What happens when becoming a mother and losing your own mother happen within the same chapter of life? In this episode, we continue our conversation about grief with returning guest Kaili van Waveren, executive director of ThorpeWood and a grief/thanatology professional, alongside friends Liz May and Suzy Fielders, who share their deeply personal experiences of becoming and being mothers while also losing their own moms. Liz and Suzy talk about the strange collision of joy and grief: raising babies while navigating the loss of the person they might most want to call. We talk about grief brain, postpartum brain, the ways grief can show up unexpectedly, and how different every person’s experience can be. Kaili helps us unpack the idea of continuing bonds — the ways we maintain relationships with people we’ve lost through traditions, stories, food, music, photographs, birthdays, holidays, and the little things that keep someone present in our lives. We also talk about how to help our children know people they may have barely known — or never had the chance to meet. And then there’s the other side of grief: how do we show up for someone who’s grieving? We talk about the temptation to fix, the importance of simply bearing witness, why “I know how you feel” usually isn’t helpful, and how sometimes the most meaningful thing we can do is simply say, I see you. I’m here. We also get into death cafés, planning for our own eventual death, wills and advance directives, the myth of the five stages of grief, prolonged grief disorder, grief anniversaries, invisible grief, and why grief doesn’t necessarily disappear — it changes shape. There are tears. There is laughter. There are Tootsie Pops. There is a children’s book that may someday become a beautiful family legacy. And, naturally, there is some laughter in the lengths a man may go to to avoid doing paperwork: propose marriage. Because grief is heavy. But love is there, too. Resources: Kaili’s recommended book: The Beginner’s Guide to the End by BJ Miller, M.D. and Shoshana Berger Suzy’s article mentioned on the podcast about navigating grief through the lens of love: https://forsythfamilymagazine.com/navigating-grief-with-love-after-a-crushing-loss/ Part 3 of Suzy’s birth stories series that discusses her mother’s passing and my 3rd daughter’s birth: https://forsythfamilymagazine.com/the-birth-that-taught-me-happiness-my-birth-story-part-3/ The article Suzy wrote about her miscarriage: https://triadmomsonmain.com/finding-hope-after-a-miscarriage/ and subsequent news story: https://www.wxii12.com/article/winston-salem-mom-shares-pregnancy-infant-awareness-month/37910214# Resources for wills, advance directives, and end-of-life planning   FreeWill: 100% free online estate planning tool. Guides you through a Last Will and Testament, living wills, and powers of attorney in about 20 minutes. Supported by nonprofit partners and requires no credit card or hidden subscription fee AARP Foundation partnership with GivingDocs: Provides supporters and members with free access to create an online will and essential estate documents without forcing a charitable gift CNBC Select: The Best Online Will-makers of 2026: A list that gives options based on specific needs End of Life Planning Tools(American Bar Association Article) More information about Death Cafes at deathcafe.com: Death Cafe is a scheduled, non-profit gathering where people drink tea or coffee, eat cake, and have an open, agenda-free conversation about death, dying, and mortality Grief support resources from Network for Hope and GriefShare Find more about Suzy here. Listen to Suzy’s podcast, Twin City Talk, available anywhere you find podcasts. Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

What if grief isn’t just something that happens after someone dies? This week, we’re joined by our friend Kaili Van Waveren, a thanatologist, grief counselor, and Executive Director at ThorpeWood, for a wide-ranging conversation about grief, death, and all the ways loss changes us. Kaili helps us explore why grief can come from so many different kinds of loss, what “grief brain” really means, and why there’s no single right way to mourn. We also talk about the importance of naming what we’re experiencing, finding ways to process it, and continuing to make space for the people and things we’ve lost. We get into: The many forms grief can take beyond the death of a loved one Why naming grief can be such a powerful first step Death cafés and getting more comfortable talking about mortality Why grief can affect our brains, emotions, memory, and ability to function Journaling and creative ways to process grief The difference between grief and mourning Continuing bonds and maintaining relationships with people we’ve lost How to support someone who is grieving without trying to “fix” their pain Practical ways to show up when someone we love is hurting Talking honestly and age-appropriately with children about death Why allowing children to see us grieve can actually help them understand their own emotions And throughout the conversation, Kaili reminds us of something that can be easy to forget: grief isn’t something we simply finish. It’s something we learn to carry. Next time, we’ll continue the conversation with two incredible women sharing their own experiences with loss, with Kaili helping us hold space for their stories. Links: Umbrella Project at ThorpeWood One Wild Nonprofit  What is a Death Cafe?  