What does it actually take to choose a home birth — and feel truly ready for it?

In this episode of the Momtroversial Podcast, Alyssa Crone sits down with her husband Ryan to walk through her full home birth journey. From processing her past hospital experiences to finding the right midwife, building a birth team, and deciding to go epidural-free, this conversation is raw, honest, and full of practical insight for any mom considering a different kind of birth experience.

In this episode:

• Why Alyssa transitioned from hospital births to a planned home birth
• How she found and built trust with her midwife
• The role of her doula and how she chose one
• Involving the whole family in labor and delivery
• Pain management strategies without an epidural
• What a supportive birth environment actually looks like
• Statistical context on home birth risks
• What Alyssa is expecting going into her birth

Connect with us:👉 Momtroversial Podcast Linktree👉 Momtroversial on Instagram

Resources mentioned in this episode:👉 Pain-Free Childbirth: Every Woman's Blessing👉 Christian Hypnobirthing👉 Tucson Home Birth (Midwife)👉 Needed Prenatal Multi Essentials👉 Zyrtec FDA Insert👉 Have a Blessed Birth👉 La Bassine Birth Pools

Whether you're birth-plan curious or deep in your own research, this one is for you.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

• 🏠 00:00 — Welcome & Introducing Today's Episode
• 🔄 02:44 — Why Alyssa Chose Home Birth Over Hospital
• 🤝 06:00 — Finding & Trusting the Right Midwife
• 💛 08:54 — What a Doula Actually Does
• 👨‍👩‍👧 11:47 — Involving the Whole Family in Birth
• 📋 14:57 — Preparing for Labor & Delivery
• 💪 17:25 — Going Epidural-Free: Pain Management Plans
• 🕊️ 20:17 — Creating a Supportive Birth Environment
• 🎯 23:10 — What Alyssa Is Expecting Going In
• 📊 26:06 — Home Birth Risk Stats: What the Data Says
• 🙏 28:52 — Final Thoughts & What's Coming Next

• Momtroversial Podcast Linktree
• Momtroversial on Instagram

Episode Resources:

• Pain-Free Childbirth: Every Woman's Blessing
• Christian Hypnobirthing
• Tucson Home Birth (Midwife)
• Needed Prenatal Multi Essentials
• Zyrtec FDA Insert
• Have a Blessed Birth
• La Bassine Birth Pools

#MomtroversialPodcast #HomeBirth #HomeBirthJourney #NaturalBirth #MidwifeCare #BirthWithoutFear #EpiduralFree #HypnoBirthing #ChristianHypnobirthing #BirthDoula #HomeBirthMom #BirthPool #PregnancyPodcast #MomPodcast #ModernMotherhood #BirthStory #PregnancyJourney #MaternalHealth #ExpectingMom #NewMom #BirthPrep #NaturalPregnancy #ChristianMom

Life doesn't slow down when you're a mom — and Alyssa and Tori are proof. In this episode, they're catching up on everything: toddler chaos, family travel, health scares, and some seriously big life changes on the horizon. Tori is gearing up for a move to Mississippi, and the girls get into all of it — housing costs, community vibes, air quality concerns, and what it really means to uproot your family for a fresh start.

They also get real about military life and deployment realities, swap gardening wins and losses (yes, really), and somehow make it all hilarious. If you've ever tried to survive a flight with a toddler, navigate a family illness, or just keep it together while your whole life is shifting — this one's for you.

And of course, we close it out with Momtroversial Moments, because parenting never runs out of material.

📍 New episodes every week — follow along so you never miss a thing.

🔗 Find everything Momtroversial: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast📸 Instagram: instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast

🎙️ 00:00 — Welcome to the Momtroversial Podcast👶 01:13 — Life Updates & Parenting Challenges🧒 06:29 — Toddler Struggles & Parenting Styles✈️ 13:17 — Family Travel & Flying with Kids🤒 18:17 — Family Illness & Navigating the Hard Stuff🏡 30:03 — The Big Move: Mississippi Plans & Housing Reality🌫️ 38:37 — Air Quality, Health Concerns & Environmental Impact⚙️ 47:39 — Military Life, Deployment & Family Dynamics🌱 49:31 — Gardening Adventures (Wins, Fails & Mocktails)💇‍♀️ 01:00:25 — Hair Transformations & Life Updates😂 01:08:00 — Pranks, Parenting & Chaos🌟 01:13:53 — Momtroversial Moments

🔗 Momtroversial Linktree📸 Instagram

#Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments #MovingWithKids #MilitaryMom #MilitaryFamily #TravelWithToddlers #MississippiMove #GardeningMom #AirQuality #MomLifeUpdates #MomPodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MomLife #ParentingPodcast #HonestMotherhood #RealMomTalk #ToddlerMom #MomCommunity

Being a stay-at-home mom looks different than people think — and Alyssa and guest Meghan Hobson are here to tell the whole truth about it.

In this episode, they pull back the curtain on the emotional realities of stepping away from a career, navigating financial dependence, and finding your footing in a season that's as rewarding as it is hard. From the guilt of leaving work to the loneliness that can quietly creep in, they cover what nobody warns you about — and why it's still worth every messy, beautiful moment.

They also dig into what a truly supportive partner looks like in this season, why choosing experiences over things might be the best gift you give your kids, and what early childhood development research actually says about the value of a present parent at home.

Plus, don't miss Momtroversial Moments at the end — because sometimes you just need to laugh (and cry) with people who truly get it.

📖 Mentioned in this episode: Being There by Erica Komissar

00:00 🍼 Introduction to Motherhood Chaos

02:58 🏠 Transitioning to Stay-at-Home Mom

06:09 😔 The Guilt of Leaving Work

08:53 💸 Financial Adjustments and Independence

11:59 🤝 The Importance of Supportive Partners

14:53 🌀 Navigating Parenting Challenges

17:52 🎡 Experiences Over Material Gifts

20:58 😢 Combating Loneliness as a Stay-at-Home Mom

26:57 💪 Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood Alone

30:06 ☀️ The Joys of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom

34:47 ❤️ The Value of Stay-at-Home Parenting

39:00 🧠 The Importance of Early Childhood Development

42:46 😂 Momtroversial Moments: Sharing Laughter and Tears📖 Being There by Erica Komissar🌳 Everything Momtroversial📸 Instagram

#Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments #WorkingMom #StayAtHomeMom #SAHM #SAHMLife #MomGuilt #MotherhoodRealities #StayAtHomeMomLife #Childcare #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #MomLife #MomPodcast #Motherhood #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MomCommunity #ParentingPodcast #MomTok

What if the secret to raising confident, independent kids wasn't about more rules — but smarter ones? In this episode of the Momtroversial Podcast, Tori and Leeah dig into the principles of Parenting with Love and Logic, breaking down how natural consequences, shared control, and empathy can completely change the way you show up as a parent.

They get practical — really practical — covering everything from dinner table standoffs and toddler communication to decision fatigue and why giving kids choices isn't the same as losing control. If you've ever felt like you're constantly battling your child instead of building them, this conversation is for you.

In this episode:

• What Love & Logic parenting actually means (and why it works)
• How natural consequences teach more than any punishment ever could
• Giving kids real choices within boundaries you control
• Empathy as a parenting tool — not just a feeling
• The difference between knowing good parenting principles and actually applying them
• Decision fatigue: what it is and how it affects both you and your kids
• Cultural dynamics that shape how we discipline and connect

📖 Grab the book: Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay & Charles Fay

🔗 Find everything Momtroversial: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast

📸 Follow us on Instagram: @momtroversial_podcast

New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation worth having.

