From 9 to Mom

plastic free-ish: what busy moms actually need to know with Jessica Franklin

In this episode of From 9 to Mom, we’re diving into a topic that’s suddenly everywhere: plastics, microplastics, “clean living,” and the overwhelming pressure moms feel to somehow detox their entire homes overnight. 😵‍💫 We’re joined by Jessica Franklin, busy mom, health coach, and host of The Live Lightly Podcast, to break down what actually matters when it comes to plastics, toxins, and low-tox living… without spiraling into fear or throwing out every sippy cup you own tomorrow. From plastic cutting boards and kids’ lunch gear to hidden plastics in bedding, clothing, and everyday products, Jessica helps us understand where these exposures are really coming from, what the science says about microplastics and hormone disruption, and how moms can make practical swaps without adding another full-time job to the mental load. We also talk about: • The truth behind “BPA-free” labels • Why plastic cutting boards became everyone’s villain origin story • The hidden plastics most families never think about • Affordable, realistic swaps that actually make sense • How to avoid fear-based wellness marketing • The balance between awareness and overwhelm If you’ve watched the documentaries, fallen down a TikTok rabbit hole, or stood in Target staring at “eco-friendly” labels wondering what any of it means… this episode is for you. Because healthy living shouldn’t require a chemistry degree, a full pantry relabel, or losing your sanity in aisle 12. 💛 Sign up for the Microplastics Masterclass here: https://livelightly.myflodesk.com/microplasticmasterclass [https://livelightly.myflodesk.com/microplasticmasterclass] Featuring: Jessica Franklin of The Live Lightly Podcast [https://livelightly.eco/]

how to take advice

Everyone has an opinion… especially once you become a mom. 😅 In this episode, Catie and Danielle dive into the overwhelming world of advice, from parenting tips and social media “experts” to professional feedback and personal growth. They talk about how to filter the noise, trust credible sources, and take advice with grace without losing confidence in yourself along the way. The conversation covers information overload, motherhood, mental health, trusting professionals, and learning when to listen… and when to let the advice scroll right on by. Plus, the hosts share personal stories about navigating feedback, building trust, and protecting their peace in a world full of opinions. If you’ve ever felt buried under unsolicited advice, conflicting parenting recommendations, or the pressure to “do it all right,” this episode is your reminder that you know yourself and your family better than anyone else. ✨ Topics Covered: * How to take advice without taking it personally * Managing information overload as a mom * Trusting experts vs. social media opinions * Parenting advice, professional growth & self-confidence * Setting boundaries and protecting your mental well-being ⏱ Chapters: 00:00 Navigating Advice in Motherhood 02:57 The Challenge of Information Overload 05:39 Finding the Right Sources of Advice 08:50 The Importance of Professional Guidance 11:38 Personal Experiences and Parenting 14:27 Building Trust in Relationships 17:20 Embracing Vulnerability and Growth 20:19 Practicing Receiving Feedback

what we really want for mother's day

This week on From 9 to Mom, we’re diving into the beautiful, chaotic, emotionally loaded glitter tornado that is Mother’s Day. 🌷 From the pressure of making the day “perfect” to the reality of May-sember schedules, sports, school events, and trying to enjoy one uninterrupted hot coffee, we’re talking about what moms actually want for Mother’s Day. We get honest about expectations vs. reality, gift giving fails and wins, mom guilt, and why sometimes the best gift isn’t flowers or jewelry... it’s being acknowledged without having to delegate your own celebration. 😅 We also share the moments and memories that matter most, how motherhood shifts friendships and family dynamics, and why celebrating together can make the chaos feel a little sweeter. If you’ve ever said “I don’t need anything” while secretly hoping someone planned literally anything... this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Balancing Work and Motherhood 00:19 Celebrating Mother's Day: Reflections and Realities 00:44 Balancing Motherhood and Work: The Ongoing Struggle 00:46 The Chaos of May-Sember 03:42 Expectations vs. Reality on Mother's Day 06:29 Gift Giving and Personal Preferences 09:27 Mom Guilt and Balancing Family Dynamics 12:17 Creating Meaningful Memories 15:08 Celebrating Motherhood Together 18:02 The Importance of Acknowledgment 21:01 Final Thoughts on Mother's Day

lunch breaks?

Spoiler: you're probably not actually taking one. Catie and Danielle are getting real about what happened to the lunch break. Remember when it meant leaving the office, grabbing food, maybe sneaking a 5-minute nap in your car? Yeah... those days are gone. Now it's "let me quickly sign the kids up for soccer, reschedule that dentist appointment, and throw in a load of laundry" — and somehow that counts as a break. This week they dig into how working from home completely rewired the lunch hour, why commuting actually had some unexpected perks for productivity, and how support systems (or the lack of one) make or break your ability to catch your breath mid-day. Because here's the truth: if you're a working mom, you're not just on your lunch break — you're on everyone's lunch break. This one's your permission slip to actually eat something and sit down for 12 consecutive minutes. You've earned it. This Week's Chapters: * 00:00 The Lunch Break Dilemma * 06:41 Productivity vs. Personal Time * 13:37 Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities * 19:34 Navigating the Modern Work Environment

outsourcing

Outsourcing isn’t lazy… it’s survival with a strategy 😅 In this episode, we’re getting real about what it actually looks like to “do it all” and why more moms are deciding… yeah, no thanks. From the evolution of online grocery shopping (because dragging kids through a store deserves hazard pay) to hiring help and reclaiming your time, we’re breaking down the mental load of motherhood and what happens when you finally start letting some of it go. We talk about the guilt, the judgment, and the very real math behind outsourcing. Because somehow spending money to save your sanity requires a full-blown internal TED Talk. We also get into balancing packed family schedules, meal prep chaos, and how AI is quietly becoming the assistant we didn’t know we needed. This episode is your permission slip to stop doing everything the hard way. You don’t have to earn your exhaustion. And if you’ve ever justified a purchase by calculating your hourly rate in your head… welcome, you’re among friends 🤝 Chapters: 00:00 The Shift to Online Grocery Shopping 02:53 Outsourcing for Time Management 05:29 The Value of Hiring Help 08:17 Balancing Family Activities and Responsibilities 11:05 Navigating Food Choices and Meal Prep 14:10 The Role of AI in Parenting 17:00 Normalizing Outsourcing in Motherhood 20:00 Mom Math: Justifying Expenses 22:58 Conclusion and Future Plans