Welcome back to The Busy Vibrant Mom podcast! I'm so glad you're here.  Have you ever opened your email, your calendar, or your planner and instantly felt overwhelmed?  Lately, I've been on a mission to get a better handle on my email — and I'll be honest, I had almost 200 unread messages just sitting there. The system I had in place wasn't working. I felt like I was constantly in reaction mode trying to keep up with tasks, get back to people, remember appointments, manage my kids' schedules and somehow still figure out what I was actually supposed to be focusing on.  And more often than not, I'd start in my inbox and never even make it to the things that actually mattered.  Does any of that sound familiar?  That feeling of a never-ending to-do list.  Trying to keep up with everything, but never quite feeling caught up?

Recently, I attended a workshop by Lori Oberbroeckling on decluttering your calendar — and it was a game changer. I discovered there was one small thing I was doing wrong that was throwing everything off.  In today's episode, we're going to walk through how to declutter that overwhelming to-do list and the one simple shift that brought me so much more clarity. And honestly? It might just be the missing piece for you too.  So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let's dive in. 

Reminder: Quick Announcement 

We have some fun things coming up.  

- Bundle: 3/30-4/30 The Mom’s Spring Break Bundle (26 resources for $27) 

https://strideproductivity.thrivecart.com/moms-spring-break-bundle/?affiliate=renew_conference 

- Summit: Free Summit 4/20-4/24- Calm Connected Parenting Summit My Link To Share: (I'm speaking on 4/23) https://link.calmconnectionparent.com/ccp-2026/byrd

- Other things: In the next few episodes we have some new amazing guests, that you will really enjoy.  The new website for The Busy Vibrant Mom is almost done and I'm planning some fun ways to celebrate! 

I pray this episode today blesses you!

Michelle

Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com

Email: [email protected]

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 

Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom

Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to live a meaningful, purpose-filled life and the very real demands of work, family, and responsibility, today’s episode is for you. So many women I talk to aren’t lacking motivation or vision—they’re just stretched thin, trying to figure out how to pursue the things God has placed on their hearts without burning out or feeling like they’re constantly behind.

Today, I’m joined by a truly inspiring guest, Susan Marie Almquist, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with you. Susan Marie is a former attorney turned entrepreneur, a mom, and the author of the beautiful book Make Life Matter More. After years in law and leadership, she now serves as the Chief Growth Officer at MyCORE, a company built around people-first values—and she brings that same heart into her writing and everyday life.

In this episode, we talk honestly about what it looks like to pursue meaningful dreams—like writing a book—in the cracks of real life. We dive into time blocking, intentional living, and how to make space for what matters most without adding more pressure to your plate. Susan Marie shares her journey through motherhood, leadership, seasons of transition, and how small, faithful choices can lead to a life that feels aligned, grounded, and full.

This is a thoughtful, encouraging conversation about slowing down, paying attention, and choosing purpose over autopilot—especially in busy seasons.  So grab your coffee or tea, settle in, and let’s dive in.

Quick Announcement 

We have some fun things coming up.  

-Bundle: 3/30-4/17 The Mom’s Spring Break Bundle (26 resources for $27) 

https://strideproductivity.thrivecart.com/moms-spring-break-bundle/?affiliate=renew_conference (emailed info about this last week 4/3/26)

- Summit: Free Summit 4/20-4/24- Calm Connected Parenting Summit My Link To Share: https://link.calmconnectionparent.com/ccp-2026/byrd

- Currently we are more than halfway through our spring round of group coaching.  Our next round of group coaching in the fall.  The link for the waitlist will be on the website (www.byrdmichelle.com). 

If you need some help between now and the fall grab the Productivity Planner, or you can always reach out to me at [email protected] if you have any questions or just want to say hi. 

To Contact: Susan Marie Almquist

Our advisory firm's podcast is: The MyCORE Podcast

Social:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmariealmquist/

https://www.instagram.com/susanmariealmquist/

Website:

mycore.ai

Freebie: If you message me, I'll send you a complimentary copy of my book, Make Life Matter More: former attorney turned entrepreneur shares 101 examples of amplifying what you "do" in business, sales, and life.

I pray this podcast episode blesses you!

Michelle

Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com

Email: [email protected]

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

Welcome back to The Busy Vibrant Mom podcast! I’m your host, Michelle Byrd and I’m so glad you’re here.  Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the things—managing your home, your work, your kids—and yet it still feels hard to stay focused or follow through?  Maybe simple tasks feel bigger than they should, or your brain feels like it has a hundred tabs open at once. And you’ve probably wondered… why do typical productivity strategies feel so hard to stick to?

