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…

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, Tracy Fixen. Connect With T…

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 Standard Watch on YouTub…

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 Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood…

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 shares about the early yea…

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 bereaved parents since our d…

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 every mom, and every ma…

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 and let me know what you…

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 in Touch With Christi…

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! Looking to save money on q…

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 on today's episode. Loo…

After eight years of muddling through infertility, Patrick and Annette turned to international adoption to grow their family. It's a heartwarming, moving story (that wrecked me hearing it for the first time during this mom chat). Pull up a chair and join me as I visit with Annette to hear about her motherhood experience. Looking to save money on qu…

Elisha and I started working together in January of this year, and I came to know pretty quickly, Elisha was "my people". I didn't know as much about her motherhood journey, however, and I was so excited when she agreed to be a guest on the podcast. Not only did I learn so much about her as a mother, but I learned about family-centric entrepreneurs…

Michelle is a single mom of three, who loves spontaneity, has an eye for the creative, and is one of the most empathetic (and hilarious) moms I know. 1:54 Michelle's stage of motherhood 4:40 Michelle's journey in photography 10:19 How Michelle became involved in bereavement photography 13:12 When Val & Michelle met 19:28 Harlynn's Heart 21:00 Val's…

Tiffani and I have been friends for three decades, and I thought it would be especially fitting to have her as my first guest. She has three fantastic (grown) kids, and an incredible story to tell about miraculous plot twists in otherwise traumatic events. Tune in as she opens up about her experience in motherhood. Looking to save money on quality,…

An introduction to the host, Val Kleppen, a glimpse into what The Motherhood Experience is, and what you can expect from future TME podcast episodes. Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop Azure Standard Watch on YouTube Visit The Motherhood Experience Website Follow us on Instagram Find us on Facebook…