J.E. Larson on the Valdor Series | Spoilers, Writing Process & Balancing Motherhood

We Left Our Careers to Raise Our Kids | Alyssa & Meghan Hobson on the SAHM Transition Nobody Talks About | Momtroversial

Being a stay-at-home mom looks different than people think — and Alyssa and guest Meghan Hobson are here to tell the whole truth about it. In this episode, they pull back the curtain on the emotional realities of stepping away from a career, navigating financial dependence, and finding your footing in a season that's as rewarding as it is hard. From the guilt of leaving work to the loneliness that can quietly creep in, they cover what nobody warns you about — and why it's still worth every messy, beautiful moment. They also dig into what a truly supportive partner looks like in this season, why choosing experiences over things might be the best gift you give your kids, and what early childhood development research actually says about the value of a present parent at home. Plus, don't miss Momtroversial Moments at the end — because sometimes you just need to laugh (and cry) with people who truly get it. 📖 Mentioned in this episode: Being There by Erica Komissar 00:00 🍼 Introduction to Motherhood Chaos 02:58 🏠 Transitioning to Stay-at-Home Mom 06:09 😔 The Guilt of Leaving Work 08:53 💸 Financial Adjustments and Independence 11:59 🤝 The Importance of Supportive Partners 14:53 🌀 Navigating Parenting Challenges 17:52 🎡 Experiences Over Material Gifts 20:58 😢 Combating Loneliness as a Stay-at-Home Mom 26:57 💪 Navigating the Challenges of Motherhood Alone 30:06 ☀️ The Joys of Being a Stay-at-Home Mom 34:47 ❤️ The Value of Stay-at-Home Parenting 39:00 🧠 The Importance of Early Childhood Development 42:46 😂 Momtroversial Moments: Sharing Laughter and Tears📖 Being There by Erica Komissar [https://www.amazon.com/Being-There-audiobook/dp/B06XYW3RQ8/]🌳 Everything Momtroversial [https://linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast]📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast] #Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments #WorkingMom #StayAtHomeMom #SAHM #SAHMLife #MomGuilt #MotherhoodRealities #StayAtHomeMomLife #Childcare #EarlyChildhoodDevelopment #MomLife #MomPodcast #Motherhood #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MomCommunity #ParentingPodcast #MomTok

Raising Independent Kids | The Love & Logic Method Every Parent Needs to Know

What if the secret to raising confident, independent kids wasn't about more rules — but smarter ones? In this episode of the Momtroversial Podcast, Tori and Leeah dig into the principles of Parenting with Love and Logic, breaking down how natural consequences, shared control, and empathy can completely change the way you show up as a parent. They get practical — really practical — covering everything from dinner table standoffs and toddler communication to decision fatigue and why giving kids choices isn't the same as losing control. If you've ever felt like you're constantly battling your child instead of building them, this conversation is for you. In this episode: * What Love & Logic parenting actually means (and why it works) * How natural consequences teach more than any punishment ever could * Giving kids real choices within boundaries you control * Empathy as a parenting tool — not just a feeling * The difference between knowing good parenting principles and actually applying them * Decision fatigue: what it is and how it affects both you and your kids * Cultural dynamics that shape how we discipline and connect 📖 Grab the book: Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood by Jim Fay & Charles Fay [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/love-and-logic-magic-for-early-childhood-practical-parenting-from-birth-to-six-years_jim-fay_charles-fay/250481/item/2140303/] 🔗 Find everything Momtroversial: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast [https://linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast] 📸 Follow us on Instagram: @momtroversial_podcast [https://instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast] New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe so you never miss a conversation worth having. 00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Parenting with Love and Logic 01:14 🧠 Understanding Parenting Tactics and Strategies 03:07 ⚖️ The Importance of Natural Consequences 06:01 🙌 Allowing Children to Make Choices 09:26 🚧 Setting Boundaries and Giving Options 12:22 🌍 Cultural Differences in Parenting 14:54 🍽️ Dinner Time Dynamics 18:22 ❤️ Empathy in Parenting 20:11 💬 Communicating with Toddlers 22:02 🎯 The Heart of Parenting Goals 24:48 🌉 Bridging Knowledge and Practical Application 29:48 😓 The Role of Decision Fatigue 34:24 🔍 Critical Thinking in Parenting 39:04 ✨ The Essence of Love and Logic 48:02 📚 Final Thoughts and Recommendations🔗 Links Section 📖 Love and Logic Magic for Early Childhood — ThriftBooks [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/love-and-logic-magic-for-early-childhood-practical-parenting-from-birth-to-six-years_jim-fay_charles-fay/250481/item/2140303/] 🌐 Momtroversial Linktree [https://linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast] 📸 Momtroversial on Instagram [https://instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast] #Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #LoveAndLogic #ParentingWithLoveAndLogic #NaturalConsequences #ChildDevelopment #RaisingIndependentKids #EmpathyParenting #ParentingStrategies #DecisionFatigue #MomPodcast #ParentingPodcast #MomLife #Motherhood #ParentingTips #RaisingKids #ToddlerMom

