Welcome back, Chaos Commanders! In this episode, we share practical, flexible planning strategies to help you set yourself up for a successful (and slightly less chaotic) month. From CEO Days to family command centers, we break down our five essential “Commander Calendar Moments” and favorite tools for keeping both business and life organized — without losing your mind.

QUOTES

“Chaos doesn’t scare us — but a lack of a plan does.” — Katelynn

“Plan your life, then live it flexibly.” — Katelynn

“For Wing your eyeliner, not your weeks.” — Annie

“Monthly planning is self-care for your future you.” — Annie

TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ A little structure makes chaos more manageable.

2️⃣ CEO Days and Home HQ Check-ins keep both business and home life running smoothly.

3️⃣ Build white space into your calendar — it’s not laziness; it’s strategy.

4️⃣ Hybrid planning systems (paper + digital) are nearly foolproof.

5️⃣ Family communication is easier when everyone shares the plan.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

The Happy Planner

The Dailee Planner

Good Tuesday Academic Wall Planners

The Skylight Calendar

17 Lists To Write At The Beginning Of Every Month

FEATURED CHAOS ANTHEM

Feeling Good by Michael Bublé

This empowering classic is the perfect soundtrack for reclaiming your rhythm after chaos. Michael Bublé’s smooth, confident vocals remind us that even when life feels messy, every new month is a fresh start — a chance to breathe, reset, and feel good again. Whether you’re planning your goals, catching up on laundry, or finally carving out a little “me time,” let this song be your anthem for stepping back into your power and celebrating progress over perfection.

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

CONNECT WITH US

Follow the chaos in real time:
📸 Instagram: @thechaoscommanders
📘 Facebook: The Chaos Commanders Podcast
🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com

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Your support helps more moms command the chaos!

AFFILIATE LOVE NOTE

A heads-up, chaos crew: Some of the links in this episode are affiliate links. That means if you sign up or make a purchase, we might earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Think of it as tossing a little confetti our way for sharing the tools, tips, and programs that helped us build our own beautifully chaotic lives. We only recommend what we truly use, love, and shout about in real life. Thanks for supporting the podcast!

Every mom has asked the question: Am I a good mom? But what happens when we stop measuring ourselves against social media highlight reels, outdated generational ideals, or the opinions of strangers—and instead define "good mom" on our own terms?

In this episode, we open up about the pressures of motherhood, the comparison traps we’ve faced, and the courage it takes to parent differently than the generations before us. From messy adventures that never make it to Instagram, to breaking cycles of dysfunction and learning to repair after hard moments, we share real stories and hard-earned truths about embracing motherhood authentically.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re enough, this episode is for you.

QUOTES

“There’s no badge of honor for doing it the hard way if it’s also the harmful way.” —Katelynn

“We only post the highlight reel. We don’t talk about the mud and the meltdowns—and yet we compare ourselves to what we see online.” —Annie

“Just because it worked then doesn’t mean it's right now. Parenting evolves. And so do we.” —Katelynn

“A good mom protects her peace over perfection.” — Annie

TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ Social media highlight reels don’t tell the whole story. Behind every perfect post are messy, real-life moments.

2️⃣ The generational comparison game is exhausting—and it’s okay to break cycles while still honoring where you came from.

3️⃣ Being a good mom isn’t about perfection; it’s about repair, listening, and showing up for your kids.

4️⃣ Your kids don’t need a picture-perfect version of you—they need you.

5️⃣ If you’re worried about being a good mom, it’s proof that you already are.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

🥔 Best Potato Soup Recipe — Mama Loves Food

🥗 Big Mac Salad (Cheeseburger in a Bowl) — Iowa Girl Eats

FEATURED CHAOS ANTHEM

Count on Me by Bruno Mars

This feel-good anthem from Bruno Mars is a reminder that none of us are meant to do motherhood alone. Count on Me celebrates the kind of friendship and support we all need—whether it’s another mom in the trenches, a partner, or your kids reminding you why you show up every day. Let it be your soundtrack when you need to remember that being a “good mom” isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection.

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

CONNECT WITH US

Follow the chaos in real time:
📸 Instagram: @thechaoscommanders
📘 Facebook: The Chaos Commanders Podcast
🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

Love what you’re hearing? Hit subscribe and never miss an episode.

Your support helps more moms command the chaos!

It’s the ultimate mom guilt trap: “If I love my kids, why do I still want to escape them?”

In this episode, Annie and Katelynn are getting honest and unfiltered about the tension between loving your children fiercely… and still desperately needing space. If you’ve ever hidden in the bathroom for five minutes of silence (or screamed into a pillow between toddler tantrums), this one’s for you.