Today’s episode is such an important one, because we’re talking about time management and productivity for women with ADHD—and honestly, so much of this will resonate even if you’ve never been diagnosed.  I’m joined by Theresa Harp, a certified productivity coach for women with ADHD, a mom of four, and a business owner who truly understands the challenges of balancing work and motherhood.

We’re diving into why traditional productivity systems often don’t work, how to better understand your brain, and simple, sustainable strategies you can use right away—without burnout.  So whether you have ADHD or you’re just a busy mom trying to manage it all, this conversation is going to give you clarity, encouragement, and practical tools.  Alright, friend… let’s dive in. 

Quick Announcement

We have some fun things coming up this spring.   

To Connect with Theresa Harp: 

Work-Life Balance for Speech Pathologists

FB Group: Work-Life Balance for Speech Pathologists www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalanceforspeechpathologists/

Website: www.theresaharp.com

Email: [email protected]

Free Consult: https://cutt.ly/KtwII93a

Podcast: Work Life Balance For Speech Pathologists https://theresaharp.buzzsprout.com

Listen Here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-life-balance-for-speech-pathologists-mindful-time/id1590921247 

I pray this episode blesses you!

Michelle

Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com

Email: [email protected]

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

Have you ever started your day with a solid plan only to have it completely unravel before 9am?  Maybe it’s a last-minute dentist appointment, a sick kid at home, a forgotten lunch that needs to be dropped off, or just trying to get everyone out the door on time and something goes sideways. Suddenly, your carefully planned schedule is thrown off, your timeline shifts, and you feel like you’re playing catch-up for the rest of the day.  And if you’re anything like most busy moms, it’s not just one thing—it’s multiple interruptions, back-to-back, all pulling you away from what you thought your day was going to look like.

You had a plan.

So what do you do when your day gets taken over by other people’s needs, unexpected moments, and things you simply can’t control?

In today’s episode, we’re going to talk through exactly that. We’ll walk through how to shift your expectations so you’re not constantly frustrated when things don’t go as planned, how to focus on your top priorities even when your time is limited, and what to do in those unplanned moments—like when your kids forget something or your whole morning runs behind.

I’m also going to share what I call the “secret solution” that can make a huge difference in how your day feels (even when it’s messy), plus a simple way to get yourself back on track so you’re not writing the whole day off.  Because here’s the truth—you don’t need a perfect day to be a productive one.  Let’s make this work for your real life.

Reminder:  

We have some fun things coming up this spring.   

Make sure you’re on our email list, so you don’t miss out.  I have some fun things coming up this spring.  You can connect with me at [email protected].  If you have any questions or just want to say hi you can reach me there.  

I pray this episode blesses you!

Michelle

PS If you’d love a little help creating rhythms that actually work for your real life, I’d love to support you. In a coaching call we’ll simplify your schedule and build a strategic plan that feels calm, clear, and doable. 

Grab a coaching call with me at:

www.byrdmichelle.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom

Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 

Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

Have you ever looked at your calendar, your to-do list, and your energy level and thought, “There is absolutely no way I can fit a workout into this season of life”? Between work, kids, meals, laundry, and everything else, taking care of yourself can start to feel optional. And if you’re being honest, exercise and nutrition are usually the first things to fall off the list.

That’s why I’m so excited about today’s conversation. I’m joined by Rachel DeSonier—registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and mom of five—who gets what real-life motherhood actually looks like. Rachel helps overwhelmed moms stop treating themselves as optional and teaches simple, realistic ways to build strength, fuel their bodies with protein, and create consistency that actually sticks.

In this episode, we’re talking about how busy moms can fit in efficient workouts, why strength training matters so much in this season of life, and easy ways to get more protein throughout the day—without cooking separate meals or spending hours in the gym. This is a practical, encouraging conversation that meets you right where you are.  So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in.

Rachel DeSonier's Contact Info: 

Podcast: Effective Weight Loss for Moms

Protein Cheat Sheet: https://www.effectivefitnessforwomen.com/free-resources

[email protected]

effectivefitnessforwomen.com

Reminder: Quick Announcement

We have some fun things coming up this spring. This week, March 13-19th I’m part of a super fun, outta-the-box kind of bundle, The Online Business Owners Pot of Gold.  This is hosted by one of my favorite people Linda Sidhu.  She handhand-picked group of online business owners to share their top resources to help you grow this year.  Not only can you snag my From Chaos to Calm eBook, but it also comes with a 30min Mini Strategy call (usually $114…but you can snag it for free). 

