In today’s episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with legendary New York Times sports columnist and bestselling author Harvey Araton to celebrate the release of his new middle-grade novel, The Goal of the Game. Together, they explore youth sports culture, burnout, identity, pressure, and the pure joy behind why kids—and adults—play.

Harvey shares personal stories from his decades covering the Olympics, Wimbledon, the NBA, and iconic athletes like Michael Jordan, while also reflecting on his own playing days, parenting, and how writing for middle-grade readers reshaped his creative process.

If you’re raising a young athlete, navigating the youth sports world, or remembering why you fell in love with a game—this episode will hit home.

What We Cover

• Why Harvey shifted from journalism to middle-grade fiction
• The real purpose of youth sports (and how far culture has drifted)
• Overtraining, pressure, and the staggering dropout rate in youth sports
• How elite athletes shaped his understanding of talent and identity
• The moment Harvey shared live, on deadline, with his son during Michael Jordan’s final championship
• How adults can reclaim “play” in everyday life
• What he hopes kids (and parents) take from The Goal of the Game

This Week’s Sponsor: El Tule Restaurant — Lambertville, NJ
Authentic Peruvian + Mexican cuisine with the best margaritas in Bucks County. Perfect for date night, girls night, or a post-sports-practice treat.
👉 https://eltulerestaurant.com/

Harvey’s New Book

📘 The Goal of the Game (Middle Grade Novel)
A story about soccer, friendship, pressure, and finding joy again.
👉 https://a.co/d/2hDk8zc

Where to Find Harvey Araton: harveyaraton.com

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, coach, or young athlete who might need the reminder: Play for the love of the game.
Follow Samantha on Instagram: @therunningwinemom_

In this powerful episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and personal development coach Andrea Owen for a deeply honest conversation about identity, motherhood, shame, sobriety, and what it truly means to live like you give a damn.

Andrea opens up about the moment she stopped living on autopilot, the bold moves that changed her life, how to navigate the inner critic, and why so many moms lose themselves in the survival mode of everyday parenting. Together, Samantha and Andrea explore relatable stories, hard truths, and the surprising beauty of choosing yourself—even when it feels impossible.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected from your joy, burnt out, or quietly questioning your relationship with alcohol… this episode is a gentle but direct invitation to come home to yourself.

⭐ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE

• The moment Andrea realized she was done living on autopilot
• Why “knowing better” is different than “doing differently” (and how moms can bridge that gap)
• The boldest and hardest move from her book Live Like You Give a Damn
• How shame and self-sabotage show up uniquely in motherhood
• Relatable mom stories that reveal deeper emotional patterns
• How to quiet the inner critic during chaotic mom moments
• Why so many moms can’t identify their joy anymore—and how to rediscover it
• The culture of wine-mom humor vs. the reality of sober curiosity
• Andrea’s candid take on sobriety in motherhood
• How moms can model assertiveness, boundaries, and “making noise” for their kids
• The small daily shifts that create massive personal change
• The one thing Andrea hopes every listener will take from this episode

⭐ LINKS & RESOURCES

Learn more about Andrea Owen:
🔗 Website — https://andreaowen.com/
🔗 Books — https://andreaowen.com/books/
🔗 Live Like You Give a Damn — https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781649633668/livelikeyougiveadamn/
🔗 How to Stop Feeling Like Sht* — https://andreaowen.com/htsfyls/
🔗 52 Ways to Live a Kickass Life — https://andreaowen.com/books/
🔗 Speaking & Events — https://www.a-speakers.com/speakers/andrea-owen/
🔗 Habits Course — https://andreaowen.com/habits-course/

Connect with Samantha:
🔗 Instagram — https://instagram.com/therunningwinemom
🔗 TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@therunningwinemom
🔗 Newsletter —https://substack.com/@therunningwinemom
🔗 Podcast Website — www.therunningwinemom.com

⭐ QUOTABLE MOMENTS

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might need a reminder that she’s allowed to take up space, set boundaries, and rediscover her joy.
And don’t forget to follow the show and leave a review — it helps more moms find conversations like this one.

In this jam-packed, practical, and surprisingly fun episode, Samantha sits down with functional nutritionist and inflammation specialist Christa Biegler for a deep—yet totally doable—conversation on staying healthy through the chaos of the holiday season.

Christa breaks down how stress really impacts the immune system, why digestion and cortisol can tank this time of year, and the small five-minutes-or-less habits that actually make a difference.

They dive into mouth taping, immunoglobulins, circadian rhythm disruption, seasonal foods, digestion hacks, electrolyte balance, PCOS inflammation links, and the realities of parenting in high-stress seasons.

By the end, you’ll walk away with realistic strategies, grounded science, and permission to simplify your health goals during the busiest time of year.

🔗 Links Mentioned in the Episode

Christa Biegler
• Website: https://www.christabiegler.com
• About Christa: https://www.christabiegler.com/about
• Book – The Eczema Relief Diet & Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B085DKC7Y6
• Podcast – The Less Stressed Life: https://www.lessstressedlife.com

Brands, Tools & Resources Discussed
• Ladder Fitness App: https://www.joinladder.com
• Davidson’s Organics Tea (Christmas Tea): https://www.davidsonstea.com
• Good Earth “Sweet & Spicy” Tea: https://www.goodearth.com
• Immunoglobulin supplement info (ImmunoLin®): https://www.enteranutritionals.com/immunolin
• Full-spectrum light therapy lamps: search “10,000 lux light” on Amazon
• Dead Sea / Epsom salts for recovery
• Mouth taping (first-aid/transport tape): typical medical-grade tapes on Amazon or pharmacy
• Electrolytes (high sodium + potassium options): LMNT, Redmond Re-Lyte, etc.

🧠 What We Cover (Timestamps)

Highlights include:

• Stress + immune function during the holidays
• Immunoglobulins and why support matters in cold/flu season
• Mouth taping for deeper sleep (and why it works)
• Supporting digestion when eating differently during the holidays
• Bitters, fennel, enzymes & after-dinner tea
• Cortisol spikes, exercise timing & helpful hacks
• The role of light exposure on hormone balance
• Reducing blue light + red light mode on your phone
• Eating seasonally for microbiome diversity
• Parenting overwhelm, reactivity, and energy drains
• Five-minute practices to regulate your nervous system
• Seasonal rhythms + giving yourself permission to rest

Piggy Paint Nail Polish
1924 Wine

In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha Cieslinski sits down with legendary footwear innovator Stuart Jenkins, founder and CEO of Blumaka and creator of Flex Footwear
.
From running the Boston Marathon before there were mile markers to helping brands like HOKA, UGG, and Reebok transform the way we move, Stuart’s story is equal parts grit, vision, and innovation.

Samantha and Stuart swap stories about running, motherhood, and mindset—exploring what it takes to believe in an idea when no one else does. They dive deep into:

• How 94 companies said no before Reebok said yes
• The invention of air-cushioned soles before Nike Air
• Why sustainability and performance must coexist
• How Blumaka turns 85 percent recycled foam waste into insoles that outperform the originals
• What it meant for Oprah Winfrey to name Flex Footwear one of her Favorite Things of 2024
• And why every marathon—and every dream—starts with one brave step forward

It’s an inspiring, soulful, and surprisingly funny conversation about perseverance, purpose, and the simple joy of lacing up and moving forward.

Guest Links

• 🌍 Blumaka Website → https://blumaka.com CODE: TRWM

• 👟 Flex Footwear → https://fleksfootwear.com

• 📸 Follow Stuart Jenkins → @blumakaofficial

Host Links

• 🎙 The Running Wine Mom Podcast → Apple Podcasts | Spotify

• 🍷 Follow Samantha Cieslinski → Instagram @therunningwinemom_

• 💌 Join the Community → therunningwinemom.substack.com

Timestamps

00:00 Intro – Meet Stuart Jenkins
02:00 Wine, Whine & Win of the Week
08:30 Oprah’s Favorite Things Feature & the Power of Vision Boards
14:00 From Cattle Ranch to Olympic Trials Runner
25:00 Blumaka’s Mission: Turning Foam Waste into Performance Innovation
35:00 Why Ins oles Matter More Than You Think
41:00 What It Takes to Keep Going After 94 Rejections
52:00 Stuart’s Final Advice for Dreamers and Creators
54:30 Outro – “There Is No Finish Line.”

Pull Quote for Promotion

Host: Samantha Cieslinski
Guest: Brittany Gallagher, LCSW
| Founder of The Mom Chat Therapy & Wellness

Motherhood changes everything — your schedule, your identity, your emotions, and sometimes, your sanity.

Samantha sits down with Brittany Gallagher, licensed clinical social worker and founder of The Mom Chat Therapy & Wellness, to talk about the invisible load moms carry, the myth of “bouncing back,” and how to actually care for yourself while caring for everyone else.

They share stories about marathon running, messy mornings, mom guilt, boundaries, and how mindfulness can make even the smallest rituals — like your $8 latte — a form of therapy.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes, questioning your patience, or trying to find you again, this episode is a gentle reminder: you are not alone, and you are enough. 💛

🧠 Episode Highlights

• 🥂 Wine, Whine & Win of the Week — Dirty martinis, toddler repetition, and small wins that matter
• 🧩 The Invisible Load — How to name and share the unseen mental work of motherhood
• 💪 Fitness & Mental Health — Running, Peloton, and the power of group energy
• 💬 Parenting with Boundaries & Kindness — Why gentle ≠ permissive
• 💧 Micro Moments of Calm — Regulating your nervous system with small daily rituals
• 🧍‍♀️ Identity After Kids — Why it’s not about “bouncing back,” but transforming forward
• 📱 Social Media Boundaries — Protecting your feed, your family, and your peace
• 🌈 Hope & Healing — Why therapy for moms matters more than ever

🔗 Links & Resources

• 🌐 The Mom Chat Therapy & Wellness
• 📖 About Brittany Gallagher
• 📸 Follow Brittany on Instagram: @the.momchat
• 🎧 Follow Samantha on Instagram: @therunningwinemom_
• 📰 Join The Running Wine Mom Newsletter: Subscribe on Substack

💬 Memorable Quotes

“Your kids won’t remember your 4:45 a.m. alarm — they’ll remember the energy you brought to the day.” — Samantha Cieslinski

If this episode made you breathe a little deeper, share it with a mom who needs the reminder that she’s not alone.
Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and tag @therunningwinemom_ and @the.momchat in your biggest mom win of the week! 💪🍷

In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with Helen Morrison, the fifth-generation CEO of Frownies, a 130-year-old, women-led skincare brand built on legacy, simplicity, and authenticity

Helen shares her journey from yoga instructor and teacher to leading a globally recognized beauty company — all while balancing motherhood, wellness, and self-care. Together, they explore what it means to lead with heart, age with confidence, and mother with grace in a world that often demands perfection.

From viral success on TikTok to family-business challenges, Helen’s story is an inspiring reminder that leadership and motherhood share the same foundation: love, consistency, and compassion.

🧴 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:

• The legacy behind Frownies, the 130-year-old brand redefining natural skincare
• Helen’s path from teaching to becoming a fifth-generation CEO
• Balancing motherhood and leadership with empathy and grace
• Why aging gracefully starts with inner joy and gratitude
• The power of community, authenticity, and consistency in business
• Helen’s daily rituals for wellness, yoga, and mental health
• What her great-great-grandmother’s story teaches us about female legacy and courage

💬 Favorite Quotes

🌿 About Helen Morrison

Helen Morrison is the fifth-generation CEO of Frownies, a family-owned, women-led skincare company established in 1889. She’s a yoga instructor of 17 years, mom of two, and a health and wellness entrepreneur dedicated to reshaping how women view aging and self-care.

Under her leadership, Frownies has grown exponentially, reaching:

• 356K followers on Instagram
• 286K on TikTok
• 78K on YouTube
• 23K in their VIP Facebook community

Helen’s authentic approach to pro-aging and female leadership has made her a sought-after voice in wellness media.

🔗 Visit Frownies.com
🔗 Follow Frownies on Instagram
🔗 Follow Helen on Instagram

🍷 Connect with The Running Wine Mom

🎧 Listen on: Spotify
| Apple Podcasts
| YouTube

📸 Follow Samantha: @therunningwinemom_

💌 Subscribe to the Running Wine Mom Substack for mindful motherhood, wellness, and balance.

In this special Halloween edition of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha brings listeners right into Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Cabins to chat with her four-year-old daughter Willow.
Together they relive meeting the Mandalorian, riding Haunted Mansion, trick-or-treating down Main Street U.S.A., and debating whether Mickey sleeps on the castle roof.

Beyond the laughs and lollipops, Samantha reflects on how slowing down to see Disney through a child’s eyes reminds parents that the real magic isn’t in the candy bags — it’s in connection, curiosity, and being present.

🏰 Episode Highlights

• Willow’s “Tiana meets Slinky Dog” ride concept
• Meeting the Mandalorian (“He’s my favorite!”)
• Candy-corn dinners and Fort Wilderness bunk-bed life
• The question every parent needs: Are we chasing perfection or presence?
• Samantha’s mindful-mom reflections from the trip

💬 Favorite Quotes

🧺 Mentioned & Linked in This Episode

• 🏕️ Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins

• 🎃 Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party

• 👻 Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom

• 🐸 Tiana’s Bayou Adventure

• 🎧 Listen to The Running Wine Mom Podcast

📸 Behind the Scenes

Catch video clips and photos from this episode:

• Instagram → @TheRunningWineMom

• TikTok → @TheRunningWineMom

• YouTube → The Running Wine Mom Podcast Channel

🪄 Takeaway Message

Trick-or-treating at Disney isn’t just about collecting candy — it’s about collecting connection. Every ride, every laugh, every sticky hand reminds us that childhood is fleeting, and presence is the sweetest souvenir.

📬 Join the Community

Subscribe to The Running Wine Mom Newsletter
for weekly reflections, travel tips, and mindful motherhood stories.

In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha Cieslinski chats with U.S. marathon record holder, mom of two, real estate agent, running store owner, and author Keira D’Amato. Together, they explore what it means to find yourself again after motherhood, redefine success, and embrace movement as medicine for the mind.

Keira opens up about her comeback story, how she balances elite running with parenting, and why she believes joy—not perfection—is the real goal. From tackling mom guilt to learning to rest and recover with grace, Keira’s wisdom offers every mom permission to chase her passions without apology.

Listen On

🎧 Spotify

🍎 Apple Podcasts

▶️ YouTube

Episode Highlights

• 00:01 — Samantha welcomes Keira and introduces her incredible journey
• 02:00 — “Wine, Whine & Win of the Week” segment: Copenhagen, Chardonnay & lost luggage
• 06:00 — The courage to start running again after kids
• 10:30 — Keira on finding balance between family, career, and competition
• 18:00 — Mom guilt, self-care, and redefining priorities
• 24:00 — How aging and motherhood changed her training philosophy
• 36:00 — The mantra that keeps her going: “This is where the magic happens.”
• 43:00 — Her favorite books, guilty pleasures, and race-day routines
• 50:00 — What she hopes her kids learn by watching her chase her dreams

Guest Links

• 🌐 Website: keiradamato.com

• 📘 Book: Don’t Call It a Comeback on Amazon

• 📸 Instagram: @keiradamato

• 🏃‍♀️ Strava: Keira D’Amato on Strava

Connect with Samantha

• 🌸 Instagram: @therunningwinemom_

• ✨ Website: therunningwinemom.com

• 📰 Substack: Subscribe here

Quote to Remember

💫 Join the “Run/Walk for Presence” Challenge!
Move intentionally for seven days and reflect on how exercise changes your energy and mindset. Tag @therunningwinemom_
and use #RunningWineMomChallenge for a chance to be featured.