When Hubs and I settled into a church in Fargo, we met Paula and Jonathan Geiger, who were part of a small group we had been invited to join. After we became friends, they moved away and their family grew - and grew! It was so heartwarming to catch up with Paula and hear about her life with her seven children, one of whom has a rare genetic conditi…

When I was Troop Shepard for American Heritage Girls in North Dakota, I met a girl named Evie, who quickly endeared herself to me. After we moved to South Dakota, I got a text message urgently pleading for prayers for Evie's life. Laura is Evie's mom. A mother of seven children, she is forthcoming about her likes, dislikes, strengths, and weaknesse…

Rachel has run the gamut with regard to her experiences bringing children into this world. This episode is appropriately titled Motherhood & Miscarriage. She's been pregnant seven times and has four children - her story is a testament to the incredible woman she is! I'm so glad to have had our paths cross and to be able to share Rachel's story with…

From the wilderness, through the desert, in the calm, and in the storms - Megan has been a mom through all of it. Megan's story, from becoming a mom to now finding herself between generations in her journey, is one that will resonate with each of us. She is as charming as she is sincere, and I know you'll enjoy this conversation with Megan. Homesch…

Brianne Price is living out her motto to "Lean In". After experiencing incredibly difficult pregnancies and long-term effects on her mental health, Brianne shares how she has her spark back, what she has learned along the way, and how being a mom who leans in - to her marriage, her children, her career, and most importantly, to her faith in Jesus -…

Tahni Cullen spoke at a women's retreat I emceed over ten years ago, and her story is one I'll never forget. I sat alone in the front row and wept as she shared about how her son, Josiah, a happy, talkative baby, regressed at the age of 19 months into the world of a non-speaking autistic diagnosis. When Josiah was around 7 or 8 years old, he began …

Brenda Coombs' story, while one of substantial tragedy and trauma, is one of encouragement, endurance, and ultimate victory. Brenda's first husband took his life, and five years later, two of her children died in a car accident. This is one of, if not *the* most powerful TME episodes I've had the honor of recording to date. Looking to save money on…

Kelley Coleman is a feature film development executive turned author, who is active in the disability advocacy community. She serves on committees for Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District, and Canine Companions. Her book Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child: Your Guide to the Essential Sys…

Hubs and I sat down for this special "World Beard Day" episode that has nothing to do with anyone's motherhood experience, but we did talk about how the podcast got started, his role in it all, and you'll get a front-row seat to how amazing we are at ineffective communication. It was fun for us, hopefully it is also a fun episode for you. Looking t…

Kristi and I met in 2009 when we worked at the same bank. Neither of us had children when we met, and we have experienced life together through some hard realities of parenting since. Kristi's motherhood story has always been near and dear to my heart, especially that of her miracle 23-week micropreemie, Ava. I love that Kristi shared so openly in …

After nearly a decade without getting pregnant, Katie took conservative treatments to try to improve her fertility. She got pregnant and found out she was pregnant with triplets - a singleton and identical twins - and no one was expecting that to happen! What follows is a series of unexpected tragedies, and Katie's resilience in the face of it all.…

Not only did Kay raise littles through Covid, but she also got her PhD while being a mom and working full time in academia. She shares all about her mindset in parenting, what her schedule is like, and how she keeps herself grounded in the middle of it all. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The…

Sarah and I work together and until this episode, I had only heard part of her story as a mother. She has been on quite the journey, mothering three girls, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Listen in as she shares how she changed her mind about ever being a mom, what it has been like for her, and how she found her village. Check out this Spec…

Natalie reached out to me after hearing one of her connections on the podcast and offered to share her motherhood journey. I'm glad she did, and I think her story of navigating constant change, chaos, and upheaval but being able to laugh about it and enjoy it today, will encourage you. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standa…

Sarah McKinley is this week's guest, and we met four years ago when we moved to South Dakota! As a mom of five boys, she has a lot of motherhood stories to tell and profound insights to share. I asked Sarah a question I've been saving just for her about boys and pornography. From hobbits to "embracing the awkward", this episode covers it all. Looki…

The season during which Erica and I met was nearly four years ago when we moved here and I needed to find out where to pick up my Azure Standard order. A few conversations later, we realized we shared some of the same life goals, and fast forward a season beyond that, we became close friends! As a mother of six "middles and littles", she has a love…

It's far more pleasant than the title gives it credit for. This episode was an absolute delight to record! My first time talking to Anita was through a semi-panicked voicemail I left for her as I was trying to figure out how to get my daughter registered for a week-long event (TeenPact). Her return phone call was not only especially helpful, but sh…

Heather met me when she attended Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support group after moving to the Fargo area. She has a story unlike any you've probably heard before, and I was so grateful she was willing to come on the podcast and share her motherhood journey with all of us. VISIT OUR SPONSOR: What You Didn't Expect in Fertility, Pregnancy & Birth Lookin…

I was introduced to Lauren through Elisha (Ep. 004) and am so glad the introduction was made! Lauren has four children, two of whom have mosaic down syndrome. While they're identical twins genetically, they're not actually identical outwardly. This is an incredible motherhood story. Lauren had no idea ten years ago that this would be the motherhood…

Earlier this year, I attended a women's event coordinated by this sweet woman, Candace Alford. She poured into everyone in attendance and the second I met her, I adored her. I'm glad to call her "friend" today and to introduce this author, speaker, farmwife, mama to the rest of you! To learn more about Candace: Visit her website Listen to her podca…

Heather was introduced to me by Kailyn (from episode 35), and is a mother of 7. She became a mom the moment she married her husband, as he had three boys. Their mom, Tom's first wife, died from cancer, leaving Tom as a single father. Heather met Tom on Catholic Match, married him, and gave those three boys four more brothers, including a set of twi…

Mari introduced herself to me while we attended the same session at the North Dakota Homeschool Convention in 2024. We struck up a conversation and I learned about her aspirations as a mother and asked if she'd be willing to share them on the podcast. We covered all kinds of things in this conversation, and I hope you'll enjoy Mari introducing hers…

Making a move from the PNW to rural South Dakota is no small feat. Olivia's story of motherhood and moving out here to plant roots (sight unseen!) is one you'll find encouraging and incredible. Her experience is unique and endearing and I'm excited to feature her on this episode of TME. Learn more about Olivia & her work Looking to save money on qu…

When she prayed about what her ministry role should be, Motherhood was the answer. Jessica is probably the friendliest, bubbliest, most encouraging person I know, and I'm so excited to share our motherhood conversation with you. I hope her story encourages and inspires you to step into the unknown with confidence! Looking to save money on quality, …

Lisa is a friend of a friend and started following my blog years ago. She joins me on the episode today to talk about her experience with Natural Family Planning, raising and homeschooling five kids, and leaning into the unknown. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Websi…

Jessica is a mom in my neck of the woods here in SoDak, whom I met shortly after we moved here. It was only fairly recently, however, when I learned about the early days of her motherhood journey and how her life has transformed since. I so appreciate Jessica's willingness to share her story and a laugh or two in this powerful episode of The Mother…

I was first introduced to Kim through her husband's YouTube videos on his Haxman channel. I then followed Kim on her own YouTube channel, and through the world wide web, became pretty endeared to her and her family. I was fortunate enough to have her as a guest on the podcast where we talked about homeschooling, homesteading, and ended up laughing.…

Whitney and I go to the same church. One Sunday in particular, witnessing her with her kids moved me and I had to tell her so. We've been friends ever since! Whitney is a mom who keeps her wheels moving forward, who loves to learn, and who now has devoted her life and career to helping others find their path and flourish in it. Find Whitney's conta…

When I moved to Minnesota, I was invited to a moms group called "Moms Connect". My first time going, I sat down at a table directly across from Cheryl. Eventually, we started also attending the same Bible study, became friends, and the rest is history. Cheryl's motherhood journey has crossed all kinds of experiences, and I'm so grateful she was wil…

I am so thrilled to be able to introduce you to my friend Nikki! One of my favorite episodes to record to date. Nikki has dealt with, and mothered through chronic pain for over twenty years. Listen as she tells her story and shares the moments of light from what would otherwise be considered suffering and darkness. Looking to save money on quality,…

Kailyn is a brand new friend, having met for the first time for this episode. She is a friend of Holli's, who introduced her to Tracy, who introduced her to me! And how appropriate, also, since a majority of our conversation centered around connecting with others and the impact it has in your motherhood and in life. I enjoyed my conversation with K…

This is part 2 of Mary's motherhood experience story. Please go back to last week's episode for part 1 before listening to this episode! Mary and her husband, Bob, met us in June of 2013 when we attended the same retreat week at Faith's Lodge. We connected and have stayed in touch ever since over the years. I'm so thrilled Mary was able to share he…

Mary and her husband, Bob, met us in June of 2013 when we attended the same retreat week at Faith's Lodge. We connected and have stayed in touch ever since over the years. I'm so thrilled Mary was able to share her motherhood journey on the podcast, and this is one episode of two. Part two will release next week! Looking to save money on quality, b…

Even if you're not a homeschooling parent, give this episode a listen. There are some parenting nuggets in here that apply to all families. And if you ever want to chat about or ask questions regarding homeschooling, email me! info@themotherhoodexperience.com Also, here are some links to some of my fave vendors: Glendive Dinosaur & Fossil Museum Mi…

TME Host's daughter, Haley, interviews her mom as the tables are turned during this podcast episode! She thought of questions to ask me about our relationship and my motherhood journey with her. We shared some sweet moments and some laughs, and I hope this is an episode you also enjoy. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standa…

Adapt Music's Website Bridgette is a wife, mom, teacher, and musical-joy-spreader. I've known her since I started working with her husband back in 2008! I was thrilled when she agreed to be a guest on TME podcast because with three busy kids, a full-time job, and running her nonprofit, I knew she'd have a story or two to share. Her bright, bubbly s…

Holli is a new friend! I had never spoken with her before our conversation for the podcast. When I heard her story of how the little steps of faith produced exceptional fruit and how the puzzle pieces of her motherhood journey started revealing the bigger picture, I was blown away! No doubt you will be, too. I'm glad to have met Holli's acquaintanc…

On Instagram in 2018, Jessica at Three Rivers Homestead (https://www.youtube.com/ @threerivershomestead) invited others to join her in a pantry challenge. I dove in head first that following January, and this is an episode explaining what it is and what it has done for/meant to our family. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure St…

**Fact check for my fact check. The last time I was in Wyoming was 2020** Kimberly has a passion for faith, family, and fitness. You'll hear about all three in today's episode as we share and reminisce over different motherhood memories in this episode. We met over 20 years ago, and what a ride it's been since! Be sure to connect with Kimberly usin…

I met Heather in the fall of 2018, and not in a way you want to meet new people. She walked into support group as a last-ditch effort to make some sense of what she had been through the last year. We ended up becoming good friends, and I am honored to be able to bring her story to the listening audience today. Looking to save money on quality, bulk…

Mother of 8, heart of gold, spirit of adventure - that's how I'd describe my friend Allison! Listen in as she shares life in a household with 10, homeschool life, family dynamics, and all things tried and true in her motherhood journey. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experienc…

Anna was another friend I made through the women's leadership program in 2012 (Tracy from Episode 015 was right there with us!). Anna really got my attention when the leadership program was concluding, and she gave a speech about her entrance into motherhood. She didn't realize how significant her story at that time was to me, or the impact it had.…

I met Becca at the North Dakota Homeschool Convention in 2023, at their vendor booth, and again later in a homesteading session she and her husband, Rory, facilitated. Within seconds, I knew the Groves' were "my people" and I've enjoyed getting to know them more since. Becca shares her heart for family, for a home-centric lifestyle, and for embraci…

It's a new year and a brand new season of The Motherhood Experience. Val shares what the podcast covered since starting in mid-August, and what is in store for the year ahead. Thank you for listening and sharing, and here's to you in 2024! Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experi…

I can't believe it's our final episode of the year! I thought it would be fun, since it's the day after Christmas, to bring Mom on and reminisce about some of our past Christmas traditions, memories, and favorite things. Enjoy this little glimpse into my world from my mom's perspective. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Stand…

Erica is another friend from my North Dakota days, though neither of us remembers how we started talking or became friends. Her story, though, is an inspiring one to be sure. She went from opening her home to adult family members to opening her home to the kids in her area who needed her most. Listen in as Erica shares how she has become a Mom to a…

Danielle and I connected through a women's leadership program and stayed connected over the years through different avenues of community and careers. We met in Fargo, but now both are South Dakota residents, too! I was thrilled to be able to sit down with Danielle and talk about her motherhood experience while navigating a writing career, a big mov…

Dr. Jess is my chiropractor and health-confidant here in rural South Dakota. I was so fortunate to find her as my care provider and am blessed further still to be able to call her a friend. We had a candid conversation about life as a mom pulled in different directions and the importance of keeping health simple and straightforward. Looking to save…

I was first introduced to Michele through her book Undone, soon after it was published. Three years later, I had the pleasure of receiving her coaching and mentorship in the mastermind she facilitated, and have been blessed to call her a friend since. She joins me on this episode to share her incredibly unique motherhood journey, and what she's lea…

Ashley is a friend from my Fargo days, and one of the bubbliest, most entertaining conversationalists I know. I don't know if I've laughed so much during an interview as I did in this one. I accidentally muted myself at one point, but otherwise, you'll hear me laughing several minutes in a row in the background. Mom of four, wife of a coach, and fi…