🧡 Join our newly-launched Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ModernAncestralMamas

How are things really going behind the scenes? In this Behind-the-Mic episode, Corey and Christine sit down together (just the two of them!) to share long-awaited updates, a major life announcement, and the future direction of Modern Ancestral Mamas. From homeschooling realities to evolving creative capacity to the surprising story of how the podcast pause happened, this episode is a warm, honest catch-up from two moms navigating a very full season.

Christine shares her big news (spoiler: baby #4!), Corey gives an inside look at homeschooling older grades, and together they reflect on what this community means to them, and how they’re restructuring the show so they can continue creating high-quality, meaningful content without burning out.

Plus: holiday traditions, Christmas School ideas, their annual Hot Drinks Party, and the new ways listeners can support the show as it grows into the next chapter.

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Christine’s pregnancy announcement + navigating low-capacity seasons

✔️ Corey’s real-life homeschooling update: older grades, workload & rhythms

✔️ Why the podcast unexpectedly paused — and what’s changing moving forward

✔️ How hiring an editor transformed the show (and why it’s necessary)

✔️ Why the MAM community has meant so much during their break

✔️ The launch of Patreon + what’s coming for members

✔️ How sponsorships actually work and why they’re selective

✔️ Christmas School ideas: books, crafts, traditions & Advent favorites

✔️ Behind the scenes of their annual Hot Drinks Holiday Party

✔️ Upcoming speaking events + plans for 2026 content

🧠 More About This Episode:

This heart-to-heart episode gives listeners a warm, honest look at what Corey and Christine have been navigating personally and creatively this year — from pregnancy and homeschooling, to carving out margin, to dreaming bigger for the podcast. They share why this community matters so deeply, how much your messages have kept the show alive, and their plan to build a sustainable, high-quality podcast for the long haul.

If you’ve missed that cozy, real-life MAM energy… this one feels like sitting on the couch with friends.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

✨ Show Sponsors & Discount Codes

📍 Baja Gold Salt | https://bajagoldsaltco.com – Code MAM10 for 10% off

📍 Masienda (masa, tortilla presses, comal) | https://masienda.com – Code MAM10

📍 Farrow (lard-based skincare) | https://farrow.shop – Code ANCESTRALMAMAS

📍 Wholestix (organ-meat beef sticks) | http://www.wholestix.com – Code MAMA50 for 50% off

✨ Upcoming Events

📍 Hack Your Health (Tampa, FL) | https://hackyourhealth.com/

📍 Seeking Whole Health Conference (Ohio, April 16–18, 2026) | https://seekingwholehealth.com/conference/

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more ancestral motherhood wisdom

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What should we add to the Patreon? What would YOU find valuable?

🧡 Join our Patreon community: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ModernAncestralMamas 

📲 Stay Connected:

@fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas

Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/cw/ModernAncestralMamas 

How do we raise kids who love real food and understand how it shapes their mood, focus, and resilience? In this episode, Corey and Christine sit down with Ali Miller, registered dietitian and author of Naturally Nourished Kids and The Anti-Anxiety Diet, to explore how food truly acts as medicine for both body and mind. From navigating picky eaters to supporting anxious teens, Ali breaks down how nutrient-dense foods can transform the way our kids think, feel, and grow.

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Practical tips for feeding picky eaters without becoming a short-order cook

✔️ Why early introduction of savory flavors helps prevent “sweet-only” palates

✔️ Baby-led weaning vs. purees, what the science (and real life) says

✔️ The truth about salt, sugar, and snacks in childhood nutrition

✔️ How chewing impacts jaw development, focus, and brain oxygenation

✔️ Using food to prevent anxiety, mood swings, and burnout in kids and teens

✔️ Creating peaceful, screen-free kitchen spaces that inspire connection

✔️ How to model joyful eating and resilience in your home

🧠 More About This Episode:

Ali Miller is a registered dietitian, functional medicine expert, and the author of Naturally Nourished Kids and The Anti-Anxiety Diet. With over a decade of clinical experience and a passion for teaching families how to use food as medicine, Ali offers practical, empowering guidance for moms who want to nourish their kids without the overwhelm. From baby-led weaning to balancing teen hormones, this episode dives deep into how whole foods support healthy brains, strong bodies, and calmer homes.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Naturally Nourished Kids – https://a.co/d/iJ4Zv3l

