Mama’s Gonna Make It — 48. Choosing Change: Money, Motherhood, & Major Life Moves

Mama’s Gonna Make It — 48. Choosing Change: Money, Motherhood, & Major Life Moves

In this episode, Anne shares about a recent job opportunity and how difficult it was to weigh all the pros and cons of change—not only for herself, but for how it could impact her family unit. She polled the mom-chat, talked with family and friends, and ultimately received some incredibly illuminating advice from two trusted professionals in her life: a financial advisor and a college friend who is now a career coach.  Making potentially life-altering decisions is hard. Whether it’s related to health, finance, or any other major life thread, it can be scary, too. Anne and Sarabeth dive into the ways we process change and opportunity—and into our own struggles with money. Money isn’t everything… but it sure does matter. And for those of us with executive function challenges or other hurdles in place, shame can take up precious space and energy. To help, we call Isabel Sanchez, Sarabeth’s personal finance coach from MES Financial Coachign, for practical advice on managing money, strategies for long-term success, and what it really takes to embrace our own financial wellness. Some of these ideas may sound familiar, but maybe you haven’t  applied them to your finances before. Do you have a framework for making big decisions or managing your family budget? Tune in, and let us know what you think on our socials! @mamasgonnamakeit Links:  Isabel Sanchez of MES Financial Coaching * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mesfinancialcoaching/] * Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mesfinancialcoaching/] * Email: mesfinancialcoaching@gmail.com [mesfinancialcoaching@gmail.com]  Carmen Silva Thomas – Career Coach [https://www.beverlyandsadler.com/#carmen] Sean Click – Edward Jones financial advisor [https://www.edwardjones.com/us-en/financial-advisor/sean-click], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-click/] Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media [https://suchnsuchmedianc.com/]. Theme music is by Doug Davis [https://dougdavis.ws/home]. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit] or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit]

Mama’s Gonna Make It — 47. Friendship Chat with Jen Hamilton: The Real-Life Edition

Last time we had Jen Hamilton on, we talked all things nursing, advocacy, and her book Birth Vibes. This time? We’re just… hanging out. And honestly, it might be our favorite kind of episode. Jen is back in the studio and bringing her full, beautifully chaotic, joy-filled life with her. From raising indoor chickens (yes, diapers included) to navigating social media with millions of followers, to building a nonprofit that’s helping moms across the country—this conversation is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and deeply grounding. We talk about: * What it actually looks like to “have it all” (hint: it’s messy and wonderful) * Why Jen refuses to fit into a single “niche” online—and why you don’t have to either * The behind-the-scenes of her social media presence (and how she keeps it sustainable) * Parenting in the teenage years + navigating intrusive thoughts  * Dream vacations (cruise people vs. not cruise people 👀) * Using your platform for good—even when it makes people uncomfortable * Letting people misunderstand you and calling that freedom We also dive into Jen’s nonprofit, Hot Mess Express, and how one Facebook post turned into a nationwide movement helping overwhelmed moms reset their homes—and their nervous systems—with zero judgment and lots of love. And because we like to keep it real around here, we wrap with some honest confessions about the not-so-polished parts of life (forgotten Valentines, messy houses, and struggling to shower… you know, the usual). This episode feels like sitting on the couch with friends—laughing, learning, and reminding each other that we’re all just doing the best we can. Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media [https://suchnsuchmedianc.com/]. Theme music is by Doug Davis [https://dougdavis.ws/home]. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit] or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit]

Mama’s Gonna Make It — 46. Find Your Birth Vibe: Advocacy, Agency & the Birth You Didn’t Plan with Jen Hamilton

Sometimes the most powerful preparation isn’t for the birth you want—it’s for the one you might actually have.  This week, we host labor & delivery nurse, advocate, and author Jen Hamilton to talk about her debut book Birth Vibes—and wow…we were not emotionally prepared (in the best way). Birth Vibes fills the void between books that explain pregnancy and parenting books. That between space? Actually bringing  your baby into the world? THIS IS THE BOOK to help you prepare for the decisions you may need to make in those important, and sometimes scary, moments.   As a nurse, Jen has spent over a decade in ER and obstetrics, supporting families through some of the most vulnerable, intense, and life-changing moments imaginable. In this conversation, she shares how her concept of “birth vibes”—a blend of your values, preferences, and vision—can help you advocate for yourself and feel grounded, even when things don’t go according to plan. We talk about: * Why informed consent is more than just a signature—it’s true understanding * How nurses (and patients) can balance information without overwhelm * The importance of connection before checklists in medical spaces * What it actually looks like to advocate for patients—even when it’s uncomfortable * The reality of systemic racism in maternal healthcare and why it must be addressed * Preparing not just for your ideal birth—but for the unexpected, too Jen also shares behind-the-scenes stories from writing her book (including what didn’t make it in), how her own birth experience shaped her work, and why honoring all birth stories—including loss—was non-negotiable. And we have to say…this book unlocked something for us. Whether you’re currently pregnant, supporting someone who is, or still processing a past birth experience—this conversation (and Jen’s work) offers language, clarity, and a whole lot of healing. This episode is for: * Expectant parents * Birth partners and support people * Anyone who has ever had a complicated or confusing birth experience * Healthcare providers who want to lead with more compassion and connection * Anyone who loves Jen Hamilton’s humor and voice  Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about birth—it’s about being seen, heard, and respected in your most vulnerable moments. Links: Purchase Birth Vibes [https://bookshop.org/p/books/birth-vibes-what-every-parent-deserves-in-the-delivery-room-and-beyond-jen-hamilton/837dbeda02b92d2b?ean=9781538771471&next=t]Jen Hamilton Website [https://www.jenhamilton.co/]Jen Insta [http://www.instagram.com/_jen_hamilton_], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@_jen_hamilton_?lang=en], Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@jenhamilton] Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media [https://suchnsuchmedianc.com/]. Theme music is by Doug Davis [https://dougdavis.ws/home]. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit] or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit]

