Not Quite Grownup

Send Caitlin a Text!

Vote for Caitlin for the Women Podcasters Awards!

Ever lose your phone while holding it? Start 10 projects and finish zero? Or hyper-fixate on Pope Leo’s baseball fandom at 2 AM? 👀 Welcome to the ADHD club, friend. In this episode, Caitlin and Ariella (a fellow ‘elder millennial with a PhD in awesome’) break down what ADHD really looks like in women—and why so many of us are just now figuring it out.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!
• Text us your ‘Wait, that’s ADHD?!’ moment at the “Send Us A Text!” link—we’ll share our faves next episode!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who’ve been called "scatterbrained" but suspect there’s more to it.
• Women diagnosed with anxiety/depression but still feel like something’s "off."
• Anyone who’s ever gone to put away the box of Cheerios and ended up reorganizing the entire pantry.

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What You Get In This Episode

• ADHD 101: It’s not "squirrel syndrome"—it’s erratic brain Wi-Fi, y’all.
• Overlooked Signs in Women: Perfectionism masking chaos, time blindness ("I’ll be ready in 5 minutes" = lies), and why you cry over spilled milk (then apologize to the dog).
• The Diagnosis Gap: Why girls fly under the radar (hint: society hates feral women).
• "Wait, That’s ADHD?!" From losing your keys in your hand to winning shower arguments that never happened.
• Why It’s Everywhere Now: TikTok, pandemics, Millennial parenting, and Gen Z’s refusal to suffer in silence.

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred: Recovering teacher, professional overthinker, and mom who finally got diagnosed with ADHD at 38. Host of How to Be a Grownup—where "adulting" is a group project.

Ariella Monti: Author of Roots in Ink, flannel-clad bisexual icon, and mom who registered her car 2 months late (the ADHD angels spared her).

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Sources & Mentions

📖 Articles/Studies:

• Have We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? | The New York Times
• Speaking of Psychology: Why are more adults being diagnosed with ADHD? With Russell Ramsay, PhD | ADA

🧠 Instagram Recs:

• @ADHDoers (memes + truths)
• @coachingwithbrooke (actionable tips)
• @alex_partridge_100 (founder of UNILAD)

💡 5-Second Therapy:

• "Progress = Wellness" (Caitlin’s mantra for task overwhelm)

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Vote for Caitlin: Women Podcasters Awards, Education Podcasts

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there—we see you!

Turns out, mom wasn’t blowing off your teenage BS when she said ‘be careful who you hang out with’ or ‘one day you’ll miss my nagging.’ This episode is for every grownup who finally gets it—plus the hilarious (and humbling) mom wisdom we still ignore.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Anyone who’s ever rolled their eyes at their mom… then realized she was right
• Parents currently losing the "just wear a jacket!" battle
• Humans who finally realize that "it is what it is" is actually profound

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What You Get In This Episode

1. Mom’s Most Valuable Lessons
   • "Clean a little every day" (we agree… in theory)
   • "Your coat should cover your skirt hem" (sorry, cropped jacket lovers)
   • "Don’t over-pluck your eyebrows" (elder millennials, we see you)
2. Deep Cuts from Reddit
   • Why driving in silence is peak adulthood
   • How "it’s not you, it’s them" applies to middle school and adulthood
   • The life-changing magic of a vertical file box or fire-proof envelope
3. Ariella’s Mom Wisdom
   • Italian-grandma-approved work/life boundaries ("If I’m clocked out, you’re dead to me.")
   • Why a perfect meal is one you have with someone else
4. Caitlin’s Favorite Momisms
   • "People are stupid" (it’s not mean, it’s statistical)
   • "Do not f* thyself"* (ancient wisdom, modern applications)
5. Your New Mantra
   • "They’re not anti-you—they’re pro-them." (road rage therapy, unlocked)

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Bios

Caitlin & Ariella: Second career starters, current chaos wranglers, and hosts who’ve accepted that mom usually knows best (but still won’t scrub floors on their knees).

