Rich conversations with everyday moms and TME host Val Kleppen about the fun, messy, and tough aspects of motherhood.
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
055 "The Greatest Gift" of Leni, Jack, and Milo: Katie Larson
1:02:40
1:02:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:02:40
Send us a Text Message.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…
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message.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 StandardWatc…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
053 The Spectrum of Motherhood: Sarah O'Brien
49:13
49:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:13
Send us a Text Message.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 villa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
052 Pandemonium Parenting: Natalie Wolfskill
43:20
43:20
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:20
Send us a Text Message.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 fo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
051 Fighting for Your Family: Sarah McKinley
57:46
57:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:46
Send us a Text Message.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 episo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
050 Managing Motherhood Season to Season: Erica Eich
52:38
52:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:38
Send us a Text Message.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 l…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
049 Politics, Religion, and Motherhood: Anita Carrette
48:45
48:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:45
Send us a Text Message.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 esp…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
048 From Loss to Legacy, One Mom's Fertility Journey: Heather Wilkins
51:05
51:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:05
Send us a Text Message.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, P…
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message.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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
046 Unmasking Motherhood - From Old Shame to a New Name: Candace Alford
54:25
54:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:25
Send us a Text Message.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 websit…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
045 Marrying Into Motherhood (A Catholic Match Success Story): Heather Triplett
52:48
52:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:48
Send us a Text Message.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,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
044 Dreaming Big as a Brand New Mom: Mari Hoverson
45:34
45:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:34
Send us a Text Message.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 enjo…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
043 Motherhood on the Move: Olivia Shockley
53:32
53:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:32
Send us a Text Message.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 Looki…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
042 Motherhood as a Ministry: Jessica McKinley
45:34
45:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:34
Send us a Text Message.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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
041 A Natural Family Planning Perspective: Lisa Foley
45:34
45:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:34
Send us a Text Message.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 StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The Mother…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
040 From Poor Choices to Four Choice Kids: Jessica Mefferd
43:58
43:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:58
Send us a Text Message.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 powerfu…
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message.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,…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
038 From Flailing to Flourishing: Whitney Nordvold
42:23
42:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:23
Send us a Text Message.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 i…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
037 It All Started at Moms Connect: Cheryl Perkins
41:52
41:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:52
Send us a Text Message.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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
036 Experiencing Catastrophe, Finding Community: Nikki Englund
57:00
57:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:00
Send us a Text Message.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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
035 To Do It All, It Takes Us All: Kailyn Conway
39:07
39:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:07
Send us a Text Message.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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
034 A Friend From Faith's Lodge: Mary Burke's Story [Part 2 of 2]
41:52
41:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:52
Send us a Text Message.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 Mar…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
033 A Friend From Faith's Lodge: Mary Burke's Story [Part 1 of 2]
39:07
39:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:07
Send us a Text Message.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 sa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
032 A Hallelujah Moment on My Homeschooling Journey
27:51
27:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:51
Send us a Text Message.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.comAlso, here are some links to some of my fave vendors:Glendive Dinosa…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
031 Mom and Daughter Duo - Haley interviews her Mom
30:49
30:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:49
Send us a Text Message.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 f…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
030 The Melody of Motherhood: Bridgette Bitzegaio
42:04
42:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:04
Send us a Text Message.Adapt Music's WebsiteBridgette 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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
029 When Faith Yields Fruit: The Motherhood Experience Conversation with Holli Bromenshenkel
46:10
46:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:10
Send us a Text Message.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 …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
028 What is a Pantry Challenge? TME Host Val Takes The Mic
28:57
28:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:57
Send us a Text Message.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, bul…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
027 Better Than Black Bean Brownies: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Kimberly Ough
45:38
45:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:38
Send us a Text Message.**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 conn…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
026 The High Price of Heartache: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Heather Madson
45:26
45:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:26
Send us a Text Message.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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
025 House Full, Hearts Full: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Allison Pettys
40:39
40:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:39
Send us a Text Message.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 StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit The…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
024 Miles of Motherhood: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Anna Marohl
45:55
45:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:55
Send us a Text Message.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…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
023 A Family Economy: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Becca Groves
43:19
43:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:19
Send us a Text Message.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 lif…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
022 New Year, New Season! The Motherhood Experience
22:18
22:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
22:18
Send us a Text Message.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 StandardWatch on YouTubeVisit T…
…
continue reading
Send us a Text Message.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 f…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
020 A Mom to All: The Motherhood Experience Interview With Erica Anderson
32:08
32:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:08
Send us a Text Message.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 sh…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
019 A Different Kind of Storytelling: The Motherhood Experience with Danielle Teigen
38:47
38:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:47
Send us a Text Message.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 wr…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
018 The Mom Adjustment: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Dr. Jess Buhler
37:04
37:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:04
Send us a Text Message.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 straightf…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
017 Motherhood Undone: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Michele Cushatt
47:19
47:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:19
Send us a Text Message.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 jour…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
016 Diamond in the Bleachers: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Ashley Toops
36:31
36:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:31
Send us a Text Message.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, …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
015 Paving a New Path: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Tracy Fixen
46:01
46:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:01
Send us a Text Message.Tracy and I met in a women's leadership program in 2012 and became friends and encouragers for one another through different adventures and pursuits. She's a mom of two, an innovator, and a motivator. Her story is as inspiring as it is authentic, and I know you're going to enjoy this conversation with my friend and peer, Trac…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
014 Signs From Heaven: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Casey Haberman
35:51
35:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:51
Send us a Text Message.Casey and her husband Billy had more than one roller coaster to ride when becoming parents. Tune in for this conversation where Casey shares about the traumatic birth, and death, of their first son, William, and the story of how his little sister, Emerson, came to be. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure S…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
013 No Such Thing As "Impossible" [Part 2]: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Sarah Rogness
33:27
33:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:27
Send us a Text Message.Following up with Sarah's story from last week, we'll learn more about her mothering two young boys as she also navigated life as a widow. Listen in for how the Lord prepared her heart for remarriage, and also how her family and life looks today.Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure StandardWatch on YouTube…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
012 No Such Thing As "Impossible" [Part 1]: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Sarah Rogness
28:06
28:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:06
Send us a Text Message.I first met Sarah in 2009 when I was working with her husband, Jack. Sarah walked alongside Jack for years as he quite literally fought for his life. They experienced miracles, they experienced "impossible" outcomes, all while also experiencing heartache, setbacks, and suffering. Tune in for Part 1 of Sarah's story as she sha…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
011 The Last 10 Years: A Bereaved Motherhood Experience Reflection from Val Kleppen
29:31
29:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:31
Send us a Text Message.October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, and I thought I would take this opportunity to reflect on the last ten years as a bereaved mama. I wouldn't say this is a sad episode - even I didn't cry recording it. It is an insight into what the last ten years have looked like for us as we've navigated this path as berea…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
010 Motherhood Mentor & Namesake: The Motherhood Experience Interview With Karen Harlan
32:19
32:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:19
Send us a Text Message.Karen, and her husband Mike, are very dear friends of Brent's and mine. They've been alongside us through wonderful celebrations, dreadful heartache, and have even helped us move a time or two. This was an especially meaningful and emotional conversation for me, given how much Karen and her husband mean to our family. I hope …
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
009: What Is A Hanny? The Motherhood Experience Interview with Rachel Kemp
36:13
36:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:13
Send us a Text Message.From my college bestie, to running the medical world of Memphis, my friend Rachel has jumped over quite a few (lofty) hurdles in navigating her professional nursing career and life as a wife and mother. I really appreciated her insight into focusing on hope, experiences, and making memories with her family. Give it a listen a…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
008 Real Mom Talk With Real Life Families Founder: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Christine Leeb
38:47
38:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:47
Send us a Text Message.When you know someone, but not really, but enough to get them on as a guest on your podcast... This was a good one - and I knew just enough to know that! Listen in as I chat with my guest, Christine Leeb, about parenting, knowing better and doing better, and switching mindsets in the middle of our parenting style defaults.Get…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
007 Reckless to Redeemed [Part 2]: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Jacque Martin
32:36
32:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:36
Send us a Text Message.This is the second half and conclusion of my conversation with Jacque. We pick up right where we left off: hearing about how her affair affected the lives of her family members, how she struggled through single parenting, and how she stepped into redemption. Grab your tissues and your coffee - this is gonna be a good one!Look…
…
continue reading
![Artwork](/static/images/128pixel.png)
1
006 Reckless to Redeemed [Part 1]: The Motherhood Experience Interview with Jacque Martin
23:32
23:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:32
Send us a Text Message.Jacque and I started off not being fond of one another, and after a quirky realization, became nearly inseparable friends some 25 years ago. Jacque did not come into motherhood easily, and her path was one of struggle and heartache. She danced on the cliffside of recklessness and ruin more than once. Hear part 1 of her story …
…
continue reading