Mama’s Gonna Make It — 45. I’ll Make the World Safe and Sound for You — Peace & Safety

Before we even get to today’s topic, Anne & Sarabeth find themselves on a meaningful side quest—talking about how we support our kids’ safety when it comes to consent and bodily autonomy. Whew…nothing like easing in with a “light” topic. From there, we explore the idea of peace (not peas 😉), inspired by a recent Peace Walk—including one we did with our own kiddos on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And because this is us, we don’t stay in one lane for long—touching on everything from birth plans to personal finance to navigating truth in an age of AI and digital fakes. It’s a little winding, a lot real, and exactly the kind of conversation we hope makes you feel less alone. A few takeaways on peace: • Some forms of peace are a privilege. • It’s okay to take a break—for your own mental peace—when you can. • Fight for something, not just against something. • Peace is powerful—and it requires strength.• And sometimes…silence can be bought with cosmic brownies 🤣 Links:  Don’t hug Doug (He Doesn’t Like It) [https://bookmarksnc.org/book/9781984813022] The Breaking News [https://bookmarksnc.org/book/9781250153562] Mama’s Gonna Make It Episode 5: Dear Theo  [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0apliTJZjK1Uzug7zBMq4A?si=dRO0TUivSQWy94ZwMPIMJA] Mama’s Gonna Make It Episode 43:Resilient Parents for Thriving Kids with Deb Armstrong Branch [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5T5ibDynubL06aMNutvN8v?si=mL5FLFJZSdaCwkDBLGiMrQ] Walk for Peace [https://www.facebook.com/bbcworldservice/videos/buddhist-monks-complete-walk-for-peace/896459289773661/] Crayola Colors of the World Skin Tone Crayons [https://www.crayola.com/products/crayons/colors-of-the-world-skin-tone-crayons-24-count-520108]  Work with The Podfather Tim Beeman! Book now [https://go.oncehub.com/TimothyGBeemanII] A couple clarifications:  • Mamdani is the Mayor of New York City. Not Mondavi… the winery 😅Sometimes you just have to laugh at yourself.  • We mention interviewing Isabel Sanchez of MES Financial Coaching- that finance themed episode will be released later in season along with our Creativity Episode! 🤩 Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media [https://suchnsuchmedianc.com/]. Theme music is by Doug Davis [https://dougdavis.ws/home]. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit] or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit]

Mama’s Gonna Make It — 44. Grow Where You Are: Soil & Self-Compassion with Ashley Honbarrier of Happy Roots

Sometimes the hardest part of anything is getting started. Ashley Honbarrier eliminates that barrier to growing your own food with her nonprofit Happy Roots—providing therapeutic horticulture to communities of all ages, from 2 to 102 and beyond. In this episode, we talk about what happens when access meets intention… and how something as simple as a garden box can shift not just what we eat, but how we feel. Ashley shares about Earth Day Jam and how it led to the creation of Happy Roots—a nonprofit now serving schools, families, and communities through hands-on, nature-based education. We get into: * how Happy Roots began and why removing barriers matters * “dirt therapy” and the real mental health benefits of getting outside * the power of school gardens (and why kids will try what they grow) * simple, approachable ways to start gardening—especially if you feel overwhelmed * what it looks like to garden with kids, communities, and across generations * how growing something can build patience, confidence, and connection This conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to do it perfectly. You don’t need all the answers. And you definitely don’t need a green thumb. You just have to start. About Ashley: Ashley Honbarrier is the Founder and Executive Director of Happy Roots, a North Carolina–based nonprofit focused on school gardens, sustainable agriculture, and therapeutic horticulture. She also serves on the North Carolina School Garden Network Advisory Board and is the founder of Earth Day Jam. For nearly a decade, she has helped communities connect to their food, support mental health, and build stronger local systems through hands-on education and gardening access. Links: * Happy Roots: https://www.happyrootsnc.org/ [https://www.happyrootsnc.org/] * Earth Day Jam: https://earthdayjamnc.com/ [https://earthdayjamnc.com/] * Samantha Fox @mothersfinesturbanfarm * Link to garden kit form [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd13EsNEJJtGXozQpVkeMkptdiyG_5u2xwrSCgiFODTFh2lag/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=109473216132368040687] Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media [https://suchnsuchmedianc.com/]. Theme music is by Doug Davis [https://dougdavis.ws/home]. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit] or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit [http://coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit]