In this episode, Brooke & Kate discuss their recent night out, reflecting on how it unexpectedly improved their mood and energy levels. They share stories of navigating parenting challenges, from dealing with kids' activities to managing their evolving dietary needs. The episode also includes personal anecdotes about making time for fun amidst busy schedules, balancing self-care with responsibilities, and humorous takes on surviving kids' demands. The conversation touches on their personal goals, such as adopting healthier habits (or trying to) and having more intentional fun. They end with light-hearted banter about everyday achievements and setting realistic expectations.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:29 Weekend Recap: Night Out

01:37 Planning and Spontaneity

03:37 Parenting Challenges and Fun

09:25 Seasonal Changes and Energy

11:19 Economic Observations

17:36 Family Stories and Reflections

25:24 Avoiding Credit Card Fees

25:45 Boycotting Target

27:00 Feeling Accomplished

27:32 Baking a Birthday Cake

29:24 Grocery Store Triumphs

29:49 Personal Development Insights

33:23 Hair Care Routines

41:40 Red Light Therapy

46:34 Healthy Eating Choices

47:47 Concluding Thoughts

In this lively episode, the hosts celebrate making it through the week and dive into a variety of topics, including personal stories about a recent dance mom outing, unexpected illness, and humorous struggles with face washing routines. They also discuss the challenges and decisions in updating their business branding, website, and the importance of authenticity in their professional and personal lives. Additionally, they share light-hearted banter on books, skin care routines, and the joy of finding humor in everyday life. A warm and engaging conversation that offers relatable stories and insights!

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:12 Reflecting on the Week

01:09 Dance Mom Weekend Recap

05:50 Book Discussions and Recommendations

15:21 Dealing with Sickness

20:20 Identity Theft Incident

21:21 Unexpected Fashion Choices

22:19 Hair Hacks and Experiments

23:20 Funny Family Moments

26:00 Skincare Routines

31:19 Entrepreneurial Journey

36:35 Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism

44:19 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode of Embracing the Messy Middle, Brooke and Kate navigate the chaotic, yet hilarious, world of motherhood. They kick off with Valentine's Day preparations, sharing how differently they've tackled the holiday for their kids. Kate goes all out with decorations and activities, while Brooke opts for a minimalist approach, sparking laughter as they compare their efforts. The conversation turns to Kate's new role as a 'Dance Mom,' detailing her preparations for her daughter Paige’s first dance competition and the unexpected challenges that come with it. They also touch on upcoming events and the continuous juggling act of balancing work, hobbies, and parenting. Join them for a candid, humorous look at the ups and downs of mom life.

00:00 Introduction to Embracing the Messy Middle

00:23 Catching Up and Valentine's Day Special

02:52 Dance Mom Adventures

08:15 Mother-Daughter Shopping Spree

10:56 The Art of Gathering and Intentional Meetings

15:52 School Closures and Winter Blues

21:47 Balancing Parenting and Personal Life

22:20 Valentine's Day Preparations

24:35 Morning Surprises and Reactions

26:47 Guilt and Comparisons

34:12 Dance Mom Duties

37:13 Upcoming Celebrations and Traditions

43:46 Concluding Thoughts and Farewells

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In this episode, the Brooke and Kate discuss their busy schedules and how they manage their overlapping responsibilities and personal projects. They talk about the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal time, especially after periods of absence due to vacations and retreats. The conversation touches on the struggles of January's longer-feeling month, seasonal depression, and the chaos caused by kids at home. They also explore the concept of 'creative constipation' and how it impacts productivity, relating it to their experiences of trying to juggle business projects and personal life. This episode emphasizes the importance of having a support system or 'village,' as well as the joys and trials of parenting and maintaining a household.

00:00 Welcome Back! Catching Up After a Break

01:11 The Never-Ending Month of January

05:03 Parenting Challenges and Sibling Rivalries

09:02 Balancing Work and Family Life

12:39 The Struggle with Self-Help and Personal Growth

19:16 Creative Constipation and Overwhelm

20:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life

21:51 Domestic Responsibilities and Joy

26:04 The Importance of a Support System

29:32 Upcoming Plans and Reflections

32:13 Podcast Shoutouts and Future Plans

37:29 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Links to products mentioned:

Start Finishing, by Charlie Gilkey

Follow us on Instagram: @embracingthemessymiddle

In this episode of 'Embracing the Messy Middle,' the hosts dive into the challenges of dealing with the cold of January and its impact on daily life. They discuss the high costs of energy bills, the inefficiency of their home heating, and the potential benefits and drawbacks of solar panels. The conversation also covers the emotional impacts of the cold weather, the importance of getting outside for serotonin, and reflecting on college days. They explore the stress associated with planning summer camps in January and the frustration that comes with managing the mental load of organizing family schedules. The hosts reflect on the importance of community support, sharing personal anecdotes about asking for help and the comfort it brings. The episode concludes with a discussion on embracing life’s messiness, the significance of finding joy in everyday moments, and intentions for self-improvement and fun in the coming years.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:24 Winter Woes and Home Heating

05:18 Nostalgia and College Memories

12:01 Parenting Challenges and Daily Life

24:58 Reflecting on Parenting Challenges

25:44 Empathy and Support Among Friends

26:47 Teenage Communication and Humor

28:00 Balancing Responsibilities and Emotions

34:23 The Importance of Asking for Help

38:55 Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

43:27 Embracing Vulnerability and Community

44:34 Looking Forward to the Future

52:20 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

Follow us on Instagram: @embracingthemessymiddle

In this debut episode of 'Embracing the Messy Middle,' Brooke and Kate, two moms, navigate the unpredictable journey of motherhood. They discuss the everyday hilariously chaotic and meaningful moments, talk about managing life with kids, and delve into the nuances of balancing work and personal life. The duo shares anecdotes about beauty hacks, the reality of morning routines, and entertaining differences in their personalities. They touch upon emotional triggers, favorite meals, and the dynamics of corporate versus entrepreneurial lifestyles. An engaging blend of laughter and sincerity, Brooke and Kate's conversation promises to resonate with listeners navigating their own 'messy middle.'

00:00 Welcome to Embracing the Messy Middle

00:30 Getting Started and Guest Experience

00:46 Hair and Beauty Hacks

02:56 Sleep and Beauty Routines

07:39 College Memories and Chemistry Class

12:39 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Intros

20:47 Buttercup Banter

21:07 Shirts and Shopify

21:23 Parental Concerns

21:59 Job Satisfaction

22:38 School Memories

23:01 Handwriting Woes

24:20 Entrepreneurial Spirit

25:39 Podcast Reflections

35:43 Emotional Rollercoaster

40:09 Weekly Wrap-Up

Links to product mentions:

Kitsch Heatless Curlers

Follow us on Instagram: @embracingthemessymiddle