Check out all the goodies here: https://lindasidhu.com/pot-of-gold

I pray this episode blesses you!

Michelle

PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  

Grab a coaching call with me at:

www.byrdmichelle.com

Email: [email protected]

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

You are in for a special treat! This is another episode of Coffee & Tea (with M&E) Real Moms Talking About Real Things.  Join Emily McDermott, the host of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm and I as we talk about what didn’t work this week, how we pivoted, what things we are excited about, and things that made us laugh! In this episode we talk about Spring cleaning, and decluttering your calendar, your digital space, and your physical space.  We wanted to provide moms with real life examples of time management, organization, and pivoting when life throws you curveballs. So grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us! 

Quick Announcement - 

The Online Business Owners Pot of Gold starts today, March 13 and ends March 19th. This is hosted by one of my favorite people, Linda Sidhu.  She hand-picked a group of online business owners to share their top resources to help you grow this year. Check out the link below to grab some amazing free resources from a very generous group of entrepreneurs.

For the first time ever I offered my From Chaos to Calm eBook and a 30min Mini Strategy call (usually $114…but you can snag it for free).  Check it all out here:  https://lindasidhu.com/pot-of-gold 

Emily McDermott's Contact Info: 

Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast: https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/

Simple by Emmy: http://www.simplebyemmy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1OzHKsGziu5IbkaHBQXGIw

Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm

Contact E-mail: [email protected]

Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/

I pray this blesses you!

Michelle

PS If you’d love a little help creating rhythms that actually work for your real life, I’d love to support you. In a coaching call we’ll simplify your schedule and build a strategic plan that feels calm, clear, and doable. 

Grab a coaching call with me at:

www.byrdmichelle.com

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom

Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 

Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

Happy Spring! You know what this means? Summer is coming… and if you’re a busy mom, you might already feel it creeping up on you.  The school year is on its final lap, the kids are ready to sleep in, and suddenly your normal routines are about to disappear. The structured school days, the predictable schedules, the quiet work hours while the kids are in class — all of that shifts pretty quickly once summer begins.  And while summer can be such a fun and meaningful season with a rhythm all its own, it can also feel a little chaotic if we don’t plan ahead.

Questions start popping up like:

If you’ve ever hit the last week of school and realized summer is now here and you still need to actually get work done then today’s episode is for you.  We are going to walk through 10 Things you can do now to set your family up for a smoother, more enjoyable summer. We’ll talk about planning vacations and camps, creating simple rhythms for days at home, setting expectations with your kids, and a few practical strategies that can save you time and stress once summer is in full swing.

My hope is that a little planning now will help you enjoy the season more later — with more flexibility, more fun, and a lot less last-minute scrambling. Alright friend, let’s dive in.

Quick Announcement:

This week, March 13-19th I’m part of a super fun, outta-the-box kind of bundle, The Online Business Owners Pot of Gold.  This is hosted by one of my favorite people Linda Sidhu.  She handhand-picked group of online business owners to share their top resources to help you grow this year. 

Not only can you snag my From Chaos to Calm eBook, but it also comes with a 30min Mini Strategy call (usually $114…but you can snag it for free), but I’m personally excited for: Pre-Launch Content Generator by Brenna McGowan, VIP Day in a Box by Dallas Travers, and The Mental Chaos Assessment Bot by Dr. Celia Varghese.

Here's the link: https://lindasidhu.com/pot-of-gold

I pray this episode blesses you!

Michelle

PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  

Email: [email protected]

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

Have you ever had one of those days where everything feels urgent? The emails. The laundry. The deadline. The permission slip. The text you forgot to respond to. The project that’s been sitting there staring at you.

You sit down to start… and instead of clarity, you feel stuck. Because where do you even begin when it all feels important.  This is a question I find myself asking often — and I have a feeling you might be wrestling with it too. Where do you start when everything seems urgent?

In today’s episode, we’re slowing that spiral down. I’m going to walk you through a simple, practical process to help you sort through the mental clutter and focus on what actually needs your attention right now. We’ll talk about why very few things are truly emergencies, how to do a brain dump that clears your head, and how to sort your tasks into “Now, Later, Maybe, or No” so you can move forward with confidence instead of panic.

