(00:00:00) Welcome to the Breakroom: Introducing Serial Entrepreneur Cheyenne Levinson

In this episode of the Breakroom Mom Podcast, I’m sitting down with the ultimate "multi-hyphenate" entrepreneur, Cheyenne Levinson.Most know her as the creative force behind Triangle Families Explore, but Cheyenne’s journey started long before the digital grid. We dive deep into her experience as a serial entrepreneur—from founding beloved local brick-and-mortar shops like The Little Oak Collective and State of Thrift to her role as a powerhouse content creator.In this episode, we discuss:

• The Serial Entrepreneur Journey: The highs and lows of starting physical retail stores in the Triangle.
• The Pivot: How "failures" in previous ventures became the blueprint for her current success.
• Content Creation vs. Reality: Debunking the biggest misconceptions about what she actually does for a living.
• Mom-Life & Real Housewives: Laughing through the chaos and why a little reality TV is the perfect reset.

Whether you are a fellow business owner, an aspiring creator, or a local mom looking for your next adventure, Cheyenne’s story is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.

(00:00:00) Introduction: Meeting Psychologist Catherine Cheek

(00:01:16) Our Turn for a Tantrum

(00:04:30) Macro Trends: The Mental Health Crisis Since 2010

(00:05:50) Analyzing The Anxious Generation: Overprotection vs. The Virtual World

(00:07:25) Red Flags: When to Seek Professional Help for Your Child

(00:12:12) Experience Blockers: Why We Under-protect in the Virtual World

(00:16:04) Discovery Mode vs. Defense Mode: Raising Resilient Kids

(00:21:12) The Driver’s License Dilemma: Why Teens Are Staying Home

(00:23:45) The 1990s Shift: Cable News and the Rise of "Stranger Danger"

(00:27:50) The Comparison Trap: Social Media’s Impact on Moms

(00:30:05) What We’re Doing Right: Destigmatizing Mental Health

(00:32:55) Parenting "Schools": Gentle Parenting & Sturdy Leadership

(00:41:08) Raising Grateful Kids: Building the "Gratitude Algorithm"

(00:47:15) Micro-Habit: The Power of a 5-Minute Meditation

(00:50:10) Advice from a "Launched" Mom: Letting Go of Self-Imposed Guilt

(00:52:59) Listener Q&A: School Assessments vs. Private Evaluations

(00:56:54) Cheat Codes: The Shared Family Calendar

In this episode of Breakroom Mom, we go beyond the typical "mom guilt" conversation. I’m joined by psychologist Catherine Cheek to discuss the systemic and psychological pressures facing modern parents and their children. From the "invisible load" of the household to the rising tide of anxiety in today’s youth, we explore how to foster resilience in an increasingly digital and high-pressure world.

Key Discussion Points:

• The Evolution of the Mental Load: Why modern parenting feels "heavier" than previous generations and how to identify the invisible labor that leads to burnout.
• The "Anxious Generation" Phenomenon: A look at the cultural and technological shifts contributing to the rise of anxiety in children and how parents can provide a buffer.
• Child Mental Health & Resilience: Catherine explains why protecting our kids doesn’t mean removing every obstacle, but rather teaching them how to navigate them.
• The Perfectionism Trap: How the pressure to be a "perfect parent" trickles down to our children and the power of modeling "good enough" behavior.
• Practical Boundaries: Strategies for protecting your family’s mental peace from the constant noise of social media and comparison culture.

(00:00:00) Introduction: Meeting Lisa Honold

(00:03:52) The "Playground Without a Fence" Analogy

(00:07:15) Why Technology is Different for the Developing Brain

(00:10:48) The Science of Persuasive Design and Dopamine

(00:13:28) The #1 Safety Rule: Tech-Free Bedrooms

(00:13:35) Why "Just Put it Away" Doesn't Work for Kids

(00:16:42) The Critical Rule: No Devices in the Bedroom

(00:20:10) How to Handle the "Everyone Else Has One" Pressure

(00:24:15) Setting Sustainable Boundaries for Different Ages

(00:24:25) The Connection Between Social Media and Mental Health

(00:28:12) Practical Steps for a "Digital Reset"

(00:32:40) Managing Video Game Addiction and Online Gaming Safety

(00:36:15) How to Rebuild Trust and Connection with Your Child

(00:40:05) Resources from the Center for Online Safety

(00:43:50) Lisa’s Final Message to Overwhelmed Parents

(00:46:12) Closing Thoughts and Where to Listen

Is your child’s digital world a “playground without a fence?” In this episode, we sit down with Lisa Honold, Director of the Center for Online Safety, to discuss the urgent need for a "Digital Reset." As social media platforms use persuasive design to keep kids hooked, many parents feel like they are losing the battle for their children's attention and mental health.In this episode, we dive into:

• The "Fence" Analogy: Why giving a child a smartphone without a plan is a high-risk move.
• The Science of Scrolling: How dopamine loops and persuasive design affect the developing brain.
• The #1 Safety Rule: Why moving devices out of the bedroom is the single most effective step for your family.
• Practical Boundaries: How to transition from tech-obsessed to tech-balanced without the constant power struggle.

Whether you’re navigating the early years of screen time or dealing with a teenager who won't put the phone down, Lisa provides the tactical roadmap you need to reclaim your home.

Learn more about Lisa Honold: https://www.centerforonlinesafety.com/

(00:00:00) Introduction to Eleanor Taylor An introduction to Eleanor’s background and her mission with the Vibrant Leader Academy.

