100 episodes. One big, beautiful letter straight from the heart.

In this special milestone episode of The Running Wine Mom, I’m recording the words I hope my kids will listen to one day—the lessons I’ve learned about motherhood, ambition, dreams, resilience, and love.

This isn’t just a celebration of the podcast’s growth. It’s a reflection on how building something from scratch while raising a family has changed me, stretched me, and shaped the life I’m living today.

Inside, I’m sharing:

• What drives me to keep showing up, even on the hard days
• Why balancing ambition with motherhood is messy but worth it
• What I wish I knew before becoming a mom
• How chasing a dream changes you from the inside out

Thank you for being here—whether you’ve been listening since Episode 1 or this is your very first time.

✨ Here’s to showing up. Even when it's messy. Especially when it matters.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe for more real conversations about motherhood, personal growth, creativity, and living life on your own terms.

— Samantha, The Running Wine Mom

In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, host Samantha Cieslinski sits down with Dr. Michael Goran—renowned researcher, professor, and co-author of Sugarproof—to uncover the surprising ways sugar impacts our children’s health.

From behavioral changes and brain development to gut health and obesity, this deep-dive conversation explores the real science behind sugar and what every parent should know. Dr. Goran breaks down how the microbiome plays a powerful role in shaping our kids' health, how hidden sugars sneak into everyday foods, and why moderation—not elimination—is the key.

Samantha and Dr. Goran also discuss practical, guilt-free tips for reducing sugar, how schools and communities can support better food choices, and why energy drinks might be doing more harm than good for young athletes. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to feed your family better, this episode is your roadmap to making small, sustainable changes that truly matter.

Takeaways:

• Sugar can affect children's mood, focus, and long-term brain development
• The gut microbiome is closely tied to weight and metabolic health
• Gradual dietary changes are more sustainable than going cold turkey
• Artificial sweeteners aren’t always the healthier solution
• “Sugar-proofing” your home environment helps kids thrive
• Schools, communities, and policies all play a part in our children's health
• Parents can feel empowered—not guilty—when making food choices

This episode is sponsored by Ivory Tree Portraits! Don’t miss their one-day-only Mommy & Me Charity Event on April 26th in Wayne and Newtown, PA. Enjoy a 10-minute, kid-led session and one digital image with your $75 donation—all supporting The Kin Wellness & Support Center. Book now at ivorytreeportraits.com.

👉 Get the book Sugarproof by Dr. Michael Goran here: https://a.co/d/bXiGGJU

In this episode of The Running Wine Mom podcast, host Samantha Cieslinski sits down with the hilarious and inspiring author Jesse Q. Sutanto. From her journey of balancing writing with motherhood, to the impact of fitness on her mental health, and the challenges of adapting her beloved books for the screen, Jesse shares it all. Tune in as they chat about the power of storytelling, how being a mom has shaped her productivity, and what's next on her writing journey, including the much-anticipated sequel to Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. Packed with humor, real-life insights, and plenty of inspiration, this episode is a toast to life's little victories.

Connect with Jesse Q. Sutanto:
Instagram: @jesseqsutanto
Shop Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man): Shop Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping

Connect with Samantha Cieslinski:
Instagram: @therunningwinemom_