Book Resource: Bereaved Children and Teens by Earl Grollman Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Sometimes the system stops working. Sometimes the house gets completely disrupted. Sometimes your laundry fairy is temporarily unavailable. And sometimes… you just need everyone to GTFO of the house so you can finally clean in peace.  In Episode 57, we’re talking about our personal toolboxes for getting through the seasons when routines fall apart, motivation disappears, and the systems that used to work suddenly don’t. We’re embracing fall as the real reset season—a chance to clear out what isn’t serving us, make our homes more functional for the months ahead, and create systems that actually work with our brains instead of against them. We talk about: Why fall might be a more realistic reset point for families than January or spring Giving yourself permission to say “new system!” instead of “I’m failing” The power of making a huge project ridiculously small Creating systems around the way your family actually behaves, rather than how you wish they behaved Our experience with the Dubbii body-doubling app The magic of deadlines for getting our ADHD brains into gear Why sometimes you just have to strike while the iron is hot “Don’t put it down, put it away” The “get it off my desk” rock Why one thing is better than none The “might as well” approach to getting little things done Flexible meal-planning systems that don’t require committing to Taco Tuesday forever The importance of identifying the actual barrier before trying to solve the problem And, of course, Producer Tim’s contribution to the toolbox: Eee-Wee. Because sometimes it is what it is. And sometimes the best thing you can do is work with what you’ve got, make it smaller, try a different system, and take the shame out of the equation. Our Toolbox The Home Edit Workbook — Clea Shearer & Joanna TeplinA structured way to work through different spaces and belongings, with an emphasis on editing as well as organizing. Lazy Genius — Kendra AdachiEspecially helpful: make it smaller. If the problem or goal feels too big, shrink it until it feels doable. Struggle Care – KC Davis. A reminder that care tasks are morally neutral. Your ability to keep up with them doesn’t measure your worth. DubbiiA body-doubling app created by Rich and Rox, designed to help people get things done alongside others. FinchA self-care and habit-building app that turns taking care of yourself into a little game—with an adorable birb involved. FlyLadyA classic resource for breaking home care into manageable routines and small chunks of time. And if none of those work today? Try something else tomorrow. No shame. New system. What’s in YOUR toolbox? What is the weird, wonderful, unconventional thing that helps you get stuff done? A special playlist? A cleaning uniform? A timer? A deadline? A particular basket? Body doubling? A five-minute challenge? A green “get it off my desk” rock? Tell us what works for you! Find us on Instagram: @mamasgonnamakeitpodcast Email us: [email protected] And as always, thank you to our Podfather, Producer Tim. ❤️ Eee-Wee. Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

We’re hanging out with our friend Jackie Kelley—aka @StayatHomeJackie— for a wide-ranging friend chat about embracing who you are, finding joy in the weird stuff, and navigating the beautiful chaos of parenting. Jackie talks about what it means to be a “Stay at Home Jackie,” why seeing people with bodies like yours joyfully existing can be so powerful, and how she’s learned to care less about other people’s expectations of how she should look, dress, or express herself. We also get into the art of unmasking—from leaving behind the beige Hobby Lobby version of yourself to embracing colorful clothes, strange hobbies, loud hair, stupid tattoos, and, of course, whimsy. And then things get delightfully weird. Jackie tells us about her stuffed-animal rehabilitation hobby, how she rescues sad thrift-store stuffies, gives them new life, and finds them new homes. We discuss haunted dolls (hard pass), distinguished teddy bears, Build-A-Bear surprises, and the very real emotional trauma of a decapitated elephant stuffie. From there, we wander through nonfiction about pirates, scurvy, medical history, poison, and Victorian-era attempts at resuscitation; Pokemon trading among four-year-olds; preserving childhood collections; Disney trip logistics; parenting kids with completely different personalities; and why sometimes the best parenting strategy is simply to divide and conquer. We also talk about something especially close to home: learning to recognize and communicate when we’re reaching our limits. Whether that means singing instead of yelling, taking a timeout, asking for some quiet, or simply saying, “I’m not doing well right now,” we’re modeling for our kids that boundaries and big feelings are things we can communicate—not things we have to hide until we explode. And, naturally, we end up talking about children’s bizarre questions, Minecraft-induced trance states, and why sometimes you just have to remind your kid to blink. It’s a classic friend chat: a little deep, a little ridiculous, and full of reminders that we’re allowed to have fun, be weird, and build full lives while we’re raising our kids. Find Jackie:@StayatHomeJackie on Instagram, TikTok and YoutubeStayAtHomeJackie.com And be sure to check out her upcoming book, So You Married a Human! Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

What happens when you realize marriage isn’t the happily-ever-after part of the story– it’s the part where two imperfect humans have to figure out how to actually live together? This week, we’re joined by Jackie Kelley, creator of Stay-at-Home Jackie and author of the upcoming book So You Married a Human: The Totally Doable, Unconventional Guide to a Thriving Partnership. Jackie shares the story behind her book, which grew out of the marriage “rules” she and her husband developed over more than a decade together. And spoiler alert: these aren’t rules about becoming the perfect spouse. They’re tools for navigating the very human stuff that makes relationships complicated (different expectations, different brains, different childhoods, different communication styles, and the occasional rage-inducing towel fold). We talk about what it means to consider your spouse’s lens, why “no wrong answer” can completely change the temperature of a conversation, and why sometimes the answer to “Why are you doing it that way?!” is simply… because that’s the way their brain works. Jackie also gets real about growing up without great models of healthy marriage, learning how to communicate with a spouse whose processing style is completely different from hers, and the painful amount of self-reflection that can come with building a better partnership. And then we play a little game: Jackie gives us the rule, and we try to guess what it means. We cover: Consider Your Glasses — remembering that you and your spouse can look at the exact same situation and genuinely see something different. No Wrong Answer — how removing the fear of a “gotcha” can keep a simple question from becoming a full-blown fight. You Also Suck a Bunch — recognizing our own annoying habits before keeping an eagle eye on our partner’s. Do It Yourself — if you care so much about exactly how something gets done, you might need to be the one who does it. The Moral of the Story — getting underneath the 45-minute explanation to figure out what you’re actually upset about. Send Me an Email — using writing as a communication tool when talking face-to-face is just not working. We also get into neurodivergence, masking and unmasking, gender expectations in marriage, growing together instead of trying to keep your partner the person you originally married, and why sometimes the most useful marriage skill is simply being willing to stop and ask, “What am I missing here?” Jackie’s book comes out October 6, 2026, and after this conversation, we’re pretty sure we all need a copy. Or at least a spouse who will tolerate us word-vomiting the best parts at them. 😂 Connect with Jackie:Stay-at-Home Jackie on social media Get the book:So You Married a Human: The Totally Doable, Unconventional Guide to a Thriving Partnership — available October 6, 2026. Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Guess what? We’re back! After a summer break, Mama’s Gonna Make It is officially rolling into Season 4 — and we’re kicking things off with a little life update, a lot of reflection, and an explanation of the four pillars that help shape our conversations. First, we check in with each other. We both have littles starting kindergarten, which brings ALL the feelings, transitions, schedule changes, and questions about what comes next. We talk about giving ourselves permission to recognize when a transition needs to look different for our families — and giving our kids (and ourselves) the grace to grow at our own pace. Then we get into the four pillars of Mama’s Gonna Make It: Parenting as a Practice Parenting isn’t something we eventually master. It’s something we practice. Our kids change, we change, our circumstances change — and just when you think you’ve figured something out, somebody grows up and suddenly you’re working with a whole new kid. We talk about giving ourselves (and other parents) grace, letting go of the idea that there’s one “right” way to parent, and remembering that our capacity can look different from one day to the next. We also get into some very real-life examples of what this practice looks like for us right now — including reframing our kids’ interruptions, managing our own irritability, and remembering that sometimes the biggest change we can make is the story we’re telling ourselves about what’s happening. Neurodiversity Our second pillar grew out of our desire to talk honestly about parenting as neurodivergent moms. We check in on where we’re each at with ADHD management, including medication, executive function, impulse control, burnout, and the never-ending struggle of having approximately 47 open tabs in our brains at all times. We talk about the ways ADHD affects far more than productivity — and what it feels like when the right support makes everyday life just a little less hard. Self-Growth We’re big believers in continuing to grow, learn, question ourselves, and become more fully ourselves. And, as it turns out, this podcast has become a pretty significant part of that process. We talk about how recording these conversations has helped us become more comfortable being imperfect, hearing our own thoughts out loud, learning from our guests, and letting go of the pressure to perform. One imperfect episode doesn’t define the whole podcast. One imperfect day doesn’t define our whole lives, either. We also reflect on some of the professional growth we’ve experienced since the podcast began and the ways we’re both feeling more grounded and ready for whatever comes next. Relationships — or, as we like to call it, All the ‘Ships This one took a little more work to name. “Relationships” can sound like we’re about to give you marriage advice (we’re not), but what we really mean is all the relationships that make up our lives. Friendships. Marriage. Parenting relationships. Family. Work relationships. Community. The people we encounter in everyday life. And, of course, each other and our producer, the one and only Tim Beeman. The goal of these pillars isn’t to restrict what we talk about. They’re a platform, not a collar — a framework that gives us somewhere to put all the tangled thoughts, ideas, guests, stories, and conversations that make sense for us. And Season 4 is already bringing some fantastic people and perspectives into the conversation! We’re talking grief, good-girl conditioning, self-love, marriage, parenting, neurodiversity, and so much more — with guests who bring their own experiences, expertise, and perspectives to the table. As always, we’re not here to tell you how to live your life. We’re the experts of our own lives, just like you are the expert of yours. Take what works for you, leave what doesn’t, and come hang out with us while we figure some of this stuff out together. Welcome to Season 4. We’re so glad you’re here. Have a topic you’d love for us to revisit? Or something you want us to talk about this season? Let us know at  [email protected] Insta @mamasgonnamakeitpodcast Facebook at Mama’s Gonna Make It Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Season three has come to a close… somewhat sooner than originally planned. And that’s okay, friends.  After a year full of parenting, work, personal and professional growth, creative projects, performances, travel, summer schedules, and trying to keep all the plates spinning, we’re talking about something that’s become impossible to ignore: burnout In this episode, we explore the difference between burnout and simply falling out of a hyperfocus, why every passion project eventually moves beyond the “honeymoon phase,” and what it looks like to keep showing up after the initial excitement fades. We also discuss: Why burnout makes even the things you love feel like another item on the to-do list The ADHD cycle of hyperfocus, all-or-nothing energy, and learning to build something sustainable Rest as a necessity—not something you have to earn The guilt many of us feel when we slow down Finding joy, novelty, and perspective when life starts feeling heavy Raising kids who are allowed to make mistakes (and occasionally clean a toilet because of them!) As we wrap up Season 3, we’re taking our own advice and giving ourselves permission to rest before returning for Season 4 in September. Thank you for listening, sharing, encouraging us, and growing this community with us.  