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Sources

• Reddit/AskWomen: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskWomen/comments/1jl1gyk/whats_something_you_thought_was_stupid_as_a_girl/
• Ariella’s fireproof document pouch: Link on our Favorite Things page
• Vote for Caitlin! Women in Podcasting Awards: Vote here!

Tag us @CKandGKPodcast with your #MomWasRight moment—we’ll feature the best ones!

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

You heard it here first: Laughter counts as a love language (and yes, meme exchanges totally qualify). In this episode, we’re getting real with Valerie Probstfeld—host of To Mom Is To Love—about parenting fails, Back to the Future obsessions, and why school safety shouldn’t be a political debate. And like always, you’ll feel like you’re hangin’ with your funniest mom friends.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who’ve ever escaped chaos by folding laundry
• Parents who thought they’d be “A+” at this (then met reality)
• Anyone who believes safe schools shouldn’t be controversial

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What You Get In This Episode

1. Laughter as Love: Why meme swaps and inside jokes are the glue of friendships (and parenting sanity).
2. Humbling Parenting Moments: Like forgetting to mention that shots hurt to your kid…
3. School Safety Without Politics: Actionable steps all sides can agree on (because kids deserve to come home).
4. Nostalgia Wins: Why Back to the Future costumes and Smokey and the Bandit references are millennial parenting essentials.
5. Valerie’s Wisdom: How to embrace being an “imperfect mom” (and why love is the only thing you can control).

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Bios

Caitlin & Jenny: Current and former educators, current chaos wranglers, and co-hosts of How to Be a Grownup. We’ve survived tantrums (kid + adult), quarantine teaching, and DIY haircuts—all while proving laughter is the best coping mechanism.

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Sources & Mentions

• Valerie’s podcast: To Mom Is To Love
• School safety episode: Take Action for School Safety
• Meme accounts we love: @OpenlyGayAnimals, @iamthirtyaf
• Back to the Future trivia (for your next parenting costume crisis)

Tag us @CKandGKPodcast with your #WorstParentingWin—we’ve all got ‘em!

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Visit notquitegrownup.com for more content and the latest updates. Or connect on social media @not_quite_grownup on Instagram and Threads.

Send Caitlin a Text!

Newsflash: Brushing your teeth is self-care. So is sitting in your car for a few moments of quiet away from your family. This episode is for every mom who thinks she ‘isn’t doing enough’—when really, she’s nailing the tiny wins (even if that ‘win’ is finally getting that cabinet door to stop squeaking).

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who’ve cried over laundry and used household chores as therapy (aggressively scrubbing the shower floor counts as ‘anger management,’ right?)
• Anyone whose "me time" is hiding in the pantry with a snack they won’t share
• Humans who need permission to finally use the fancy china (yes, even for cereal)

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What You Get In This Episode

1. "Basic" Tasks Count Too
   • Getting out of bed? Showering? Taking meds? Gold stars for you.
   • "If you sat up today instead of lying down, that’s HUGE." —Ariella
2. Pleasantries = Self-Care
   • Crocheting a lopsided Snoopy hat (👋 Caitlin’s win)
   • "Fancy sleep" in silk PJs on fresh sheets
   • Sitting in the car to finish a podcast without tiny humans screaming
3. Unpleasant But Necessary
   • Future-you will high-five present-you for: 
     • Meal prepping (even if it’s just PB&Js)
     • That 5-minute phone call you avoided for 3 months
     • Changing the bedding sucks, but sliding into fresh sheets? The best.
4. Use the Damn Stickers
   • Burn the fancy candles. Wear the jewelry. Eat off the china. Use the stickers. You don’t need to save them for a special occasion. You are the special occasion.
   • Your grandma’s silver won’t judge you for eating Taco Bell off it.

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Bios

Caitlin & Jenny: Educators, moms, and certified experts in car-sitting-as-therapy. Follow our chaos @CKandGKPodcast.

