At the beginning of every summer, I always get excited about traveling with my family.  

I'm aware this does NOT excite every parent out there - there are a gajilion bags to pack, gas is outrageous, snacks end up all over the car, sand (or mud) stays in the bottom of sacks and packs for months, and I could go on and on. Without question though, I've never regretted a trip with my family; I don't think you will either. 

Please enjoy this rebroadcast of my interview with Travis and Heather Sherry - two of the most well-versed travelers I know.  

Trav and Heather travel as much as they can, dabble in real estate, constantly upgrade their short-term rental game, are passionate about location independence and so much more. They're also parents - and well, that keeps things interesting. You'll love this episode, and hopefully, get inspired to plan a getaway with your kids this summer. Happy traveling, families! 

Trav and Heather share their story of creating a life different than most, how traveling has changed them, how kids has changed everything, and why "slow travel" might be the perfect way to approach traveling with the whole gang. They've got great tips for families - just in time for travel season - listen in and let us know what you think! 

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Episode 54 brings us an excellent conversation with Story Shares Founder, Louise Baigelman. Story Shares is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to dreaming up a new shelf in the global library filled with diverse, compelling, and accessible books to engage & inspire the millions of underrepresented teens and adults and transform them into readers.

Louise and Susannah chat:

- What prompted the founding of Story Shares

I love when I meet people who are so passionate about helping kids, and Louise is definitely one of those people. Enjoy this episode and learn more about her work helping families and communities at storyshares.org.

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Episode 53 brings a whole lot of insight for parents - thanks to the great information shared by Dr. Carrie Jackson. Even if you aren't managing ADHD in your own home - this is a great episode for every parent out there. The more we understand about the kids in our neighborhoods and communities - the more compassionate we all become - and the better we can show up for our friends and neighbors!

In this episode Susannah and Carrie discuss:

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Spring is here. Let's switch up our 5 to 8 shift family fun. In today's episode - the tables are turned and Susannah is the interviewee. Thanks to Courtney Florey over at Declutter and Dwell for allowing us to share this interview with you guys where Susannah shares 5 ways to maximize your 5 to 8 shift this Spring. 

All of these ideas are simple, inexpensive, and just take a little mama magic. We hope you enjoy this episode and think about trying an idea or two with your favorite little people. If you do, let us know on Instagram over at @susannah.mcmonagle by tagging us in your posts and stories. Don't forget to add dirt!

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No matter how much we want to stick our head in the sand, the truth is that families need a plan when it comes to technology. I give you - Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time. Andrea wants parents to worry about tech less and connect with our kids more. She takes a "slow tech, relationship-first approach," and you are going to love her insight.

On episode 51, we chat:

Honestly, I'm biased but I think every parent out there should give this one a listen. Tech is only getting bigger and the sooner we are having conversations with our kids - the better!

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Some stories take a lot of courage and vulnerability to share. Stories like Chelsea Patterson Sobolik's. When I began to read the pages of Chelsea's book, I was so moved by her words, by the beautiful way she shares about brokenness and shattered dreams in a fallen world. This raw and touching conversation uncovers what it's like navigating childlessness in a world full of children.

In episode 50 (!!!), Chelsea and I discuss:

- How Chelsea's world was turned upside down in college, detouring, in a very big way, her motherhood dreams

This episode strikes an entirely different cord - and I hope you listen and share and encourage anyone you know dealing with the weight of childlessness. The burden is too heavy to carry alone.

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It's not everyday you get to talk to a cucumber. AND one of your favorite children's authors all in the same episode! Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of VeggieTales and voice of Larry the Cucumber, and Amy Parker, beloved children's book author and podcast host, join me to talk about the work they are doing to help kids build their faith.

In this episode, we chat:

Mike and Amy are fun and down to earth - if you want some motivation and encouargement as you seek to be intentional in building your children's faith - this one is for you.

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Loved my conversation with Courtney Florey! She's a decluttering coach out to help busy moms clear the clutter in their homes and minds. She helps you think about where to start and how to get your families on board. In episode 48, Susannah and Courtney chat: - how decluttering brings clarity - why declutering doesn’t need to be rigid - how to lead by example - ways that decluttering can help bolster your family values - what clutter is really costing you - where to start and some quick wins If you're up for some Spring cleaning, want to be more intentional with your space, or need to wrangle in some clutter - this one's for you! 

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With one of the most interesting careers - from running drill rigs to Harvard to NYC public education to raising capitol for her app for kids, Stephanie Dua shares some remarkable insight about how communities are often failing our earliest learners. What I love most about our conversation is that Stephanie gives us a "behind the scenes" look at how we got here - and the science and data is absolutely FASCINATING. 

In episode 47, Susannah and Stephanie chat:

If you want to be intentional about helping your kids succeed in math and reading and so much more - you've gotta listen in and share with a friend. 

Learn more about Homer here -  - free 30 day trial.

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Kimball Lewis, CEO, Empowering Parents, chats with us today about what parents can do to deal with intense behavior problems and why a "good enough parent" is good enough!

On episode 46, we discuss:

This episode is packed with great advice and you will love Kimball's insight and tips. Check out even more on EmpoweringParents.com and share with a friend today.

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