📍 The Anti-Anxiety Diet – https://a.co/d/8pKJIod

📍 Ali Miller RD – https://alimillerrd.com

📍 Serenity Farm Bread – https://serenityfarmbread.com  (use code MAM10 for 10% off)

📍 Seatopia Seafood – https://seatopia.fish  (use code ANCESTRALMAMA for 10% off)

📍 For Nutrient Sake Cookbooks – https://fornutrientsake.com  (use code MAM15 for 15% off)

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more ancestral motherhood wisdom

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What’s been your biggest struggle with feeding your kids real food?

#KidsNutrition #PickyEaters #FoodAsMedicine #BabyLedWeaning #AnxietyAndFood #ModernAncestralMamas #AncestralMotherhood

📲 Stay Connected: @fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas 

How can we raise strong, resilient kids who thrive in sports and everyday life? In this episode, Corey and Christine sit down with Jenny McGruther—author of The Nourished Kitchen and longtime voice in the ancestral food space—to talk about fueling young athletes with real food, not packaged snacks and sports drinks. From sideline snack culture to teen appetites that rival grown men, Jenny shares her lived experience raising two kids—one now a college-aged athlete—on nutrient-dense, traditional foods.

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ The cultural norm of junky post-game snacks—and how to handle it with grace

✔️ Nourishing breakfasts and game-day meals that actually fuel performance

✔️ How teens’ growing bodies demand huge amounts of nutrient-dense food

✔️ Travel hacks: feeding kids well during hotel stays and tournaments

✔️ Why beets, switchel, and even chocolate milk support recovery and stamina

✔️ The role of family meals in connection, identity, and long-term health

✔️ Injury recovery: nutrients that strengthen bones and speed healing

✔️ What decades of real food taught Jenny about health outcomes in her kids

🧠 More About This Episode: Jenny McGruther is the creator of [Nourished Kitchen] (https://nourishedkitchen.com), a blog dedicated to traditional foods and heritage cooking.

She is also the author of three cookbooks: The Nourished Kitchen, Broth & Stock, and Vibrant Botanicals. With two decades of experience feeding her family real food—from toddlers to teen athletes—Jenny offers both wisdom and practical strategies for moms who want to raise healthy kids without losing their sanity. Whether you’re packing snacks for youth soccer or stocking the freezer for a hungry varsity athlete, this conversation is packed with ideas and encouragement.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Nourished Kitchen – https://nourishedkitchen.com

📍 The Nourished Kitchen (book) – https://amzn.to/3Example

📍 Vibrant Botanicals (book) – https://amzn.to/3Example2

📍 Farrow Skincare – (https://farrow.shop/) use code ANCESTRALMAMAS for 15% off

📍 Masienda Heirloom Masa – (https://masienda.com) use code MAM10 for 10% off

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more ancestral motherhood insights

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What’s the hardest part for you about navigating snacks and sports culture?

#YouthSports #HealthyKids #ModernAncestralMamas #AncestralNutrition #FuelingAthletes

📲 Stay Connected:

@fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas 

How can we raise kids who thrive in sports without falling into cycles of junk snacks, pressure, or burnout? In this episode, Corey and Christine sit down with guest Christina Schindler to unpack her years of experience raising three kids through youth sports, high school teams, and now college athletics. Together, they dive into what really fuels performance, how to navigate the culture around snacks and team traditions, and why food choices matter just as much for emotional health as they do for physical stamina.

