I am thrilled to introduce a new voice to the podcast: Kendall Smith, author of Rookie Father: A Playbook for Men Experiencing Fatherhood for the First Time."Kendall is a veteran dad who uses his life experiences to help other men navigate fatherhood, especially if they didn't have a father figure at home growing up. This is a great listen for your partner, but know this is not just for men! It's a conversation I think we all need to hear, to create the balanced home we all desire.Episode Highlights:How and where he learned to navigate the role of "Dad"Tips for showing appreciation to your spouseHow the roles are shifting between Moms and Dads - for the better!Why Dads aren't just accessories at home any longerKendall Smith is a father and the author of Rookie Father: A Playbook for Men Experiencing Fatherhood for the First Time. His goal in writing the book is to advise new dads, who didn't have a father figure growing up.  It includes parenting tips, projects, cooking, and tips for relationships. You can read more about Kendall on his website, and check out his book from national and local booksellers.Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

This is not a drill. The OG everyone-can-relate-viral-social media Moms are HERE. Yes, I'm talking about Cat & Nat: best-selling authors, podcasters, content creators, and fellow-mom cheerleaders. I am a BIG fan of these two women, and I'm so grateful they took the time to join me for this episode. They are honest and so, so real: you won't want to miss their advice on the different stages of parenting, making mom friends, and yes - even some sex confessions.Episode Highlights:How "Cat & Nat" the brand was bornChanging the narrative of the "Perfect Mom"Parenting advice for a few seasons aheadHow your mindset shifts as kids get olderMaking mom friends - why is it so hard?Setting boundaries onlineFocusing on health out of necessity, not vanityFrom catandnat.ca: With seven kids between the two of them, Cat & Nat know just how lonely and isolating motherhood can be. So, they set out on a mission to bring women and moms together by hosting dinner parties and events - with wine and without babies. The events garnered huge success in Toronto and were talked about all over, leading Cat & Nat to take things to the next level and break into the online world to reach more people and connect women and moms everywhere.Cat & Nat's rapidly-exploding community of like-minded moms tune in every day to watch them rewrite the paradigm of “the perfect mom.” With honesty and humor, Cat & Nat dismantle the unrealistic portrayals of motherhood that are often presented throughout social and traditional media. Through their virally famous #MOMTRUTHS videos, which have garnered hundreds of millions of views, their Facebook Lives and Instagram stories, their best-selling book, and iHeartRadio award nominated podcast, Cat & Nat share everything moms think but are too afraid to talk about. Over the past few years, Cat & Nat have taken their #MOMTRUTHS on the road, performing over 100 live shows across North America.Check out the links below to follow, like and support Cat & Nat:PodcastInstagramYouTubeFacebookTikTokBooksJoin Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Geordian Abel is a new mom who likes to get up and get fully dressed for the day - and the internet has a BIG problem with that. Yikes. I'm sure by now you've seen the post that launched Geordian into the public eye, but if not - we're talking all about it in today's episode. Geordian shares her daily routine that helps her feel successful as a mom. If it's different from the way you do things, cool. Is she a bad person? No. Are you? No.  Can we all take a minute and quit judging strangers online? Yes. Let's get into it.Episode Highlights: Thoughts on "that" video and the chaos that followedStepping into motherhood, and what works for different peopleThe guilt and anxiety that comes with leaving our kidsSocietal pressure to do things the "right" wayGeordian Abel is a wife and mom to son, Hutton, and lives in Fort Worth, Texas. She owns an online boutique, Flourish in Frills, and shares her fashion finds and lifestyle online via her Instagram @GeordianAbel and her website,  www.adoremorewithgeor.com.Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

