The Hunterdon Collective

Catching Up with Valentina & Lina: Gratitude During Survival Mode and Everything Valentina's Learned About Homeschool

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469607/open_sms] In this week’s catch-up, Lina opens up about how hard it can be to feel grateful during a difficult season of parenthood.  Meanwhile, Valentina talks about her first two months of homeschooling her daughter: what she’s learned, what’s surprised her, and why it’s been such a fulfilling change for her family’s rhythm as a small business owner and a musician’s wife. It’s an honest, reflective, and comforting conversation about finding peace in imperfect seasons, redefining success, and doing what works for your family.

Chasing Connection in the Age of the Algorithm with Ben Weinman

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469607/open_sms] In this episode, we sit down with Valentina's husband, musician and creative Ben Weinman to unpack how social media has evolved from the early days of MySpace and message boards to today’s hyper-curated feeds and algorithm-driven culture. We reflect on what it means to “have a following” in 2025, the strange overlap between performance and authenticity online, and how the internet has reshaped our sense of community, creativity, and self-worth. It’s a raw, honest conversation about chasing connection in a world that profits off our attention and what it looks like to reclaim a little bit of our humanity in the process. Follow Ben Weinman on Instagram @benweinman [https://www.instagram.com/benweinman/]

How Ally Norton Rewrote the Rules of Success: Leaving Corporate, Adult ADHD, Weight Loss Surgery and Being a Mom

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469607/open_sms] This week, we sat down with Ally Norton [https://www.instagram.com/allynorton1/], owner of The Corner [https://www.instagram.com/thecornerflemington/] in Flemington, to talk about her powerful journey of reinvention. Ally opened up about taking a leap of faith and walking away from her corporate career when the stress began to take a serious toll on her mental and physical health. Along the way, she discovered she has ADHD, underwent weight loss surgery, and has since lost over 100 pounds—transforming not only her body but her outlook on life. We dive into what it takes to trust yourself, prioritize well-being over expectations, and rebuild a life that actually feels good to live. 🎙️ Tune in for an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, self-discovery, and the courage to start new.

We Are Over Summer & Ready for Fall: A Catch-Up With Valentina and Lina

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469607/open_sms] Summer was… a lot. 🌞 In this episode, Lina and Valentina get real about why they’re both over it. Lina shares how her “fun” summer plan of mixing different camps for her son turned into a schedule nightmare and a budget shocker when she saw the true cost of summer camp. Valentina opens up about why “back to school” looks totally different for her family this year as she steps into the world of homeschooling. From juggling unpredictable weeks to dreaming of the sweet structure of fall, we’re talking about the highs, the lows, and everything in between. If you’re a parent who’s counting down the days until September or redefining what school even looks like, this one’s for you.

Why Gentle Parenting Isn’t Working (And What Parents Need Instead) with Parenting Coach Danielle Linder

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2469607/open_sms] Has gentle parenting gone too far?  In this episode, we sit down with parenting coach and early childhood expert Danielle Lindner [https://daniellelindner.com/] to unpack the growing backlash against gentle parenting. Danielle shares why the approach is often misunderstood, how it can easily tip into permissive territory, and what boundaries kids actually need to thrive. We talk about: * The difference between gentle and permissive parenting * Why “being nice” isn’t the same as being effective * How to set firm limits without yelling or losing your cool * The guilt parents feel about saying “no” and why we need to let that go * Tools for raising confident, respectful kids who still feel seen and heard Whether you’re feeling burned out by meltdowns or second-guessing your parenting style, this one’s for you. It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being intentional.  Buy Danielle's book, Parent’s Pocket Guide to Surviving the Preschool Years: One Challenge at a Time [https://a.co/d/ihdP0QP] on Amazon.  Follow her @parentingtakespractice [https://www.instagram.com/parentingtakespractice/]