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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.

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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/ 

Follow MomsWork Podcast on Instagram and Facebook for more conversations about parenting, work, family, and the many roles we hold every day.

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What does it take to raise kind, confident, grounded daughters in today's world?

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin sits down with filmmaker, producer, husband, and father of two middle school girls, Ash Rajan, for an honest conversation about fatherhood, family values, and staying connected—even when work takes you away from home.

Ash shares how he and his wife intentionally raise daughters who are humble, hardworking, and deeply connected to their family, culture, and traditions. Together, they discuss the unique challenges of parenting during the middle school years, the importance of modeling values through everyday actions, and how meaningful relationships can thrive despite demanding careers and frequent travel.

Whether you're raising daughters, navigating busy family schedules, or simply hoping to build stronger connections at home, this conversation is full of thoughtful reminders that the little moments matter most.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Raising grounded, kind, and confident girls
• Helping children stay connected to family, culture, and traditions
• Parenting through the middle school years
• Modeling humility, gratitude, and a strong work ethic
• Balancing a demanding career with family life
• Staying emotionally connected while traveling for work
• The everyday moments that shape lifelong relationships
• What Ash hopes his daughters will carry into adulthood

Ashwin Rajan's Bio: Ashwin Rajan Bio 

Remain the Movie (February 2027): Remain the Movie 

M. Night Shyamalan: M. Night Shymalan 

Bougie Hippie: Bougie Hippie 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review MomsWork Podcast wherever you listen. Your support helps more moms and dads discover these meaningful conversations.

You can also connect with MomsWork Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for episode clips, parenting conversations, and updates on upcoming guests.

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From Biology to Buttercream with Lynn April of Fresh April Flours

Sometimes the path you think you're meant to take isn't the one you stay on.

This week on MomsWork, Kristin is joined by Lynn April, the creator behind Fresh April Flours. A trained biologist turned self-taught baker, cookbook author, personal trainer, and entrepreneur, Lynn shares how a simple cake decorating class sparked an entirely new career.

Together, Kristin and Lynn talk about what it takes to pivot professionally, build a business from scratch, and trust yourself enough to follow a passion—even when it looks completely different from the plan.

They also dive into a topic every parent is thinking about this time of year: summer break. From camps and day trips to library programs, kitchen projects, and balancing work while the kids are home, they share practical ideas for making the most of the season without feeling like you have to do it all.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Lynn's journey from biology to baking
• Building the Fresh April Flours brand
• Finding the confidence to make a major career change
• Lessons learned from turning a hobby into a business
• Keeping kids busy during summer break
• Balancing work and family when routines change
• Favorite summer traditions, meals, and family fun

Whether you're dreaming of a career change, looking for summer inspiration, or simply trying to make these long days a little easier, this episode is full of encouragement and practical ideas for parents.

Connect with Lynn April

• Website: https://freshaprilflours.com/  
• Instagram: @freshaprilflours

Links to things mentioned in the episode

• Travel though France with Lynn: Travel Through France with Lynn
• Creek Splashing at Shaw's Bridge Park: Shaw's Bridge Park
• The Biscuit Lady: Biscuits!
• Chester County Library System: Libraries galore!
• Ina Garten:  Barefoot Contessa
• Be My Guest with Ina Garten on The Food Network: TV Show
• Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten: Read the Book!

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to follow, rate, and review MomsWork. Your support helps more parents discover the show, and we'd love it if you'd share this episode with a friend who's navigating work, family, or a new season of life.

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Family vacations create some of our favorite memories—but let's be honest, they can also be a lot of work.

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin welcomes back her husband, Stephen Weinrich, to share practical tips for planning and enjoying family vacations with less stress and more fun. Together, they discuss everything from choosing the right destination and creating a balanced itinerary to managing expectations, handling unexpected hiccups, and making meaningful memories once you arrive.

Whether you're planning a beach getaway, road trip, amusement park adventure, or sightseeing vacation, this conversation is full of realistic advice that parents can put into practice right away.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Choosing a destination that works for the whole family
• Balancing activities with downtime
• Avoiding common vacation planning mistakes
• Saving money without sacrificing the experience
• Helping kids take ownership in planning the trip
• Setting realistic expectations before you leave
• Establishing simple routines while on vacation
• Handling tired, overstimulated kids with flexibility
• Beach, amusement park, and sightseeing tips
• Creating unforgettable family memories without spending a fortune
• Why the little moments often become the most meaningful

Most importantly, Kristin and Stephen reflect on why family vacations aren't about perfection—they're about spending intentional time together, building traditions, and creating stories your children will remember for years to come.

Whether you're packing for your next adventure or simply dreaming about one, this episode will help you travel a little smarter and enjoy the journey even more.

If you enjoyed today's episode, please follow, rate, review, and share MomsWork Podcast. Your support helps us reach more parents and families.

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @MomsWorkPodcast for more conversations about parenting, work, family life, and everything in between.

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Across the Pond: A Family's Journey to England with Amy Bencher

What happens when your family gets the opportunity to move across the world?

In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin sits down with Amy Bencher—wife, mom, professor, and local university leader—as her family prepares for a major international move from the United States to England.

Amy shares the excitement, uncertainty, and countless decisions that come with relocating a family overseas. From career opportunities and family conversations to logistics, emotions, and helping children navigate change, this episode offers an honest look at a life transition that is equal parts thrilling and overwhelming.

In this episode, we discuss:

✈️ How Amy's family learned they might be moving to England

🏡 The decision-making process behind an international relocation

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 How parents and children process big life changes differently

📦 The hidden logistics of moving a family abroad

💭 Fears, hesitations, and unexpected emotions that come with leaving home

🌍 What Amy is most excited about as her family begins this new chapter

❤️ The importance of flexibility, resilience, and embracing uncertainty

As always, we also kick off the conversation with our signature icebreakers, including Amy's most challenging working-mom moment and the biggest compliment someone can give her.

Whether you're considering a major move, facing a family transition, or simply curious about life abroad, Amy's story is a reminder that growth often begins just outside our comfort zone.

Follow MomsWork Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode featuring inspiring moms, community leaders, and professionals navigating the intersection of work and family.

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MomsWork Podcast Show Notes

Pennsylvania's First Lady , Lori Shapiro, on Motherhood, Service & Community

In this very special episode of MomsWork Podcast, host Kristin Weinrich sits down with Lori Shapiro, First Lady of Pennsylvania, mom of four, former parenting coach, and lifelong advocate for community service and connection.

From the halls of the The White House to raising a family in the public eye alongside her husband, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Lori shares an honest, grounded conversation about motherhood, identity, and what it means to live a life of service.

This episode explores the real intersections of parenting, purpose, and public life — and how mothers can find meaning in every season, whether at home, in community work, or in leadership roles.

In This Episode, We Cover:

•  Lori’s journey from working at the White House to becoming a full-time mom 
•  The intentional decision to step away from her career to raise her children 
•  What stay-at-home motherhood taught her about identity and purpose 
•  Marriage, partnership, and growing up alongside a high school sweetheart 
•  Raising four children across very different life stages 
•  The reality of parenting while living in the public eye in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
•  How community service became a lifelong calling 
•  What it means to define “helping others” in everyday life 
•  Lessons learned as a parenting coach 
•  Staying grounded while balancing family, service, and public responsibility 
•  The importance of kindness, community, and showing up for others 

Episode Highlights:

Kristin and Lori also share a few lighter and more personal moments, including:

•  Parenting wins (and challenges!) from the week 
•  Reflections on friendship, support systems, and motherhood advice 
•  A humorous revisit of a well-known early relationship story involving Governor Shapiro 
•  Rapid-fire fun questions to close out the conversation 

About the Guest

Lori Shapiro is the First Lady of Pennsylvania, a mother of four, and a passionate advocate for community engagement and service. Her work centers around strengthening families, supporting children, and encouraging acts of kindness that build stronger communities across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

She is married to Governor Josh Shapiro, and together they are raising their family while navigating public life with intention, humor, and heart.

Closing Reflection

This conversation is a reminder that there is no single path through motherhood — only the one that aligns with your values, your family, and your evolving purpose. Whether you are working outside the home, at home full-time, or somewhere in between, your impact matters.

Mentioned in the Episode 

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore https://www.lizmoore.net/ 

Follow & Subscribe

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

Follow MomsWork Podcast on Instagram and Facebook: @momsworkpodcast

Follow the First Lady on Instagram: @fllorishapiro
Facebook: Office of the First Lady of Pennsylvania

Follow Governor Shapiro on Facebook: Office of the Governor of Pennsylvania and/or Josh Shapiro

Follow Governor Shapiro on Instagram: @governorshapiro and/or @joshshapiropa

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MomsWork Podcast Episode Show Notes

Frequent Flyers and Family Drivers: Family Travel Tips for Families with Krista Rogic

Traveling with kids can feel overwhelming before you even zip the suitcase — whether you're road tripping in a packed minivan or sprinting through an airport with snacks, strollers, and tired kids in tow. In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin sits down with Krista Rogic (@thesportsptmama), physical therapist, mom of four, and experienced family traveler, to talk all things traveling with kids.

Together, Kristin and Krista share practical, realistic, and mom-tested tips for making family travel smoother — from navigating airports and flights to surviving long car rides with siblings in close quarters. They also talk honestly about the mental load of traveling as parents, what happens when trips don’t go according to plan, and why the memories made along the way are still worth it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How to mentally prepare for traveling with kids
• Packing tips for family travel
• Airport strategies, boarding, strollers, and security
• Keeping kids entertained on flights and road trips
• Snack systems that actually work
• Managing naps, sleep schedules, and delays
• Road trip organization and “just in case” essentials
• Sibling dynamics during travel
• The balance between being prepared and overpacking
• What kids gain from travel experiences
• Why family travel is meaningful — even when it’s messy

Krista also shares some of her favorite airplane travel must-haves, while Kristin offers her best road trip survival strategies from years of family car travel.

Whether you’re boarding a plane this summer or loading up the car for vacation, this episode will leave you feeling more prepared, more confident, and reminded that family travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable.

Follow Krista on Instagram: @thesportsptmama

Boys and Girls Club: www.bgca.org 

Be sure to follow MomsWork Podcast on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

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MomsWork Podcast Show Notes

Episode Title: Holding it All Together (Mostly!) with Mom Therapist Brittany Gallagher

Episode Summary:
This episode is a special one — created as a reminder (and a bit of a gift) for moms everywhere. In the days following Mother’s Day, Kristin sits down with therapist and mom Brittany Gallagher, founder of Mom Chat Therapy, to talk honestly about the emotional weight so many mothers carry.

From the invisible “mental load” to anxiety, burnout, and even “mom rage,” this conversation sheds light on what’s really going on beneath the surface — and why so many moms feel like they can never fully turn their brains off.

Brittany shares both professional insight and personal experience, helping moms better understand their thoughts, emotions, and triggers — while also offering practical, realistic tools for navigating hard moments and caring for themselves along the way.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, overstimulated, or like you’re constantly falling short, this episode will remind you: you are not alone — and you are doing more than enough.

What We Talk About:

•  What the mental load of motherhood really is — and why it feels so heavy 
•  How anxiety commonly shows up in motherhood 
•  The difference between a hard day and true burnout 
•  What’s happening mentally and physically when you’re burned out 
•  Understanding “mom rage” and what’s underneath those intense moments 
•  Tools to use when you feel triggered or overwhelmed 
•  How to repair after tough parenting moments (with your kids and yourself) 
•  Whether moms have always felt this way — or if modern motherhood is different 
•  Why prioritizing yourself feels so hard 
•  What realistic self-care actually looks like for busy moms 
•  Where to start if you’re feeling constantly overwhelmed 

About Our Guest:

Brittany Gallagher is a therapist, mom, and the founder of Mom Chat Therapy in New Jersey. She specializes in supporting mothers navigating the mental load, burnout, and emotional challenges of motherhood.

Connect with Brittany:

•  Website: themomchattherapy.com 
•  Instagram: @the.momchat 
•  Facebook: The Mom Chat Therapy and Wellness 

Mentioned in the episode:

Mom Rage: The Everyday Crisis of Modern Motherhood by Minna Dubin

https://www.minnadubin.com/book 

A Reminder for Moms Listening:

You don’t have to do it all.
You don’t have to do it perfectly.
And you are not alone.

Love This Episode?

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