In this empowering episode, Crissy sits down with Kate Williams Stone, a non-diet health and life coach, to demystify perimenopause and help you confidently prepare for conversations with your GYN.

Kate explains why tracking symptoms like mood swings, hot flashes, and cycle changes is essential — especially since there's no definitive test for perimenopause. Together, they discuss the frustrations around the lack of education on this major life transition, how to avoid getting dismissed by doctors, and why documenting specific patterns can make all the difference at appointments.

They also explore surprising symptoms (like itchy ears!), the pitfalls of expensive at-home tests, and the importance of a holistic approach that includes emotional and lifestyle support.

Whether you're just starting to notice changes or already navigating the thick of it, this conversation will help you track, prepare, and advocate for yourself like never before.

Top Three Things You Will Learn In This Episode:

1. How to effectively track perimenopause symptomsListeners will learn why documenting mood swings, hot flashes, menstrual cycle changes, and other symptoms in detail is critical — not just for personal understanding, but to clearly communicate patterns to their healthcare providers.

2. How to prepare for and advocate during GYN appointmentsListeners will get practical tips for prepping before appointments, including writing down specific questions and observations to avoid going blank, and how to confidently advocate for themselves if they feel dismissed.

3. Why a holistic approach to perimenopause mattersListeners will understand that perimenopause isn’t just a medical event — it's a whole-person transition that benefits from emotional, mental, and lifestyle support, not just medical interventions.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Kate Williams Stone’s website: https://www.katewilliamsstone.com

https://www.katewilliamsstone.com/gyn (free guide)

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

HER Circle - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Parenting with ADHD isn’t about trying harder—it’s about doing things differently. In this episode, therapist and school psychologist Holly Moore shares three powerful strategies to help ADHD adults not just survive, but truly thrive as caregivers.

You’ll learn how to ditch rigid systems that don’t serve your family, tap into your emotional reactions to re-parent yourself, and harness creativity as a tool for confidence, connection, and calm. Holly’s honest stories and actionable insights will leave you feeling empowered to build a home that works with your brain, not against it.

Whether you’re deep in the parenting trenches or just starting to make sense of your own ADHD, this episode is packed with relief, recognition, and real-life tools you can use today.

Top Three Things You Will Learn In This Episode:

1. You will learn how to evaluate and modify the parenting systems in your homes by tuning into your own instincts and emotional cues—especially when systems (like behavior charts or reward jars) feel forced, exhausting, or disconnected. Holly emphasizes focusing on micro systems—what’s within your control—and releasing the pressure to conform to external expectations.

2. Holly dives into how your reactions as a parent can be deeply tied to your own childhood experiences. Through self-reflection and curiosity, you'll learn how to identify triggers, recognize when a reaction is more about you than your child, and develop a more compassionate, present-centered approach to caregiving.

3. Rather than viewing creativity as a hobby or luxury, this episode highlights its critical role in emotional regulation, confidence-building, and accessing dopamine in the ADHD brain. You’ll gain ideas for integrating creative activities—like dance, music, improv, or gardening—into daily life as a form of healing and thriving.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Holly Moore’s website: https://www.thatsthemominme.com/

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

HER Circle - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual—and even if it did, would we all agree on the rules? In this episode, Crissy sits down with fellow mom Cindi to tackle some of the most debated parenting topics: timeouts, participation trophies, and when (or if) it's okay to let your kid quit.

From Cindi’s support of timeouts as a tool for calming and refocusing to Crissy’s emphasis on reframing them away from punishment, they explore how discipline can become a space for growth rather than shame. The conversation turns to participation trophies—do they build confidence or set kids up for failure? And when it comes to quitting, the duo wrestles with teaching commitment versus honoring a child’s evolving interests and well-being.

It’s a candid, compassionate, and sometimes conflicting conversation—just like parenting itself. Whether you’re rethinking your timeout strategy or wondering how to talk to your child about perseverance, this episode offers real talk, shared wisdom, and a reminder that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when raising kids.

Here are the three main takeaways listeners will gain from this episode:

1. Timeouts Can Be Reframed, Not Removed Timeouts don’t have to be punitive. When used thoughtfully, they can help children calm down and reflect, especially when paired with safe spaces and emotional support.

2. Confidence and Accountability Can Coexist Participation trophies can help build confidence, but it’s equally important to teach children how to handle disappointment, build resilience, and develop good sportsmanship.

3. Quitting Isn’t Always Failing Allowing kids to quit an activity can be the right choice depending on the situation—but finishing commitments teaches valuable lessons in persistence, balance, and self-awareness.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

HER Circle - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

In this down-to-earth and inspiring episode, we sit down with Marlaya Ross, CEO and lead designer of Studio One Nine Design, to explore the world of soulful, contemporary interiors that actually work for real families. Marlaya shares her unexpected journey from aspiring attorney to sought-after interior designer—and drops a wealth of practical, mom-friendly design wisdom along the way.

From managing toy chaos and countertop clutter to discovering your personal design style without overwhelm, Marlaya offers solutions that are stylish and sustainable. Whether you're living in a modest home or dreaming big, she proves you don’t need a massive budget to create a cozy, beautiful space.

Hosts Cindi and Crissy get honest about their own design struggles—everything from undefined style to endless kid mess—and Marlaya meets them with realistic, no-shame advice. Learn how to make big-impact changes on a small budget (hello, paint and pillows!), why performance fabrics are a mom’s best friend, and how closed storage can be your secret weapon.

If you’ve ever felt like design shows don’t reflect your reality, this episode is for you. Tune in and let Marlaya help you fall back in love with your home—clutter and all.

Top Three Things You Will Learn In This Episode:

• How to Identify and Stick to Your Personal Design StyleMarlaya shares easy, stress-free ways (like using design questionnaires) to help you uncover your style and make decorating decisions without overwhelm.

• Smart Solutions for Managing Clutter in a Stylish WayLearn how to use closed storage, performance fabrics, and organization tools to keep your home looking good—even with kids in the mix.

• Budget-Friendly Ways to Refresh Your HomeFrom painting and rearranging furniture to switching out throw pillows and rugs, Marlaya offers simple tips that deliver a big visual impact without breaking the bank.

Episode Notes and Resources:

https://www.studiooneninedesign.com/

https://voyageraleigh.com/interview/exploring-life-business-with-marlaya-ross-of-studio-one-nine-design-llc/

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

HER Circle - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Motherhood is more than just caretaking—it’s about leadership, resilience, and self-empowerment. In this dynamic roundtable discussion, our expert panel explores how moms can step into leadership roles, advocate for themselves and their children, and cultivate self-care practices that sustain them.

Join us as we challenge outdated narratives, share practical self-care strategies, and discuss what it truly means to lead as a mom—both at home and beyond. Make sure you check out Part 1 of this conversation, Ep. 128 ROUNDTABLE (Part 1): Mom Boss Mode: Leading with Intention & Letting Go of Guilt

These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode:

How Moms Can Step into Leadership Roles with Confidence Learn why taking risks, modeling assertiveness, and embracing discomfort are essential for both personal growth and teaching resilience to children.

The Power of “Yes Spaces” and Screen Time Boundaries – Discover how creating environments that foster independence can help children build confidence, and gain strategies for managing screen time effectively at different developmental stages.

The Importance of Self-Care and Community Support – Understand why self-care isn’t selfish, how small, consistent rituals can make a big impact, and how surrounding yourself with a supportive community can help sustain your leadership and well-being.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Irene Gouge https://www.lovinglessonslearned.com/

Chasta Hamiltonhttp://stagedoordance.com/

Kelly Smedley http://waypointcounselingnc.com/

Amanda Smith http://hinenibirthandbeyond.com/

Holly Moore http://thatsthemominme.com

Holly mentioned the Via Character Survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

HER Circle - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Motherhood is a leadership role—one that requires resilience, self-awareness, and intentional habits. In this HER Health Collective Roundtable, experts and moms come together to explore how leadership strategies can help mothers navigate both personal and professional challenges while prioritizing their well-being.

This insightful conversation is a must-listen for any mom looking to lead with intention, cultivate balance, and thrive in every season of motherhood. Tune in for practical advice, heartfelt stories, and the encouragement you need to prioritize yourself while leading your family with confidence.