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ The snack culture of youth sports—and how to set healthier standards

✔️ Why travel and college athletics demand a new approach to fueling

✔️ Teaching kids balance: letting them participate socially without sacrificing health

✔️ What Europe gets right about inclusivity in sports (and how the U.S. can learn)

✔️ How family meals anchor athletes through busy training schedules

✔️ The impact of processed foods on mood, focus, and recovery

✔️ Simple, nourishing pre- and post-game meal ideas

✔️ The role of parents and coaches in shaping food culture on teams

🧠 More About This Episode:

Christina Schindler is co-owner of the Modern Stone Age Kitchen, a restaurant focused on real, traditionally-prepared foods. She and her husband Bill have raised three children through every stage of athletics—from peewee soccer to dual-sport college competition. In this conversation, Christina shares candid lessons on setting boundaries, handling social pressures around junk food, and creating meals that keep athletes strong without adding stress for parents. Whether your child is just starting in local leagues or navigating the demands of high-level sports, this episode offers insight and strategies to support both performance and family well-being.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Serenity Farm Bread – https://serenityfarmbread.com  (use code MAM10 for 10% off)

📍 For Nutrient’s Sake Cookbooks – https://www.fornutrientssake.com  (use code MAM15 for 15% off)

📍 Seatopia Seafood – https://seatopia.fish  (use code ANCESTRALMAMA for 10% off)

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more ancestral motherhood insights

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What’s the biggest challenge you face fueling your young athlete?

#YouthSports #SportsParenting #ModernAncestralMamas #NutritionForKids #AncestralHealth

📲 Stay Connected:

@fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas 

Many parents wonder: how do I help my child perform at their best without falling into the traps of processed sports drinks, diet culture, or burnout? In this conversation, Corey and Christine welcome strength and conditioning coach Kelsee Moore of https://www.heyyomooreandco.com  to share her expertise in performance nutrition and ancestral living. Together they explore what kids really need on and off the field, how to support female athletes through puberty, and why food should always be seen as fuel, not shame.

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Why proper fueling matters for student athletes of all ages

✔️ Clean alternatives to Gatorade and processed snacks

✔️ The truth about carbs, glucose, and athletic performance

✔️ How to support female athletes through puberty and menstrual cycles

✔️ Encouraging healthy body image while navigating weight requirements

✔️ Snack and refueling ideas that work in real life

✔️ The connection between mood, energy, and under-fueling

✔️ Helping kids see food as a tool for confidence and resilience

🧠 More About This Episode:

Kelsee Moore is a strength and conditioning coach for Air Force Special Warfare and the founder of Moore & Co. https://www.heyyomooreandco.com , where she blends performance coaching with an ancestral mindset. Her own health journey—from dealing with the effects of hormonal birth control to rethinking traditional sports nutrition—led her to become an advocate for smarter fueling. In this episode, she equips parents with practical, approachable tools for raising strong, confident athletes who are fueled for both performance and long-term health. Whether your child is just starting travel sports or competing at higher levels, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and strategies you can use right away.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Masienda – ( https://masienda.com ) (use code MAMM for 10% off)

📍 Farrow Skincare – ( https://farrow.shop ) (use code ANCESTRALMAMAS for 15% off)

📍 Serenity Farm Bread – ( https://serenityfarmbread.com ) (use code MAM10 for 10% off)

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more intentional motherhood conversations

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What’s been the hardest part of fueling your young athlete well?

#StudentAthletes #SportsNutrition #ModernAncestralMamas #Parenting #AncestralHealth

📲 Stay Connected: @fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake 

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles 

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas 

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas 

Grandparents can be a source of deep joy, and sometimes deep tension, when it comes to raising kids. Many parents in our community have asked, how do I protect my values without damaging family relationships? In this conversation, Corey and Christine welcome Tara Couture of Slowdown Farmstead to share her wisdom as both a mother and now a grandmother. Together they unpack what respect really looks like between generations, why “boundaries” isn’t always the right word, and how families can build stronger connections even when values don’t align perfectly.

Find Tara's newly-released book here: https://a.co/d/8vxRXQn

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Why boundaries might not be the best word when navigating family dynamics

✔️ How grandparents can honor their adult children’s parenting choices

✔️ The tension between “just one treat” vs. consistent values at home

✔️ Finding the balance between respect and relationship

✔️ How difficult conversations can deepen family connections

✔️ The role of confidence and conviction as a young parent

✔️ Stories from Tara’s own experience as a mom and now a grandparent

✔️ Creative ways to nurture grandparent-grandchild relationships across distance

🧠 More About This Episode:

