In this episode of The Motherhood Experience, I sit down with Nikki McPhetridge, first-time author and mom to Maya, to talk about the inspiration behind her new children’s book, Maya’s Birthday Wish. Nikki shares the story of her faith journey, the struggles she faced during pregnancy, and how those challenges deepened her perspective on motherhood.

We also dive into conversations about materialism in today’s culture, the importance of intentional parenting, and the legacies we hope to leave for our children. Nikki’s gentle wisdom and personal experiences remind us that motherhood is about more than the day-to-day; it’s about shaping hearts, nurturing faith, and creating lasting stories for future generations.

If you’ve ever wrestled with questions of faith, or wondered how to raise children with grounded values in a fast-paced world, this episode will encourage and inspire you.

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Learn more about Nikki and her book: mayastoryland.com

• Maya’s Birthday Wish Available now wherever books are sold

• Connect with Nikki on social media: @mayastoryland

When Elena got married, she said she felt like that was the instant her husband transformed into a different person. She hadn't known or realized he struggled with addiction, and her marriage became nightmarish quickly.

And Elena didn't tell anyone until she absolutely had to.

Hear how she is now a single mother to her two daughters and what she is learning along the way.

elenahuggins.com

I combined episodes 6 and 7 into one file for your listening/viewing pleasure! Not only was this a fantastic story of faith, but I needed to pull one from the archives this week as I've been under the weather.

This was such a rich conversation with Jacque, and I know it will bless you this week!

This is me, Val Kleppen, sitting across from you for a conversation I probably should have started before today.

If you're wondering how we (the world) got to this place of chaos, or if you're wondering how to navigate as a mother through it, I touch on those things.

You're invited to sit with me in the thoughts of it all.

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Lori Atwood, founder of Fearless Finance, mother, and financial educator, who shares how motherhood and business intertwined to shape her life’s work. After having her daughter later in life, Lori knew she wanted to be the primary caregiver while still pursuing meaningful work. Out of that desire, Fearless Finance was born.

Lori now equips families with the financial tools and confidence they need to make empowered choices. She talks about:

• How becoming a mom influenced her career path and entrepreneurial journey

• The ways business ownership has shaped her motherhood experience

• Why financial literacy is essential for every family

• The most expensive trait a person can carry

Whether you’re a parent navigating money decisions or simply looking for a fresh perspective on financial empowerment, Lori’s story will leave you both inspired and equipped.

✨ Connect with Lori Atwood:
Website: Fearless Finance

Instagram: @fearlessfinance

This labor day week, we're revisiting one of Val's favorite episodes from September, 2023. Please enjoy this replay of episode 5 with Annette Schultz, one of the first guest episodes when The Motherhood Experience podcast began!

One of the sessions from the 2025 VCBC Ladies Retreat, presented by Val Kleppen.

Is it really possible for teens to attend their dream school without piling on student debt? In this inspiring episode of The Motherhood Experience, Val welcomes Shellee Howard, visionary mom, college admissions expert, and founder of College Ready.

Shellee shares her own motherhood journey and how her strength as a planner helped both of her children get into Ivy League schools debt free. For the past 18 years, she has guided thousands of families through the often-overwhelming college admissions process, helping students identify the right schools, earn scholarships, and graduate with financial freedom.

What you’ll discover in this episode:

• How to create a personalized college plan that matches your teen’s interests and goals

• Proven strategies for earning scholarships and avoiding student loan debt

• Why starting early gives families a major advantage in college admissions

• Encouragement for moms who want to support their children’s big dreams without financial stress

Whether you’re raising little ones or walking through the college process right now, this conversation will give you hope, practical tools, and a vision for making the college dream come true (and possibly even debt free)!

👉 Connect with Shellee Howard:

• Website: collegereadyplan.com

  (collegereadyplan.com/info for Shellee's consult offer!)

• Instagram: @collegereadyplan

• LinkedIn: Shellee Howard