(00:02:43) The Journey to Portugal Eleanor explains her decision to relocate to Portugal and how a change in environment impacted h

(00:07:12) Breaking the Corporate "Hustle" Cycle A deep dive into why high-achieving women often fall into burnout and the myth of

(00:14:35) Understanding the Nervous System in Leadership Eleanor discusses the science of nervous system regulation and why it is

(00:22:18) The Vibrant Leader Framework An overview of the core pillars Eleanor uses to help women reclaim their energy and authent

(00:31:05) Female Biology and High Performance How acknowledging female-specific biological cycles can actually lead to better busi

(00:39:50) Navigating Conflict and Communication Practical advice on how to have "vibrant" conversations and lead through challengi

(00:48:12) The Role of Community for Women Leaders Why isolation is a "silent killer" in the C-suite and the importance of finding

(00:54:10) Final Thoughts and How to Connect Eleanor shares her final piece of advice for aspiring leaders and where to find her wo

True leadership starts from within. Join us as Eleanor Taylor (Vibrant Leader Academy) explores the psychological and biological shifts necessary for women to thrive in modern business. We dive deep into the importance of holistic well-being, breaking the glass ceiling without breaking yourself, and why Eleanor is an advocate for biology-aware leadership research.

• Key Topics:
  • Bridging the gap between mental health and corporate success.
  • Why traditional leadership models often fail women.
  • Practical tips for high-performing women to stay grounded and energized.

Black History Month is about so much more than a page in a history book—it’s an opportunity to celebrate excellence, foster empathy, and build a foundation of conscious awareness in our children. But as parents, how do we move beyond the "checklist" and have truly meaningful conversations?In this special bonus episode, I’m joined by Tristan Richardson, a conscious parenting coach and education consultant. Tristan helps us navigate the "how" and "why" behind celebrating Black History Month as a family. We dive into:

• The "Why": Why intentional celebration is vital for children of all backgrounds.
• The Conversation: Practical, age-appropriate ways to talk to your kids about history, struggle, and achievement.
• The Toolkit: A curated list of resources, books, and activities that make these discussions natural and impactful.
• The Mindset: How conscious parenting helps us show up authentically for these big (and important) topics.

Whether you’re looking for a place to start or want to deepen your family’s practice of inclusion, this episode is packed with the heart and wisdom you need to lead with love and education.

This week, I’m sitting down with my friend and fellow mom, Genevieve Stewart, for a conversation that most of us are terrified to have, but all of us need to hear. Genevieve isn't an "expert" with a PhD—she’s a mom of a teen and a pre-teen who decided that the "purity culture" many of us grew up with stops with her. We’re diving deep into the messy, awkward, and incredibly important world of introducing sex and body autonomy to our kids.In this episode, we cover:

• Breaking the Cycle: Moving away from shame-based "purity culture" and toward open, honest communication.
• The "One-Talk" Myth: Why sex ed is a series of 10,000 tiny conversations, not one big, scary event.
• Body Autonomy: How teaching kids they are the "boss of their body" starts way earlier than you think.
• The Resource Toolkit: Genevieve shares the exact books—from It’s Not the Stork to Boys & Sex—that helped her navigate these waters with her girls.

Whether you have a toddler asking where babies come from or a middle-schooler navigating social media, this episode is a judgment-free zone designed to help you feel a little less alone in the "juggling and struggling" of modern parenting.Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• "The Happiest Kids in the World" by Rina Mae Acosta & Michele Hutchison
• "Beyond the Birds and the Bees" by Bonnie J. Rough
• "Girls & Sex" and "Boys & Sex" by Peggy Orenstein
• The "Family Library" Series by Robie H. Harris (It's Not the Stork!, It's So Amazing!, and It's Perfectly Normal)

Episode 4 is a walk down memory lane with a powerful destination. I sit down with childhood friend and conscious parenting coach Tristan Richardson. From our days as teenage pen pals to the reality of raising a Black son in 2025, we explore how shifting from "control" to "connection" changes everything. Plus, we bond over our mutual hate for trampoline parks and why building diverse communities is the future of parenting.

What happens when the joy of a new baby is met with the shock of a life-altering diagnosis? In this episode, I sit down with my dear friend Lauren Bygland, who was diagnosed with breast cancer when her son was just five months old. In Episode 3 of Breakroom Mom, Lauren shares her journey through treatment, the emotional impact of mastectomy and hysterectomy, and how she used her runner’s mindset to battle the disease. Join us for a vulnerable conversation about motherhood, identity, and the unrealistic pressures we face as parents today.

Parenting in 2026 feels like trying to hit a moving target, especially when it comes to our kids' health. To help us find some solid ground, I’m talking with Dr. Danielle Bliss. We’re diving into the "State of the Pediatrician’s Office" right now—discussing everything from changing requirements and controversial new health directives to the everyday products she keeps out of her house. Dr. Bliss helps us cut through the political and digital noise to focus on what really matters: keeping our kids safe and thriving in a rapidly changing world.

Welcome to the very first episode of Breakroom Mom. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing at a job that was supposed to come "naturally," this episode is for you. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on why I started this podcast and tackling the big question: Why does parenting feel so much harder for us than it did for the generations before? We’re diving into the unique pressures Millennials and Gen Z face—from the digital overload of "perfect" parenting to the lack of a traditional village. Grab your coffee (even if it’s cold) and join me in the breakroom.