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Dancing Through Life with Tim & Tolly Sherry @timtoksherry: Finding Joy, Family & Connection

What happens when you combine marriage, parenting, retirement, music, and a whole lot of dancing? You get Tim and Tolly Sherry!

Better known online as @timtoksherry, Tim and Tolly have captured the attention of thousands with their joyful dance videos — but there's so much more to their story than what you see on social media.

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin sits down with Tim and Tolly to talk about their journey as a couple, raising a family, careers dedicated to serving others, and finding joy in the everyday moments of life.

Tolly is a retired teacher who spent decades working with children, while Tim has been in sales for his whole career and is also the co-founder of Bringing Hope Home, an organization that supports families facing cancer. They share how their careers shaped their approach to family, the values they prioritized as parents, and the traditions that helped create their family culture. 

And, of course, Kristin gets the story behind the dancing! How did it become such an important part of their lives? Why do their videos connect with so many people? And how has dancing strengthened the joy in their lives?

They also talk about retirement, becoming empty nesters, entering a new season of life, and why finding joy doesn't have to get harder as we get older. 

It's a conversation about marriage, parenting, purpose, connection and remembering to have a little fun along the way.

In this episode:

•  How Tim and Tolly met 
•  Their journey as parents 
•  Tolly's career in education 
•  Tim's work with Bringing Hope Home 
•  The values and traditions that shaped their family 
•  How dancing became part of their story 
•  Why their social media videos resonate with so many people 
•  Marriage and connection 
•  Retirement and becoming empty nesters 
•  Finding joy in everyday moments 
•  Embracing a new season of life 
•  Advice for couples entering a new chapter together  

Follow Tim & Tolly

Follow along with Tim and Tolly's dancing, family life and everyday adventures on social media:

@timtoksherry on instagram and TikTok

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Listen, follow and subscribe to MomsWork Podcast wherever you get your podcasts and on youtube, instagram and Facebook @momsworkpodcast

Mentioned in the Show

Bringing Hope Home: www.bringinghopehome.org

Tolly's Book Recommendations

The Women and The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah: https://kristinhannah.com/ 

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi: https://www.allenlevi.com/the-book 

Tim's Book Recommendations:

Ghost Rider by Neil Pert: https://ecwpress.com/products/ghost-rider

Brad Sherry on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brad_sherry 

Funky Fresh Dance Party: https://funkyfreshdanceparty.com/ 

Millennial Entertainment: https://www.millentertainment.com/ 

Restaurants in West Chester/Malvern, PA

Limoncello: https://www.limoncellorestaurant.com/ 

Spence Cafe: https://www.spence.cafe/

General Warren Inne: https://www.generalwarren.com/

Taco Mar: https://tacomar.com/

And don't forget to connect with MomsWork on social media and visit MomsWorkPodcast.com!

Real Conversations. Real Parents. Real Life.

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I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Family & Ice Cream

What happens when an ice cream shop becomes a family business — and a family business becomes part of the community?

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin Weinrich sits down with Haley Buchanan, one of seven Buchanan siblings whose family has been behind Handel’s Ice Cream in Berwyn for more than 21 years.

In 2005, Haley’s parents, Carmie and Buck Buchanan, purchased the Handel’s franchise and brought it to the Philadelphia suburbs. What started as a business has grown into a true multigenerational family operation, with parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren all becoming part of the story.

Kristin and Haley talk about what it’s really like to grow up in a family business, work alongside your parents and six siblings, and watch the next generation become involved.

They also get into the fun — and reality — of running an ice cream business, including the behind-the-scenes work people don't always see, the challenges of unpredictable weather, and whether Haley still gets excited about ice cream after all these years!

But this conversation goes far beyond ice cream. The Buchanan family has made community involvement and giving back an important part of Handel’s, supporting local organizations and becoming a familiar part of life in the Main Line community.

And with a new Handel’s location opening in Havertown this October, Haley shares what the family is bringing from 21 years in Berwyn into this exciting next chapter.

In this episode, we talk about:

🍦 Growing up as one of seven children in a family business
🍦 How Haley's parents brought Handel’s to Berwyn 21 years ago
🍦 What it's really like working with your parents and siblings
🍦 The benefits — and challenges — of working with family
🍦 Balancing family relationships and business responsibilities
🍦 The reality of running an ice cream shop
🍦 Community involvement and giving back
🍦 Watching the next generation become part of the family business
🍦 The opening of the new Handel’s location in Havertown
🍦 Family traditions, memories, and lessons passed down through generations
🍦 And, of course… Haley's favorite ice cream flavor!

This episode is a reminder that sometimes a business becomes about so much more than what you're selling. For the Buchanan family, Handel’s has created a place where family, community, hard work, and a lot of ice cream come together.

About Haley Buchanan

Haley Buchanan is part of the family behind Handel’s Ice Cream in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. One of seven Buchanan children, Haley has grown up watching her family build a business that has become a beloved part of the local community. Today, multiple generations of the Buchanan family are involved as the business continues to grow.

📍 Handel’s Ice Cream Berwyn: @handelsicecreamberwyn on instagram, Handel's Homemade Ice Cream (Berwyn, PA) on Facebook 
📍 Handel’s Ice Cream Havertown: @handelshavertown and Handel's Havertown on Facebook

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Have a topic, guest idea, or story you'd love to hear on MomsWork? Get in touch at [email protected].

Thanks for listening to MomsWork — honest conversations about work, parenthood, family, and becoming ourselves along the way.

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Sending Your Child to College: Navigating the Emotional Transition to Empty Nest

MomsWork Podcast with Kristin Weinrich & Maggie Sieklicki

There are few parenting milestones as exciting — and emotional — as sending your child off to college.

After 18 years of school drop-offs, packed lunches, sports practices, homework, family dinners, and being the person your child turns to for just about everything, suddenly you're helping them pack up their room and move into a college dorm.

And then… you have to leave.

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin Weinrich sits down with Maggie Sieklicki, a wife, mom, and first-grade teacher who recently dropped her only daughter off at Penn State University for her freshman year.

Maggie shares what it was really like preparing her daughter — and herself — for this huge transition, from the endless college shopping lists and dorm room preparations to the much harder emotional work of letting go.

In This Episode, We Talk About:
What it's like parenting an only child and watching them grow up
The biggest logistical challenges of getting ready for college
What your child actually needs for their dorm — and what you probably don't need to buy!
Preparing your child to become more independent before leaving home
The emotions that come with college move-in day
The moment when it really hits you that your child is leaving
What it's like going home without your child
How often to communicate with your college freshman
Finding the balance between checking in and giving your child space
What to do when your child calls home feeling homesick or overwhelmed
Knowing when to step in and when to let your child figure things out
What changes for a mom when her child leaves for college
The things Maggie misses most — and the unexpected positives of this new stage
Advice for parents preparing to send their own children off to college
How to start encouraging independence long before move-in day
What parents should do — and shouldn't do — once their child is away
Learning to embrace a new kind of motherhood
The Emotional Side of Letting Go

We spend years preparing our children to become independent. But when the moment actually arrives, it's not always easy to step back and let them go.

Maggie opens up about the emotions surrounding move-in day, the first weeks of college, and learning how to navigate her new role as a mom of a college student.

Because sending your child to college isn't just a transition for them. It's a transition for you, too.

A Message for Parents

If you're getting ready to send a child to college — or you're still a few years away — this conversation is full of honest advice, reassurance, and reminders that you're not alone.

Your child leaving home doesn't mean they don't need you anymore. It simply means they need you in a different way.

And maybe letting go isn't about stepping away.

Maybe it's about trusting that all those years of parenting, teaching, guiding, and loving them have prepared them for this moment.

https://lastarhome.com/KRISTIN10LASTAR

Discount code: KRISTIN10LASTAR

Connect with MomsWork Podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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What if motherhood isn't a competency problem — but a support problem?

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin Weinrich sits down with Melissa Bradley — wife, mom of four, occupational therapist, lactation consultant, and founder of MAMA & BABE — to talk about something so many moms experience but don't always say out loud: we weren't meant to do this alone.

Moms are constantly told we can do it all. Be independent. Figure it out. Keep everyone happy. Balance work and family. And somehow make it all look effortless.

But needing help doesn't mean we're failing.