Mom Friendships Are Complicated | Parenting Styles, Hard Boundaries & Finding Your People

Mom friendships hit different — and not always in the easy way. In this episode, Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori get real about one of motherhood's most underrated challenges: the relationships we build (and sometimes lose) along the way. They dig into what happens when your parenting styles don't match your closest friends', how to set boundaries with other people's kids without blowing up the friendship, and why it's so hard to stay connected to your child-free friends once kids enter the picture. There's no sugarcoating here — just honest conversation about the messy, meaningful work of building a mom community that actually supports you. Whether you're navigating a falling out, a mismatched playdate, or just wondering where to find your people — this one's for you. 🤝 00:00 — Navigating Mom Friendships⚡ 18:09 — Handling Kids' Conflicts💛 36:52 — Maintaining Child-Free Friendships🗺️ 38:45 — Navigating Friendships in Parenthood🧒 44:05 — Managing Different Ages in Playdates🔍 49:31 — Finding New Mom Friends💬 55:54 — The Importance of Shared Values in Friendships🔥 01:01:55 — Momtroversial Moments & Parenting Insights 🔗 LINKS Podcast Home🌳 Everything Momtroversial → linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast Find Us on Social📸 Instagram → instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast #Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #MomFriendships #MomCommunity #ParentingStyles #MomBoundaries #ChildFreeFriends #FriendshipChallenges #HardConversations #MomLife #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MomPodcast #ParentingTips #MomTok #RealMomTalk #MomSupport #ParentingCommunity #MomBoss

From Public School to Homeschool | Real Moms on Fears, Curriculum & Childhood Development

Have you ever thought about homeschooling but weren't sure where to start — or whether you were even cut out for it? In this episode of Momtroversial, Leeah Carter sits down with Alyssa Crone and Tori Dwight to share their honest, unfiltered journeys from public school to homeschool. From the "what am I doing?" moments to finding the right curriculum and fielding the socialization question everyone loves to throw at homeschool families — this conversation holds nothing back. Whether you're homeschool-curious or already knee-deep in lesson plans, you'll walk away with real insight and practical takeaways from moms who have lived it. In this episode we cover: * Alyssa and Tori's personal paths into homeschooling * The fears and concerns that almost stopped them from making the leap * Childhood development and why play matters more than you think * Financial considerations every homeschool family needs to think through * Curriculum options and how to find what actually fits your family * How to build a homeschool environment that functions in real life * What socialization and real-world skill-building actually look like * Navigating external pressures and political conversations as a homeschool family No judgment. No agenda. Just real mom talk about one of the biggest decisions a family can make. 🔗 Find everything Momtroversial: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast📸 Follow us on Instagram: instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast 00:00 🎙️ Welcome to Momtroversial01:21 📖 Alyssa's Homeschooling Journey10:31 😰 Initial Fears and Concerns About Homeschooling10:48 🔄 Tori's Transition to Homeschooling21:50 🧑‍🏫 The Role of Educators and Socialization29:08 🧸 Child Development and the Need for Play32:07 💭 The Impact of Parental Sentiments on Children33:14 💰 Financial Considerations in Homeschooling41:31 📚 Curriculum Choices and Educational Structure48:33 🏠 Creating a Homeschool Environment58:46 🌍 Socialization and Real-World Skills in Homeschooling01:11:38 🗳️ Navigating External Influences and Political Conversations🔗 LINKS Podcast Home🌐 Linktree: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast📸 Instagram: instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast Curriculum Resources Mentioned📜 Tapestry of Grace [https://tapestryofgrace.com/]🌿 Simply Charlotte Mason [https://simplycharlottemason.com/]🎨 Waldorf Education [https://www.waldorfeducation.org/]✨ The Good and the Beautiful [https://www.goodandbeautiful.com/]🌳 The Treehouse Schoolhouse [https://treehouseschoolhouse.com/]🧒 Playing Preschool by Busy Toddler [https://shop.busytoddler.com/product/playing-preschool-complete-program/] #Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #Homeschooling #HomeschoolMom #HomeschoolCurriculum #HomeschoolLife #HomeschoolSocialization #HomeschoolBenefits #HomeschoolingTips #ParentalFears #ChildhoodDevelopment #PublicSchoolToHomeschool #HomeschoolStyles #HomeschoolingFamilies #MomPodcast #MotherhoodPodcast #RealMomTalk #ParentingPodcast #MomsOfInstagram #MomLife #Parenting #Education #MomCommunity #ParentingTips

J.E. Larson on the Valdor Series | Spoilers, Writing Process & Balancing Motherhood

What happens when a mom sits down to write a fantasy world — and it actually becomes a series? We got to chat with the incredibly talented J.E. Larson, author of the Valdor Series, and this conversation did not disappoint. 🐉📚 Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori are joined by J.E. for a deep dive into the world she built — from the surprising choice to frame humans as the aggressors, to the emotional gut-punch of Skylar's death, to all the foreshadowing and Easter eggs she hid throughout the series for eagle-eyed readers. Fair warning: spoilers are very much on the table, and we are here for it. We also talk about what it really looks like to be a mom who writes — balancing late-night creative sessions with the beautiful chaos of family life, drawing inspiration from her kids, and what it's taken to bring four books into the world. J.E. gives us a peek into Book Four, shares what's coming next, and tells us why dragons and dystopian fantasy just hit different. Plus, she drops her favorite reads (hello, ACOTAR fans 👀), her top picks for younger readers, and a little bit about her upcoming audiobook release of A Trial of Fate on April 21st — so you'll want to stick around for all of it. Whether you're a fantasy reader, a creative mom, or just someone who loves hearing how real women build something extraordinary in the margins of motherhood — this one is for you. 🌿✨ 🎧 Find us everywhere: linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast [https://linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast] ⏱️ CHAPTERS 🎙️ 00:00 Introduction to Momtroversial Podcast⚔️ 03:32 Unique Storytelling: Humans as the Aggressors💔 06:17 The Emotional Impact of Skylar's Death🔍 11:35 Foreshadowing and Easter Eggs in the Series📖 16:04 Setting Up for Book Four: Battles and Expectations👑 18:00 The Dynamics of Leadership and Relationships🌱 20:12 Character Development and Future Plotlines✨ 21:45 Exploring Underrated Characters🤔 24:19 Theories and Speculations for Book Four🌀 26:42 Confronting the Past: Skylar's Journey🌿 27:45 The Impact of the Wilt and Healing🔮 28:50 Character Insights and Hidden Twists😤 30:33 Emotional Preparation for Book Four🚀 32:17 Looking Ahead: New Projects and Future Works🐉 34:05 The Allure of Dragons and Dystopian Fantasy🌍 35:57 Exploring Future Possibilities in Writing📚 37:03 Favorite Reads and Influences✍️ 38:56 The Writing Process: Balancing Life and Creativity👨‍👩‍👧 42:30 Inspiration from Family: Writing with Kids💫 45:57 Momtroversial Moments: Balancing Motherhood and Creativity 🔗 LINKS 🎙️ Podcast Home * Momtroversial Podcast Linktree [https://linktr.ee/momtroversial.podcast] * Momtroversial on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/momtroversial_podcast] 📖 Guest: J.E. Larson * Instagram & Threads: @j.e.larson_author [https://www.instagram.com/j.e.larson_author] * Website: jelarson.my.canva.site/author [https://jelarson.my.canva.site/author] 🐉 The Valdor Series * Valdor Series on Amazon & Kindle [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDMFHZ4Y] — Book 4 coming May 2026! * A Trial of Fate Audiobook on Audible [https://www.audible.com/pd/A-Trial-of-Fate-Audiobook/B0GGV48LP4] — Available April 21, 2026 📚 J.E. Larson's Favorite Reads * A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas * Red Rising by Pierce Brown * The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice 🌟 J.E. Larson's Recommendations for Younger Readers * Dragon Girls Series by Maddy Mara * The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin * Mermaid Tales Series by Debbie Dadey #MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments#ValdorSeries #JELarson #AuthorInterview #FantasyBooks #DragonFantasy #DystopianFantasy #BookSpoilers #ACOTAR #BookFour #FantasyAuthor #ATrialOfFate#MomsWhoRead #BookishMoms #MotherhoodAndCreativity #ReadingMoms #AuthorLife #BookRecommendations #FantasyReaders #Bookstagram #PodcastForMoms #WomenWhoWrite