00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Parenting with Love and Logic

01:14 🧠 Understanding Parenting Tactics and Strategies

03:07 ⚖️ The Importance of Natural Consequences

06:01 🙌 Allowing Children to Make Choices

09:26 🚧 Setting Boundaries and Giving Options

12:22 🌍 Cultural Differences in Parenting

14:54 🍽️ Dinner Time Dynamics

18:22 ❤️ Empathy in Parenting

20:11 💬 Communicating with Toddlers

22:02 🎯 The Heart of Parenting Goals

24:48 🌉 Bridging Knowledge and Practical Application

29:48 😓 The Role of Decision Fatigue

34:24 🔍 Critical Thinking in Parenting

39:04 ✨ The Essence of Love and Logic

48:02 📚 Final Thoughts and Recommendations🔗 Links Section

📖 Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood — ThriftBooks

🌐 Momtroversial Linktree

📸 Momtroversial on Instagram

#Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #LoveAndLogic #ParentingWithLoveAndLogic #NaturalConsequences #ChildDevelopment #RaisingIndependentKids #EmpathyParenting #ParentingStrategies #DecisionFatigue #MomPodcast #ParentingPodcast #MomLife #Motherhood #ParentingTips #RaisingKids #ToddlerMom

Mom friendships hit different — and not always in the easy way. In this episode, Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori get real about one of motherhood's most underrated challenges: the relationships we build (and sometimes lose) along the way.

They dig into what happens when your parenting styles don't match your closest friends', how to set boundaries with other people's kids without blowing up the friendship, and why it's so hard to stay connected to your child-free friends once kids enter the picture. There's no sugarcoating here — just honest conversation about the messy, meaningful work of building a mom community that actually supports you.

Whether you're navigating a falling out, a mismatched playdate, or just wondering where to find your people — this one's for you.

🤝 00:00 — Navigating Mom Friendships⚡ 18:09 — Handling Kids' Conflicts💛 36:52 — Maintaining Child-Free Friendships🗺️ 38:45 — Navigating Friendships in Parenthood🧒 44:05 — Managing Different Ages in Playdates🔍 49:31 — Finding New Mom Friends💬 55:54 — The Importance of Shared Values in Friendships🔥 01:01:55 — Momtroversial Moments & Parenting Insights

🔗 LINKS

Podcast Home🌳 Everything Momtroversial → linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast

Find Us on Social📸 Instagram → instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast

#Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #MomFriendships #MomCommunity #ParentingStyles #MomBoundaries #ChildFreeFriends #FriendshipChallenges #HardConversations #MomLife #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MomPodcast #ParentingTips #MomTok #RealMomTalk #MomSupport #ParentingCommunity #MomBoss

Have you ever thought about homeschooling but weren't sure where to start — or whether you were even cut out for it? In this episode of Momtroversial, Leeah Carter sits down with Alyssa Crone and Tori Dwight to share their honest, unfiltered journeys from public school to homeschool.

From the "what am I doing?" moments to finding the right curriculum and fielding the socialization question everyone loves to throw at homeschool families — this conversation holds nothing back. Whether you're homeschool-curious or already knee-deep in lesson plans, you'll walk away with real insight and practical takeaways from moms who have lived it.

In this episode we cover:

• Alyssa and Tori's personal paths into homeschooling
• The fears and concerns that almost stopped them from making the leap
• Childhood development and why play matters more than you think
• Financial considerations every homeschool family needs to think through
• Curriculum options and how to find what actually fits your family
• How to build a homeschool environment that functions in real life
• What socialization and real-world skill-building actually look like
• Navigating external pressures and political conversations as a homeschool family

No judgment. No agenda. Just real mom talk about one of the biggest decisions a family can make.

🔗 Find everything Momtroversial: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast📸 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast

00:00 🎙️ Welcome to Momtroversial01:21 📖 Alyssa's Homeschooling Journey10:31 😰 Initial Fears and Concerns About Homeschooling10:48 🔄 Tori's Transition to Homeschooling21:50 🧑‍🏫 The Role of Educators and Socialization29:08 🧸 Child Development and the Need for Play32:07 💭 The Impact of Parental Sentiments on Children33:14 💰 Financial Considerations in Homeschooling41:31 📚 Curriculum Choices and Educational Structure48:33 🏠 Creating a Homeschool Environment58:46 🌍 Socialization and Real-World Skills in Homeschooling01:11:38 🗳️ Navigating External Influences and Political Conversations🔗 LINKS

Podcast Home🌐 Linktree: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast📸 Instagram: instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast

Curriculum Resources Mentioned📜 Tapestry of Grace🌿 Simply Charlotte Mason🎨 Waldorf Education✨ The Good and the Beautiful🌳 The Treehouse Schoolhouse🧒 Playing Preschool by Busy Toddler

#Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #Homeschooling #HomeschoolMom #HomeschoolCurriculum #HomeschoolLife #HomeschoolSocialization #HomeschoolBenefits #HomeschoolingTips #ParentalFears #ChildhoodDevelopment #PublicSchoolToHomeschool #HomeschoolStyles #HomeschoolingFamilies #MomPodcast #MotherhoodPodcast #RealMomTalk #ParentingPodcast #MomsOfInstagram #MomLife #Parenting #Education #MomCommunity #ParentingTips

What happens when a mom sits down to write a fantasy world — and it actually becomes a series? We got to chat with the incredibly talented J.E. Larson, author of the Valdor Series, and this conversation did not disappoint. 🐉📚

Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori are joined by J.E. for a deep dive into the world she built — from the surprising choice to frame humans as the aggressors, to the emotional gut-punch of Skylar's death, to all the foreshadowing and Easter eggs she hid throughout the series for eagle-eyed readers. Fair warning: spoilers are very much on the table, and we are here for it.

We also talk about what it really looks like to be a mom who writes — balancing late-night creative sessions with the beautiful chaos of family life, drawing inspiration from her kids, and what it's taken to bring four books into the world. J.E. gives us a peek into Book Four, shares what's coming next, and tells us why dragons and dystopian fantasy just hit different.

Plus, she drops her favorite reads (hello, ACOTAR fans 👀), her top picks for younger readers, and a little bit about her upcoming audiobook release of A Trial of Fate on April 21st — so you'll want to stick around for all of it.

Whether you're a fantasy reader, a creative mom, or just someone who loves hearing how real women build something extraordinary in the margins of motherhood — this one is for you. 🌿✨

🎧 Find us everywhere: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast

⏱️ CHAPTERS

🎙️ 00:00 Introduction to Momtroversial Podcast⚔️ 03:32 Unique Storytelling: Humans as the Aggressors💔 06:17 The Emotional Impact of Skylar's Death🔍 11:35 Foreshadowing and Easter Eggs in the Series📖 16:04 Setting Up for Book Four: Battles and Expectations👑 18:00 The Dynamics of Leadership and Relationships🌱 20:12 Character Development and Future Plotlines✨ 21:45 Exploring Underrated Characters🤔 24:19 Theories and Speculations for Book Four🌀 26:42 Confronting the Past: Skylar's Journey🌿 27:45 The Impact of the Wilt and Healing🔮 28:50 Character Insights and Hidden Twists😤 30:33 Emotional Preparation for Book Four🚀 32:17 Looking Ahead: New Projects and Future Works🐉 34:05 The Allure of Dragons and Dystopian Fantasy🌍 35:57 Exploring Future Possibilities in Writing📚 37:03 Favorite Reads and Influences✍️ 38:56 The Writing Process: Balancing Life and Creativity👨‍👩‍👧 42:30 Inspiration from Family: Writing with Kids💫 45:57 Momtroversial Moments: Balancing Motherhood and Creativity

🔗 LINKS

🎙️ Podcast Home

• Momtroversial Podcast Linktree
• Momtroversial on Instagram

📖 Guest: J.E. Larson

• Instagram & Threads: @j.e.larson_author
• Website: jelarson.my.canva.site/author

🐉 The Valdor Series

• Valdor Series on Amazon & Kindle — Book 4 coming May 2026!
• A Trial of Fate Audiobook on Audible — Available April 21, 2026

📚 J.E. Larson's Favorite Reads

• A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas
• Red Rising by Pierce Brown
• The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice

🌟 J.E. Larson's Recommendations for Younger Readers

• Dragon Girls Series by Maddy Mara
• The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin
• Mermaid Tales Series by Debbie Dadey

#MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments#ValdorSeries #JELarson #AuthorInterview #FantasyBooks #DragonFantasy #DystopianFantasy #BookSpoilers #ACOTAR #BookFour #FantasyAuthor #ATrialOfFate#MomsWhoRead #BookishMoms #MotherhoodAndCreativity #ReadingMoms #AuthorLife #BookRecommendations #FantasyReaders #Bookstagram #PodcastForMoms #WomenWhoWrite

Are you punishing your kids — or actually teaching them? Because there's a difference, and once you see it, you can't unsee it.

In this episode, Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori get honest about one of the most debated topics in motherhood: parenting styles and discipline. They walk through the four main parenting styles — authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and unresponsive — and unpack how each one quietly shapes the way we show up for our kids every single day.

But this isn't just a parenting theory class. The conversation gets real, fast. The girls dig into the difference between punishment and consequences — natural vs. logical — and why that shift in thinking can completely change the relationship between you and your child. From managing toddler meltdowns to navigating the complicated world of teen behavior, they share personal stories, hard-won lessons, and practical strategies that hold up in real life — not just in theory.

If you've ever second-guessed your discipline approach, felt like nothing is working, or just wanted someone to talk through the messy middle of parenting with you — this one's for you.

📖 Mentioned in this episode: Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay & Charles Fay

Chapters🎙️ 00:00 — Welcome to Momtroversial🧩 00:54 — Exploring Parenting Styles⚖️ 03:44 — Punishment vs. Consequence💬 07:29 — Personal Parenting Experiences🔍 12:33 — Understanding Consequences🧑‍🦱 18:51 — Navigating Teen Behavior🌿 23:49 — Logical vs. Natural Consequences🤝 28:54 — Building Trust and Independence🎮 40:31 — Parenting Styles and Control💥 43:10 — The Impact of Control on Behavior📋 46:57 — Consequences vs. Punishments Revisited🌀 49:46 — Navigating Parenting Challenges📊 53:10 — Creating Effective Consequence Charts🌱 1:00:28 — Natural vs. Logical Consequences✅ 1:06:41 — Consistency in Parenting💛 1:11:52 — Mom Moments and Reflections

📖 Book Mentioned Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood — Jim Fay & Charles Fay

🌳 Linktreelinktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast

📸 Instagraminstagram.com/momtroversial_podcast

#MomtroversialPodcast #Momtroversial #ParentingStyles #DisciplineAndConsequences #PunishmentVsConsequence #NaturalConsequences #LogicalConsequences #AuthoritativeParenting #ChildDiscipline #ParentingTips #ConsistentParenting #LoveAndLogic #LoveAndLogicParenting #ChildBehavior #MomPodcast #MomLife #RealMomTalk #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingCommunity #ToddlerMom #MomOfKids #ParentingAdvice #MomSupport #ChristianMom #MomPodcastCommunity

📝 Description

Are you parenting on purpose — or just on autopilot?

In this episode, Alyssa and Tori get real about one of the most talked-about topics in the mom world: parenting styles. From authoritative to authoritarian to the ongoing gentle parenting debate, they break down what each style actually looks like in everyday life — and more importantly, what the research and scripture say about raising emotionally healthy kids.

They dig into why so many of us default to the parenting style we grew up with, how access to information has changed the way this generation raises children, and what it actually looks like to make intentional choices instead of reactive ones. The conversation gets practical fast — covering how to use natural consequences, how to give kids real choices, and how to build emotional intelligence without losing your authority as a parent.

Whether you're questioning your approach, feeling the tension between old-school and new-school parenting, or just want to raise kids who can handle hard things — this episode will give you a lot to think about and walk away with.

Grab your coffee. This one's a good one.

⏱️ Chapters

• 🎙️ 00:00 — Welcome to Momtroversial
• 🧭 14:22 — Breaking Down Parenting Styles
• 🌱 24:10 — How Your Parenting Style Shapes Your Child's Development
• ⚖️ 26:44 — Authoritative vs. Authoritarian: What's the Difference?
• 📖 29:18 — What Does the Bible Say About Parenting Styles?
• ❤️ 31:10 — Why Love Has to Be at the Center
• 👵 33:37 — Generational Differences in How We Parent
• 📱 38:16 — How Information Access Has Changed Parenting
• 🎯 39:45 — Intentional vs. Default Parenting
• 🔄 43:09 — Consequences, Choices & Raising Responsible Kids
• 💡 46:23 — The Power of Giving Kids Real Choices
• 🙌 49:27 — Empowering Your Kids Through Decision-Making
• 🕊️ 50:59 — The Gentle Parenting Debate
• 🧠 53:05 — Building Emotional Intelligence in Children
• 🚧 01:00:10 — Navigating Consequences and Boundaries in Real Life
• 😂 01:08:00 — Momtroversial Moments: Real-Life Parenting Stories

🔗 Links

📚 Book Referenced in This Episode👉 Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood — Amazon

🎙️ Referenced in This Episode👉 Call Her Daddy x Sarah J. Maas — YouTube👉 Flourishing Homes and Families — Instagram

📲 Connect With Us👉 Momtroversial Podcast — Linktree👉 Momtroversial — Instagram

🏷️ Hashtags

Brand#MomtroversialPodcast #Momtroversial

Episode-Specific#IntentionalParenting #ParentingStyles #AuthoritativeParenting #AuthoritarianParenting #GentleParenting #GentleParentingDebate #EmotionalIntelligence #RaisingEmotionallyIntelligentKids #BiblicalParenting #ChristianParenting #FaithBasedParenting #ConsciousParenting #DefaultParenting

Broad Community#MomPodcast #ChristianMom #ChristianMoms #ModernMotherhood #MomLife #ParentingTips #RaisingKids #MomCommunity #ParentingCommunity #MotherhoodUnfiltered

In this heartfelt episode of Momtroversial, hosts Leeah Carter and Alyssa Crone open up about one of the most beautiful and sometimes uncertain callings of Christian motherhood: nurturing a child's faith from the very beginning.

Together, they explore what it looks like to weave scripture, prayer, and worship into the ordinary rhythms of family life — not perfectly, but intentionally. From morning routines and bedtime prayers to dinner table conversations about the Bible, Leeah and Alyssa share the real, tender moments that shape a child's understanding of who God is. They also spotlight some of their favorite tools and resources — including Yoto Cards loaded with Bible stories — that make faith feel accessible, engaging, and even playful for little ones.

This episode is an encouraging reminder that you don't have to have all the answers to point your children toward the One who does. Whether you're just beginning to build spiritual rhythms at home or looking to deepen the ones you already have, this conversation will leave you feeling equipped and inspired.

⏱️ Episode Chapters

• 00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Momtroversial Podcast
• 00:52 🌱 Incorporating Faith in Parenting
• 03:08 📖 Bible Conversations with Kids
• 05:55 ☀️ Daily Faith Routines
• 08:57 🎧 Using Yoto Cards for Bible Stories
• 12:03 🙏 Prayer Practices in Family Life
• 15:01 💬 Navigating Spiritual Conversations with Kids
• 17:01 ⛪ The Importance of Church Community
• 19:34 ✨ Momtroversial Moments
• 22:17 🌿 Conclusion and Reflections

🔗 Links

Momtroversial👉 Momtroversial Podcast Linktree👉 Momtroversial Instagram

Resources Mentioned in This Episode👉 Yoto Player👉 Kaleidoscope Yoto Bible Story Cards👉 Go Fish Resources👉 Tiny Theologians👉 Real Cool History for Kids by Angela Odell

🏷️ Hashtags

#MomtroversialPodcast#ChristianMotherhood#FaithAndParenting#RaisingLittleBelivers#BiblicalParenting#ChristianMoms#FaithBasedParenting#PrayerWithKids#ScriptureForFamilies#YotoCards#ChristianKids#ModernMotherhood#FaithAtHome#TinyTheologians#GoFishResources