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Episode 23: Finding Your Way Through Setbacks, Fatherhood & The Great Sea Ahead with Marc Cappelletti

What happens when life doesn’t go according to plan?

In this episode of MomsWork, Kristin sits down with Marc Cappelletti — former college athlete, world traveler, author, and dad of two — to talk about resilience, identity, and the unexpected paths that shape us into the parents we become.

Marc opens up about his experience as a college baseball player facing the “yips,” injuries, and mental health challenges that ultimately led him to step away from the game he loved. From there, his journey took an unexpected turn — working on a cruise ship in Alaska, traveling the world, and eventually working with National Geographic — experiences that now inspire his upcoming book, The Great Sea Ahead.

Together, Kristin and Marc explore how life’s setbacks can become powerful teachers — not just for ourselves, but for how we show up as parents.

In this episode, we talk about:

How setbacks and identity shifts shape us as parents
Raising daughters with openness around mental health and emotions
The lasting impact of family legacy, loss, and storytelling
Lessons from sports and how they translate into parenting
What resilience looks like in everyday family life
How travel and adventure can shape your children’s perspective
Encouraging curiosity and connection across generations
The process of reflecting, growing, and writing your story

Marc shares:

Meaningful ways he brings adventure into his daughters’ lives
What writing The Great Sea Ahead has taught him about his younger self
The message he hopes his daughters — and readers — take from his journey

For parents who feel like life didn’t go as planned…
This episode is a reminder that there is no “perfect” path — and sometimes the detours are what shape us most.

Where to find Marc:

You can follow Marc’s writing and read/listen to chapters of The Great Sea Ahead on Substack: https://marccappelletti.substack.com/  

Positive Coaching Alliance: https://positivecoach.org/ 

John Cappelletti, Heisman Award Acceptance Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xfyz81vKUCk  

Something for Joey Made for TV Movie: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076738/ 

Something for Joey novel: https://www.amazon.com/Something-Joey-Richard-Peck/dp/0553271997  

If you enjoyed this episode:

Share it with a friend who could use this reminder today.
Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review MomsWork Podcast wherever you listen — it helps more parents find these conversations.

Follow along on Instagram & Facebook: @momsworkpodcast

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Dirt Don't Hurt! Teaching Children About Gardening, Composting and Living More Green with Colleen Falicki and Cara Rash Ep 22

Episode Description:
In this episode of MomsWork Podcast, Kristin sits down with Cara Rash and Colleen Falicki — moms, business owners, and passionate advocates for simple, earth-friendly living. Together, they break down what sustainable living actually looks like in real life and how families can make small, meaningful changes that add up over time.

From composting basics to beginner-friendly gardening tips, Cara and Colleen share practical, approachable ideas that make caring for the planet feel doable — even in the middle of carpools, school lunches, and everyday chaos.

In this episode, we cover:

Easy, realistic ways families can start living more sustainably
Composting 101 — how to get started (even without a yard!)
Common misconceptions about composting
Beginner-friendly gardening tips for families
The benefits of gardening and outdoor time for kids
Simple ways to reduce waste in your kitchen
Affordable eco-friendly swaps for everyday life
How to raise kids who appreciate nature
Why small actions truly do make a difference

About Our Guests:
Cara Rash and Colleen Falicki are moms, entrepreneurs, and advocates for sustainable living. Through their businesses  Back to Earth Compost Crew (Colleen)— they help families reconnect with the earth through gardening, composting, and practical, planet-friendly habits.

Cara Rash

Purposeful Plantings: www.purposefulplantings.com  

purposeful_plantingspa (instagram)/ Purposeful Plantings (Facebook)

Mosquito Dunks and the Mosquito Dunk Challenge that author, Dr. Doug Tallamy put together: https://homegrownnationalpark.org, https://homegrownnationalpark.org/mosquito-bucket-challenge/

Extended Recycling options at MOM's Organic Market: https://momsorganicmarket.com/recycle-center/, also check out your local municipality for TREX plastic recycling, and seasonal recycling like pumpkins/fall decor and holiday lights. 

All of the spring clean ups I'm familiar with have just passed. Darby Creek Valley Association typically runs a bunch throughout the spring and fall. Our Township (Easttown Township, PA) will be holding two in September and November. I just haven't firmed up the dates yet. 

Repair Cafes offer a place for free fixes of your broken items.  Repair Cafe Easttown, Phoenixville and Downingtown (all in Pennsylvania) hold events every 6 weeks-quarterly. Follow them on Social Media for more information. 

Seed Libraries offer gardeners new and old a place to donate/share seeds and an opportunity to try growing something new! Check out a Seed Library near you! Local Seed Libraries include: Easttown Library, Chester Springs, Media Borough, various locations throughout Philadelphia. 

Colleen Falicki 

Back to Earth Compost Crew 

www.backtoearthcompost.com

Back to Earth Compost Crew- Suburban Philadelphia (Facebook and instagram)

The Resource Exchange https://share.google/YgvMKUQCOh8rdpat7

Home - Keep PA Beautiful https://share.google/DmThOVpW6zdjfggCY

Litter Lifters of West Vincent - West Vincent Township https://share.google/67tqttlKAo078YL2M

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Understanding Autism: A Parent's Perspective with Lisa Catton Ep 21
April is Autism Acceptance Month, and this week on MomsWork, we’re having an honest, heartfelt conversation about what autism truly looks like within a family.
Kristin sits down with Lisa Catton — preschool teacher, mom of two, and wife to a husband on the autism spectrum — to talk about the beauty, challenges, and realities of raising and loving individuals with autism. Lisa shares her lived experience with openness and grace, offering insight into how autism shapes her parenting, her marriage, and her perspective on acceptance.
This episode goes beyond awareness. It’s about understanding, embracing differences, and recognizing the strengths that come with seeing the world in a unique way.
Whether you’re parenting on the spectrum, supporting someone who is, or simply looking to learn, this conversation will leave you feeling more informed, connected, and inspired.
 
In This Episode, We Talk About:
•When autism first became part of Lisa’s family’s story  
•What autism looks like in her children and her husband 
•The realities of sensory challenges in everyday life 
•Common misconceptions about autism 
•The balance between advocacy and fostering independence 
•The impact of autism on marriage and family dynamics 
•The most challenging — and most beautiful — parts of the journey 
•Supporting parents who are navigating diagnoses or uncertainty 
•What true acceptance looks like in schools, families, and communities 
 
Win & Challenge of the Week:
Lisa and Kristin share personal wins and challenges from their week — a reminder that progress, in any form, is worth celebrating.
 Final Questions including:
•One place Lisa has always wanted to travel
•Skill she’s always wanted to learn
•Biggest fear
•Biggest pet peeve
•And more! 

Fireside Stitchery: https://firesidestitchery.com/

A Note to Our Listeners:
If this episode resonates with you, know that you are not alone. Autism is not one story or one experience — every journey is different, and every story matters.
 
Connect with MomsWork:
Follow along for more conversations and behind-the-scenes moments:
📱 Instagram & Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
 
Listen & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow, rate, and review MomsWork on:
•Apple Podcasts 
•Spotify 
•Wherever you listen 

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Show Notes

Selling a home is a big transition — and for families, it can feel especially overwhelming. Between juggling daily life, keeping a house “show-ready,” and preparing emotionally (and physically) for a move, it’s easy to feel stressed before you even begin.

In this episode of MomsWork, Kristin sits down with Ayse Clay, a mom, wife, and experienced realtor with over 24 years in the industry. Ayse has helped countless families navigate the home-selling process with less stress and more confidence. From decluttering and staging to organizing and packing, she shares practical, realistic advice designed specifically for busy households.

Ayse’s approach goes beyond just selling homes — she focuses on helping families move smoothly from one chapter of life to the next.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

•  The first steps to take when you’re thinking about selling your home 
•  Why decluttering is so important — and how to start without overwhelm 
•  Simple, realistic ways to keep your home show-ready with kids
•  What home staging really means (and why it matters more than you think) 
•  How to break the process into manageable steps for busy families 
•  Tips for making a move easier on kids emotionally and practically
•  Small changes that can make a big impact when showing your home 
•  When to start preparing if you’re planning to sell in the next year 

🏡 A Real-Life Perspective

Kristin and Ayse also share their Wins and Challenges of the Week, offering a relatable look at the highs and lows of balancing work, family, and everything in between.

🔗 Connect with Ayse

Interested in working with Ayse or learning more? Be sure to check the links in the show notes for her contact information and website. 

The Ayse Clay Team:  https://clay-team.com/

The Joy of Sox https://tjos.org/  

❤️ Loved This Episode?