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Sources & Other Mentions

• Reddit/self-care
• Ariella’s novel Roots in Ink (because authors need love too)
• Headspace app’s "doze" soundtrack (for guilt-free naps)
• Google Arts & Culture (museum hopping from your couch)
• Toadflax flowers (Ariella’s garden fairy obsession)

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

"Spoiler: Your to-do list isn’t the problem—it’s your brain (and maybe your phone). This week, TULA’s Debra Doliner returns to help us hack time management, ditch guilt, and finally make that 5-minute phone call we’ve all been avoiding for months."

• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who’ve ever cried over an empty laundry basket (why is it always full again by noon?!).
• Anyone whose "ideal day" involves not answering emails on a ‘break’ in the bathroom.
• Women ready to embrace Dolly Parton’s wisdom: "Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life."

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What You Get In This Episode

1. Your "Ideal Day" Is a Compass
   • Write down what your actual perfect day looks like (yes, tacos count). Then add what fills your cup (game nights! walks!) and subtract what drains you (pointless meetings, we’re looking at you).
2. The 3-Task Rule
   • Only put 3 must-do items on your daily to-do list. "Finished them? Congrats! Everything else is bonus points."
3. Delegate Like a CEO
   • That vet appointment you’ve avoided for months? The donation pile judging you? Outsource it (babysitters, TULA, or a neighbor going to Goodwill anyway).
4. "No Agenda? No Atten-da!"
   • Stop attending meetings that could’ve been an email. Protect your time like it’s the last cookie in the jar.
5. Phone Jail Is Real
   • Debra uses a literal lockbox (ySky Cell Phone lockbox) to break her phone addiction. Way to stick to those boundaries.

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Bios

"Caitlin & Jenny: Educators, moms, and glitter survivors. Follow our chaos @CKandGKPodcast."

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Mentioned in This Episode

• TULA Life Balanced (Use code GROWNUP20 for 20% off personal assistant/chef services!)
• The Finisher’s Journal (For ADHD brains who need focus)
• The Mom Psychologist (Instagram gold for parent-child connection)
• The Daily Stoic (Ryan Holiday’s wisdom for chaotic minds)

"Subscribe so you never miss an episode (unlike that phone call you only answered in your head). Tell us your best delegation win @CKandGKPodcast!"

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Between snack emergencies and the ‘second shift’ of mom life, your energy is constantly on E. This week, TULA Life Balanced’s Debra Doliner shares science-backed hacks to recharge—because literally ‘touching grass’ and 8-minute friend calls might just save your sanity.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who collapse at 5 PM but still have 47 tasks to do.
• Anyone who’s ever thought, “I love my kids, but why does ‘Please play Frisbee with me’ sound like “Please run a marathon with me”? (Spoiler: Your energy cycles are not broken—just misunderstood.)
• Women who’ve chugged coffee at 9AM, 12PM, and 3 PM… yet still feel like a zombie. (Hydration hacks incoming!)

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What You Get In This Episode

1. Energy ≠ Time
   • Physical energy ≠ mental energy. Example: "I can’t throw a Frisbee right now, but I can play a game."
   • Hack: Front-load mentally taxing tasks when your brain is fresh (or after coffee kicks in).
2. Hydration is a Superpower
   • Just 2% dehydration slows brain function. Your emotional support water bottle isn’t optional—it’s survival gear.
3. The 8-Minute Energy Boost
   • Call a hype friend for 8 mins (Simon Sinek-approved!). Just get it off your chest!
4. “Touch Grass” Literally
   • Bare feet on grass = instant mood boost. Yes, even if your neighbor side-eyes you.
5. Breathing for Energy
   • Inhale 80%, pause, inhale 20%, exhale = calm. Reverse it = energy. Check out Yoga With Tim.

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Bios

Caitlin & Jenny: Educators, moms, and glitter survivors. Follow our chaos on your favorite podcast and social media apps.

Debra Doliner is Caitlin’s friend and Austin Head of Marketing + Growth for TULA Life Balanced, Inc.

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Mentioned In This Episode

• TULA Life Balanced App (Use code GROWNUP20 for 20% off!)
• Yuka App ("Scan your pantry and weep over your Oreos.")
• Yoga With Tim on YouTube
• Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Remember when reading meant getting lost in a book instead of lost in a pile of laundry? This episode is for every mom who misses the joy of reading but can’t figure out how to squeeze it between snack requests and sock emergencies. Spoiler: Audiobooks count, and yes, fanfic totally counts too.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who used to devour books but now only have time to devour cold coffee and leftover chicken nuggets.
• Anyone who’s ever cried over a library fine (or a toddler’s board book "edits").
• Parents who need an escape but can’t decide between a thriller or a nap.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. Audiobooks Are Legit (No, Really) – Ditch the guilt! Listening to books while folding laundry totally counts as "me time."
2. E-Readers to the Rescue – Adjust fonts, backgrounds, and even read in the dark (because bedtime is the only quiet time).
3. Short & Sweet Wins – Novellas and short stories for when your attention span matches your toddler’s.
4. Fanfic for the Win – Revisit familiar characters without committing to a 500-page novel.
5. Book Clubs & Body Doubling – Because sometimes you need peer pressure to finish a chapter.

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Bios

Caitlin & Jenny are best friends, educators, and moms who still Google "how to remove glitter from carpets." They’re here to help you adult—without losing your sanity or your sense of humor.

Ariella Monti is the author of Roots In Ink, a yoga instructor, and the biggest fan of Steve Rogers we know.

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Your Next Steps

• Tag us @CKandGKPodcast with your #GrownupReadingHacks (or your kid’s reaction to the birds-and-bees chicken edition).
• Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Hey Mama, feeling guilty about taking time for yourself? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the real reason self-care feels so hard—guilt—and sharing five practical ways to ditch it for good. Whether you’re a serial people-pleaser or just can’t seem to prioritize yourself, we’ve got the tools to help you reclaim your time, redefine success, and finally say “no” without feeling bad about it.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

👉 Ready to ditch the guilt and finally prioritize yourself? Start by redefining your self-care and saying “no” to what doesn’t serve you. And don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for more tips, laughs, and self-care moments!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who feel guilty about taking time for themselves.
• People-pleasers who struggle to say “no.”
• Anyone who needs a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. Redefine self-care: Learn why your current definition might be holding you back (and how to fix it).
2. Ditch achievement-based success: Stop tying your self-worth to outcomes and start celebrating the process.
3. Master the art of saying “no”: Discover why “no” is a complete sentence—and how to use it guilt-free.
4. Take back your time: Uncover hidden pockets of time you didn’t know you had.
5. Build a support system: Learn why accountability is key to making self-care stick.

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred (CK):

A former teacher, mom, and self-proclaimed “recovering overthinker,” Caitlin is on a mission to help moms navigate the chaos of adulthood with humor and practical advice. She’s passionate about making self-care and mindfulness accessible for everyone—especially busy moms.

Ariella Monti (Guest Co-Host):

A certified yoga instructor, published author, and mom, Ariella brings a wealth of knowledge about mindfulness and self-care. With a background in yoga and lots of time in therapy, she’s all about helping people find calm in the chaos—one deep breath (or mindful moment) at a time.

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Sources

• How To Stop Feeling Guilty About Taking Care Of Yourself | Heather Moulder Course Correction Coaching
• Episode 144: 4 Clever Ways to Reset Your Forgotten Self-Care Routine
• Episode 146: Why Hobbies Are the Secret to Surviving Motherhood

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just plain over it? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of hobbies—yes, hobbies!—and why they’re not just a luxury but a necessity for your mental health. Whether you’re a serial hobby-starter (thanks, ADHD) or haven’t picked up a hobby since middle school, we’ve got practical tips to help you find—and stick with—something you love. Plus, we’ll share why hobbies are the ultimate form of self-care (and why you shouldn’t turn them into a side hustle).