Until next season…remember: rest isn’t a reward—it’s part of the rhythm. Links: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski Atlas Obscura (for discovering hidden gems near home and while traveling) Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Today’s episode is something a little different. As we wind down our third season (don’t worry—we’re already recording Season 4!), it’s summertime out there, and Sarabeth and Anne are ready to embrace a slower pace and recover from a very busy year. Between shifting schedules, changing family routines, and general life burnout, this season of life feels… full. So Sarabeth had a brilliant idea: record this episode separately from home and share two of our published articles from the Davidson Local. Producer Tim—our hero, as always—stitched it all together for today’s episode. First up, Sarabeth shares “Big Feelings,” reflecting on, well… big feelings—our emotions, our kids’ emotions, and why honoring them matters. Then Anne shares “Beyond Baby Showers: Why We Need to Talk About Postpartum,” along with some of what inspired her to write about such a personal and vulnerable topic. Finally, Sarabeth sends us off with some reflection and excitement to return to the studio soon! Links:View our Linktree to access our published articles.For more information on postpartum mental health, visit Moms’s; Mental Health Matters: and select Find Help for immediate resources.If you haven’t yet, Purchase Birth Vibes by Jen HamiltonDr. Becky at Good Inside Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Episode 51: Try the Hobby, Join the Team, Make the Deviled Eggs This week on Mama’s Gonna Make It, we start by talking about kids, hobbies, sports, and creativity… and somehow end up discussing gochujang, embroidery fails, pickle jar egg-peeling hacks, and deviled eggs. Which, honestly, feels pretty on brand. Sarabeth, Anne, and Producer Tim get into the pressure kids (and adults) feel to already be good at things before they even start — whether that’s sports, music, art, cooking, or picking up a random hobby just because it looked fun. We talk about why trying things matters even if there’s no trophy, paycheck, scholarship, or side hustle waiting at the end. Along the way:• Exposing kids to lots of experiences and letting them discover what sticks• Healthy competition vs. when sports culture gets weird• Why kids are sometimes braver than adults when it comes to trying new things• Building resilience without crushing joy• The pressure to monetize hobbies• Imposter syndrome, creative courage, and being bad at things on purpose• Remembering how to play as adults• Plus: an unexpected detour into food that absolutely did not need to happen (but we stand by it) Big takeaway? Don’t wait until you’re guaranteed to be good at something before you let yourself enjoy it. Try the hobby. Join the team. Make the deviled eggs. Connect with us:Follow along on Instagram and Facebook @mamasgonnamakeit Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

This week on Mama’s Gonna Make It, Sarabeth, Anne, and Producer Tim dive into the wild world of traveling with kids, from Disney planning and overpacked suitcases to unexpected memory-making moments, bed bug paranoia, and audiobook mishaps at the mechanic. Anne shares stories from an epic multi-stop family/work trip involving galas, beaches, Disney, and a Georgia farm… all packed into one oversized suitcase she immediately regretted bringing. The conversation quickly turns into a real-life survival guide for parents trying to vacation with little ones while keeping everyone fed, clothed, entertained, and emotionally stable. Spoiler alert: as one wise friend put it, “With young children, you don’t take vacations. You take trips.” In this episode: Why lowering expectations can actually save your trip Packing strategies that make travel less stressful The genius of “go bags” and dedicated travel chargers Traveling with babies vs. older kids Budget-friendly ways to create “magic” family memories Practical bed bug precautions for hotels and rentals Medication and emergency travel prep tips Why kids remember the most random traditions forever The accidental Bluetooth audiobook story that absolutely sent everyone over the edge Whether you’re planning a big Disney adventure, a quick mountain cabin getaway, or just trying to survive travel with toddlers, this episode is full of practical advice, solidarity, and plenty of laughs. Connect with us:Follow along on Instagram and Facebook at @mamasgonnamakeit Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis. Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit