Mom-Life

Through the Eyes of the First Granddaughter: Ariana Reyes on Family, Boundaries, and Motherhood

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/fan_mail/new] What does motherhood look like to the generation watching from the sidelines? In this special episode, host Sonya Flores sits down with her oldest niece and the "original princess" of the family, Ariana Reyes. As a 22-year-old full-time esthetician living in El Paso, Texas, Ariana shares her unique perspective as the second oldest of 16 grandchildren. She dives into the complexities of the oldest sibling dynamic, the beautiful chaos of growing up surrounded by boys until finding a sisterly bond with her cousin Viviana, and her honest observations on modern parenting, gentle parenting boundaries, and the reality of navigating adulthood under a mom's loving magnifying glass. Instagram: @ari.reanne Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/support] Instagram: @mom.lifepodcast  https://postpartum.net/ [https://postpartum.net/] The Business of Being Born https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz [https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz]

Postpartum, Deployment & Mom-Life Chaos with Mel

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/fan_mail/new] This week on Mom-Life, Sonya sits down with Mel—a mom of three, military wife, entrepreneur, aesthetician, and travel advisor—who shares what life really looks like behind the scenes of motherhood. Mel opens up about:  Navigating postpartum depression  Raising three kids while building two careers  The challenges of military deployments and parenting solo  Processing miscarriage and finding healing through therapy  Why moms need to talk more about hormones, mental health, and the hard parts of motherhood  Finding humor in the chaos of baseball, toddlers, and everyday mom moments This episode is equal parts laughter, honesty, and healing—and a reminder that even in survival mode, moms are stronger than they know. Connect with Mel on Instagram: @MRuiz0628 @GlamByMel @MelVentures_1 #MomLifePodcast #MotherhoodUnfiltered #PostpartumAwareness #MilitaryMom #MomLife #HealingThroughMotherhood Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/support] Instagram: @mom.lifepodcast  https://postpartum.net/ [https://postpartum.net/] The Business of Being Born https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz [https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz]

IEPs, Advocacy & Belonging: What Every Mom Needs to Know About Special Education

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/fan_mail/new] In this powerful and informative episode of Mom-Life, Sonya sits down with Alicia —special education specialist and mom of two—to break down everything parents need to know about navigating special education. From understanding IEPs and 504 plans to recognizing early signs your child may need support, Alicia shares practical advice in a way that feels approachable, empowering, and real. They dive into: * What special education actually is (and what it isn’t) * The step-by-step process of getting your child evaluated * How to confidently walk into an IEP meeting * Common myths and misunderstandings about special education * How to build a collaborative relationship with your child’s school * Supporting neurodiversity and teaching inclusion at home Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that you are not alone—and that your voice as a parent matters more than you think. Whether you’re just starting to have concerns or already navigating services, this conversation will leave you feeling informed, supported, and empowered.  Tune in and remember: you are your child’s greatest advocate. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/support] Instagram: @mom.lifepodcast  https://postpartum.net/ [https://postpartum.net/] The Business of Being Born https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz [https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz]

Living Faithfully: An Interview with Audrey Diaz on Motherhood, Faith, and Intentional Living

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/fan_mail/new] In this episode, Audrey Diaz shares her inspiring journey of motherhood, faith, and living with purpose. Her insights highlight how spiritual growth intertwines with everyday life, especially as a mother. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith, raise spiritually grounded children, or find balance in motherhood, her story offers valuable lessons rooted in authenticity and intentionality.  Key Topics: * Audrey's personal journey from her 20s to now, emphasizing spiritual evolution and faith * How motherhood reshapes priorities and calls for prayer-centered parenting * Practical tips for mothers on managing stress, setting boundaries, and nurturing emotional intelligence * The significance of living intentionally through projects like The Daily Thread and embracing liturgical seasons * Insights on raising boys with integrity and fostering healthy masculinity * The importance of modesty, faith in relationships, and dressing with purpose * The role of physical fitness in spiritual and mental well-being * How to maintain consistency amid a busy family life and the power of discipline  * The journey to spiritual maturity, including veiling, Catholic traditions, and faith formation * Building a legacy rooted in faith, love, and service through motherhood Resources & Links: * The Align Podcast with Audrey [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aligned-podcast-with-audrey-diaz/id1715301787] * The Daily Thread (launching April 21st) [https://thedailythread.co/] * Bible in a Year with Father Mike  [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bible-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1539568321] * Hallow App for Daily Mass Readings [https://try.hallow.com/?referrer=googleNBsearch&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_Search_US_NonBrand&utm_content=Hallow_App&utm_term=christian%20meditation&utm_creative=784885801136&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22789226323&gbraid=0AAAAAC7O-AdC0oq35MRWInzn4NBw4Z3pj&gclid=CjwKCAjw14zPBhAuEiwAP3-Eb5_8DyT-PCBnlLlzGkcqsOn2il5TegnDf2UdqUHEvZpJI109CSYMMhoCicYQAvD_BwE] * Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206%3A33&version=ESV] Connect with Audrey: * Instagram @theaudreydiaz [https://www.instagram.com/theaudreydiaz/] * Podcast: The Align Podcast with Audrey [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-aligned-podcast-with-audrey-diaz/id1715301787] This episode is a profound reminder of how faith can anchor us through motherhood’s joys and struggles. Audrey’s words inspire us to live intentionally, nurture our children’s spirits, and foster a legacy of love rooted in Christ. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/support] Instagram: @mom.lifepodcast  https://postpartum.net/ [https://postpartum.net/] The Business of Being Born https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz [https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz]

The Messy Middle: Grief, Motherhood & Finding Hope Again

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/fan_mail/new] What does life look like after losing your partner? In this deeply honest and emotional episode of the Mom-Life Podcast, I sit down with Erin—mom of two, middle school teacher, and widow—to talk about grief in its realest form. Not the kind people expect.  Not the kind that fades quickly.  But the kind that reshapes every part of your life. Erin shares her journey of losing her husband to cancer, navigating motherhood through heartbreak, and learning how to survive—and eventually live again—after unimaginable loss. We talk about:  ✨ What grief really feels like (and why it’s so misunderstood)  ✨ Raising young children while grieving  ✨ The role of faith and community in healing  ✨ Therapy, mental health, and coping with overwhelming emotions  ✨ The courage it takes to date again after loss  ✨ Letting your heart grow without letting go This conversation is raw, vulnerable, and filled with powerful perspective. If you’ve ever experienced loss, supported someone who has, or wondered what healing truly looks like—this episode is for you. 💛 You are not alone. And there is still hope, even here. Connect with Erin on TikTok, IG, Facebook: @hopewitherin https://www.instagram.com/hopewitherin/ https://www.tiktok.com/@hopewitherin https://www.facebook.com/Hopewitherin/ Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2589555/support] Instagram: @mom.lifepodcast  https://postpartum.net/ [https://postpartum.net/] The Business of Being Born https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz [https://share.google/rsp6hPWBJTQoP7BIz]