"It’s not selfish, it’s selfless to follow your passions—because when we do what sets our soul on fire, we show our kids that they can too." --Angela



In this episode, listeners will learn:

• The powerful story of how one mom’s journey from nurse to author became a path of healing, identity, and inspiration for other women.
• Why sharing the real sides of motherhood fosters connection instead of shame.
• How modeling self-love and passion shows our kids more than sacrifice—it shows them strength, resilience, and possibility.
• Practical ways to use writing, journaling, and nightly affirmations to help both moms and daughters process big feelings and grow together.
• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

In this episode of Mama, Let’s Talk, I sit down with Ashley Taylor—nurse, mama, and author of the memoir Vital Signs. Her story is raw, real, and deeply relatable, walking us through the challenges of identity after motherhood, the weight of anxiety, and the courage it takes to follow your dreams even when it feels impossible.

Together, we unpack what it means to shed light on the “shadow parts” of motherhood—the pieces we often hide—and how sharing those stories creates space for other women to say, “me too.” From self-image struggles to raising strong-willed daughters, this episode is a reminder that we don’t have to lose ourselves when we become moms. Instead, we can lead by example, showing our children what it looks like to be brave enough to grow, heal, and chase our passions.

Find Ashley's book "Vital Signs" on Amazon or at www.authorashleytaylor.com

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"Friendship changes aren’t just a bump in the road — they’re one of the greatest classrooms for life." --Angela

In this episode, listeners will learn:

• Why friendship changes are a normal (but often painful) part of growing up.
• How to reframe shifting friendships as opportunities for growth rather than loss.
• Practical scripts and confidence-building strategies to help kids navigate tricky social situations.
• How to support your child without overreacting, overstepping, or trying to fix everything for them.

• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

Friendship changes can feel devastating for kids — and just as hard for us as moms. Whether it’s your child’s best friend sitting with someone else at lunch, a group dynamic shifting, or a slow drift where they feel like they don’t belong anymore, these moments are emotional for everyone involved.

It's Week 4 of our School Year Strong series, and we’re talking about how to normalize friendship changes, guide your child away from “all-or-nothing” thinking, and equip them with confidence skills and scripts to handle social shifts with grace. We are also digging into how to encourage multiple friendships so your child doesn’t feel their world collapse when one connection changes, and how to support them without swooping in to fix it all.

Friendship heartbreak is real, but with the right tools and perspective, it can become one of the most powerful lessons in resilience, empathy, and self-worth your child will ever learn.

Connect with Angela:

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"It was never really about the workouts. It’s about the story we’re writing together — the way these shared experiences stitch themselves into the fabric of our family’s identity." --Angela

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How shared activities — whether CrossFit, cooking, or game nights — can strengthen family connection and create lasting memories.
• Why resilience, progress over perfection, and modeling mindset are powerful lessons for kids (and parents) beyond the gym.
• The real-life stories of Olivia and Amelia — and how confidence, community, and belonging are being shaped through family rituals.
• Practical ways to discover and nurture your own family’s “thing” so it becomes an anchor for growth, joy, and togetherness.

• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

In this episode, I’m sharing one of the most meaningful parts of our family story — how CrossFit became more than a workout and grew into our family’s “thing.” From cheering each other through PRs to tackling tough hero workouts side by side, we’ve learned that the lessons inside the gym reach far beyond the walls — teaching resilience, confidence, and the power of showing up for one another.

But don’t worry, this isn’t about convincing you to join CrossFit. It’s about helping you discover your own family’s anchor — the activity that brings you closer, creates lasting memories, and shapes the culture of who you are together. No matter what your family’s “thing” looks like, this episode will remind you that the real magic lies in the connection, the confidence, and the sense of belonging your kids carry with them long after the moment is over.

Connect with Angela:

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"Mama, afternoons don’t have to feel like round two of morning chaos. With a little prep, a little routine, and giving your kids some ownership, you can completely change the vibe after school." --Angela

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How to simplify lunch packing so it’s quick, realistic, and your kids actually eat what you send.
• Why ownership matters and how to involve your kids in lunch and homework choices.
• The keys to building a consistent, stress-free homework routine that reduces battles.
• Common pitfalls to avoid.

• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

The afterschool window doesn’t have to be the most stressful part of your day. Between hungry kids, homework struggles, and tired parents, it can feel like chaos on repeat—but it doesn’t have to. In this week’s episode of Mama, Let’s Talk—part 3 of our 6-part School Year Strong series—I’m sharing simple, realistic strategies to make lunch prep easier and create a homework routine that actually works for your family.

From creating kid-friendly lunch stations to building consistent afterschool rhythms, you’ll learn how to transform those hours between school and bedtime into a time of connection instead of conflict. This is your guide to refueling, recharging, and protecting everyone’s sanity after school.

Connect with Angela:

• Follow Angela on Instagram
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• Grab Your Extra Tools Here
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"My heart was growing and breaking at the same time, and the only thing that gave me hope were the tiny moments of love between my girls." – Cori Ware

In this episode listeners will learn:

• The unspoken emotional challenges of transitioning from one child to two
• Why it’s normal to feel grief, guilt, and joy all at once during this season
• How to balance the needs of your firstborn while bonding with your newborn
• The importance of honesty, community, and giving yourself grace in motherhood
• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

Becoming a mom of two isn’t just about adding another little one to the family—it’s about navigating an entirely new identity as a parent and redefining how your heart stretches to hold both children. In this heartfelt conversation, Angela sits down with mama and CrossFitter Cori Ware to unpack the real, raw, and often unspoken truth about the transition from one to two.

From the bittersweet ache of “mourning life with just one” to the surprising beauty of watching your firstborn step into the role of big sibling, Cori vulnerably shares her story—the tears, the hope, and the tiny moments that made it all worth it. If you’ve ever walked through this messy adjustment or anticipate it in the future, this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and reminded that you are not alone.

You can follow Cori and her journey on instagram at tacticoolmama

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"Your mornings don’t have to look like a magazine spread. They just need to feel safe, steady, and supportive for your family." --Angela

In this episode, we're discussing:

• Why mornings feel so emotionally charged and how to break the rush–yell–guilt cycle.
• Practical strategies for creating calmer, more connected mornings (buffer times, checklists, and goodbye rituals).
• How to use connection as a secret weapon to increase cooperation and decrease conflict.
• Simple mindset shifts for moms to release guilt and reset after rough starts.
• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

It’s week two of our School Year Strong series, and in this episode of Mama, Let’s Talk we’re digging into the emotional side of mornings—the part that quietly sets the tone for the whole day. From the chaos of missing shoes and breakfast battles to the guilt-filled silence after a rough reaction, mornings often carry more weight than we realize.

Together, we’ll explore simple, practical ways to shift from drill-sergeant mode to calm leadership and connection. You’ll also learn how to protect your own start to the day so you can show up with more patience and presence. Even the smallest changes can transform the energy in your home—and when mornings feel better, the entire day flows better.

Connect with Angela:

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• Get In Touch
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"This isn’t about having perfect mornings—it’s about creating enough structure to reduce stress while leaving space for connection and joy." --Angela

In this episode:

• How to gently shift your family from summer mode into a sustainable school-year routine.
• Simple ways to make mornings smoother, even with slow movers.
• Strategies to involve your kids so you’re not doing everything for them.
• Common pitfalls to avoid during the back-to-school transition for a calmer, happier home.
• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

The first week back to school can feel like whiplash—one minute it’s late summer nights, the next it’s early alarms, missing shoes, and cold coffee. In this kickoff episode of our 6-week School Year Strong series, I’m sharing practical, realistic strategies to help you shift your family from summer chaos to school schedules—without the stress, the yelling, or the guilt.

You’ll walk away with tools to create a morning flow that actually works for your family, tips for involving your kids so the load isn’t all on you, and permission to focus on progress over perfection. Whether you’re navigating the first week or still adjusting a month in, this conversation will help you find your rhythm, protect your peace, and make more space for connection in your mornings.

Connect with Angela:

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"One practice doesn’t define you. It doesn’t tell you that you’re a bad gymnast or a bad athlete." --Olivia, 11

• How to shift from perfectionism to progress through a growth mindset
• Tools and self-talk strategies to help kids manage pressure and nerves
• The role of emotional resilience in competitive sports and real life
• How intentional parenting builds confident, self-aware children
• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

In this heart-to-heart episode of Mama, Let’s Talk, I sit down with my daughter, Olivia—competitive gymnast, CrossFitter, and mindset powerhouse in the making. Come along as we unpack what it really looks like to grow through fear, bounce back from setbacks, and talk to yourself like a coach instead of a critic.

Whether you're a parent, coach, or simply someone raising or cheering on a strong girl, this conversation is full of wisdom, laughter, and tear-jerking moments that will remind you that real growth doesn’t happen in perfection—it happens in the hard, messy, beautiful middle.

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"Gentle parenting helps your child feel safe. Conscious parenting helps you feel seen. Together, they change everything." --Angela

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The real difference between gentle parenting and conscious parenting (they're sisters, not twins!)
• How to respond to big feelings and tricky behaviors without shame, punishment, or yelling
• The inner work that conscious parenting invites you to do—and why your triggers matter
• Practical, beginner-friendly tools to help you parent with more presence, connection, and calm

• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

In today's episode, we’re diving deep into two buzzworthy parenting styles—gentle parenting and conscious parenting—and clearing up the confusion once and for all. Are they the same thing? Do you have to pick one? And how on earth do they work when your toddler is screaming in Target because you won’t let them lick the cart?

Come along as I break down the core difference. One is about guiding with empathy and boundaries. The other is about healing your own wounds so you can parent with intention instead of reactivity.

With warmth, humor, and real-life examples, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, equipped, and way less alone. Whether you're in the trenches of toddlerhood or navigating big tween emotions, you’ll walk away with tools, perspective, and a big exhale.

✨ Mentioned in the episode:

• The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Dan Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
• Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham
• Instagram accounts:
• @drbeckyatgoodinside
• @biglittlefeelings
• @janetlansbury
• Journals + resources from The Balanced Mama

💛 If you whispered “same” while listening, send this to your mama bestie. Make sure to tag @the_balanced_mama on instagram so we can celebrate the messy and magical moments of motherhood together.

Connect with Angela:

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"Love isn't just a feeling—it’s a choice. It’s staying in the room when it’s easier to walk away." --Angela

In this episode you'll learn:

• The different seasons of marriage and how to navigate change, disconnection, and growth together
• How communication evolves over time—and what it really means to feel safe being vulnerable with your partner
• Simple but powerful ways to reconnect and prioritize your relationship through the chaos of everyday life
• Why shared goals, intentional habits, and even small gestures (like making the bed) can anchor your relationship in love

• Get your free 7-day trial to the FateCreator Life Coaching App!

In this special episode, Angela invites her husband Gordon for an honest, heartfelt conversation about the real seasons of marriage. From dating to diapers, from drifting apart to reconnecting with intention—this is a conversation about what happens between the vows and the everyday moments that shape a lasting love.

You’ll hear personal stories, real talk about what nearly pulled them apart, and what ultimately brought them back together. Whether you're newly married, deep in the trenches of family life, or trying to repair something that’s been feeling off, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone, the hard seasons don’t last forever, and with intention and love, there’s always a way forward—together.

Connect with Angela:

• Follow Angela on Instagram
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• Get In Touch
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