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who feel like they’ve lost themselves in the chaos of motherhood.
• ADHDers who struggle to stick with hobbies (or feel guilty for starting new ones).
• Anyone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to do something just for fun.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. The science behind hobbies: Learn why hobbies are linked to better mental health, happiness, and life satisfaction (backed by a 2023 study!).
2. How to find your hobby: Tips for exploring new interests without breaking the bank (hello, library classes and Buy Nothing groups!).
3. Making time for hobbies: Why scheduling “hobby time” is just as important as scheduling soccer practice or work meetings.
4. The perfectionism trap: How to let go of the pressure to be “good” at your hobby and just enjoy the process.
5. Why hobbies shouldn’t be side hustles: A gentle reminder that your hobby is for you, not for profit.

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred (CK):

A former teacher, mom, and self-proclaimed “recovering overthinker,” Caitlin is on a mission to help moms navigate the chaos of adulthood with humor and practical advice. She’s passionate about making self-care and mindfulness accessible for everyone—especially busy moms.

Ariella Monti (Guest Co-Host):

A certified yoga instructor, published author, and mom, Ariella brings a wealth of knowledge about mindfulness and self-care. With a background in yoga and lots of time in therapy, she’s all about helping people find calm in the chaos—one deep breath (or mindful moment) at a time.

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👉 Ready to find your next hobby? Start by checking out your local library, joining a Buy Nothing group, or just being “hobby curious.” And don’t forget to subscribe to our email list for more tips, laughs, and self-care moments!

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Sources

• Having a hobby tied to happiness and well-being | Harvard Health

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

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Send Caitlin a Text!

Feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just plain over it? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re breaking down mindfulness in a way that’s practical, accessible, and even a little funny. Whether you’ve got ADHD, a packed schedule, or just a serious case of “mom brain,” we’ve got a simple mindfulness exercise that you can do anywhere—yes, even while doing dishes.

• Get even more content from this episode’s blog post, here.
• Subscribe to our newsletter!

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Who Should Listen

• Moms who feel like they’re constantly juggling a million things and need a quick reset.
• Anyone who’s tried mindfulness before but found it too abstract or intimidating.
• Busy parents looking for simple, actionable ways to reduce stress and stay present.

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What You Get In This Episode

1. A clear definition of mindfulness—and why it’s not just about sitting cross-legged in a dark room.
2. A simple, tactile mindfulness exercise you can do with any object (even a cup of coffee or a leaf!).
3. Tips for incorporating mindfulness into your daily routine, whether you’ve got 5 seconds or 5 minutes.
4. Why mindfulness is like a “fire extinguisher” for small stressors—not a full-blown crisis solution.
5. A guided meditation from certified yoga instructor (and published author!) Ariella Monti to help you reset in just 5 minutes.

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👉 Ready to give mindfulness a try? Grab your favorite object (a rock, a leaf, or even your coffee) and join us for a quick, guided meditation at the end of the episode. Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on social media for more tips on how to be a grown-up without losing your mind!

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Bios

Caitlin Kindred (CK):

A former teacher, mom, and self-proclaimed “recovering overthinker,” Caitlin is on a mission to help moms navigate the chaos of adulthood with humor and practical advice. She’s passionate about making self-care and mindfulness accessible for everyone—especially busy moms.

Ariella Monti (Guest Co-Host):

A certified yoga instructor, published author, and mom, Ariella brings a wealth of knowledge about mindfulness and self-care. With a background in yoga, she’s all about helping people find calm in the chaos—one deep breath (or mindful moment) at a time. Learn more about her and her books here.

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Sources

• What Is Mindfulness? | Yoga International
• Are Mindfulness and Meditation the Same? | Yoga International
• Additional Reading: The Miracle of Mindfulness, An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

Welcome to Not Quite Grownup. Let's do this. 

• Subscribe to join other Not Quite Grownups here >>>
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• Please, rate, review, and subscribe for more Not Quite Grownup stories. 
• Love you, mean it. 

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Visit notquitegrownup.com for more content and the latest updates. Or connect on social media @not_quite_grownup on Instagram and Threads.