These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode:

Proactive Leadership Strategies for Moms – How shifting from a reactive mindset to an intentional, proactive approach can help mothers lead effectively in both their personal and professional lives.

The Power of Boundaries & Saying No – Why setting boundaries and learning to say no without guilt is essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being.

Integrating Passion & Adjusting Expectations – The importance of weaving personal passions into daily life (like impromptu dance parties!) and adjusting expectations to align with the evolving realities of motherhood.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Irene Gouge https://www.lovinglessonslearned.com/

Chasta Hamilton http://stagedoordance.com/

Kelly Smedley http://waypointcounselingnc.com/

Amanda Smith http://hinenibirthandbeyond.com/

Holly Moore http://thatsthemominme.com

Holly mentioned the Via Character Survey: https://www.viacharacter.org/

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

HER Circle - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Moms, it’s time to stop trying to do it all—and start doing what truly matters! In this episode, educator and counselor Anastasia Arauz shares powerful insights on balancing commitments, setting priorities, and releasing guilt so you can reclaim your time and energy.

Inspired by Brené Brown’s values list, Anastasia explains how identifying your core values can help you say “no” without guilt and focus on what truly brings you joy. She offers practical tips, including grounding techniques and mindfulness strategies, to help overwhelmed moms feel more centered and in control.

If you’ve ever struggled with setting boundaries or feeling like you’re not doing enough, this episode will give you the tools and encouragement to shift your mindset and embrace a more intentional, joyful life. Tune in and take the first step toward letting go, finding balance, and prioritizing YOU!

These are the top three things you will learn from this podcast episode:

How to Identify & Prioritize Your Core Values – Learn how to create a values list (inspired by Brené Brown) to help guide your decisions, reduce guilt, and focus on what truly matters.

How to Set Boundaries & Say No with Confidence – Discover small, intentional steps—like saying “not right now” and practicing in the mirror—to help you set limits without guilt or overwhelm.

Grounding & Mindfulness Techniques for Overwhelm – Get practical strategies, like visualizing tree roots growing from your feet, to help you stay present, reduce anxiety, and make choices aligned with your well-being.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Anastasia Arauz’s website: https://www.anastasiaarauz.com/

Brene Brown’s Values List: https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values/

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

HER Circle - https://www.herhealthcollective.com/membership

Many women assume that if they've conceived before, getting pregnant again will be easy—until they face unexpected struggles. In this episode of Mama Needs a Moment, we sit down with Dr. Aumatma Simmons, a naturopathic doctor and fertility expert, to uncover the root causes of secondary infertility. From hormonal imbalances and nutritional depletion to the impact of emotional trauma and the vaginal microbiome, Dr. Simmons shares a holistic approach to improving fertility. She also emphasizes the importance of evaluating both partners' health and explains how proactive care can make conception more likely. Whether you're currently trying to conceive or simply want to better understand your reproductive health, this conversation is packed with essential insights.

Tune in to learn how a personalized, science-backed approach can help restore balance and boost your chances of a successful pregnancy. Don’t forget to subscribe and take a moment for yourself today!

These are the top three things you will learn from this episode:

The Hidden Causes of Secondary Infertility: This segment explores how previous pregnancies can impact fertility, delving into hormonal imbalances, nutritional depletion, emotional trauma, and oxidative stress that can hinder conception.

The Importance of a Holistic and Comprehensive Approach: Dr. Aumatma advocates for evaluating both partners' health, emphasizing the significance of hormone levels, nutritional status, and the vaginal microbiome in optimizing fertility.

Proactive Steps to Improve Fertility: Listeners will receive actionable guidance on restoring hormonal balance, replenishing vital nutrients, and utilizing vaginal microbiome testing and probiotics to enhance the chances of conception.

Episode Notes and Resources:

Follow Dr. Aumatma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticfertilitydoctor

Dr. Aumatma Simmons's Website

Support Mama Needs a Moment! Become a patron through our Mama Needs a Moment Patreon.

Take a look at HER Circle, a mom community by HER Health Collective!