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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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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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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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
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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
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Welcome to ‘Being Different with Liz Durham’—where we don’t just go with the flow, we stir it up! Tired of being spoon-fed what to think? So was I. That’s why I started this podcast - a no-holds-barred experiment of being different. Join me as we challenge the norms, embrace new perspectives, and engage in the art of lively debate. Forget the echo chambers; let’s bring humor and lightness back to tough conversations. Ready for a wild ride? Follow along on Instagram @LizDurhamTN or dive deeper at LizDurham.com.

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Liz Durham Instagram | Website
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When it comes to breaking the mold of traditional parenting and education, forging your own path as a mother isn't always easy. I sat down with Kate Panchal and we hit it off right from the start. We both know the struggle of balancing demanding careers with raising our kids.  But it was her experience with adopting nature-based Waldorf practices and worldschooling our kids that really struck me.


Kate’s background in television and my own experiences have taught us a lot about the sacrifices and rewards that come with choosing family over everything else. When Kate shared her discovery of Waldorf practices through her research into traditional diets and indigenous cultures, I was hooked. It resonated with me as I’ve been exploring ways to integrate more nature and life skills into my own children’s lives. Seeing our kids thrive in that environment is truly rewarding.


And then there’s Kate’s bold move into worldschooling, planning international trips with her five-year-old daughter. It’s inspiring to see her commitment in the face of skepticism from others.  Sticking to our values and priorities, like patience and responsibility, matters more than conforming to conventional standards. Remember, we’re not alone in paving our own paths. I hope it resonates with you as much as it did with me.

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I’m thrilled to bring you this episode of Being Different with a very special guest, Congressman Tim Burchett from Tennessee’s 2nd District. I’ve been tuning in to Tim’s podcast, Tennesee Talks, and honestly felt like I knew him before we even met. His straightforwardness and willingness to call out corruption in Washington really struck a chord with me.

Tim opens up about his upbringing and the formative experiences that shaped his perspective on politics and ethics. We dive deep into the rampant corruption and lack of accountability plaguing our nation’s capital, topics he’s not afraid to confront head-on. From voter suppression to fiscal responsibility (or the lack thereof), Tim doesn’t hold back, and neither do I.

Stick around after our chat to hear my take on where we go from here. Trust me, it’s a discussion you won’t want to miss. 

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So, why the fuss around vaccines? Why does mentioning them feel like dropping a bomb? That's what bugs me. Can't we just talk about it without it turning into a political showdown? That's why I sat down with Dr. Jason Hall again. And this time it's not about mommy makeovers, but about the state of vaccine discussions in the US.

We cover it all - from the history of vaccine development to the ethical questions around financial incentives. As far as I'm concerned, it's important to start asking questions about vaccines without judgment and with an open mind. Parents on both sides of this issue just want to do what's best for their kids. And after all, science isn't about shutting down questions - it's about asking them. 

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Today I wanna chat about staying true to your purpose no matter what the world says. Liz here with some thoughts on that buzz-worthy commencement speech by Harrison Buctker, the Kansas City Chiefs' kicker. Now, I'm not one for football, but this guy stirred the pot.

He speaks at a Catholic college about sticking to your God-given role, and the internet erupts - especially feminists. Turns out, it wasn't all that wild. Mostly about men stepping up and leading, with a shoutout to his wife for owning her homemaker role. 

It got me pondering the choices women face. We're told we can do it all, but can we? For me, the lifestyle I've chosen brings more peace than any career ever could. Not saying it's one-size-fits-all, but wouldn't it be nice if we backed each other's paths more?

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