Tara Couture is a farmer, writer, and grandmother who brings honesty and depth to the conversation about family dynamics. With stories from her own life—navigating parenting without the internet, choosing unconventional health paths, and now learning from her daughter’s parenting choices—Tara encourages us to see these relationships as an opportunity for growth. Whether you’re a new mom feeling pressured by grandparents or a grandparent yourself trying to understand your adult children, this conversation is full of wisdom, compassion, and hope.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Serenity Farm Bread – https://serenityfarmbread.com/ (use code MAM10 for 10% off)

📍 For Nutrient’s Sake cookbooks – https://fornutrientsake.com (use code MAM15 for 15% off)

📍 Seatopia – https://seatopia.com (use code ANCESTRALMAMA for 10% off)

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more intentional motherhood conversations

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What’s been the hardest part of navigating grandparents in your parenting journey?

#ParentingBoundaries #Grandparents #FamilyDynamics #FaithAndFamily #ModernAncestralMamas

📲 Stay Connected:

@fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas 

Seed oils are everywhere, from chips and crackers to “heart healthy” salad dressings. But what are they really doing to our bodies? In this episode, Corey and Christine sit down with Dr. Cate Shanahan, physician, researcher, and author of Deep Nutrition, to uncover why she calls them the “Hateful Eight” and how families can begin to swap them out for better fats.

✨ Topics We Cover:

The link between seed oils, inflammation, and disease

Why saturated fats are more stable than polyunsaturated fats

The “Hateful Eight” oils to memorize and avoid

How seed oils are made and why that matters

Olive oil, avocado oil, and cooking myths

Everyday tips for ditching hidden seed oils

Dr. Shanahan has spent over two decades researching the science of fats and nutrition. Her insights challenge decades of conventional dietary advice and give moms practical tools for feeding their families with confidence.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

Deep Nutrition by Dr. Cate Shanahan – https://drcate.com/books/

Serenity Farm Bread – https://serenityfarmbread.com/ (code MAM10 for 10% off)

Pharaoh Skincare – https://pharaoh.shop (code ANCESTRALMAMAS for 15% off)

Nourish the Littles course – https://nourishthelittles.com (code NTL10 for 10% off)

💡 Support the Show:

Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Share this episode with a friend who’s trying to make healthier food choices

#SeedOils #AncestralHealth #MotherhoodPodcast #ModernAncestralMamas

Correction: We apologize for the mistake. Siete is not the brand that uses seed oils. They use avocado oil. The brand I (Corey) meant to say was Garden of Eaten'. Thank you for your understanding. 

We’re diving into a topic every mama faces at the end of summer: back to school. Whether your kids are homeschooled, enrolled in traditional school, or somewhere in between, this season brings fresh routines, curriculum choices, and the inevitable chaos of early mornings. In this episode, Corey and Christine share their own family plans for the year, from hybrid co-ops to traditional classrooms, and offer encouragement for moms navigating the transition.

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ Homeschool planning: spreadsheets, curriculum choices, and record-keeping

✔️ Balancing hybrid co-ops with at-home learning

✔️ Why one child is returning to traditional school—and how the family is preparing

✔️ Curriculum recommendations moms actually use (math, reading, history, language arts)

✔️ Organization hacks: planners, whiteboards, and keeping schedules visible

✔️ How to handle standardized testing as a homeschooler

✔️ Early dinners, early bedtimes, and making mornings less chaotic

✔️ Packing school lunches—night before vs. morning of

✔️ Keeping family connection strong during the busy school year

✔️ Encouragement for moms in every stage—from toddlers to teens

🧠 More About This Episode:

In this conversation, Corey and Christine open up about their own schooling decisions, why flexibility matters, how each child’s needs are different, and what they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re brand new to homeschooling or sending your kids back to school with packed lunches, this episode will leave you with practical ideas and plenty of encouragement.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Beast Academy – https://beastacademy.com/

📍 Story of the World – https://welltrainedmind.com/c/story-of-the-world/

📍 Logic of English – https://www.logicofenglish.com/

📍 Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) – https://iew.com/

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more faith-filled, intentional motherhood conversations

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What’s one back-to-school tip or tradition that works in your family?

#BackToSchool #HomeschoolMoms #FaithAndFamily #MotherhoodPodcast #ModernAncestralMamas

📲 Stay Connected:

@fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas 

We’re stepping into a topic that every mama of daughters will eventually face—puberty. How do we approach it with honesty, hope, and wisdom? In this episode, we’re joined by Megan Ziegenfus, former middle school teacher and creator of a popular mother-daughter puberty course, to talk about navigating the changes of adolescence with grace. From spotting the first signs of development to offering our girls a vision of their bodies as beautifully designed, Megan shares how moms can prepare their daughters—and themselves—for this season.

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ The very first signs of puberty in girls (and what to look for)

✔️ How to talk about breast buds, body hair, and early changes positively

✔️ When and how to start the conversation about periods

✔️ Why “drip drip drip” conversations are more effective than one big “talk”

✔️ Common things moms forget to explain (like cervical fluid and discharge)

✔️ How nutrition—minerals, protein, and breakfast—supports healthy cycles

✔️ Reframing cravings and chocolate before periods through a nutrient lens

✔️ The connection between digestion, hormones, and menstrual health

✔️ Making puberty talks special, memorable, and rooted in love

✔️ Why early education on fertility awareness matters for teens

🧠 More About This Episode:

Megan Ziegenfus is a former middle school teacher turned women’s health educator who helps moms and daughters learn about puberty, periods, and the beauty of the female body together. Through her course and resources, she equips families to replace shame and confusion with confidence, dignity, and wonder at how God designed our bodies.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Megan’s Mother-Daughter Course – https://www.bodytalkbasics.com/

📍 The Care and Keeping of You (original edition) – https://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-American-Girl-Library/dp/1562476661

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more faith-filled, intentional motherhood conversations

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: What’s one thing you wish you had known about puberty when you were younger?

#PubertyTalk #ChristianMotherhood #RaisingGirls #FaithAndFamily #ModernAncestralMamas

📲 Stay Connected:

@fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas 

We’re stepping away from our usual nutrition chats to explore something just as vital to family life—creating a home that nurtures the heart and soul. In this episode, Jamie Erickson of The Unlikely Homeschool and author of Holy Hygge joins us to share how the Danish concept of hygge can transform the way we approach homeschooling, hospitality, rest, and daily rhythms. From cultivating cozy spaces to modeling lifelong learning, Jamie offers practical wisdom for weaving faith, intentionality, and warmth into your home life—without the pressure to be Pinterest-perfect.

✨ Topics Covered in This Episode:

✔️ What “hygge” really means (and why it matters for family life)

✔️ The 7 key elements of a hygge-inspired home

✔️ How to practice “scruffy hospitality” and welcome others without perfection

✔️ Why rest is a command, not a luxury—and how to make space for it

✔️ The difference between care and work on the Sabbath

✔️ Modeling lifelong learning for your kids through daily reading

✔️ Building a home culture that values relationships over appearances

✔️ Simple ways to make guests feel truly seen and known

✔️ How to create cozy, faith-filled rhythms for every season

✔️ Reframing productivity through a Biblical lens

🧠 More About This Episode:

Jamie Erickson is a veteran homeschool mom of five, founder of The Unlikely Homeschool, and author of Holy Hygge, where she blends the timeless Danish principles of coziness, hospitality, and contentment with a Christ-centered home life. Her practical, grace-filled approach helps moms slow down, welcome others authentically, and create a home that reflects both faith and beauty.

📚 Resources & Links Mentioned:

📍 Holy Hygge – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0802421063

📍 The Unlikely Homeschool – https://www.theunlikelyhomeschool.com

📍 Jamie Erickson on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theunlikelyhomeschool

✨ Support the Show!

👍 Like & Subscribe for more conversations on faith-filled, intentional living

⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

💬 Comment below: Which of the 7 hygge elements do you most want to cultivate in your home?

#HolyHygge #Hospitality #HomeschoolLife #FaithAndFamily #ChristianMotherhood #ModernAncestralMamas

📲 Stay Connected:

@fornutrientssake | https://www.instagram.com/fornutrientssake/

@nourishthelittles | https://www.instagram.com/nourishthelittles/

@modernancestralmamas | https://www.instagram.com/modernancestralmamas/

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ModernAncestralMamas