In this episode, we’re talking about the chaos of trying to “settle in” and actually build a life at the same time. From ongoing house projects that are never quite finished, to the mental load of making a home feel functional (and not just lived-in), we’re deep in that stage of life where everything is a work in progress—especially us. We also get into what it really looks like to build community as moms in a new season: connecting with new neighbors, making swim team friends, and reconnecting with old friends to keep our friendships alive. It’s a mix of home life, new routines, and the ongoing attempt to create a sense of belonging in the middle of it all.

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What started as a fun getaway to NurseCon at Sea 2026 turned into something neither of us expected: a decision to change a career path.

But before we get into the life-changing part, we have to recap the absolute chaos that got us there including a terrifyingly turbulent landing, struggling to find food after arriving at our hotel exhausted, and Maggie’s suitcase literally breaking mid-trip because apparently the universe wanted to humble us immediately. Once we finally made it onto the ship, though, something shifted. In this episode of The Modern Motherload, we talk about the moments, conversations, and emotions that made Lili seriously consider pursuing a career in nursing in her late 30s. From watching nurses show up for one another to realizing how deeply motherhood has changed what she wants out of life and work, this trip was the tipping point. In this episode we get into: 

• The emotional impact of being surrounded by women reinventing themselves
• The fear of starting over later in life
• Whether this is a passing “vacation high” or a real calling

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s too late to change your life, this episode is for you. Because apparently some people come home from cruises with souvenirs and some come home questioning their entire future.

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In this episode, we discuss what feels like one of the most loaded holidays: Mother's Day. How do we set clear expectations so that we do not feel disappointed (we've been there!) and what do we do for our own mother's and MILs. We also share some fun facts about the origins of Mother's Day (they may surprise you!) and do a quick this or that quiz. Grab Lili's Google Doc for a wonderful Mother's Day here: Steps for a Perfect Mother's Day

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Where is the book "What to Expect When You're Expecting...to Raise Kids in an A.I. Era?" I, for one, would like to opt out. But what do you do when you can't just bury your head in the sand and pretend that A.I. an tech will not substantially affect your kids and their childhoods? We dive into this conversation by starting off with a recap of other current events we are having a hard time wrapping our minds around, followed by a history of our own social media/tech/A.I. usage and then what are we doing to put in the safeguards around these advancements when the world has failed to.

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Maggie's back for this episode where she and Lili talk about how they are handling life. Topics include vents about customer service (shoot-- are we Karens??), child hygiene, and home organization. Maggie also shares her experience with ancestry.com (with a warning about the evils of technology by Lili-- who would've expected any less?) and also cruise plans. Let us know on social if you've ever been on a Disney cruise and your best hacks/recs for that or how do we solve our kids hygience problems @themodernmotherload



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In this first ever solo episode, Lili talks unloads about everything that's been floating around in her head lately (before she forgets it!). This means a reflection on friendships, her upcoming 20 year high school reunion, not feeling cemented in a career, 2000s music, changes in her work and upcoming summer camp schedules, thoughts on motherhood, how to decide the best choices including where to send her daughter for preschool this fall, prepping for storms, her new approach to dinner, and the thing her daughter CANNOT stand her doing! Come along for the ride as you go about your life and feel a little less alone in the mundane motherload.

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Welcome back to Season 2 of The Modern Motherload! It may be a new year and a new season of the podcast, but we are still the same moms dealing with busy schedules, figuring out our futures, and also what's for dinner tonight?! In this episode we talk about some of the things that have been keeping us busy besides our multiple jobs including house organization, pursuing living options outside of the United States, sports and experiences for our kids (and ourselves), and maximizing our houses' space. Join us for another casual conversation of chatting with your motherloaded besties Lili & Maggie as we figure out our lives.

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In this very delayed release of the last episode of Season 1 of The Modern Motherload, we reflect on how Christmas traditions from our childhood play out in our family lives today and how we embody the spirit and magic of the season. Come along with us to reminisce and remember this special time of year.

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In this episode of The Modern Motherload, Lili and Maggie reveal just how successful they were with the $500 Grocery Budget Challenge for November. They share what they learned, how they plan to continue to implement it, and what areas are in desperate need of improvement. They also share some travel tips and one big thing Lili plans on NOT doing next Christmas!

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In this episode of The Modern Motherload, Maggie and Lili dive into what they are actually buying their kids for Christmas, how they handle gift giving among friends, family, and all the other people in their lives they like to give to during this season, and how they handle some of the magic of Christmas. 

Links for today's episode (note: these are affiliate links so we will receive some commission from these links):

Lili's Gift List:

Diamond Painting Kit
Diamond Art Kit
Zelda Calendar
Labubu (for my niece!)
Weighted Blanket (for my sensory kiddo!)
Electronic Puzzle
Trump Gag Gift Toilet Paper
Beautiful Tabitha Paige Children's Books
Tabletop Air Hockey
BIG Aquaphor for Stockings
Tabitha Paige Water paint Book
Minecraft Building Blocks (Frozen Edition)
Gardening Gift for my MIL
Bluey Toothbrush for the Stocking
Toothbrush for my daughter
More Minecraft Magnetic Blocks
Drone
Lego Ninjago Temple Bounty
Minecraft Sword
Stocking Puzzle
Taco Goat Cheese Cat Pizza Card Game
Pop Up Illustrated Harry Potter
Chalktree Candle Company En Casa Candle
Coal into Crystals Gag Gift for Stocking
Five Crowns Card Game
Farkle Dice Game
Jacks
Holiday Mad Libs
Clicker Counters for Stocking


Maggie's List:
Wooden Magnetic Chess Set (and Checkers)
Punching Bag
Adult Coloring Book
Remote Control Car
Remote Control Electronic Dinosaur
Jewelry Box
Telescope
Between Mom & Daughter Journal
Between Mom & Son Journal
Light Up Tracing Pad
Mr. Potato Head
1000 Piece Puzzle
Back Scratchers

Ornaments:
Minecraft Ornament
Eeyore Ornament
Harry Potter Ornament

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