:05: Brine, brine, brine
16:45- Cooking a turkey
17:45- Take pop-up thermometer out and throw it away!
19:45- Carryover cooking
20:29- What to do if you overcook the turkey?
21:24: Dressing or stuffing
23:16- Dinner Rolls
25:08- When people want to help. What to do?
26:00- Why you should always have snacks
28:15- Drinking. How to prevent your guests from overserving themselves
32:45- Why you should break out the China!
34:05- Leftovers
37:30- Pies. Make your own crust!
39:25- Advice for someone who is hosting for the first time! 

STAY WITH US
Next week, and every week, a brand new episode just for you, Momma! Subscribing, following, and five-star reviews are our love language! Thank YOU for being part of our community. 

38. Can you  have it all? This week we talk with professor, entrepreneur, and mother of 7, Karen Wonders about balancing it all.  She started the non-profit organization Maple Tree Cancer Alliance.

Follow us on Instagram: @amomslifepodcast@KatieLKenney @ntendall
Click here for our website and like us on Facebook @amomslifepodcast

WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS EPISODE
Meet Karen. She has 7 kids and runs a business!
Why see went into exercise science
Finding your passion in life
Why exercise during a cancer battle is important!
-Reducing pain, increasing energy and improves treatment tolerance!
How Maple Tree got it's name
Katie's connection to Maple Tree
23:00- Struggles she has had during her journey to starting this non-profit
26:00- Have you ever failed?
28:00- How she makes big decisions!
30:00- Balancing work and family life
Tips include:
Getting organized
Staying on schedule
making the most of nap time
Knowing it will not always look perfect
It's OK to work in front of kids
Show your kids you are doing it!

34:00- She knows it's hard to "do it all"
Faith and her calling
52:00- The Dayton Shooting tragedy and how that impacted her non-profit
57:00- Parting words of wisdom to other moms.
1:00:00- Can you have it all?

STAY WITH US
Next week, and every week, a brand new episode just for you, Momma! Subscribing, following, and five-star reviews are our love language! Thank YOU for being part of our community. 

#37. They did everything together. Including a simultaneous cancer diagnosis.

Follow us on Instagram: @amomslifepodcast@KatieLKenney @ntendall
Click here for our website and like us on Facebook @amomslifepodcast

WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS EPISODE
1:30- The power of the word "cancer"
3:15- Welcome Kim Faris: mother, wife, grandma and radio host who beat cancer.
3:45- Her and her husband were diagnosed with cancer in the same week
5:00- How her husband found his tongue cancer
8:30- The breast scan and the news that followed
11:30- How do we tell our kids?
15:15- Challenge of fighting cancers at the same time. No one to take care of her.
20:20- Having your village of support
21:30- Why this happened to us? Having faith.
23:15- The "Am I going to survive this?" thought
26:45- Why so many people with cancer?
29:15- How women have the crazy ability to continually put everyone else before themselves.  Burt toast syndrome.
31:00- Being a public figure going through this journey
35:15- Why her happiness didn't go away
36:30- Music therapy and how that has helped.
38:35- Staying positive as much as you can.
44:55- Minute with Mike (mortality, support, & what comes next)

Links that were mentioned:
Maple Tree Cancer Alliance
Pink Ribbon Girls
Noble Circle Project
American Cancer Society

STAY WITH US
Next week, and every week, a brand new episode just for you, Momma! Subscribing, following, and five-star reviews are our love language! Thank YOU for being part of our community. 

Episode 36. Teach me about boys. Natalie is having a baby boy and she has lots of questions for Katie! Disclaimer: this is just us talking. We know personalities vary and not all boys fall into the categories we talk about .

Follow us on Instagram: @amomslifepodcast@KatieLKenney @ntendall
Click here for our website and like us on Facebook @amomslifepodcast

WHAT YOU'LL FIND IN THIS EPISODE
-We talk all things boys and how they differ from raising girls! Circumcision and pee to sports and getting the opportunity to raise a future gentleman.

STAY WITH US
Next week, and every week, a brand new episode just for you, Momma! Subscribing, following, and five-star reviews are our love language! Thank YOU for being part of our community.