Let’s talk about:

• The myth of “24/7 maternal joy”
  
  

• Sensory overload, overstimulation, and why your brain feels like a browser with 100 tabs open
  
  

• Creating guilt-free rest plans (even if you’re the default parent)
  
  

• Real-life recharge rituals that actually work when you're touched out and burned out
  
  

This episode is a warm reminder: you’re a human, not a robot, and taking breaks makes you a better mom—not a worse one.

QUOTES

“You can love your kids with your whole heart and still fantasize about a solo vacation.” - Annie

“Being everything to everyone isn’t heroic—it’s exhausting.” - Katelynn

“You don’t need to be available every second to be a good mom.” - Annie

“Rest isn’t a reward. It’s a requirement.” - Katelynn

“Default parent doesn’t mean sacrificial parent.” - Annie

TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ You can adore your kids and still feel overwhelmed. Those truths don’t cancel each other out.

2️⃣ You’re not broken—you’re burned out. There’s a big difference, and it matters.

3️⃣ Being “on” 24/7 isn’t sustainable. Even the most devoted parents need margin.

4️⃣ Start with micro-breaks. You don’t need a spa weekend—just 10 minutes of real space can help your nervous system reset.

5️⃣ You don’t need to “deserve” rest. You’re allowed to care for yourself without earning it.

FEATURED CHAOS ANTHEM

“I Am Light” by India.Arie

This week’s chaos anthem is a soulful reminder that your worth isn’t measured by your productivity. You are light. You are love. You are still you underneath the chaos.

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

CONNECT WITH US

Follow the chaos in real time:
📸 Instagram: @thechaoscommanders
📘 Facebook: The Chaos Commanders Podcast
🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

Love what you’re hearing? Hit subscribe and never miss an episode.

Your support helps more moms command the chaos—one real-life rhythm at a time.

Back-to-school chaos is officially here—and so is the evening overwhelm. Whether your toddler is melting down before dinner or your teen just remembered they need a poster board at 9 PM, nighttime can feel like the most chaotic part of the day.

In this episode, we ditch the Pinterest-perfect pressure and talk about what real moms actually need: practical rhythms, a little breathing room, and the reminder that peace matters more than perfection. From cranky kids to working-mom transitions, we share stories, confessions, and hacks to help you reclaim your evenings.

Whether you’re cooking dinner with one hand and answering emails with the other, or hiding in the laundry room just to breathe, you’re not alone. You’re a Commander. And this one’s for you.

QUOTES

“Evening routines don’t have to be magical—they just need to work.”
— Katelynn

“It’s giving deep sighs at 6:00 p.m. and ‘how is it only Tuesday?’ vibes.”
— Annie

“The dishes can wait. Your peace can’t.”
— Annie

“Your kids won’t remember if the house was spotless—they’ll remember how you listened at bedtime.”
— Katelynn

“If the goal is peace, not perfection… what would your evening look like?”
— Annie

TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ Evening routines don’t need to be rigid—they just need to work for your life.

2️⃣ Common chaos triggers include overtired kids, last-minute school surprises, and work-life transition stress.

3️⃣ Anchor your evenings with one consistent rhythm: a family dinner, 10-minute cleanup, or evening wind-down.

4️⃣ You don’t have to finish everything to earn rest—one intentional action is enough.

5️⃣ Your kids won’t remember the checklist; they’ll remember how you made them feel.

FEATURED CHAOS ANTHEM

“Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap

A soaring, cinematic reminder that even in the mess, there’s beauty. This track perfectly captures those fleeting moments of peace we’re all chasing during chaotic evenings. Play it as you tidy up, wind down, or just try to reset your mood after a long day.

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

CONNECT WITH US

Follow the chaos in real time:
📸 Instagram: @thechaoscommanders
📘 Facebook: The Chaos Commanders Podcast
🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

Love what you’re hearing? Hit subscribe and never miss an episode.

If this one helped you breathe easier, leave us a review!

Your support helps more moms command the chaos—one real-life rhythm at a time.

Back-to-school season is here—and the chaos is real. In this episode, we delve into the emotional, logistical, and mental overload that accompanies the start of a new school year. Whether you're a Type A planner or a Type B vibes-only mom, this conversation offers validation, laughs, and practical tips to help you navigate it all like a true commander.

From the emotional whiplash of first-day drop-offs to the reality of routines that never go as planned, we're talking about the whole experience—mom guilt, empty planners, surprise permission slips, outfit bins (or not), and how to prepare yourself for this season, too. Because back-to-school isn’t just a transition for your kids—it’s a transition for you.

QUOTES

“You don’t have to love this season to do it well. You just have to show up.” — Annie

“If showing up means store-bought snacks and no bento boxes? That’s still valid.” — Katelynn

“Whether you're color-coding a binder or Googling school supply lists the night before—you’re still showing up.” — Katelynn

“Chaos can happen either way. Type A chaos is doing too much. Type B chaos is doing nothing until it’s urgent.” — Annie

“Make a checklist for you too. You’re not just managing your kid’s transition—you’re navigating yours.” — Katelynn

TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ Emotional whiplash is real—back-to-school brings grief and relief at the same time.

2️⃣ Solo moms often face a unique mental and emotional load—acknowledge it and build in care for yourself.

3️⃣ Forget Pinterest-perfect and focus on rhythm over rigidity.

4️⃣ You need a checklist too—permission slips, logins, and lunch money don’t organize themselves.

5️⃣ Lead with compassion. You’re a commander—no matter your back-to-school style.

FEATURED CHAOS ANTHEM

“Back to School Again” by Four Tops

This week’s anthem is a funky, feel-good throwback that perfectly captures the whirlwind of new routines, early mornings, and last-minute supply runs. Whether you're dancing through the chaos or just trying to remember which app to check for lunch balances, this song reminds us that we’ve done this before—and we can do it again. Backpacks, permission slips, and all.

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

CONNECT WITH US

📣 Share your funniest back-to-school fail with us @thechaoscommanders — we want to hear from you!

Follow the chaos in real time:
📸 Instagram: @thechaoscommanders📘 Facebook: The Chaos Commanders Podcast🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

Love what you’re hearing? Hit subscribe so you never miss an episode. If this one helped you feel seen (or reminded you that store-bought snacks totally count), please leave a review! Your support helps more moms command the chaos with us.

Whether you love a color-coded meal board or you’re still deciding what’s for dinner at 5 p.m., this episode is for you. Commander A (Annie) and Commander K (Katelynn) break down the differences in how Type A and Type B moms approach mealtime—and how to make it less chaotic, no matter your style.

From batch-cooking basics to “snack plate dinner” survival mode, we’re covering practical tips, mom hacks, and a little bit of real talk about mental load, food guilt, and why cereal counts as a valid dinner.

We’re talking:

• The emotional and logistical chaos of feeding people
  
  

• How Annie’s structured meal plans work (and what she does when they don’t)
  
  

• Why Katelynn resists routines and how she’s finding freedom in gentle planning
  
  

• Dinner shortcuts and realistic expectations
  
  

Whether you’re a spreadsheet-loving scheduler or a go-with-the-flow creative, you’ll walk away from this episode with tools to command your mealtime chaos.

QUOTES

“I don’t mind cooking. I just don’t like deciding.” — Katelynn

“If I don’t have a plan, I panic. It feels like failure by 4:00.” — Annie

“Sometimes dinner is just protein, fruit, and air.” — Katelynn

“When I have a plan, I eat better and feel better. It’s just true.” — Annie

“You’re not failing if you don’t cook every night. You’re feeding people. That counts.” — Katelynn

TAKEAWAYS

1️⃣ Meal planning can be rigid or relaxed—what matters is that it works for your real life.

2️⃣ Type A moms tend to crave structure and prep, while Type B moms thrive on flexibility and flow.

3️⃣ Feeding your family doesn’t require gourmet meals—sometimes it’s frozen waffles and grace.

4️⃣ You don’t need a Pinterest board to be a good mom. You just need a plan that supports your bandwidth.

5️⃣ It’s okay to outsource, shortcut, or simplify. Mealtime isn’t a moral test—it’s just food.

FEATURED CHAOS ANTHEM

"On Top of Spaghetti" – Tom Glazer

A classic, chaotic ode to lost meatballs and dinner gone sideways. This nostalgic tune captures the real-life drama of mealtime with kids—and reminds us that sometimes, the chaos is part of the fun. Perfect for the moms just trying to get dinner on the table (or off the floor).

🎧 You can find it (and all our episode anthems) on The Chaos Commanders: Season One playlists available on Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

CONNECT WITH US

Tell us: Are you more Type A or Type B in the kitchen? What’s your go-to easy dinner? Share your meal planning wins (or disasters) and tag us on Instagram!

Follow the chaos in real time:
📸 Instagram: @thechaoscommanders
📘 Facebook: The Chaos Commanders Podcast
🌐 Website: thechaoscommanders.com

SUBSCRIBE AND REVIEW

Love what you’re hearing? Hit subscribe and never miss an episode. If this episode helped you feel more seen (or gave you dinner ideas), please leave a review! Your support helps more moms command the chaos with us.