Episode 45 brings you an excellent conversation about how to stay on track with your health. Amber Lia, author of Food Triggers, talks to us about how she finally made some health changes that lasted and how you can do the same. But, this conversation goes beyond physical health to a more holistic approach to stewarding our health well and living out the life we are called to lead.

In this episode, Amber and Susannah talk about:

There is so much goodness in this episode - physical health is just the beginning. Thanks for investing in you and your family this week!

Connect with Amber:

Connect with Susannah:

Darlynn brings over a decade of experience to moms who desire to stop yelling at their kids. She helps moms understand how feelings drive behavior and provides powerful, yet tangible ways moms can help dissipate bad behavior.

On episode 44, Darlynn and I talk about:

Darlynn is a patient and wise teacher. No matter how old your kids - this one is not to be missed! Listen in and share with friend. Thanks for listening in and investing in you and your family!

Connect with Darlynn:

Calm Mama Website // Stop Yelling Free Masterclass // Darlynn on Instagram

Connect with Susannah:

Instagram // Facebook // Website // Instagram: The 5 to 8 Shift

January (or whenever you get to this episode!) is a great time to think about the year ahead. Many of us have dreams and goals, but Debranetta Howard, founder of Career Mom Community, helps us think about the steps it takes to make those dreams come to fruition. If you want to get your year started in the right direction - with intention and organization - this one's for you!

We talk:

Listen in and share with a friend! Thanks for investing in you and your family today!

Connect with Debranetta Howard:

Connect with Susannah:

Who better to talk about building future leaders than two leadership experts who have worked with thousands of corporate professionals across the country - meet Molly D. Shepard and Peter J. Dean. Molly founded The Leader's Edge in 2001 to help address the limited representation of women in the highest ranks of American businesses, and Peter, Wharton lecturer turned executive coach, has authored several books and runs the men's coaching division, Leaders By Design. 

On episode 42, we discuss:

Check out their new children's book, Little Leaders and Their Stories, and listen in today.

Connect with Molly & Peter:

Connect with Susannah:

A recent State of Motherhood Survey by Motherly indicated that moms are drowning. We don't have the support we need - at home, at our workplaces, or in our communities - and we are burned out. Plain and simple. And the numbers of women saying they are burned out and the frequency which we are burned out goes up every year. Although probably not surprising to many, the statistics are staggering.

In episode 41, Susannah shares 4 ways to deal with burnout, how to cope in healthy and productive ways (because some stressors in life aren't going away!), and warns mamas about the negative side effects that will ensue if burnout is not dealt with. You can't bring your best self to your family, your work, or your community if stressors continue to derail your attitude and behavior. 

Listen in and let us know what you think about today's episode - we'd love your review!

Connect with Susannah:

Feeling the busyness of this season? Want to help your kids feel replenished and rested instead of stressed and overwhelmed? How bout you, Mama? Have you taken any opportunities to care for yourself so that you can pour from a full cup? If you find yourself contemplating questions like these lately, then you've come to the right place. Today's episode helps us think through self care - the what, the why, the how - with Kristen Poppa. 

Kristen is a professor at Eastern University and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience meeting with couples and families. On episode 40, we discuss the varying stages of self care, how our physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual wellness are interconnected, how we can weave self care into our family lives and so. much. more. Whether you are combatting a season of "too much" or looking to get your family on track in 2022 - this one's for you!

Connect with Susannah:

That's right. You read that right. Today's guests are on a mission to get more married couples talking about how and why to prioritize a healthy sex life. The truth is - the world is already talking about sex everywhere you turn - why aren't we talking more about the value of a healthy sex life for our marriage and our family?

My guests on episode 39 are Gary Thomas and Debra Fileta. Thomas has authored over 20 book, with Sacred Marriage selling over 1 million copies. Debra is a a licensed professional counselor and couples therapist who writes and hosts the popular podcast, Love + Relationships. Together, they authored Married Sex: A Christian Couple's Guide to Reimagining Your Love Life, and we talk all the things.  

We talk about communicating and managing sexpectations, how to make time for intimacy with small kids in the house, countering false narratives around sex, mutual pleasure, quickies, and so. much. more. 

Listen in, share with a couple you care about, and grab their new book today. 

Connect with Debra:

Instagram // Love + Relationships Podcast // Dating Blog

Connect with Gary:

Website // Facebook

Connect with Susannah:

Instagram // Facebook // Website // Instagram: The 5 to 8 Shift

Co-Parenting and Blended Family Life has been one of the most requested topics here on the podcast. I am so thrilled to provide some insight on episode 38 with Jenessa Broderick. If you are looking for tangible tools you can take away to help prioritize your kids despite loss, divorce, or a myriad of other factors - you'll love this episode.

Jenessa has had a successful corporate career for over a decade, is a wife, and mother to four boys ranging in ages from 12-3. She has also been my friend for over 15 years. In my humble opinion, there is no better insight about co-parenting with an ex-spouse than what she brings to this episode. She is wildly intentional and the biggest beneficiary is her son who she shares with her ex. We talk about how divorce forces you to grapple with "forfeit" and "sacrifice" and how the road can be lonely and difficult. We talk about communication, grace, scheduling, flexibility and the idea of being accommodating with an ex-partner even when you don't want to be.

If you don't find yourself in a blended family situation - there is a lot here on how to be a friend to someone who is in transition, parenting solo, or navigating a new relationship. Listen and share with a friend today!

Connect with Jenessa:

LinkedIn // Email: [email protected]

Connect with Susannah:

Susannah on Instagram // Facebook // Website // Instagram: The 5 to 8 Shift

Have you ever found it difficult to combat the idea that the things you do at home are not as important as the things you accomplish elsewhere? Ever feel like you're slogging your way through life - taking on one task after the next without feeling fulfilled? What would it look like to thrive in motherhood rather than simply surviving motherhood? 

Today's episode is a Mom Chat. Just two moms discussing these questions often brought on by motherhood - and we invite you into our conversation. Grab your coffee, tea, or wine and join us!

My guest on episode 37 is Erica Ligenza, the creator behind Coming Up Roses. She is a Philadelphia-based blogger and podcaster, wife to Jamie, mama to Olivia, wine-and-cheese enthusiast and published book author. In today's episode we talk about thriving in motherhood, reframing the way we view our work at home, and how to cope if you are a recovering perfectionist. Erica brings a huge dose of energy, fun, and candor to the podcast providing mamas some sound encouragement. If you've ever felt defeated or discouraged in your motherhood journey - this one's for you.

Connect with Erica

Blog // Instagram // Facebook // Thrive Podcast // Book

Connect with Susannah:

Instagram // Facebook // Website // Instagram: The 5 to 8 Shift

My guest on episode 36 is Judge Roy Sparkman, a retired Texas Judge, former school board attorney, a grandfather, dad, husband and follower of Christ who has spent the latter years of his career “accidentally” learning about the constitutional laws surrounding religious freedoms. As such, he is committed to empowering parents about the importance of teaching our children how to protect and defend religious liberties in America.

We discuss SO many provocative topics on today's episode around religious liberties - everything from the Fulton vs. Philadelphia case to advocating for more transparent school communication to clarifying the kinds of religious liberties kids do have at school to helping our kids dissect what is rhetoric and what is law. This is one of the most thought provoking episodes of Season 2 and it will leave you with a lot to chew on as a parent. You don't want to miss it.

Judge Sparkman's new fiction book: A Pastor's Pit.

Connect with Judge Roy Sparkman:

Website

Connect with Susannah:

Susannah on Instagram // Facebook // Website // Instagram: The 5 to 8 Shift