Ep511. Renee sits down with illustrator and writer Mary Catherine Starr, the creative force behind @momlife_comics, to talk about how the chaos of early motherhood—and a global pandemic—sparked a viral career that resonated with millions. From her first comic to landing a book deal, Mary Catherine shares how she uses humor, art, and personal storytelling to make sense of the emotional labor, invisible work, and double standards baked into motherhood.

They also dig into the behind-the-scenes reality of being a creative mom online: the pressure to do it all, the fear of burnout, and dealing with the backlash that sometimes comes from posting content. This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like the default parent, wondered how it all fell on their shoulders, or found comfort in seeing their experience reflected back with honesty and heart.

Find Mary Catherine’s comics at:

https://www.instagram.com/momlife_comics/

RENEE REINA  

Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina  

TikTok: @thereneereina  

Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community 

YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast

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EP510. In this episode, Renee is catching you up on all the things! She’s getting ready for her upcoming family trip to Antigua (send packing vibes), shares how she fulfilled a lifelong dream of becoming a mascot (yes, really), but also how that moment of glory cost her a chance to meet her hall pass - the ultimate plot twist. She also confesses her hatred for cooking (ready-made meals for the win) and chats about her vacation beach read pick and the exciting launch of The Mom Room Shop - your new go-to spot for mom-approved products!

Grab your coffee and let’s catch up.

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Ep509. The Mom Room favourite guest, Dr. Tanya Cotler is back to talk with Renee about raising emotionally resilient kids—especially boys—in a world that often discourages vulnerability. They unpack the impact of media like the Netflix series Adolescence, how to know when something’s “off” with your child, and why kids don’t need us to be perfect—they need us to be present, intuitive, and willing to set loving boundaries.

Renee also opens up about parenting through grief after the loss of her dad and the emotional layers that surfaced in her son’s quiet reaction. Together, they explore nervous system regulation, the role of play and connection, and how to teach kids that emotional expression is a strength that needs mindful nurturing from us parents. 

Read more about Dr. Cotler and her work here: https://drtanyacotler.com

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EP506. It’s time for another Ask Me Anything—but this time, it’s anonymous. In today’s episode, Renee dives into your unfiltered questions. Nothing is off-limits—from thoughts on having another baby, to navigating religion and spirituality, to the behind-the-scenes reality of being an influencer. Whether you’re here for the real talk, the hot takes, or just to feel less alone, this episode has something for everyone. Buckle up—Renee’s answering it all.

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ep505. This week, Renee is joined by Shannon Wood, mom of two and mother of Summer House star Lexi Wood, for a heartfelt chat about parenting, family dynamics, and what it’s like to navigate the modeling world and reality TV as a mom. Shannon reflects on raising two girls with confidence and compassion, what it meant to foster open communication from an early age, and how parenting looks different when you lead with respect, honesty, and humility. From surviving sleepless newborn nights to running a successful business with her daughters, Shannon shares how her parenting style helped shape Lexi’s resilience, confidence, and grounded presence in the spotlight.

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EP504. In this episode of The Mom Room, Renee gets real about how freaking hard it is to just relax. Even on a day with no to-do list, the guilt creeps in, and suddenly you're reorganizing the junk drawer instead of lying on the couch like you promised yourself. She reflects on growing up around women who were always on the go—cleaning, cooking, doing, achieving—and how that hustle mentality is tough to shake. Renee opens up about her mission to get better at doing absolutely nothing on purpose (and not feeling bad about it). Plus, she recounts her emotional meltdown at the movie theatre during the new Lilo & Stitch—yes, she cried, and no, it wasn’t just the nostalgia. Grab a blanket and join Renee as she tries to make peace with rest, tears, and turtle-shell recliners.

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EP503. In this episode, Renee welcomes back Sarah Adams, a digital privacy advocate, mom of two, and creator of @mom.uncharted for a candid conversation about kids, consent, and what growing up online looks like these days. Diving into everything from the risks of sharenting and child influencer culture to consent and privacy, Sarah talks about how becoming a mom changed her view of social media—and why she felt compelled to start speaking out. It’s a fantastic episode for parents of all ages to tune in and get informed to help you make the best decisions for your family in the digital space. Enjoy!

Read more about Sarah and her work at https://www.momuncharted.com/

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EP502. In this entertaining episode, Renee gives us a very personal health update — spoiler alert: her uterus is back in the spotlight and there’s a polyp eviction notice in progress. From hospital appointments to hormonal chaos, she’s keeping it real as always.

Then, we head to the park where things took a turn. What started as a wholesome family outing ended with Renee channeling her inner playground vigilante — and yes, she may have exchanged words with two very bold 10-year-olds. She never thought she’d be that parent... but guess what? She is, and she's got the story to prove it.

It’s uterus drama meets sandbox justice — only on The Mom Room.

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Renee is joined by activist, storyteller, and mom of two, Sarain Fox, for a vulnerable and uplifting conversation about the parts of motherhood we don’t talk about enough—loneliness, identity shifts, and the magic of finding community.

From postpartum during the pandemic to the unexpected grief of letting go of the mom you thought you'd be, Sarain shares how her reality as a new mom differed from the narrative she had in her head. They talk about how friendships change after kids, the importance of being that friend who reaches out, and why even a walk around the block with someone can be transformational.

Sarain also opens up about her work with the Cybex Stroll Together initiative, the healing power of movement, and how something as simple as a stroller helped her reclaim a sense of self.

Whether you’re in the thick of new motherhood or reflecting back on those early years, this episode is a warm reminder that you’re not alone—and it’s okay to ask for more support, more connection, and more space to just be.

Find out more about Stroll Together here - https://lifewithababy.com/strolltogether

And find Sarain on Instagram @sarainfox

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EP500. Can you believe it?! 500 episodes of The Mom Room! In this very special milestone episode, host Renee takes a heartfelt (and hilarious) trip down memory lane—back to July 2020 when The Mom Room was born in the thick of pandemic parenting chaos. She shares the how, why, and what was I thinking? behind starting the show, the major shifts that have happened both in her personal life and the podcast, and where she stands today in her motherhood journey.

It’s raw, reflective, and packed with gratitude. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just hopped on board, this episode is for YOU.

Here’s to the next 500—let’s see where the next five years takes us!

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