If you found this conversation helpful:

•  Follow MomsWork Podcast on Instagram and Facebook
•  Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen 
•  Share this episode with a friend who’s thinking about moving 

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Episode 19: Brad Ingelsby — Philadelphia to Hollywood and Back Again

In this episode of MomsWork (and DadsWork, too!), host Kristin Weinrich sits down with TV show and movie writer and producer Brad Ingelsby for an honest, thoughtful conversation about creativity, career paths, and parenting — and how becoming a parent can completely reshape the way we define success.
Brad is a husband, father of three, and the creative force behind HBO’s Mare of Easttown and Task, as well as films including The Way Back and The Lost Bus. A native of the Philadelphia suburbs, Brad spent years building a career in California before ultimately deciding to move his family back home. In this episode, he reflects on what that full-circle moment meant — personally, professionally, and as a dad.

Together, Kristin and Brad explore the intersection of creative work and family life, the challenges of nontraditional careers, and the surprising ways parenting influences the stories we tell.
In this episode, we talk about:
•Brad’s path to becoming a writer and producer
•Growing up in the Philadelphia suburbs and early signs of being a storyteller
•Building a career in California and navigating an unpredictable industry
•How becoming a parent shifted Brad’s priorities and perspective
•The decision to move back home — and why it mattered for their family
•Setting boundaries between work and family life
•Raising kids in the place where you grew up
•Parenting wins, challenges, and a few laugh-out-loud dad moments
•How fatherhood has influenced Brad’s creative work and storytelling
•Redefining “success” as a parent

Plus, a fun rapid-fire round covering:
Favorite pizza toppings, best ideas, Philly spots to clear your head, and more.

Watch Brad’s work:

• Mare of Easttown (HBO) https://www.hbomax.com/shows/mare-of-easttown/c1517b80-50ab-4733-8208-ae2c2765c0e7 
• Task (HBO) https://www.hbomax.com/shows/task/86bc816f-97a7-4cd6-8d53-08d5e6337063 
• Films available on YouTube, Apple TV and most streaming services

 Businesses Mentioned in the Show 

Parc Restaurant, Philadelphia- https://parc-restaurant.com/

King Street Cards, Malvern, PA- king.street.cards on Instagram and King Street Cards on Facebook

Christopher’s Restaurant, Wayne, PA- https://christophersaneighborhoodplace.com/ 

Main Point Books, Wayne, PA- https://mainpointbooks.com/

Wheelhouse Cards, West Chester and Wayne, PA- https://wheelhousecards.com/ 

Berwyn Pizza, Berwyn, PA- https://berwynpizza.com/

Laine’s Gluten Free Bakery, Berwyn, PA- https://lainesgfbakery.com/

Purposeful Plantings PA (Cara Rash, owner), Berwyn, PA- purposeful_plantingspa on Instagram https://purposefulplantings.com/ 

Handel's Ice Cream, Berwyn, PA- https://handelsicecream.com/store/berwyn/ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen — it truly helps the show reach more moms and dads.

Follow MomsWork Podcast on Instagram and Facebook for episode clips, behind-the-scenes moments, and updates.

Thanks so much for listening — and thank you to Brad Ingelsby for joining the conversation. 🎙️✨

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Episode 18: Supporting Kids Through Anxiety with Dr. Fiona MacPhee

Welcome back to MomsWork!

In this episode, Kristin sits down with licensed child psychologist Dr. Fiona MacPhee for a thoughtful, practical, and reassuring conversation about kids’ mental health — with a special focus on anxiety.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Is this normal?

Am I doing enough?

How do I help my child without burning myself out?

This episode is for you.

Dr. MacPhee brings over 15 years of clinical and research experience supporting families navigating ADHD, OCD, anxiety, emotional regulation challenges, behavioral concerns, and school-related stress. She has helped hundreds of families build confidence, coping skills, and stronger relationships — and in this episode, she shares insights every parent can use.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

✔️ The many ways anxiety shows up in kids — and why it doesn’t always look like worry
✔️ How anxiety presents differently in young children, tweens, and teens
✔️ When separation anxiety is developmentally typical — and when it may need extra support
✔️ Signs of social anxiety, especially in school settings
✔️ Why anxiety often shows up as stomachaches, headaches, or sleep struggles
✔️ How to respond to avoidance without unintentionally reinforcing anxiety
✔️ The role of reassurance and accommodations — and when they can make anxiety worse
✔️ Practical tools parents can use at home to help kids manage anxious thoughts
✔️ Supporting anxious kids around homework, tests, and school refusal
✔️ Managing your own anxiety as a parent
✔️ When to consider professional support
✔️ What real progress actually looks like when kids are learning to cope

One Important Reminder

Anxiety is common. It is treatable. And parents are not failing when their child struggles.

Dr. MacPhee shares how small, steady steps — rather than quick fixes — help children build lasting coping skills. Progress may not always look dramatic, but resilience grows over time.

About Dr. Fiona MacPhee

Dr. Fiona MacPhee is a licensed child psychologist specializing in anxiety, ADHD, OCD, behavioral challenges, emotional regulation, and school-related stress. She works closely with families to strengthen connection while building practical skills.

You can learn more at:
🌐 https://www.psychologyforfamilies.org/

📱 Instagram: @drfionamacphee

A Note to Parents

If today’s episode resonated with you, we hope it reminded you:

You are not alone.
You are not failing.
Support is always an option.

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual — but conversations like this help us feel a little more equipped.

If you enjoyed this episode:

Follow MomsWork Podcast

Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen

Share this episode with a friend who might need it

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @MomsWorkPodcast

Thank you for listening — and thank you, Dr. MacPhee, for such a thoughtful and reassuring conversation. 🎙️💛

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Episode 15: Rachel Farnsworth — The Stay at Home Chef

In this episode of MomsWork, I’m joined by someone so many home cooks already know and trust: Rachel Farnsworth, creator of The Stay at Home Chef. Rachel is a mom, cookbook author, and the powerhouse behind one of the most popular and approachable recipe platforms on the internet, reaching millions of families every month.

Rachel and I talk honestly about motherhood, work, health, and what it really looks like to build a massive brand while raising a family. From weeknight dinner shortcuts to behind-the-scenes truths about content creation, this conversation feels like catching up with a friend in the kitchen — practical, encouraging, and refreshingly real.

In this episode, we talk about:

Rachel’s journey to becoming The Stay at Home Chef and how the platform came to be

How she balances work and family when everything feels important

The values motherhood has brought into her work

Navigating health challenges while continuing to show up for work and family

What it was like realizing her brand was becoming “something big”

Managing a growing business with small children at home

Simple ways to make home cooking easier and less stressful

Encouragement for parents who feel like they’re “not good cooks”

Go-to weeknight meals her family asks for again and again

Three recipes every busy parent should always have ready

A peek inside The Stay at Home Chef studio and content process

The most rewarding and most challenging parts of running such a large platform

What’s next for Rachel and The Stay at Home Chef

Rapid-Fire Fun:

We wrap things up with some lighthearted rapid-fire questions, including favorite comfort foods, food trends, dream dinner guests, bucket-list items, and more.

This episode is full of encouragement for parents who want to feed their families well without burning out — and for anyone balancing big dreams with everyday life.

✨ Follow Rachel Farnsworth and The Stay at Home Chef on all social media platforms

📘 Check out Rachel’s cookbook for easy, family-friendly recipes: https://thestayathomechef.com

🎧 Follow @MomsWorkPodcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s coming next and @momsworkpodcast on Facebook and Instagram

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Episode 16: My Funny Valentine
MomsWork Podcast with Kristin Weinrich

It’s February, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and things are getting a little more personal on the MomsWork Podcast.

In this special Valentine’s-themed episode, host Kristin Weinrich is joined by a very familiar guest — her husband of over a decade, Stephen Weinrich. This marks our second episode featuring a dad guest, and this one brings laughter, love, and a behind-the-scenes look at marriage, parenting, and the everyday moments that make family life meaningful.

Kristin and Stephen start by sharing how they met (online → in real life), their first impressions of each other, and a few funny and awkward early-date memories. From there, they dive into a playful “no coaching, no hints” couples challenge — answering questions about each other’s habits, quirks, parenting strengths, stressors, and routines.

You’ll hear:

How Kristin and Stephen met and what surprised them about each other

First impressions that changed (and some that didn’t)

A rapid-fire couples Q&A with lots of laughs

Their family Valentine’s Day traditions, including school parties, heart-shaped pizza, and focusing on love as a family

How they incorporate Black History Month into February traditions

Fun final questions about guilty-pleasure TV, pet peeves, parenting roles, dream jobs, zombie apocalypse survival plans, and more

The heartfelt (and hilarious) finish: “Marrying Kristin was _____.”

This episode is a little different, a little more personal, and honestly… a lot of fun.

Marriage, parenting, and family life aren’t perfect — but they’re full of moments worth laughing about, learning from, and celebrating. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a partner, your kids, your friends, or just chocolate you don’t have to share, we hope this episode makes you smile.

Don’t forget to:
Follow the MomsWork Podcast on instagram and Facebook @momsworkpodcast
Leave a review wherever you listen
Share this episode with someone who knows Valentine’s Day looks different once kids enter the picture

Be sure to join us next week, February 17, for Part 2 of Kristin’s conversation with Rachel Farnsworth of The Stay at Home Chef.

Happy Valentine’s Day 💕

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Episode 15: Rachel Farnsworth — The Stay at Home Chef

In this episode of MomsWork, I’m joined by someone so many home cooks already know and trust: Rachel Farnsworth, creator of The Stay at Home Chef. Rachel is a mom, cookbook author, and the powerhouse behind one of the most popular and approachable recipe platforms on the internet, reaching millions of families every month.

Rachel and I talk honestly about motherhood, work, health, and what it really looks like to build a massive brand while raising a family. From weeknight dinner shortcuts to behind-the-scenes truths about content creation, this conversation feels like catching up with a friend in the kitchen — practical, encouraging, and refreshingly real.

In this episode, we talk about:

Rachel’s journey to becoming The Stay at Home Chef and how the platform came to be

How she balances work and family when everything feels important

The values motherhood has brought into her work

Navigating health challenges while continuing to show up for work and family

What it was like realizing her brand was becoming “something big”

Managing a growing business with small children at home

Simple ways to make home cooking easier and less stressful

Encouragement for parents who feel like they’re “not good cooks”

Go-to weeknight meals her family asks for again and again

Three recipes every busy parent should always have ready

A peek inside The Stay at Home Chef studio and content process

The most rewarding and most challenging parts of running such a large platform

What’s next for Rachel and The Stay at Home Chef

Rapid-Fire Fun:

We wrap things up with some lighthearted rapid-fire questions, including favorite comfort foods, food trends, dream dinner guests, bucket-list items, and more.

This episode is full of encouragement for parents who want to feed their families well without burning out — and for anyone balancing big dreams with everyday life.

✨ Follow Rachel Farnsworth and The Stay at Home Chef on all social media platforms

📘 Check out Rachel’s cookbook for easy, family-friendly recipes: https://thestayathomechef.com/  

🎧 Follow @MomsWorkPodcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss what’s coming next and @momsworkpodcast on Facebook and Instagram

Send us Fan Mail

Episode #14: Austin Wade aka @AustintheRappingDad
MomsWork … and DadsWork Too!
Welcome to a milestone episode of MomsWork … and DadsWork Too! 🎙️
In this very first dad-focused conversation, host Kristin Weinrich expands the podcast to include fathers’ voices—because parenting is a partnership, and dads’ perspectives matter.
Kristin is joined by Austin Wade, a first-time dad, husband, marketing and digital strategy professional, content creator, and the internet sensation better known as @AustinTheRappingDad. What started as a silly way to make his newborn son smile—rapping classic children’s books—quickly turned into a viral phenomenon that resonated with parents everywhere.
In this episode, Kristin and Austin dive into the realities of early fatherhood, the steep learning curve of becoming a parent, and how creativity can unexpectedly thrive in the most exhausted seasons of life. Austin opens up about his first 100 days as a dad, the surprises that came with welcoming a baby, and the assumptions people often make about new fathers.
You’ll hear honest reflections on:
•What the early days of fatherhood really feel like
•The joys and challenges of becoming a dad for the first time
•How creativity and parenting intersect
•Balancing presence at home with professional and creative goals
•Why dads’ voices belong in conversations about family life
The episode also features a Win & Challenge of the Week, where both Kristin and Austin share personal and professional highs and lows, plus a fun rapid-fire round of questions that lets listeners get to know Austin beyond The Rapping Dad persona.
Whether you’re a mom, dad, or parent-to-be, this episode offers humor, honesty, and encouragement for anyone navigating the beautiful chaos of early parenthood.
🎧 Listen in and don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast—it helps us reach more moms and dads!
📱 Follow Austin: @austintherappingdad on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
📱 Follow the podcast: @MomsWorkPodcast on Instagram and Facebook
Thanks for tuning in to MomsWork … and DadsWork Too! 💛