I’ll also share a few bonus strategies that can completely change the game — like knocking out 5-minute tasks immediately, matching your tasks to your energy level, saving distracting tasks for last, and asking the powerful question: Do I really need to be the one doing this?  My hope is that this episode helps you feel less reactive and more intentional — not by doing more, but by choosing better.  Let’s dive in. 

Quick Announcement 

We have some fun things coming up this spring.   

- Productivity Planner on the website: www.byrdmichelle.com

- Grab a 1:1 call with me.  This is a one-on-one space where we can look at your schedule, your responsibilities, and your goals, and create simple, realistic strategic rhythms that actually work for your family and this season—without burnout or overwhelm.

Lastly, make sure you’re on our email list, so you don’t miss out.  I have some fun things coming up this spring.  You can go to the website www.byrdmichelle.com or connect with me at [email protected].  If you have any questions or just want to say hi you can reach me there.  

Links mentioned: 

Horacio Printing - code: michelle20 for 20% off https://www.horacioprinting.com/

I pray this episode blesses you!

Michelle

Grab a coaching call with me at:

https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone

Email: [email protected]

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Would group coaching actually help me?” or “Is it really worth the time and energy in this season?” you’re not alone. For busy moms especially, saying yes to support can feel just as overwhelming as trying to do it all on your own.  

In today’s episode, EP448 // Is Group Coaching Worth It for Busy Moms? A Behind-the-Scenes Look from a Real Client, we’re pulling back the curtain. I’m sitting down with someone who went through the Spring Group Coaching Program and is sharing her honest, real-life experience—what life felt like before, what actually changed during the program, and what she walked away with after it ended.  

We talk about the doubts, the logistics, the time commitment, and the transformation—not in a hype-y way, but in a grounded, honest conversation from someone who’s lived it. Whether you’re a mom feeling stretched thin, someone navigating a season of transition, or just curious about what group coaching is really like, this episode will give you a clear picture from the inside.  So grab your lukewarm coffee, get comfy wherever you’re listening, and let’s take a behind-the-scenes look together.

Reminder: Quick Announcement 

The doors are OPEN to the Spring Group Coaching Program. 

Here are the details you need to know:

Waitlist: Join the waitlist and get a special discount code for $100 off

https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist

Check out the Spring Group Coaching Program: 

https://byrdmichelle.thrivecart.com/spring-group-coaching/

If you have any questions or want to grab a 30min call you can reach me at contact@byrdmichelle.   

I pray this episode blesses you!

Michelle

Email: [email protected]

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

You are in for a special treat! This is another episode of Coffee & Tea (with M&E) Real Moms Talking About Real Things.  Join Emily McDermott, the host of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm and I as we talk about what didn’t work this week, how we pivoted, trying to work from home with kids, summer planning, what things we are excited about and so much more! We wanted to provide moms with real life examples of time management, organization, and pivoting when life throws you curveballs. So grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us! 

Reminder: Quick Announcement

We have some fun things coming up this spring.  The doors just opened TODAY  to our Spring Group Coaching Program.  The program starts on March 2nd and runs through May 22nd.  It's an intentionally small group of 8-10 women, so that each one can get personal one on one transformation.  It will be a hybrid format of 60min group coaching calls and personal coaching calls. 

For our insiders and people on the waitlist I’m giving a special $100 off bonus.  Go here to check it out (https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist) and if its a good fit for you grab your spot here (https://byrdmichelle.thrivecart.com/spring-group-coaching/)

But, hurry doors to the coaching program close on February 27th.

I pray this episode blesses you!

Michelle

Bio For Emily McDermott:

Emily McDermott is an Air Force wife and mom to two energetic boys living in Fairfax, Virginia. She is also the host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast Moms Overcoming Overwhelm where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. As a virtual and in-person decluttering coach, she works with moms one-on-one to define what matters, eliminate what doesn’t and automate the rest. Emily enjoys writing custom poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar.

Contact Info: For Emily

Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast: https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/

Simple by Emmy: http://www.simplebyemmy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1OzHKsGziu5IbkaHBQXGIw

Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm

Contact E-mail: [email protected]

Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/

Contact Info: For Michelle

Grab a coaching call with me at:

https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone

Email: [email protected]

website: www.byrdmichelle.com

Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 

Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/