Mama's Gonna Make It

We’re hanging out with our friend Jackie Kelley—aka @StayatHomeJackie— for a wide-ranging friend chat about embracing who you are, finding joy in the weird stuff, and navigating the beautiful chaos of parenting.

Jackie talks about what it means to be a “Stay at Home Jackie,” why seeing people with bodies like yours joyfully existing can be so powerful, and how she’s learned to care less about other people’s expectations of how she should look, dress, or express herself.

We also get into the art of unmasking—from leaving behind the beige Hobby Lobby version of yourself to embracing colorful clothes, strange hobbies, loud hair, stupid tattoos, and, of course, whimsy.

And then things get delightfully weird.

Jackie tells us about her stuffed-animal rehabilitation hobby, how she rescues sad thrift-store stuffies, gives them new life, and finds them new homes. We discuss haunted dolls (hard pass), distinguished teddy bears, Build-A-Bear surprises, and the very real emotional trauma of a decapitated elephant stuffie.

From there, we wander through nonfiction about pirates, scurvy, medical history, poison, and Victorian-era attempts at resuscitation; Pokemon trading among four-year-olds; preserving childhood collections; Disney trip logistics; parenting kids with completely different personalities; and why sometimes the best parenting strategy is simply to divide and conquer.

We also talk about something especially close to home: learning to recognize and communicate when we’re reaching our limits. Whether that means singing instead of yelling, taking a timeout, asking for some quiet, or simply saying, “I’m not doing well right now,” we’re modeling for our kids that boundaries and big feelings are things we can communicate—not things we have to hide until we explode.

And, naturally, we end up talking about children’s bizarre questions, Minecraft-induced trance states, and why sometimes you just have to remind your kid to blink.

It’s a classic friend chat: a little deep, a little ridiculous, and full of reminders that we’re allowed to have fun, be weird, and build full lives while we’re raising our kids.

Find Jackie:
@StayatHomeJackie on Instagram, TikTok and Youtube
StayAtHomeJackie.com

And be sure to check out her upcoming book, So You Married a Human!

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

What happens when you realize marriage isn’t the happily-ever-after part of the story– it’s the part where two imperfect humans have to figure out how to actually live together?

This week, we’re joined by Jackie Kelley, creator of Stay-at-Home Jackie and author of the upcoming book So You Married a Human: The Totally Doable, Unconventional Guide to a Thriving Partnership.

Jackie shares the story behind her book, which grew out of the marriage “rules” she and her husband developed over more than a decade together. And spoiler alert: these aren’t rules about becoming the perfect spouse. They’re tools for navigating the very human stuff that makes relationships complicated (different expectations, different brains, different childhoods, different communication styles, and the occasional rage-inducing towel fold).

We talk about what it means to consider your spouse’s lens, why “no wrong answer” can completely change the temperature of a conversation, and why sometimes the answer to “Why are you doing it that way?!” is simply… because that’s the way their brain works.

Jackie also gets real about growing up without great models of healthy marriage, learning how to communicate with a spouse whose processing style is completely different from hers, and the painful amount of self-reflection that can come with building a better partnership.

And then we play a little game: Jackie gives us the rule, and we try to guess what it means. We cover:

We also get into neurodivergence, masking and unmasking, gender expectations in marriage, growing together instead of trying to keep your partner the person you originally married, and why sometimes the most useful marriage skill is simply being willing to stop and ask, “What am I missing here?”

Jackie’s book comes out October 6, 2026, and after this conversation, we’re pretty sure we all need a copy. Or at least a spouse who will tolerate us word-vomiting the best parts at them. 😂

Connect with Jackie:
Stay-at-Home Jackie on social media

Get the book:
So You Married a Human: The Totally Doable, Unconventional Guide to a Thriving Partnership — available October 6, 2026.

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Guess what? We’re back!

After a summer break, Mama’s Gonna Make It is officially rolling into Season 4 — and we’re kicking things off with a little life update, a lot of reflection, and an explanation of the four pillars that help shape our conversations.

First, we check in with each other. We both have littles starting kindergarten, which brings ALL the feelings, transitions, schedule changes, and questions about what comes next. We talk about giving ourselves permission to recognize when a transition needs to look different for our families — and giving our kids (and ourselves) the grace to grow at our own pace.

Then we get into the four pillars of Mama’s Gonna Make It:

Parenting as a Practice

Parenting isn’t something we eventually master. It’s something we practice.

Our kids change, we change, our circumstances change — and just when you think you’ve figured something out, somebody grows up and suddenly you’re working with a whole new kid.

We talk about giving ourselves (and other parents) grace, letting go of the idea that there’s one “right” way to parent, and remembering that our capacity can look different from one day to the next.

