Parks are in a coma. It's time to reclaim them.

Before Springfield heats up again, do these 7 things

Spring got a second wind this week after that historic hail storm, and it won’t last long. In this episode, I’m sharing 7 things I want to do with my family before the heat takes over in Springfield, Missouri. Nothing extravagant or expensive! Just a little inspiration to fully sink into spring, whether that's outside, in your neighborhood, or around your table.

Return of family movie night

In this episode, I unpack how streaming, short-form video, and the modern content economy have created a world where family movie nights have lost their luster. We’ll talk about attention, abundance, and why limiting your options to Springfield's brick-and-mortar alternatives might bring something back to your family's movie nights.

Parks are in a coma. It's time to reclaim them.

For the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time in Springfield’s parks, walking them, writing about them, bringing my son along and wondering about their emptiness. The more I’ve learned, the harder it’s been to ignore the difference between what these spaces are now… and what they used to be. There was a time when our parks were full of life. There were bandstands, skating rinks, carnivals - places designed for gathering. True third places. In this episode, I share some of that history, but also some modern ideas, both here and in other cities, and what it might look like to bring some of that life back. This is part reflection, part invitation to do something about it!

Episode 1: Why I started Dear Springfield Mama: From San Diego newsrooms to Ozarks mom life

Why start a local parenting newsletter in Springfield, Missouri? In this first episode of the Dear Springfield Mama podcast, I share the story behind the project. A decade ago, I was a journalist in San Diego. Today, I’m a stay-at-home mom raising a little boy in the Ozarks, a life I never quite expected. Leaving journalism left a surprising void. I missed feeling connected to a place. I missed knowing what was happening around me. And like many parents with a young child, I struggled to figure out what to do with my days... and where to go! That search eventually led to long walks, local parks, coffee shops, trails, and a late-in-life love of the outdoors. It also sparked the idea for Dear Springfield Mama. In this episode, I share: * the career twists that led me here * how living in Springfield is different from San Diego * why I started exploring the Ozarks with a toddler in tow * the survey that helped launch Dear Springfield Mama * and the bigger vision I hope it becomes one day If you’re a Springfield parent looking for outdoor adventures, local discoveries, and ways to connect with other families in real life, this podcast is for you.