Kristin and Melissa talk about the pressure moms feel to be capable of everything, why asking for help can feel so uncomfortable, and the difference between being independent and trying to carry the entire load by yourself.

They also explore how a mom's need for support changes throughout motherhood — from postpartum and feeding, to returning to work, navigating routines, and raising older children. Because while the challenges change, the need for community doesn't disappear.

Melissa shares how her own experiences as a mom and professional led her to create MAMA & BABE, a space built around supporting the whole mom — not just the baby, the feeding, the schedule, or one particular challenge.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why asking for help can feel like a failure
• The difference between independence and doing everything alone
• Why capable moms can sometimes struggle the most with asking for support
• How the mental load makes it harder to recognize when we need help
• The different kinds of support moms need throughout motherhood
• What it means to look at the whole mom
• How partners, family, and friends can provide meaningful support
• Finding your village — and learning to actually use it
• The inspiration behind MAMA & BABE
• What moms can let go of trying to do perfectly
• And the reminder that motherhood was never meant to be a solo job

Plus, Melissa and Kristin share their wins and challenges of the week and tackle some fun rapid-fire questions.

The takeaway

You don't have to prove you're a good mom by doing everything yourself.

Being capable doesn't mean you're meant to carry it all alone.

Motherhood is hard enough. Let's stop treating support like a luxury and start recognizing it for what it is: part of what makes motherhood possible.

Connect with Melissa:
Learn more about MAMA & BABE and follow Melissa's work for more conversations and support around motherhood, feeding, transitions, and the whole-mom experience.

Instagram: @mamababecharlotte

Facebook: Melissa D'Ambrosio Bradley

Website: https://www.mamababecharlotte.com/

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Find MomsWork Podcast on your favorite podcast platform and follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at @MomsWorkPodcast.

If you enjoyed this episode, follow, subscribe, share, and leave a review — it helps more parents find the conversations happening on MomsWork.

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Dr. Noelle Santorelli – Mean Girls, Mean Moms & Female Friendships

Have you ever thought, “Wait…aren’t we too old for this?”

The truth is, the “mean girl” phenomenon doesn’t necessarily end when we leave middle school. Exclusion, cliques, gossip, competition, and complicated friendships can follow us well into adulthood—and motherhood can sometimes bring an entirely new layer to these dynamics.

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin Weinrich sits down with Dr. Noelle Santorelli, a therapist, mom, and expert in women’s relationships and family dynamics, to talk about the complicated world of female friendships.

Why can being left out still hurt so much as an adult? Why do mean-girl behaviors continue into motherhood? And how do we navigate difficult friendships while making sure we aren't contributing to the very behavior we dislike?

Kristin and Noelle talk honestly about:

What “mean girl” behavior looks like—and why it doesn't necessarily disappear with age
Why exclusion can be so painful, even as adults
The role insecurity, comparison, and competition can play in friendships
How to handle gossip, cliques, and feeling left out
Knowing when to address a difficult friendship and when it's healthier to walk away
Why friendship breakups can feel just as painful as romantic breakups
How to know when a friendship is worth repairing—and when it's okay to outgrow one
Helping our children navigate friendship drama, exclusion, and bullying
What to do when your child is being excluded
How social media has changed friendships for both kids and adults
Setting healthy boundaries in our own relationships
The difference between healthy conflict and unhealthy behavior

Noelle also shares her friendship red flags and green flags, along with advice every mom can use when it comes to helping her children—and herself—build healthier, kinder relationships.

Because friendships should add to our lives, not leave us constantly questioning where we stand.

Follow Dr. Noelle Santorelli:
Instagram & Facebook: @drnoellesantorelli
Website: www.drnoellesantorelli.com

Mentioned in the Episode 

Ashley Tisdale article: https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/ashley-tisdale-reveals-left-toxic-mom-group-rcna252607

(From Chat GPT) "Oreo Gate” is the viral Instagram mom-drama/storytime series that’s blowing up right now in August 2026. It’s not actually about the Oreo cookie itself—it’s about a school-parent WhatsApp group and an increasingly ridiculous dispute involving Oreos. 😂

The story is being told in a series of Instagram reels by @ashleighjamz, and people are following along like it’s a TV show. There are now multiple parts, with commenters referring to it as “Oreo-gate” and speculating about the people involved. 

