Mostly Thriving Podcast with Amanda + TJ

RERUN: What was supposed to be a dream bathroom turned into our absolute nightmare. In this episode, we open up about how this project pushed us both to our breaking point, what it’s really like partnering with brands behind the scenes, and the lessons we learned the hard way about hiring, communication, and keeping your sanity when everything goes wrong.

We’re answering your biggest marriage questions, opening up about the moments that could’ve changed everything, and sharing the conversations, therapy lessons, and advice that have shaped our relationship. If marriage has ever felt hard, messy, or lonely… this one’s for you ❤️

We have beef with over-the-top bachelorette trip expenses, outdated wedding traditions, and the unrealistic expectations placed on bridal parties — and we NEED to talk about it. In this episode, we’re sharing our honest hot takes on modern wedding culture, the trends we don’t understand, and what we’d actually do differently if we got married today. Whether you’re planning a wedding or just love a controversial opinion, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

We’re diving into all your burning questions from last week’s episode, The Chaos Behind the Content: A Real Day in the Life of an Influencer! From how influencers actually make money (spoiler: it’s not from Instagram) to the real strategies that helped grow Come Stay Awhile into what it is today—nothing’s off limits. If you’ve ever been curious about the business behind the content, this one’s for you.

We’re pulling back the curtain on what a “day in the life” actually looks like as an influencer, business owner, and mom. From brand deals and deadlines to school drop-offs and a full hockey schedule, it’s a busy, chaotic, very real day. Get an honest peak behind the scenes into what it takes to run Come Stay Awhile, and get to know the team that makes it all happen. Plus, we talk boundaries, burnout, and the pressure society puts on moms to keep it all together.

We’re getting real about the phase of parenting we’re in right now—and honestly, it’s a tough one. With boys ages 5 and 2, we’re in the thick of it and feeling the challenges. If you’re in a hard season too, this episode is for you. You’re not alone.

This week, Amanda sits down with special guest Jaqueline Chiarot—mom of two, interior designer, and wife of NHL Red Wings defenseman Ben Chiarot. She gives us an honest look at what it’s really like balancing life in the NHL, running a business, and raising two young kids.

Jaqueline also shares her take on current design trends and offers encouraging advice for anyone who feels like they’re barely holding it all together. It’s a refreshing reminder that even when it looks like everyone else is thriving… most of us are just mostly thriving.

Check out Jacqueline's design work at https://www.jacquelinechiarotdesign.com/ or on IG @jacquelinechiarotlifestyle and @jacquelinechiarotdesign

To make a donation or register for the 2026 Scotland's Yard Road Hockey Tournament visit http://www.syhockey.ca/

We’re spilling all the tea from our spring trip to Anna Maria Island 🌴 From our favorite moments to the things we’d 100% do differently, we’re giving you the full, unfiltered recap—highs, lows, and everything in between.

Plus, we’re bringing back the Q+A segment! We answer your questions about debt and finances, reveal next week’s special guest, and Amanda answers which DIY project was her all-time least favorite 😅

Trust us—you’ll want to hear this before you book your next trip.

We’re spilling it ALL! We told you to ask us anything… and you absolutely delivered 😂 From our dumbest decisions to how we actually manage our finances, nothing was off-limits and we’re answering it all with full honesty. This is one you don’t want to miss! And if we didn’t get to your question, don’t worry—we’re making Q&A a regular thing in future episodes.

We’re baaaack! Did you miss us? 😅

In this episode, we catch you up on everything from the past two weeks, share our most random “icks,” and put TJ to the test as he tries to guess common girl terms (with mixed results). Let’s just say we weren't exactly thriving this week, between technical difficulties and lingering sickness, it felt like the odds were against us. Nevertheless, we're here to show you the real and the raw that puts the "mostly" in Mostly Thriving.

Don’t forget to cast your vote below for which day we should drop new episodes! 🎙️