We also get into some very real-life examples of what this practice looks like for us right now — including reframing our kids’ interruptions, managing our own irritability, and remembering that sometimes the biggest change we can make is the story we’re telling ourselves about what’s happening.

Neurodiversity

Our second pillar grew out of our desire to talk honestly about parenting as neurodivergent moms.

We check in on where we’re each at with ADHD management, including medication, executive function, impulse control, burnout, and the never-ending struggle of having approximately 47 open tabs in our brains at all times.

We talk about the ways ADHD affects far more than productivity — and what it feels like when the right support makes everyday life just a little less hard.

Self-Growth

We’re big believers in continuing to grow, learn, question ourselves, and become more fully ourselves.

And, as it turns out, this podcast has become a pretty significant part of that process.

We talk about how recording these conversations has helped us become more comfortable being imperfect, hearing our own thoughts out loud, learning from our guests, and letting go of the pressure to perform.

One imperfect episode doesn’t define the whole podcast. One imperfect day doesn’t define our whole lives, either.

We also reflect on some of the professional growth we’ve experienced since the podcast began and the ways we’re both feeling more grounded and ready for whatever comes next.

Relationships — or, as we like to call it, All the ‘Ships

This one took a little more work to name.

“Relationships” can sound like we’re about to give you marriage advice (we’re not), but what we really mean is all the relationships that make up our lives.

Friendships. Marriage. Parenting relationships. Family. Work relationships. Community. The people we encounter in everyday life. And, of course, each other and our producer, the one and only Tim Beeman.

The goal of these pillars isn’t to restrict what we talk about. They’re a platform, not a collar — a framework that gives us somewhere to put all the tangled thoughts, ideas, guests, stories, and conversations that make sense for us.

And Season 4 is already bringing some fantastic people and perspectives into the conversation!

We’re talking grief, good-girl conditioning, self-love, marriage, parenting, neurodiversity, and so much more — with guests who bring their own experiences, expertise, and perspectives to the table.

As always, we’re not here to tell you how to live your life. We’re the experts of our own lives, just like you are the expert of yours. Take what works for you, leave what doesn’t, and come hang out with us while we figure some of this stuff out together.

Welcome to Season 4. We’re so glad you’re here.

Have a topic you’d love for us to revisit? Or something you want us to talk about this season? Let us know at  [email protected]

Insta @mamasgonnamakeitpodcast
Facebook at Mama’s Gonna Make It

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Season three has come to a close… somewhat sooner than originally planned. And that’s okay, friends. 

After a year full of parenting, work, personal and professional growth, creative projects, performances, travel, summer schedules, and trying to keep all the plates spinning, we’re talking about something that’s become impossible to ignore: burnout

In this episode, we explore the difference between burnout and simply falling out of a hyperfocus, why every passion project eventually moves beyond the “honeymoon phase,” and what it looks like to keep showing up after the initial excitement fades.

We also discuss:

As we wrap up Season 3, we’re taking our own advice and giving ourselves permission to rest before returning for Season 4 in September. Thank you for listening, sharing, encouraging us, and growing this community with us. 

Until next season…remember: rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the rhythm.

Links:

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Today’s episode is something a little different.

As we wind down our third season (don’t worry—we’re already recording Season 4!), it’s summertime out there, and Sarabeth and Anne are ready to embrace a slower pace and recover from a very busy year.

Between shifting schedules, changing family routines, and general life burnout, this season of life feels… full. So Sarabeth had a brilliant idea: record this episode separately from home and share two of our published articles from the Davidson Local. Producer Tim—our hero, as always—stitched it all together for today’s episode.

First up, Sarabeth shares “Big Feelings,” reflecting on, well… big feelings—our emotions, our kids’ emotions, and why honoring them matters.

Then Anne shares “Beyond Baby Showers: Why We Need to Talk About Postpartum,” along with some of what inspired her to write about such a personal and vulnerable topic.

Finally, Sarabeth sends us off with some reflection and excitement to return to the studio soon!

Links:
View our Linktree to access our published articles.
For more information on postpartum mental health, visit Moms’s; Mental Health Matters: and select Find Help for immediate resources.
If you haven’t yet, Purchase Birth Vibes by Jen Hamilton
Dr. Becky at Good Inside

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Episode 51: Try the Hobby, Join the Team, Make the Deviled Eggs

This week on Mama’s Gonna Make It, we start by talking about kids, hobbies, sports, and creativity… and somehow end up discussing gochujang, embroidery fails, pickle jar egg-peeling hacks, and deviled eggs.

Which, honestly, feels pretty on brand.

Sarabeth, Anne, and Producer Tim get into the pressure kids (and adults) feel to already be good at things before they even start — whether that’s sports, music, art, cooking, or picking up a random hobby just because it looked fun.

We talk about why trying things matters even if there’s no trophy, paycheck, scholarship, or side hustle waiting at the end.

Along the way:
• Exposing kids to lots of experiences and letting them discover what sticks
• Healthy competition vs. when sports culture gets weird
• Why kids are sometimes braver than adults when it comes to trying new things
• Building resilience without crushing joy
• The pressure to monetize hobbies
• Imposter syndrome, creative courage, and being bad at things on purpose
• Remembering how to play as adults
• Plus: an unexpected detour into food that absolutely did not need to happen (but we stand by it)

Big takeaway? Don’t wait until you’re guaranteed to be good at something before you let yourself enjoy it.

Try the hobby. Join the team. Make the deviled eggs.

Connect with us:
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @mamasgonnamakeit

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

This week on Mama’s Gonna Make It, Sarabeth, Anne, and Producer Tim dive into the wild world of traveling with kids, from Disney planning and overpacked suitcases to unexpected memory-making moments, bed bug paranoia, and audiobook mishaps at the mechanic.

Anne shares stories from an epic multi-stop family/work trip involving galas, beaches, Disney, and a Georgia farm… all packed into one oversized suitcase she immediately regretted bringing. The conversation quickly turns into a real-life survival guide for parents trying to vacation with little ones while keeping everyone fed, clothed, entertained, and emotionally stable.

Spoiler alert: as one wise friend put it, “With young children, you don’t take vacations. You take trips.”

In this episode:

Whether you’re planning a big Disney adventure, a quick mountain cabin getaway, or just trying to survive travel with toddlers, this episode is full of practical advice, solidarity, and plenty of laughs.

Connect with us:
Follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @mamasgonnamakeit

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

For the record, Anne and Sarabeth believe in the power of creative energy and agree that it is fundamentally important for people to have creative outlets. From there, we enjoyed pushing back on each other in this funny and somewhat philosophical conversation about why we create art, literature, or music—and how to encourage that practice in ourselves, each other, and our kiddos.

True to her Type 4, creative, and introspective self, Sarabeth embraces the whimsy of creating for the sake of creativity, validating the practice as worthwhile no matter the outcome or any external need to justify participation. Meanwhile, the very orderly Type 1 (honestly, our offline prep conversation sealed the deal on Anne’s self-identity as an Enneagram 1!) embraces creativity too—but firmly plants her flag in the belief that it is always serving a purpose.

It wouldn’t be Mama’s Gonna Make It without some side quests, so we naturally also discussed hormone cycles, an awkward dermatologist visit, and more!

Come along for the ride and laugh with us as we dive into the power of creative expression to heal, to hope, to resist, to relax, to connect, to celebrate, and to just… exist.

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

In this episode, Anne shares about a recent job opportunity and how difficult it was to weigh all the pros and cons of change—not only for herself, but for how it could impact her family unit. She polled the mom-chat, talked with family and friends, and ultimately received some incredibly illuminating advice from two trusted professionals in her life: a financial advisor and a college friend who is now a career coach. 

Making potentially life-altering decisions is hard. Whether it’s related to health, finance, or any other major life thread, it can be scary, too. Anne and Sarabeth dive into the ways we process change and opportunity—and into our own struggles with money.

Money isn’t everything… but it sure does matter. And for those of us with executive function challenges or other hurdles in place, shame can take up precious space and energy. To help, we call Isabel Sanchez, Sarabeth’s personal finance coach from MES Financial Coachign, for practical advice on managing money, strategies for long-term success, and what it really takes to embrace our own financial wellness. Some of these ideas may sound familiar, but maybe you haven’t  applied them to your finances before.

Do you have a framework for making big decisions or managing your family budget? Tune in, and let us know what you think on our socials! @mamasgonnamakeit

Links: 

Isabel Sanchez of MES Financial Coaching

Carmen Silva Thomas – Career Coach

Sean Click – Edward Jones financial advisor, LinkedIn

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Last time we had Jen Hamilton on, we talked all things nursing, advocacy, and her book Birth Vibes. This time? We’re just… hanging out. And honestly, it might be our favorite kind of episode.

Jen is back in the studio and bringing her full, beautifully chaotic, joy-filled life with her. From raising indoor chickens (yes, diapers included) to navigating social media with millions of followers, to building a nonprofit that’s helping moms across the country—this conversation is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply grounding.

We talk about:

We also dive into Jen’s nonprofit, Hot Mess Express, and how one Facebook post turned into a nationwide movement helping overwhelmed moms reset their homes—and their nervous systems—with zero judgment and lots of love.

And because we like to keep it real around here, we wrap with some honest confessions about the not-so-polished parts of life (forgotten Valentines, messy houses, and struggling to shower… you know, the usual).

This episode feels like sitting on the couch with friends—laughing, learning, and reminding each other that we’re all just doing the best we can.

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit