Lauren Hooper shares how she went from worrying about what others think and carrying $26,000 in student loans and $6000 in additional debt to now paying off her home in just a few years and helping others learn how to prioritize their finances. She talks on finding minimalism and how to go about doing the work of getting rid of excess. And don’t miss the toy challenge. You need this in your life. This episode is relevant for everyone, so grab your coffee and get ready to think more intentionally about your finances and belongings.

This week, our guest Darra Varlas shares her story on acclimatizing to motherhood, building her cupcake-turned-cookie business, and navigating an unexpected homeschool journey. In each of these situations, she has had to adjust and create something beautiful out of the unexpected.

In this solo episode, I revisit the days when my boys were tiny and life was completely overwhelming. I talk about how the simple act of emptying out the soggy grounds each day acted as a catalyst for change in my life.

Carla Taggart joins the podcast this week, where we discuss her transition from thinking she'd never have kids to loving life so much more after becoming a mother. We chat about her Rodan + Fields business and the stigma around direct sales and MLMs. Carla and her husband are reading through James Clear's Atomic Habits together, so we also discussed mindset shift and building positive habits. She also co-hosts a podcast called Bizzy Moms with her longtime friend, Kristin Pippin.

Dr. Kuan Collins joins the Successful Mama podcast this week. From growing up in Saudi Arabi (and a wild story about getting arrested by the religious police as a teen) to her education and career journey while mothering two boys, her story will keep you entertained and encourage you along the way.

What a joy it was to sit and chat with this magician for well-loved (and sometimes very damaged) stuffed animals. Nicole Adams from the Stuffed Animal Clinic of Madison joins the podcast this week and talks about how her childhood lovey played such a huge role in her life, which led to a way she could serve her community and bring a little happiness to those around her.

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This week, I sit down with my friend Jamie To, the host of Mad City Moms Podcast. With a new home town, a new business, and a new baby, Jamie felt a lump in her breast that quickly turned everything upside down. She shares her journey in learning about herself, about the value of friendships, and how her definition of success shifted dramatically.

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When I looked around, I realized my life was not what I wanted it to be. I was constantly repeating this cycle of anger, frustration, overwhelm, shame, guilt, anxiety, and depression. I knew there had to be more to life than this, and I wanted to live in a way that was modeling success for my boys.

In this episode, I share my story and how small habits have helped me create change during my most chaotic season.

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Guest Marcia Lindstrom joins the Successful Mama Podcast this week and shares her story, including years at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center to now leading the Strategic Communications Team for NASA’s Space Launch System. She shares insight on finding a job, asking for a raise, and overcoming imposter syndrome.

In this episode of Successful Mama, Erica DeSpain (All Things Madison) shares how a blind date led to becoming a military wife. Blogging about her life helped keep her busy and prepared her for what was ahead- a business serving local businesses and residents through storytelling.