🍪 So what happened?

The basic setup is a back-to-school situation involving moms, kids, a school WhatsApp chat, and Oreos. One mom—referred to as Michelle in the story—apparently takes issue with something involving Oreos and the situation spirals into a much bigger interpersonal drama.

What makes it so entertaining is that it has all the ingredients of classic “mean moms” drama:

•  A school-parent group chat 
•  Moms taking sides 
•  A seemingly tiny issue becoming a HUGE issue 
•  Passive-aggressive messages 
•  Friendship dynamics 
•  Kids getting caught in the middle 
•  People wondering, “Are you seriously this upset about Oreos?” 😂 

The creator has been releasing it in multiple parts, and the latest posts are still generating thousands of comments. One recent update was labeled Part 5, with another post referencing Part 7. 

And interestingly, people are already debating whether the story is completely real or partly exaggerated/created for social media. 

Kim Kardashians's Baseball Moms show Team Moms: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/high-school/baseball/2026/08/20/kim-kardashian-to-produce-teen-moms-baseball-on-paramount/91380696007/

Picky Pads on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=picky+pad&crid=AMULAYRYMZIJ&sprefix=picky+pad%2Caps%2C184&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

And if you enjoyed this episode, please follow MomsWork Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Find MomsWork Podcast on Instagram and Facebook at @MomsWorkPodcast.

Thanks for listening—and remember: healthy friendships are built on kindness, respect, boundaries, and authenticity.

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MomsWork Podcast Show Notes: The Sandwich Generation with Andrea Davis

Episode Summary

What happens when you're raising children while also caring for aging parents?

More and more families are finding themselves in this stage of life known as the Sandwich Generation—caught between the demands of parenting and the responsibilities that come with supporting older loved ones.

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin sits down with Andrea Davis, a wife, mom of two, and Main Line realtor, to discuss what it really looks like to care for multiple generations at the same time.

Andrea shares her family's personal journey, the emotional challenges that come with balancing everyone's needs, and the unexpected gifts that can emerge during this season of life.

Together, Kristin and Andrea explore the complicated emotions many caregivers experience, including guilt, gratitude, sadness, worry, and joy. They also discuss the importance of preserving family stories, creating meaningful memories, and modeling compassion for the next generation.

Whether you're currently caring for aging parents, anticipate doing so in the future, or simply want to better understand this chapter of life, this conversation offers reassurance, perspective, and a reminder that you're not alone.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

What it means to be part of the Sandwich Generation
Balancing the needs of children and aging parents
The emotional weight of caring for two generations at once
How caregiving changes family relationships
The lessons children learn by watching adults care for their grandparents
Important conversations families should have before a crisis occurs
Finding gratitude and joy in an often-challenging season

About Andrea Davis

Andrea Davis is a Main Line realtor known for seeing potential where others don't. After renovating four homes and taking on a fifth project with her husband, Dan, she's built a career around transforming overlooked properties into something special.

Before entering real estate, Andrea worked in art conservation at Harvard University Libraries and spent more than a decade in public health, helping protect firefighters and paramedics.

Today, her personal and professional experiences give her a unique perspective on family, caregiving, and navigating life's transitions.

Mentioned in the Episode: 

Sandwich, a novel: https://www.amazon.com/Sandwich-Novel-Catherine-Newman/dp/0063345161 

Connect with Andrea:
Instagram: @mainline_homebody

Website (Compass Realty, Andrea's Page): https://www.compass.com/agents/andrea-davis/

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Please subscribe, rate, and review MomsWork Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps more families discover these important conversations.

You can also follow @MomsWorkPodcast on social media and subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an episode.

Next Up: Season 2 begins September 1!

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Bringing home a new baby is often portrayed as one of life's happiest moments—but what happens after the visitors leave, the meals stop coming, and the reality of postpartum sets in?

In this episode of the MomsWork Podcast, Kristin sits down with Brittany Harris—wife, mom of five, and nurse practitioner—to have the honest conversation every parent needs to hear. Drawing from both her professional experience caring for women during the postpartum period and her own journey through motherhood, Brittany shares practical advice, reassurance, and hope for families navigating one of life's biggest transitions.

Together, they discuss what postpartum really looks like beyond the six-week checkup, including the physical recovery, emotional ups and downs, and mental health challenges that so many new moms experience—but few feel comfortable talking about.

They cover topics including:

• What the postpartum period really is—and why it lasts much longer than many people realize
• The difference between the "baby blues," postpartum depression, and postpartum anxiety
• Intrusive thoughts: why they're more common than you think and when to seek help
• Postpartum rage and the emotional overload many moms experience
• The realities of breastfeeding, hormones, weight changes, and body image
• Physical recovery after birth, sleep deprivation, nutrition, hydration, and returning to exercise
• How spouses, partners, grandparents, and friends can truly support a new mom
• Warning signs that it's time to reach out to a healthcare provider
• Why therapy, medication, support groups, and asking for help are signs of strength—not failure

Whether you're expecting your first baby, in the middle of postpartum recovery, or supporting someone who recently welcomed a child, this conversation is filled with compassion, expert guidance, and practical takeaways that every family can benefit from.

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend or loved one who could use the reminder that caring for moms is just as important as caring for babies.

Connect with MomsWork Podcast:
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Connect with Brittany Harris @hernewchapterhealth on Instagram

Mentioned in the podcast

Atomic Habits book by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299 

Bilateral Music Stimulation Station (many to choose from on youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqMGI2WO2O0

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Sometimes life's biggest setbacks become the very thing that launches us into something even better.

This week on MomsWork Podcast, Kristin sits down with Abbie O'Brien—wife, mom of two daughters born just 12 months and three weeks apart, founder of The Branding Den, former Creative Director, and part-time yoga instructor.

After spending nearly a decade building a successful career in the franchising industry, Abbie's world changed overnight when she was unexpectedly laid off during the pandemic while navigating new motherhood. Instead of returning to the corporate world, she took a leap of faith, trusted her instincts, and built her own branding and marketing agency from the ground up.

In this inspiring conversation, Abbie shares the realities of entrepreneurship, the power of building authentic relationships, how AI is changing the marketing landscape, and what it really takes to create a memorable brand. She also opens up about motherhood, including the unique experience of raising two daughters born just over a year apart, learning to ask for help, and embracing the beautiful chaos of parenting little ones so close in age.

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business, navigating an unexpected career change, or simply trying to balance work and family, Abbie's story is filled with encouragement, practical advice, and the reminder that sometimes our greatest opportunities come disguised as setbacks.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• How an unexpected layoff during the pandemic changed the course of Abbie's career
• The story behind founding The Branding Den
• What makes a brand memorable beyond having a beautiful logo
• Common branding and marketing mistakes businesses make
• Why networking and relationships are essential for business growth
• How AI is transforming branding, marketing, and entrepreneurship
• Current marketing trends every business owner should know
• Raising two daughters born just 12 months and three weeks apart
• The challenges—and unexpected joys—of having children so close in age
• Learning to accept help and lean on a support system
• Balancing business ownership, motherhood, and self-care
• Quick-fire questions and parenting wisdom

Abbie's journey is a powerful reminder that resilience, creativity, and a willingness to take a chance on yourself can lead to incredible opportunities. Her story proves that while life doesn't always go according to plan, it often leads us exactly where we're meant to be.

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review MomsWork Podcast wherever you listen. Share this episode with a parent, entrepreneur, or friend who could use a little encouragement today.

Connect with MomsWork Podcast:
Instagram: @MomsWorkPodcast
Facebook: MomsWork Podcast
YouTube: @MomsWorkPodcast
Apple Podcasts: MomsWork Podcast

Mentioned in the show: 

The Branding Den: https://www.thebrandingden.com/

Facebook: The Branding Den

Instagram: @thebrandingden

Jenna Bush Hager's Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/open-book-with-jenna/id1707218732

The Rabbit Hole Conshocken:  https://therabbitholeconshy.com/

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Summer is here, and that means family days at the pool, beach, lake, and splash pad! But while water creates some of our favorite memories, it also comes with an important responsibility—keeping our kids safe.

This week on MomsWork, Kristin sits down with Erica Kowal, wife, mom, and owner of Big Blue Swim School in Paoli, Pennsylvania, for a conversation every parent should hear. Erica shares why learning to swim is one of the most important life skills a child can have, practical tips for drowning prevention, and how parents can help children build confidence in and around the water.

Beyond swim safety, Kristin and Erica dive into everything that makes summer water days easier and more enjoyable—from must-have beach and pool gear to favorite snacks, packing hacks, games, and the little things that help families spend less time stressing and more time making memories.

Whether your family spends weekends by the pool, vacations at the beach, or simply loves soaking up the summer sun, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you enjoy every splash safely.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why swim lessons are a life-saving investment
• Essential water safety and drowning prevention tips every parent should know
• How to help nervous children become more confident swimmers
• Simple ways to practice swim skills outside of lessons
• Erica's favorite pool and beach essentials
• Easy snacks, games, and organization hacks for water days
• How to create meaningful summer memories without chasing perfection

Whether you're packing for your next beach vacation or heading to your neighborhood pool, this episode is full of helpful ideas to make your family's summer safer, simpler, and more fun.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another parent who could use these tips. And don't forget to follow MomsWork Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more conversations that support parents through every stage of work and family life.

Mentioned in the show:

Instagram 

@ericakowal

@bigblueswim_paoli

@bigblueswim_cherryhill

@bigblueswim_fairlesshills

@bigblueswim_springfielddelco

Facebook

@bigblueswimschoolpaoli

@bigblueswimschoolfairlesshills

@bigblueswimschoolcherryhill

@bigblueswimschoolspringfielddelco

Shopping Links

Swimsuits for moms: https://kiavaclothing.com

Sunglasses: https://goodr.com

Hanna Andersson bathing suits: https://www.hannaandersson.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorB_SBEU8HeCgWMlKmYvMATklvasS02Ivr5p5u-pwC6iFB5fx3r

Costa Rica Rick: https://montauksurfandsports.com/products/surfer-dudes-costa-rica-rick?srsltid=AfmBOoqANr3lUA0t48F7qsEuGzkqkHfYGGPW3RhuS9_8aOwrVJJMRZgY 

Dock and BayTowels: https://us.dockandbay.com/

Native Shoes- https://www.nativeshoes.com/

Sun Bum Sunscreen: https://www.sunbum.com/ 

Trader Joe's Face Sunscreen: https://www.traderjoes.com/home/products/pdp/daily-facial-sunscreen-spf-40-073568

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More Than Melissa & Doug Toys: A Conversation with Melissa Bernstein

On this episode of MomsWork, Kristin sits down with Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of the beloved children’s toy company Melissa & Doug, mom of six, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Lifelines.

For generations of families, Melissa & Doug toys have encouraged creativity, imagination, and meaningful hands-on play. Melissa shares the story behind starting the company with her husband, Doug, in the late 1980s, the risks they took in the early days, and how they built a brand that became a treasured part of childhood for so many families.

Melissa also opens up about the realities behind the success story. While raising six children and growing a major business, she was navigating internal struggles that were not always visible from the outside. She shares her experience with existential depression, what she wishes more people understood about quiet mental-health struggles, and why asking for help and finding connection can be so important.

Kristin and Melissa also talk about Lifelines, Melissa’s newer company focused on helping people explore purpose, hope, emotional well-being, and meaningful connection.

This conversation is a thoughtful reminder that success and struggle can exist at the same time—and that a meaningful life is about much more than what others can see from the outside.

In this episode, Kristin and Melissa discuss:

• The early days of building Melissa & Doug
• Raising six children while growing a business
• Why imaginative, open-ended play still matters
• The values that helped shape the Melissa & Doug brand
• Navigating motherhood, entrepreneurship, and personal challenges
• Melissa’s experience with existential depression
• The importance of talking openly about mental health
• The inspiration behind Lifelines and Melissa’s work today
• What success and purpose look like in this season of life

Mentioned in the episode: 

Lifelines, Melissa and Doug's newest company: Lifelines

Melissa's Memoir: Lifelines by Melissa Bernstein

Jalen Brunson : https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3934672/jalen-brunson

Emmy Van Deurzen: https://www.emmyvandeurzen.com/

Good Life Project with Jonathan Fields: https://www.goodlifeproject.com/podcast/ 

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