Being Different with Liz Durham

You all know I've been frustrated with our school options. Well, I heard from Charlene Paffumi - a former public school teacher turned homeschooling guru - and felt like we all needed to hear it. After venting my frustrations about formal schooling, Charlene shared her innovative approach to education using a hybrid homeschool model. She tailors her three daughters’ learning experiences around what they're actually interested in, and balances days between a homeschool academy and time at home. I was left feeling inspired and empowered to continue seeking the best educational path for my own family. If you're a parent considering homeschooling or just curious about alternative education models, tune in.

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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Y'all, I think all this stuff we think we need is just weighing us down. My friend Sarah Verzyden is here, and she's the queen of helping people ditch the clutter and find their freedom. We're talking minimalism, getting rid of the crap that doesn't serve us, and how to teach our kids not to be slaves to material things. Sarah's been in the trenches, seeing it all - from hoarders to people who just can't let go. She's sharing her best tips and tricks to help you get your space and your mind right. If you're sick of the constant influx of stuff taking over your life, this episode is for you. Let's talk about being different from the consumer culture and finding the joy in having less. It's time to get rid of the junk!

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Can modern women find real fulfillment in the old-school template of homemaking without losing themselves? I'm tackling the "Trad Wife" debate in today’s episode. I’ve been chewing over a podcast featuring Lauren Southern, who swung from political commentator to "Trad Wife" and then critiqued the movement. Don't get me wrong, I had my moment as a self-proclaimed feminist. But now as a SAHM, I want to talk about a biblical take on gender roles and mutual respect in marriage, exploring why it’s crucial for women to hold onto their skills while navigating traditional family dynamics. Buckle up, I think we can find a middle ground that respects both modern womanhood and tradition.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Welcome back. It’s been a while since you’ve heard a good feminism rant from me, so that’s what we’re doing today. I’m ready to tackle the stigma around stay-at-home moms and the societal pressure to maintain a career. In this episode, I reflect on my own decision to pause my career to raise my children, challenging the ridiculous narrative that women should balance it all. I’m going to debunk the ‘hot mess mom’ stereotype because, honestly, I see motherhood as a dedicated and respectable role. Also, if you know any positive influencers on Instagram, shoot me a DM @LizDurhamTN—I’m on the hunt for some fresh inspiration.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Having worked in mortgages for years and now watching my kids grow up, I’m thinking about how to talk to them about money and investing. It strikes me that many parents struggle with this because they don’t fully grasp it themselves. To get some insight, I sat down with Drew Nix, my financial guru, to talk about empowering our kids with money smarts.

Drew talks about how early financial education, like starting Roth IRAs and understanding mutual funds, can set our kids up for success. We even cover 529 plans, life insurance, and why it’s crucial for parents to model good financial behavior. Feeling lost in the numbers? Take a listen to this episode and let me know what you think. You can also reach out to Drew at franklinfa.com.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Today, I’m diving into the whirlwind of Mac’s transition to full-time pre-K at a private school here in Knoxville. Let me tell you, it’s been a journey—from battling early morning routines to handling the long commutes. The rigid schedule has been tough on Mac, leading to exhaustion and those dreaded meltdowns. I just don't think every kid fits this mold.

I’m also getting real about our breastfeeding journey, where we navigated the tricky waters of tongue and lip ties, and the painful revisions that followed. Are these procedures really necessary? The costs are high, and I’m questioning the long-term benefits.

I'm ready to think differently about how we support our little ones through their early years. Whether you’re a parent facing similar challenges or just here for the ride, I hope this episode brings a new perspective and maybe even a little relief that you’re not alone in this.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Today I'm talking about regrets and lessons learned. From the over-the-top birthday parties I used to throw to the rigid schedules I tried to force, I'm going to share how I've simplified things and focused on what really matters - quality time with my family. I'll also talk about how I've changed my approach to feeding, sleep, and dealing with my own stress and anxiety as a working mom.

If you're a parent, I know you'll relate to a lot of this. And if you're not a parent yet, consider this a cautionary tale (and a dose of reality) about the journey of motherhood. Either way, I hope this episode inspires you to think differently about parenting and to give yourself (and your kids) a little more grace. 

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Have you seen those hilarious videos about black SUV moms vs white SUV moms? After I finished laughing - I'm a gray SUV mom, by the way - it made me think about the deeper issues there, like the realities of homemaking and the expectations of being a 'perfect' mom.

Today, I'm talking about the pressure to keep up appearances and the importance of finding practical resources to manage everything from meal planning to household maintenance. I've even tried to use tools like a planner from "The Confident Mom" to help bring some order to the daily chaos.

So, whether you find yourself laughing at the mess or striving for more structure, remember, it's okay to not have it all figured out. Have any cool and nonjudgey momfluencers or resources? DM me on Instagram. You know I can use all the help I can get.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
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Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

Balancing careers and motherhood is no joke. In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Tori Ivey to discuss the challenges we've both faced. Tori and I have known each a long time and we've both been through the wringer when it comes to managing the demands of work and family life.

Tori talks about realizing her desire to be a full-time mom, how she explained it to her husband Zach, and the support he provided in making that transition. And then, we discussed the reality of what it looked like putting our young children in daycare, the constant struggle with sick days and doctor's appointments, and the overwhelming guilt we felt trying to be supermoms. 

This is an honest talk about the messy realities of modern motherhood. If you've ever felt like you're failing at work and at home, you're not alone, and this episode is for you.

A special thanks to the Zach Ivey Group for sponsoring this week's episode.
Website | Instagram 

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production

There’s a huge societal expectation for moms to do it all—all by ourselves. But it’s time for some honesty about reaching out for help when we need it. I'll be honest - I've relied on cleaning services, grandparents, babysitters, you name it, just to keep my house afloat. The media, especially influencers like the Kardashians, sell the "boss mom" image while hiding the support that makes it all possible. I'm ready to break the stigma and talk about how we can rely on our village to make it happen.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
Subscribe Apple Podcast | Spotify

Being Different with Liz Durham is a Palm Tree Pod Co. production