I find myself constantly going back and forth - should we or shouldn't we? Have another kid, I mean. Jess Runas is the ultimate "Mom of All Stages" - teen, little kid, toddler, and a baby.  She knows what it's like to balance every stage of the game!  So this was a fun conversation to weigh the ultimate decision of adding another kid to the family. Episode Highlights:How do you know if you're "done?"Managing the age gapsConsidering all-the-things when adding to your familyThe grief of seeing your kids grow upJess Runas is a wife and Mom of 4, based in California. Her social media accounts are real, funny, and welcoming. You can find her on Instagram, Facebook, and also shop her online store, 4theloveshop.Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Putting yourself out there on social media can feel like throwing content into a void: Is anyone even seeing this? Where is it going? What am I doing wrong? Why did this one go right?Laura Bitoiu, the founder of BSquared Social, is an expert in all things content. She has made a business by helping creators find a game plan to grow their audience, sell a product, or get brand deals. She's sharing some of her best tips and breaking down the "behind the scenes" of being an influencer, in any capacity. Episode Highlights: The beauty in taking online breaksTips for how to build an online followingThe ever-changing platform formulaStrategies for posting content; what gets views?Giving credit where credit is dueWhat we like and we don'tLaura Bitoiu is an Instagram Reels Strategist and the founder of BSquared Social, a social media marketing agency. She has years of experience as a social media manager and consultant, now offering straightforward and realistic reel strategies to help businesses grow and succeed.  Her business offers online education, actionable strategy, and coaching.  Find her online and on Instagram, @BSquared.Social. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

We're home from LA. Let's talk all about it!Episode Highlights:What we did in LA Mary's upcoming Child Free Trip to LondonFlight FearsKatie Costa is my hilarious friend behind @mommyneeds_morewine and joins me each month as co-host for an always relatable, always fun episode. Enjoy!Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Navigating motherhood often involves a lot of patience,  and room to pivot. Laura Wilfon (@WineatBedtime) knows that life well, and I'm so glad she's joining me to discuss all the things we didn't necessarily expect when becoming a parent - and how we keep it "real" without worrying about "relatable."Episode HighlightsThe misuse of the term "relatable"Managing how we show up onlineFinding your people as new mothers, or in new locationsThe 4 Quarters of your day, and how to make the most of themLaura Wilfon is the "Mother Hustler" behind @WineatBedtime, sharing her favorite tips and tricks to make the most of each day for both yourself and your family. Find her on Instagram or TikTok, and on her website, www.wineatbedtime.com. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Whitney Allen was pregnant with her 2nd child when her husband suffered a severe reaction to a bee sting, and died just a few months later. At the time, her children were 4 and 3 months old.Heartbroken and left to navigate a new normal, Whitney worked through the grief and found a new calling: to help other women, who are also hurting, to find their purpose again.  Grief is not a one-size-fits-all feeling. It shows up in different ways for different people, and it's a process. If you're hurting in any way,  this episode is worth a listen. Episode Highlights:-Her story of losing a husband at a young age, with two young kids-How grief hits in different stages-The process of refocusing on the future-How to talk about death with your kids-Writing the next chapter after a lossWhitney Allen is an author, a mother of 2, and a widow. Her husband, Ryan, suffered a rare and severe reaction to a bee sting leading to cardiac arrest and an anoxic brain injury - at the young age of 35.   After his untimely death, she took her own experience and turned it into a career as a grief coach, helping other women navigate their pain and step into magical, joyful, and purpose-driven lives.  If you are also grieving, and looking for help from a trusted professional, you can find more information on Whitney's website.  Her memoir, Running in Trauma Stilettos, is available for purchase and you can apply for Grief Coaching here. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

You read that right. I am so last minute but I just felt like a solo podcast was needed so I sat down at 8pm and got to it. I think we need a little catch up, right?Come chat and go through some social media questions. From my fear of flying and upcoming trip, working  mom guilt, religion and more. I cover a lot. Links dicsussed in the show:https://www.dialapilot.com/My phone call with dial-a-pilotJoin Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

You know what day it is! Katie is back. And by this time next week, we will actually be united together in LA. Stop on by and listen in as we break down our upcoming trip, hope in making mom friends, and missing the chaos.Be sure to give Katie a follow because guys, she's the best!Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

