Midlife Moms Pod

Midlife Moms Pod

Midlife Moms Pod is a podcast created by two friends, Melanie and Allison. We explore a variety of topics, focusing on our experiences with marriage, motherhood, and everything in between. As older moms of elementary school-aged kids, we dive into weekly discussions about the joys and challenges of being a wife, mom, friend, sister, and daughter. Our aim is to offer a lighthearted perspective on navigating the chaos of midlife while raising school-aged children. Tune in for new episodes each week! Follow us on Instagram @midlifemomspod.

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Episodes

Hurricane Prep and Beyond
Oct 17 2024
Hurricane Prep and Beyond
This week Melanie and Allison dive into the world of "Doomsday" prepping and disaster readiness. They share personal experiences and practical tips on preparing emergency kits without breaking the bank. From discussing essential items like rice and pasta to exploring the use of tools like life straws and jet boils, they cover comprehensive prepping strategies. Listen as they talk about lessons learned from natural disasters, the importance of staying cool in hot climates, and managing power and water outages. They also provide light-hearted banter on stockpiling everyday items and offer advice on planning for pets. Join them for an informative and humorous take on staying prepared for any event.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Midlife Mom's Pod00:37 Hurricane Stories and Alligator Encounters02:13 The Importance of Emergency Kits03:38 Starting Your Own Doomsday Prep05:37 Building a Cost-Effective Emergency Kit07:39 Essential Items for Your Prep Kit13:07 Surviving Without Power17:41 Personal Experiences with Doomsday Prepping23:54 Dehydrating and Storing Food25:49 Exploring Emergency Food Options27:52 Packing Your Own Emergency Food Buckets31:36 Essential Items for Emergency Kits34:19 Practical Tips for Emergency Preparedness41:27 Final Thoughts and AdviceSend us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
The Power of Words - What We Say to Our Kids
Oct 1 2024
The Power of Words - What We Say to Our Kids
This week, Melanie and Allison dive into the common phrases we say to our children that might be more problematic than we realize. They share personal anecdotes and discuss the impact of these phrases on their kids. From exploring different parenting styles to reflecting on their own experiences, they offer insights and tips on how to communicate more effectively with our little ones. Tune in for an engaging and heartfelt conversation that every parent can relate to!Information provided in this episode is credited to parents.com, specifically "These Common Phrases Said to Kids Are Actually Problematic," published 8/27/2024. Written by Michelle Crouch and reviewed by Laura Anderson, PhD.Sources:When Parents' Praise Inflates, Children's Self-Esteem Deflates. Child Dev. 2017.The Truth About Child Abduction Statistics in 2024. Safeatlast. 2024.Timestamps:00:00 Intro and Chit Chat03:41 Parent Categories06:11 What Type of Parent are You?09:23 "Great Job"13:34 "Practice Makes Perfect"15:49 "You're OK"19:38 "I'm on a Diet"23:45 "We Can't Afford That"28:30 "Don't Talk to Strangers"32:57 "Be Careful!"35:57 "No Dessert Unless You Finish Dinner"41:40 "Let Me Help"44:20 Benefits of Showing Off Your Kids' ArtworkSend us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
Our Favorite Things
Sep 3 2024
Our Favorite Things
This week, Melanie and Allison catch up on life events and share their favorite things. They discuss their recent challenges in keeping up with 'The Bachelorette' episodes, switching gears to focus on their original podcast purpose: sharing tips and insights about life as midlife moms. They delve into various favorite items, including Turkish towels, Differin gel, Alexapure water filtration system, footwear, skincare products from Clinique, hair accessories, and Young Living's Gentle Baby essential oil. Tune in for a mix of practical tips, product recommendations, and personal anecdotes from the hosts.Timestamps:01:44 Favorite Things: Turkish Towels05:17 Favorite Things: Differin Daily Brightening Exfoliator09:10 Favorite Things: Alexapure Pro Water Filtration System12:00 Favorite Things: Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Overnight Mask15:43 Favorite Things: Roxy Tennis Shoes16:46 Favorite Things: Birkenstocks20:56 Favorite Hair Accessories25:54 Essential Oils for Relaxation30:15 Cozy Slipper SocksResource Information:We talked about these products on this podcast. Please note we are not sponsored by, nor are we getting any paid compensation for promoting these products.Link to Hello Peshtemal Turkish Beach TowelLink to Differin Daily Brightening ExfoliatorLink to Alexapure Pro Water Filtration SystemLink to Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Overnight MaskLink to Roxy Women's Bayshore Slip on Shoe SneakerLink to Allison's Birkenstocks Link to Teenitor Hair Bun Shaper SetLink to Anezus 54 pcs Hair Ties for Girls and WomenLink to Melanie's Hair ClipLink to Allison's Hair ClipSend us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
Midlife Moms Hustle - Odd Jobs That Pay Big Bucks
Jul 16 2024
Midlife Moms Hustle - Odd Jobs That Pay Big Bucks
This week Melanie and Allison get back in the studio to get caught up on summer life. Allison begins by updating everyone on where she's been for the last month and what's it like to change careers in your late 40s and pass big scary tests (Note: she refers to taking and passing the SHRM-CP test and moving from banking to HR).We then begin to discuss our plans for the rest of the summer and things we can do to actually relax on vacation (i.e. read a book, work on a hobby) and begin drifting off topic. Our first stop: cemetery walks and Allison's volunteer efforts to help people find where their relatives are buried. We then head into unusual jobs that pay big bucks. You won't believe what Allison found while searching the Reddit.Timestamps (approximate):1:01 Changing Careers and Taking Big Scary Tests in your 40s07:36 Historical Fiction and Cemetery Adventures15:57 Ghost Stories and Paranormal Experiences20:04 Unusual Jobs and Crematorium Insights24:23 Cryotherapy and Crematorium Mysteries24:50 Strange jobs that pay big bucks42:55 Summer Homework and Future PlansThings we mention for reference:1.) Historical Fiction books by Phillipa Gregory2.) Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell3.) Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, GA4.) Huguenot Cemetery in St. Augustine, FL5.) Evergreen Cemetery in St. Augustine, FL6.) TacoLu's is located in Jacksonville Beach, FL. It was previously known as the Homestead Restaurant. It was originally a boarding house built in 1932 and was run by Miss Alpha Paynter. She later turned it into the Homestead Restaurant and later sold it in 1962. She died later that same year. Nowadays she can be seen by the big limestone fireplace in the main dining room, sitting in a rocking chair or standing as if to check on her customers. She's also been seen on the second floor and the stairs, and even in the mirror in the women's bathroom.7.) Ghost hunting in a Tesla. Check out our Instagram account for the actual ghost hunt we went on shortly after recording this episode.Send us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
Don't Touch My Kid!
Jul 10 2024
Don't Touch My Kid!
This week Melanie and Allison return from an short and unplanned break. The episode begins with Melanie continuing her challenges with day-long dance recitals and how someone applied lipstick to her daughter without permission, not only triggering an allergic reaction but us saying "Don't touch my kid!". Naturally, the conversation expands to etiquette around touching others' children.We also talk about saying 'no' to social obligations in an effort to keep our sanity and Melanie's daughter away from the things she cannot eat. And Melanie's mom provides some great advice on how to keep your kid's birthday parties under control.Allison shares a story about wearing clothes that might be too comfortable around the house: Murphy's Law came knocking at the door! And, just what is the reason for all those tiny holes we sometimes find on our tee shirts?Other things we talk about:Things kids say... boys vs. girl version. If we kept a journal they would definitely be different!Can a Tesla detect ghosts when you drive through a cemetery? Let us know if you've tried this --- and your findings!Speaking of cemeteries, Melanie shares information about her experience at Universal's Halloween Horror Nights and wonders what it's like to work there.And, because we love animals Melanie shares that she now begun following pot belly pigs on Instagram, how she wants ANOTHER Newfoundland, her plans to leave Scarlett - her African Grey parrot - in her will.Send us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
Food Dye-lemmas and Allergies
Jun 4 2024
Food Dye-lemmas and Allergies
This week, Melanie and Allison will be tackling a hot topic: synthetic food dyes and allergies. Join us as we discuss the origins of these artificial colorants, their potential health risks - especially for children - and share personal stories and insights on navigating food choices. Whether you're concerned about hyperactivity, skin reactions, or just want to make healthier decisions for your family, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!Synthetic food dyes, often derived from petroleum, are commonly used in the food industry to enhance the color and appeal of processed foods. Despite their widespread use, these artificial colorants have been associated with various health concerns, including allergic reactions. Common synthetic food dyes include Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1. These dyes can cause adverse reactions in some individuals, ranging from mild symptoms like hives and itching to more severe responses like anaphylaxis, especially in those with existing sensitivities or allergies. Moreover, some studies suggest a link between synthetic dyes and behavioral issues in children, such as hyperactivity.NOTE:In this episode we discuss the California Assembly Bill 418 (AB 418) which specifically prohibits the sale of food containing red dye 3, potassium bromate, brominated vegetable oil, and propylparaben. As found on food-safety.com, studies have suggested the additives may be linked to serious health harms, such as cancer, reproductive issues, and childhood behavioral and developmental problems. More information about the bill can be found here.Other Resources:1.) Melanie mentioned using the EWG app while grocery shopping. You can download the app on Apple's App Store or by clicking here. More information about the Environmental Working Group can be found here. 2.) Here is a listing of food dyes that Melanie mentioned:Red 40Red 3Yellow 5Yellow 6Green 3Blue 1Blue 2More information about synthetic food dyes can be found on the Center for Science in the Public Interest's website or by clicking here. Alternative names for some synthetic dyes can be found here.3.) The really hard word that Melanie and Allison were trying to pronounce is "Azodicarbonamide".4.) Melanie mentioned following @thefoodbabe on Instagram.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:32 Synthetic Food Dyes and Health Issues01:21 Personal Experiences with Food Sensitivities02:13 The Impact of Food Dyes on Health04:14 Navigating Food Choices and Alternatives07:10 The Hidden Dangers in Everyday Foods17:37 Challenges of Managing Food Allergies23:08 Living with a Corn Allergy37:18 Food ASend us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
Promposals Today vs. 1993
May 28 2024
Promposals Today vs. 1993
In this episode of Midlife Moms Pod, Melanie and Allison travel back in time to 1993 and revisit our Proms. This episode starts with a few censor bleeps as Allison loses her mind followed by us laughing our way through what can only be described as take 3 of our attempt at recording this episode.Once we shake off our technical failures, we share stories of our prom days of yore and compare them to the outlandish promposals and prom shenanigans of today.As per usual we veer off course for a bit and discuss how Melanie wants to go to prom dressed up as an inflatable dinosaur (not sure I got that right) and how we think our kids would handle going to prom.Allison stuns Melanie by telling her that kids today don't always get their driver's licenses as soon as they turn 16. We also share our marriage proposals and how they're not always those seen in a fairytale.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction3:37 Prom Season Nostalgia9:09 The Evolution of Prom Attire14:56 One word: Pantyhose19:50 Shark Tracking Adventures23:55 Back on topic…Promposals26:42 Veering Off Course - Halloween Costume Plans32:25 Vintage Prom Dresses and Hair34:11 Upcoming Prom Events and crashing pre-Prom Dinners37:25 Kids and Drivers Licenses40:55 Romantic Proposals46:07 Wrapping UpSend us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
Fairs, Fries, and Overcommitting: A Midlife Moms Adventure (Bonus Episode)
May 24 2024
Fairs, Fries, and Overcommitting: A Midlife Moms Adventure (Bonus Episode)
In this BONUS episode of "Midlife Moms Pod," Melanie and Allison share their experiences from a weekend in April where we discuss Melanie's visit to the Clay County Fair. Melanie discusses the fun and challenges of managing fair activities with her family, highlighting mom fails and the unexpected joys of finding fair food she can eat due to dietary restrictions.We also provide an update on the bug project and talk about how we can't stop overcommitting to end-of-the-school-year activities, and the value of enjoying these moments while our children are still young. We end by discussing how our kids viewed the solar eclipse and celebrating Willow's 3rd birthday, rounding out a discussion that blends the joys and trials of midlife motherhood.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:23 - Adventures at the Clay County Fair05:48 - Fair Rides and Safety Concerns: A Parent's Perspective08:31 - Fair Food Frenzy16:33 - Concerts at the Fair and Local Celebrity Neighbors19:38 - More Fair Fun - Games and Ticket Pricing Shenanigans22:28 - An Update on the Bug Project and Overcommitting at the End of the School Year29:19 - The Eclipse Experience and Celebrating Willow's Birthday32:18 - Wrapping Up: The Fair, Overcommitment, and Midlife Moms Sign OffSend us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
Midlife Moms Pod Seeking Sister Wife Review
May 21 2024
Midlife Moms Pod Seeking Sister Wife Review
Join Melanie and Allison this week as we discuss one of our favorite shows, “Seeking Sister Wife”.  Specifically, we discuss Season 5, episodes 1-10 which is the current season as of this recording (May 2024). The podcast touches on themes of manipulation, the intersection of religion and personal desires, and the consequences of alternative lifestyles. Material may not be suitable for young audiences.We begin by discussing our unhealthy obsession with reality TV and how it’s not just a form of entertainment but it's also been our source of endless fascination for more than 20 years.  It's been a long time since the '90s introduced us to Reality TV with shows like "The Real World," and then later "Survivor," "The Hills," "Rock of Love," "Celebrity Rehab," "Big Brother," "The Bachelor," "Southern Charm," "Summer House," and "Jersey Shore."Season 5 of "Seeking Sister Wife" features 5 couples and their search to add an additional "wife" to their families. Some are new couples to the show, while the others are returning families who bring the drama!Couples discussed on Season 5 of "Seeking Sister Wife" with time stamps: Nick, April, Jennifer, and Danielle (4:30): Nick is a stay-at-home dad who's intellectual abilities charm his wives. Is adding a new wife going to make Danielle Davis' head spin or will she accept the dynamics within their multiple-wife scenario.Garrick and Dannielle Merrifield (35:12): Garrick strongly believes God has led him to polygamy and Dannielle is not so sure about it. The couple's journey over the last few seasons includes courting Bert from Brazil and the complications that ensued when she didn't come to the US. Now they're courting Nathalia who's also from Brazil. Will Garrick's last K-1 Visa option  pan out or fail miserably?Other Couples: We discuss other couples like Naeem and Nailah Salahuddin (13:31), exploring their conflicts with Naeem's mother, and speculate on motivations behind their polygamous pursuits. And, mention new couples like Shane and Ashley Sherwood (27:23) and Becky and Justin Ryan (20:10).Come listen as we deep dive into the backgrounds of the couples, engage in a bit of gossip and speculation about the motives and backstories of the couples, including financial troubles, potential scams, and deep-seated psychological components. and provide extra context not always covered in the show itself. NOTES:In the conclusion Allison mentions that she is leaving to go see her favorite podcasters perform live. Shout out to Reality Gays. You can find them on Instagram @RealityGaysPod.To learn more about Garrick and Dannielle Merrifield, Allison recommends watching "The Merrifield's Journey So Far" available on YouTube.Send us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!
Midlife Moms Pod Favorite Movies, TV Shows and Safety Essentials
May 14 2024
Midlife Moms Pod Favorite Movies, TV Shows and Safety Essentials
Tune in to this week’s episode where Melanie and Allison forget about bugs and indulge in some light-hearted conversation about their favorites. That's right, it's time to dive into the world of movies, TV, and sweets… followed by some safety tips!Ever find yourself stopping on a channel because your favorite movie from childhood is on? That's exactly where we start our journey in the latest episode, reminiscing about the movies that take us back to our younger days. Most of the movies discussed are feel-good movies from the 80s. From heartwarming romances to hilarious comedies, these films transport us to a simpler time filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable characters. Switching reels to the small screen, we chat about the TV shows that have us hooked, laughing, and sometimes reluctant to watch the last season - just so it never ends. And, have you ever played the "just one more episode" game way past bedtime? We're right there with you, balancing binge-watching with the demands of family life. We then share our favorite candy recommendations, explore our skincare routines, and even discuss fire safety and the tools needed to break a window in case you find yourself careening over the side of a bridge (not recommended). Remember, whether you're watching a feel-good movie, eating your favorite sweet or staying prepared for emergencies, the key is to find balance and enjoy every moment. Send us a text message.Find Midlife Moms Pod on Apple Podcasts or wherever you find your podcasts. You can also find us Buzzsprout where we have a full listing of all our episodes, Instagram (@midlifemomspod), and Facebook. Listen, like, and subscribe! We hope you enjoy the show!