In the Season 1 finale, Krista and Samantha dive into the layered realities of summer—from the literal heat to the shifting dynamics of parenting, work, and personal growth that come with the season.

They reflect on seasonal preferences, family routines, and the joy (and anxiety) of gaining independence as a parent when your kids start spending more time away. There’s also conversation around shopping habits, travel hiccups, summer camps, and what it actually looks like to take a sabbatical when you’re an ambitious person who doesn’t unplug easily.

With a few tangents into writing projects, business systems, and why the podcast isn’t a job—it’s a joy—this episode is a love letter to the in-between season of trying to do it all, and the grace it takes to do just enough.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

🌡️ Summer heat hits hard—and affects your whole vibe.

🛍️ Seasonal shopping? Dangerous territory.

🏕️ Childhood camp experiences shape how we show up for our kids now.

📖 Reading habits shift with energy and workload.

🎒 Kid-free time brings both relief and reflection.

🛫 Travel with kids isn’t a break—it’s a different kind of work.

📱 Tech helps... until it doesn’t.

✍️ Sabbaticals can be self-directed—and still purposeful.

🗓️ Summer routines need flexibility and consistency.

📚 Personal projects (like writing) can fuel something bigger.

🎙️ The podcast? Still fun. Still not homework.

Still trying to balance rest and routines with ambition and sunscreen? Same.

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⭐️ If this episode resonated, leave us a review or send it to a friend who’s also figuring out how to enjoy summer and survive it.

This week, Samantha and Krista dig into the layered conversation around self-esteem, body image, and confidence—both for themselves as mothers and for the kids they’re raising. They talk about how positive self-talk can shift your perspective, the quiet harm of societal expectations, and why celebrating the small wins really does build confidence over time.

The episode weaves between friendship chats, book club updates, and even a bit of reality TV commentary, but always circles back to the deeper theme: how the words we use—with ourselves and around our children—shape the way they see themselves.

This is a thoughtful, honest, and sometimes funny look at self-acceptance, parenting with intention, and the messy, beautiful evolution of confidence at every stage of life.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

🌿 Embracing a more chill attitude can lead to a more balanced life.

📺 Reality TV reflects more about human nature than we sometimes want to admit.

📚 Book clubs can be a joyful way to connect with friends and build community.

🫂 In-person connections matter for sustaining meaningful friendships.

🎯 Setting business goals can fuel both personal and professional growth.

💬 Self-esteem and body image are ongoing conversations for mothers.

🪞 Positive language helps shape children’s views on body image and self-worth.

🧘 Parenting is a balance of self-care and expectations (yours and theirs).

💖 Self-acceptance is a journey that shifts over time.

🎉 Celebrating even the smallest achievements can boost confidence.

Learning how to talk kinder to yourself while raising kids to do the same? Same.

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⭐️ If this episode gave you a boost (or made you think about your own self-talk), leave a review or share it with a friend who needs the reminder too.

This week, Samantha and Krista dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting in the summer months—from the simple joys of family outings to the more complicated lessons that come with children’s big feelings (and their own).

They share personal stories about navigating grief and loss, reflect on how modelling behaviour teaches children about boundaries, and discuss the balance between assertiveness and kindness—both in parenting and in life. Humour weaves through the heavier moments, reminding us that laughter can be a real coping mechanism when parenting feels intense.

This episode also explores the value of direct conversations, why vulnerability is a strength in motherhood, and how the hardest life lessons often leave the deepest imprint—for both parents and kids.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

🌞 Summer amplifies both the fun and the friction in family life.

🧠 Children’s emotions are layered—patience is the real superpower.

💬 Vulnerability and open communication strengthen relationships.

🪞 Children learn boundaries by watching us set and hold our own.

🎭 Humour helps lighten heavy parenting moments.

⚖️ Assertiveness doesn’t cancel kindness—it balances it.

💔 Navigating grief is part of life and part of parenting.

🗣️ Direct conversations prevent confusion and build trust.

🧩 The hardest lessons often become the most meaningful.

🤝 Preparing kids for social interactions starts with modelling it yourself.

Parenting in the thick of summer and feeling all the emotions? You’re not alone.

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⭐️ If this one resonated, leave a review or share it with a friend who’s navigating the same messy, beautiful season.

This week, Krista and Samantha bounce between summer parenting chaos and business growth lessons, proving once again that snack plates and strategic planning can (and do) coexist.

They dig into the reality of decision fatigue, the art of launching with intention, and why sometimes, a swipe of lipstick is the only prep you need for a big call. The conversation flows from kids and technology to the evolving world of birthday parties, with honest takes on social dynamics, gratitude, and whether loot bags are still a thing (spoiler: they are—just... better now).

This episode is equal parts practical and reflective, offering tips, commiseration, and a reminder that doing your best in the mess still counts.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

💄 Lipstick is a vibe reset—embrace it.

🌞 Parenting in summer requires flexibility, snacks, and grace.

🧃 Snack plates are the unsung hero of seasonal survival.

🧠 Decision fatigue is real—build systems that help you decide less.

🚀 Strategic support = better launches, better outcomes.

👩‍💻 Investing in the right help can change everything.

📱 Tech can connect and distract—boundaries matter.

🎉 Birthday parties have changed, and that’s not a bad thing.

🎁 Experiences > plastic junk (loot bags included).

🗣️ Communication between parents makes party planning way less painful.

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Running on coffee, calendar reminders, and a kid’s leftover granola bar? You’re in the right place.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If you laughed, nodded, or felt seen, leave a review or share this episode with your crew.

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Use code YAPPERS20 at www.samanthamackinnon.com/fixr-series.

This week, Krista and Samantha are deep in summer mode—juggling Camp MacChaos, dreaming up travel plans, and trying to remember what day it is (no guarantees). They unpack the myth of passive income, why automated revenue is a more accurate goal, and how delegation and SOPs can actually free up time to breathe.

The conversation bounces between parenting, business workflows, Human Design, book club picks, and yes—reality TV. It’s a peek behind the curtain of two moms navigating work, life, and play in real-time, with a healthy dose of honesty and laughter.

If you’re feeling the summer stretch—equal parts magic and meltdown—this one’s for you.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

💸 Passive income ≠ doing nothing. Think automation, not absence.

🙋 Delegation and systems aren’t luxuries—they’re lifelines.

🔧 SOPs don’t kill creativity; they create space for it.

🌞 Themed summer activities = more fun, less “what now?”

📖 Book clubs can be low-pressure and high-connection.

📺 Reality TV isn’t trash—it’s character study (sometimes).

🧠 Knowing your Human Design can shift how you show up and collaborate.

🧳 Traveling with kids is a lot—but worth the planning.

🍽️ Meal planning can be a parenting sanity-saver.

💆 Finding moments of calm is the real summer flex.

In your Camp MacChaos era? We are, too.

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⭐️ If this episode gave you a laugh, an idea, or a bit of peace—leave a review or send it to a friend riding the summer rollercoaster too.

This week, Krista and Samantha dig into what self-care really looks like—especially as summer break kicks in, schedules get messy, and family health throws curveballs. It’s not a spa day fantasy or a list of things you “should” be doing. It’s about what’s actually possible in the middle of it all.

They talk about balancing priorities, redefining wellness, and why setting boundaries is as essential as packing sunscreen. From lighthouse parenting to the mental clutter that comes from consuming the wrong content, this episode is both a gentle nudge and a real-time reality check.

If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking five minutes to breathe or wondered why your version of self-care doesn’t look like anyone else’s—this one’s for you.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

🧴 Self-care should be flexible, not another chore.

😷 Family health stuff complicates everything—especially summer.

📉 Balance doesn’t mean doing it all, it means doing what matters most.

🧼 Self-care might look like skin care. Or a solo grocery trip. Or silence.

🗺️ Lighthouse parenting = guidance without micromanagement.

📱 What you consume shapes how you care for yourself—choose wisely.

📚 Reading isn’t just relaxing—it can be reflective and restorative.

⏳ It’s okay to not “do it all” this season.

🙅‍♀️ Guilt has no place in your self-care practice.

🔋 Recharging isn’t selfish—it’s strategic.

Feeling the summer shift? Us too.💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge⭐️ If this one resonated, leave a review or share it with a friend who needs a reminder: you’re allowed to take care of yourself.

In this episode, Samantha and Krista get candid about the real weight of balancing business, motherhood, and everything in between. From navigating decision fatigue to redefining what success even means, they unpack what it looks like to keep going when your energy is low but the to-do list is high.

They talk about ruthless time management, learning to say no to things that don’t move the needle, and why sometimes, the best strategy is simply knowing when to stop. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever stared blankly at a screen, wondering where their focus went—or who’s felt like they’re failing because they’re not doing all the things, all the time.

If you’ve been craving clarity, structure, or just some honest perspective on resilience, project planning, and giving yourself a damn break, this one’s for you.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

😵‍💫 Decision paralysis is real—but systems can help lighten the load.

🧘‍♀️ You can’t pour from an empty cup (even if the cup is virtual).

📉 Productivity dips are normal—it’s the bounce-back that builds resilience.

📋 Project planning doesn’t need to be perfect, but it does need to be clear.

🎯 Fewer projects, more intention.

⏰ Being ruthless with your time is sometimes the kindest thing you can do.

🌱 Redefining success makes space for peace, not just progress.

👯‍♀️ Finding your village is hard—and necessary.

💬 Community support is fuel.

🥴 Imperfection isn’t a flaw. It’s proof you’re in it.

Still trying to figure out how to do it all without burning out? Same.

💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge

⭐️ If this episode helped you feel seen, leave us a review or send it to a friend who’s in the weeds with you.

This week’s episode is a full table: Krista and Sam are joined by Dave and Brandon (aka The Husbands) for a raw, reflective, and often hilarious look at what it really means to raise kids while trying to stay married, sane, and maybe even caught up on laundry.

Together, they explore the emotional highs and lows of modern parenthood, the invisible weight of household responsibilities, and the beautiful (and sometimes frustrating) lessons that come with the long game of parenting. There’s talk of AI, miscarriage, relationship friction, and the moments that crack you open—in good ways and hard ones. It’s candid, chaotic, and deeply human.

If you’ve ever whispered “It’s just a season” while stepping over a pile of unfolded laundry—this episode will hit home.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

😂 Humour helps—especially when nothing else does.

🌀 Parenthood is an emotional rollercoaster. Buckle up.

🏃‍♀️ Work-family balance is a dance we’re all still learning.

🧘 Patience isn’t something you start with—it’s something parenting teaches you.

🤖 AI might just have a role to play in the parenting toolkit.

🧹 Household dynamics may still reflect deep-rooted gender norms.

💬 Communication isn’t optional—it’s survival.

💔 Miscarriage affects both partners, even if it looks different.

🎢 Parenting surprises you in both beautiful and brutal ways.

👯‍♂️ Support systems matter. Build them. Lean on them.

Trying to hold it all together with equal parts snacks and sarcasm? You’re in the right place.
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⭐️ If this one made you laugh, cry, or sigh in solidarity, leave us a review or share it with a friend who’s in the thick of it too.

In this week’s episode, Krista and Samantha bounce between beauty tips, parenting hacks, meal planning, and the strangely satisfying joy of a solo grocery trip. It’s a little bit of everything—because that’s exactly what this season of life is like.

They dive into clutter (emotional and physical), seasonal transitions, and the ongoing effort to foster independence in kids without losing patience or sanity. Along the way, they touch on the soothing power of shared TV binges, the politics of grocery quality, and why shared family calendars are the real MVP.

Whether you’re deep in the snack aisle, debating the sock situation in your house, or just trying to figure out what day it is—this one’s for you.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:

💇‍♀️ Hair talk is self-care, not fluff.

👟 Bulk-buying socks = elite parenting move.

🧘 Parenting requires constant flexibility (and deep breaths).

📦 Clutter is both a mental and physical challenge—and that’s okay.

📚 Books and shows are a lifeline when your brain is fried.

📅 Shared calendars can save relationships and routines.

🛒 Grocery shopping can actually be joyful (yes, really).

🥬 Fresh food tastes better when it’s max 2 days old—science.

📱 "This is a work phone" is a parenting phrase for the ages.

🎶 Good taste in music starts young. Play the hits.

🥴 It’s okay to not have it all figured out—and to laugh about it anyway.

Lost in a pile of laundry and overdue RSVPs? You’re in good company.

💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge

⭐️ If this episode hit home, leave us a review or share it with a friend who gets it.

This week, Krista and Samantha open up about the messy middle of maternity leave, the emotional (and strategic) recalibrating that comes with burnout, and the slow, weird journey of transitioning back to work when your brain still feels half-swaddled in sleep schedules.

Samantha reflects on her own experience stepping back from business after baby #2, navigating the invisible labour of motherhood, and confronting the gap between how we expect maternity leave to feel—and how it actually shows up. Together, they unpack the pressure to be creative on a deadline, the decision fatigue that weighs on both parenting and business, and the friction between the need for support and the challenge of finding it.

This is one of those conversations that lands like a deep breath—permission to feel all of it: the guilt, the gratitude, and the in-between.

Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🍼 Maternity leave isn’t always restful—it’s a full-time identity shift.

🧠 Decision fatigue is real, and it touches everything.

🎨 Creativity and chaos don’t always coexist peacefully.

🔥 Burnout doesn’t mean you’re broken—it might mean it’s time to reset.

🕰️ Focused work time is sacred (and often scarce).

🙋‍♀️ Asking for help is a strength, not a shortcoming.

📬 Automation and systems are your friends—especially during transitions.

💞 Social connection matters, even when it’s hard to maintain.

🫠 The invisible load is real, especially for women.

🗣️ Clear, direct communication in relationships is everything.

In the thick of it? We’re right there with you.
👶 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
📩 Leave a review, share the episode, and send us a screenshot—we’ll DM you Sam’s summer activity schedule (your secret weapon for surviving the chaos with kids at home).