I'm doing it. I'm flying. SOON. And if you've been around my online space for a while, you know this is an extremely difficult process for me. So I've brought on an expert to help me, and hundreds of others, take control of my flight anxiety, once and for all. Adam Brensen has made a career out of overcoming travel anxiety and offers some really great tips and tricks to help you get "unstuck" and ready to see the world. Episode Highlights: -The chemical imbalance that happens when we feel anxiety-How you can educate yourself on airline safety-Practical tips to overcome travel anxiety -Getting over the guilt factor-Unhelpful brain patterns & the power of positive thinking-Believing in yourself in order to live the life of your dreams Adam Brensen is an online coach, who helps anxious travelers love flying again. He promotes happiness in your life as well as career, through conscious efforts and tools to help calm your mind for travel. Find him on Instagram, Life.TakesFlight  and via his website, https://fearfreeflying.my.canva.site/Also, be sure to download Adams Free Guide hereJoin Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Autism is a wide spectrum, and the more conversation we have the more inclusive we can be. At least that's my hope with this episode!  Erin from @Motherhoods_Beautiful_Chaos_ joins me to talk about parenting a child on the autism spectrum. Her oldest son, Carter, was diagnosed at 2.5 and she shares her story about the fight it took to get him tested and their journey together ever since. Episode Highlights:Finding a provider that trusts your gutThe lonely side of neurodivergent childrenThe heavy weight put on moms following a diagnosis"Invisible Disabilities" and why we need to show graceLet's teach our kids to be KIND with all kinds of kinds. There's some excellent insight in this episode, can't wait for you to listen!Erin Martz is the proud Mama to 3 boys: ages 7, 4, and 9 months. She's a stay-at-home mom, living in Michigan and running her insightful and encouraging Instagram account,  motherhoods_beautiful_chaos_. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Body and Mind: you can't take care of one without the other.  Don't you wish it were easy to figure out the balance?  Thank goodness Andrea Herbert is here, to simplify the health and wellness community. She is a health coach on a mission to empower women to better themselves, in an uncomplicated way. She has great insight into reminding us of our value, no matter what the scale says. (Oh, and she has opinions about that relationship, too!) Episode highlights:How to get "unstuck" and stay that waySimplifying the process of taking care of ourselvesLearning to live through all the seasons of lifeThe beauty in asking for helpReframing our idea of beautyAndrea Herbert is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, certified personal trainer, and co-founder of Gold Ivy Health Co. She and her business partner, Brooke, launched Gold Ivy Health Co. to help women feel more confident in their skin using practical tools and functional experience. They also have a podcast called Ivy Unleashed, where they discuss health and wellness topics along with personal stories. Andrea is married and a mom to 3 children. Find Andrea @goldivyhealthco here: https://konect.to/goldivyhealthcoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldivyhealthco/Podcast: Ivy Unleashed-  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ivy-unleashed/id1540810300MOVE with Gold Ivy- First week FREE- https://goldivyhealthco.com/move/Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

A lot of you Mamas asked for it, so here we go: we're diving into the world of THC/CBD, gummies, and why so many of us are afraid to admit we're into the green.Joining me today are Melanie Simons and Yanina Kaminsky, co-founders of Love You Three, a wellness lifestyle brand specializing in luxe gummies.  They are here to break the stigma of edibles, and help a large (and growing!) community of women feel less judged about consumption.  Episode Highlights: The science behind THC and CBDHow their company is putting community and class into ediblesThe exact location where these products are grown, and the process involvedWhat they hope to accomplish for women's wellnessMelanie Simons and Yanina Kaminsky are the friends and co-owners behind Love You Three. The company prioritizes clean, locally-sourced natural ingredients that make people feel good about what they're putting in their bodies. Find more information about the products on their website and via Instagram. BEST OF ALL, YOU CAN USE MY CODE VERYMARY for free shipping when you give these a try (trust me, they're amazing!)Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

The mental & emotional space in a mom's head is FULL. But what if I told you we can lessen that load in 3 steps? Make a plan, show up, and do it.   Meaghan Langston (aka The Meaning Mentor) joins me to explain those steps, in order to maximize time management and spend more time on things that truly matter.If you're looking to add more meaning back to your life, then this episode is for you.Episode Highlights:Figuring out your non-negotiablesManaging time to lessen burnoutTangible steps to get more done in the dayHow to ask for more support from your spouseThe small stuff that's getting in the wayMeaghan Langston is a certified success coach and productivity expert, known online as The Meaning Mentor. She helps folks (like me!) maximize our lives, by combining practical time management tools with thought-provoking questions to realize personal and professional potential.Find more information on her website and follow along on her Instagram.Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

My cup definitely needed a refill, and Katie Costa is that friend who always makes mine spill over. This episode gets real with the difficult side of parenting and periods; grab a cup, let's go!Episode highlights: Mental breakdowns, and how we get through themMenstrual cycles: why is ovulation such a difficult time?It's hard to show up when you're feeling crazyFiller friends, and what makes a good friendship last after a certain ageKatie Costa is my hilarious friend behind @mommyneeds_morewine and joins me each month as co-host for an always relatable, always fun episode. Enjoy!Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Motherhood is beautiful, but it ain't always so pretty inside these brains of ours once we have kids.Dr. Carolyn Rubenstein works with a lot of moms and parents, dealing with anxiety, burnout, and depression. You're going to love her practical advice, and quite frankly... the comfort of knowing that you are not alone in feeling this way. Episode Highlights:Anxiety is everywhere in one way or anotherIntrusive thoughtsPersonalizing thoughts so they don't get away from youBoundaries: Why we set them, and how to feel empowered by themAvoidance: How to avoid itAdvice to better manage all of itDr. Carolyn Rubenstein is a Licensed Psychologist, speaker and consultant specializing in helping others navigate through feelings of anxiety, stress and burnout. In addition to private practice, she is the Chief Wellness Advisor for Misfits Gaming Group, author of Perseverance: How Young People Turn Fear into Hope and How They Can Teach Us To Do The Same. Dr. Rubenstein lives in South Florida with her husband and two children.Follow her on Instagram @carolynrubensteinphd or find more information on her website. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

This week's episode features a guest that is very special to me. Claire Isenthal, a mom of two and one of my best friends from college. Oh, the stories she could tell!But lucky for me, we're not talking about those... yet? Instead, she's here to talk about a story she wrote. A few years back, Claire decided to just go for it, leaving her career and focusing on making this book happen, all while raising two babies at home.Episode highlights:The journey going from full-time to part-time to home-all-the-timeThe struggle in asking for help, and/or the guilt that followsHer inspiration and process behind her debut novelAdvice for other aspiring authorsClaire Isenthal graduated from Purdue University and went on to live in Chicago where she worked in Digital Marketing and Ad Sales for more than ten years. She has since relocated her family back to her Indiana hometown, but is still an avid traveler and loves nothing more than to lose herself in a good book.  Her debut novel, The Rising Order, comes out October 3rd, 2023.You can find out more, as well as pre-order your copy on her website OR:https://www.amazon.com/Rising-Order-Claire-Isenthal/dp/B0C1RDNXWHhttps://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-rising-order-claire-isenthal/1143582003You can also follow along on her Instagram, @ClaireIsenthal.Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

Who is up for a little brain (more like heart) dump? Yeah? Good. Because I am an empath, coming out of the haze of survival mode and have lots of thoughts. If you haven't already, head to IG this week to learn more about a Virtual Diaper Drive I am doing. With a never ending list of what needs to happen for moms, it can feel like a lot to tackle. So I am starting here. Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com

As moms, we are really good at putting everyone else first. When was the last time you were kind? No, I don't mean in general... I mean to yourself?Dr. Whitney Casares joins me on the podcast today to talk about mindful self-compassion, a pediatrician's view on parenting, and her new book, Doing it All, Stop Overfunctioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be. It's a big dose of good advice that I think we could all use.Episode Highlights:Moving on from the generation of "hiding it"Why are we so cruel to ourselves?How body image talk is changing in the doctor's officeAdvice for making change that encourages joyWhat we hope it's like for our kids as future parentsDr. Whitney Casares is a private practice pediatrician, a two-time American Academy of Pediatrics Author and Spokesperson, and a mom to two young girls. She lives in Portland, Oregon. Her mission, through online channels and her books, is to help moms break the cycle of burnout in parenting. She focuses on health and well-being to create a sense of balance and, most importantly - joy - for all moms.Dr. Casares' new book, Doing it All, Stop Overfunctioning and Become the Mom and Person You're Meant to Be is out January 23rd, 2024 BUT if you pre-order by October 1st, you can be eligible to win $15,000 in free child care! Find out more information on her website and you can also follow her on Instagram.Join Mary everyday for a real look into life with 3 crazy ass kids, surviving, thriving, and whatever the F else you might consider over at www.instagram.com/theverymarylife. Or if you're a Tik Tok fan, find me at https://www.tiktok.com/@theverymarylife. And of course, explore more on Theverymarylife.com