🎙️ Episode 62 – Building Your Village with Ajantha Suriyanarayanan
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with Ajantha Suriyanarayanan, behavioral researcher, product strategist, and founder of Mental Load — an AI-powered life management tool designed to lighten the cognitive burden of daily parenting and household tasks.
Ajantha shares her journey from corporate burnout to building a tech solution that helps women delegate more effectively, reduce stress, and reclaim mental space. Together, they explore what it truly means to “build your village,” why asking for help isn’t weakness, and how rethinking delegation can make life more sustainable.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
💬 Quotes from Ajantha Suriyanarayanan:
📚 Resources Mentioned:
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-62
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 61 – How to Reframe Tiny Time Pockets with Steph Koenig
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with time and energy coach Steph Koenig to explore how to make the most of the small pockets of time we get throughout the day. Instead of filling every free moment with chores or productivity, Steph shares simple ways to use those tiny windows to restore your energy, reconnect with yourself, and feel more present.
Whether you’re waiting in the pickup line, between meetings, or transitioning between tasks at home — this conversation helps you shift from constant doing to intentional being.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
💬 Quotes from Steph Koenig:
📚 Resources Mentioned:
📝 Full transcript available on our website:
www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-61
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
Episode 60 – How to Ditch the Travel Mom Guilt with Helen Harmetz
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with executive coach and working parent, Helen Harmetz, about navigating the mom guilt that often comes with work or personal travel. Helen shares how to set clear expectations, build supportive systems at home, and reframe guilt so you can be present where you are.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
💬 Quotes from Helen Harmetz:
📚 Resources Mentioned:
📝 Full transcript available: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-60
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
Episode 59 – Gender Inequality in the Mental Load at Home with Paige Connell
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with content creator and thought leader Paige Connell about how gender equity and the mental load of parenting are deeply intertwined. Paige shares how societal expectations and systemic barriers contribute to women carrying more unpaid labor at home — and what it takes to create more equitable partnerships that value everyone’s time equally.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Gender equity at home and work are deeply connected.
– Unpaid labor must be valued the same as paid time.
– Open, blame-free conversations are key to lasting change.
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Paige Connell (@sheisapaigeturner)
📝 Full transcript available at:
www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-59
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 58 – The Mental Load of Managing Your Kids’ Wardrobe with Stacey Blea
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with Stacey Blea, founder of ThreadCount, about the invisible mental load parents carry when managing their kids’ clothes. Stacey shares the systems that inspired her to build a practical, time-saving app to track what your children have, what they need, and where it’s stored — helping families save time, money, and mental energy.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Managing kids’ clothing is an ongoing mental load for parents.
– Treating wardrobes like an inventory system saves time and reduces double-buying.
– The ThreadCount app gives visibility into what you own, need, store, and can share.
💬 Quotes from Stacey Blea:
– “No company would expect you to manage hundreds of items across three locations from memory — yet that’s what parents do every season.”
– “Once an item is in the system, it lives there until you’re ready to sell, donate, or hand it down.”
– “Reducing the mental load starts with visibility — knowing what you have and where it is.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
📝 Full transcript available on our website:
www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-58
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 57 – The 52/17 Focus Technique with Mary Ellen Knauff
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with productivity expert and working mom Mary Ellen Knauff about one of her favorite time management tools — the 52/17 Focus Technique. Mary Ellen explains how focusing deeply for 52 minutes and resting for 17 helps working parents maximize productivity and maintain energy throughout the day.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– The 52/17 Focus Technique promotes deep work followed by meaningful rest.
– Morning is the best time for long-focus sessions when willpower is highest.
– Turning off notifications and using fewer screens reduces distraction.
💬 Quotes from Mary Ellen Knauff:
– “Five-minute breaks never feel long enough to recharge — 17 minutes lets your brain rest and reset.”
– “Focus is like willpower — it fades throughout the day.”
– “When you come back from a break, leave yourself a note: start here next.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Mary Ellen Knauff: Productivity expert helping working moms with sustainable time management tools.
– Heron House Management: A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families.
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-57
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 56 – Creating Balanced Routines with Kids with Nick Loper
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with Side Hustle Show host and dad of two, Nick Loper, about creating balanced routines for kids. Nick shares how simple structure — not strict schedules — helps his family move through summer and school days with more calm, connection, and consistency.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Routines don’t have to be rigid — focus on rhythm and predictability.
– Short, intentional morning screen time can set a calm tone for the day.
– Visual checklists empower kids to take ownership of daily tasks.
💬 Quotes from Nick Loper:
– “This isn’t a 5 a.m. miracle routine — it’s the family version.”
– “Writing is thinking — we use journal prompts to help our kids practice both.”
– “Structure the day, not every minute — it keeps everyone calmer.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Nick Loper – Side Hustle Nation
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-56
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 55 – Communication for Connection With Your Kids with Lisa Reichelt
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with parenting coach Lisa Reichelt about repairing communication breakdowns and building lasting connection with your kids. Lisa shares three key areas parents can focus on — what you do together, what you talk about, and how you simply “be” together. From entering into your child’s world to asking before giving advice, Lisa offers practical, compassionate strategies for building trust and stronger relationships at every age.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Strong relationships require intentional communication.
– Connection grows when you show genuine interest in your child’s passions.
– Asking before giving advice empowers kids and builds trus
💬 Quotes from Lisa Reichelt:
– “You can’t have a strong relationship with someone you don’t communicate well with.”
– “Ask your child: are you venting, or do you want advice?”
– “Sometimes the most powerful way to connect is simply being present.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Champion Your Parenting – Coaching, tools, and support to help parents reduce conflict and build strong, lasting relationships with their kids.
– Heron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-55
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 54 – Focusing on the Basic Needs First with Carly Buxton
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan chats with Carly Buxton, co-founder and CEO of Parent Swarm. Carly shares her framework for “protecting the basics” — a set of simple, non-negotiable habits that help her stay grounded during times of stress and chaos. From prioritizing sleep and food to carving out small moments of exercise, Carly shows how meeting your most essential needs first can make everything else more manageable.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– When life feels overwhelming, strip back to core needs first.
– Sleep, nutrition, and exercise form a foundation for resilience.
– Writing down your “basics” gives you a quick reference point on hard days.
💬 Quotes from Carly Buxton:
– “When everything feels chaotic, I return to my basics — sleep, food, and exercise.”
– “If I can focus on these core needs, my stress level drops and I show up better for my family.”
– “Protecting the basics means stripping things down to what truly supports you.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-54
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 53 – Systems Thinking for Minimizing Stress at Home with Courtney Cecil
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Courtney Cecil, Fortune 50 executive, systems engineer, and founder of the Working Moms Movement. Courtney explains how the same efficiency and clarity we use at work can transform our home lives. From identifying recurring pain points to creating simple, repeatable systems, she shares how to reduce stress, prevent conflict, and free up energy for what matters most.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Systems shouldn’t just live at work — they can make home life smoother, too.
– Start where the pain is: fix the problems that show up daily or cause the most frustration.
– Clear roles, repeatable processes, and predictability reduce resentment and chaos at home.
💬 Quotes from Courtney Cecil:
– “When you get systems right at home, life becomes smoother and more predictable.”
– “Start where the pain is — solve the problems that keep popping up.”
– “Processes bring clarity and reduce resentment, because everyone knows their role.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Working Moms Movement – Courtney’s coaching and programs
– The Life Management System for Working Moms – Courtney’s podcast
– Heron House Management — Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-53
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 52 – Weekend Planning with Your Partner with Miranda Bayard-Clark
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Miranda Bayard-Clark, a preventative couples coach who helps parents protect and strengthen their relationships. Miranda shares why weekends are a common source of conflict for couples and how a simple Friday check-in can prevent tension and ensure both partners’ needs are met. You’ll also learn how to handle misalignment in the moment, so weekends feel more restful, balanced, and connected.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Most weekend conflicts stem from unspoken expectations.
– A quick Friday conversation can align priorities and avoid tension.
– In-the-moment transparency helps reset when misalignment happens.
💬 Quotes from Miranda Bayard-Clark:
– “The greatest gift you can give your kids is a strong relationship between the two of you.”
– “Most of the conflict occurs on the weekend, because expectations were never communicated.”
– “A simple Friday conversation — ‘what do you hope to get out of the weekend?’ — can prevent so much tension.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Love After Lullabies - Miranda’s coaching, courses and resources
– Heron House Management — Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full transcript: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-52
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 51 – Personalizing Time Management with Jill Wright
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with time management coach and mom of four, Jill Wright. Jill shares how moms can adapt productivity strategies to their real-life circumstances, avoid burnout, and make time management feel supportive rather than stressful. She introduces her four time management archetypes and explains how small, personalized shifts can help you reclaim your time with more ease and confidence.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Time management is not one-size-fits-all — it needs to adapt to your current season of life.
– Knowing your archetype helps you choose strategies that fit your natural strengths and challenges.
– Small, consistent changes aligned with your style build habits and free up mental space.
💬 Quotes from Jill Wright:
– “Seasons change, and our time management needs to change too.”
– “It’s not about trying all 200 productivity hacks—it’s about finding the three that actually move the needle for you.”
– “When your time management aligns with your personality, it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like freedom.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Jill Wright – Time management coaching tailored for busy moms — discover your archetype, align habits with your life season, and move forward with clarity and ease.
– Connect with Jill on Instagram – @growlikeamother
– Heron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-51
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 50 – Cycle Syncing for Better Balance with Samantha Gaunt
In this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with cycle syncing coach, wife, and mom of five, Samantha Gaunt. Samantha shares how women can align their work and home life with their natural rhythms for greater productivity, less stress, and more balance. From understanding the four phases of the menstrual cycle to learning how to plan tasks, meals, and even social events around your energy, Samantha provides a practical roadmap to thrive without burnout.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Traditional routines don’t always work because women’s energy naturally shifts throughout the month.
– Cycle syncing helps you know when to rest, when to create, and when to connect with others.
– Delegation, planning ahead, and honoring your energy level are powerful tools for reducing overwhelm.
💬 Quotes from Samantha Gaunt:
– “When we try to force ourselves into a one-size-fits-all routine, we end up feeling frustrated, exhausted, and even guilty for not keeping up.”
– “Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s one of the greatest powers we have as women.”
– “Once you start syncing your tasks with your cycle, you stop swimming upstream and begin flowing with your natural rhythm.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Samantha on Instagram: @the.samantha.gaunt
– https://www.samanthagaunt.com/
– Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-50
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 49 – Modeling Setting Healthy Boundaries with Dr. Anne Welsh
Parenting coach and boundaries expert Dr. Anne Welsh joins host Hannah Morgan to share how saying “no” can protect your time, reduce stress, and teach your kids to respect their own limits. Together, they explore how daily choices — from PTA sign-ups to household routines — shape the way children learn about balance, priorities, and self-care.
🔑 Key Takeaways:– Boundaries aren’t selfish — they’re a form of modeling healthy behavior for your kids– Micro-moments at home shape your children’s understanding of roles and responsibilities– A “heck yes” filter can help you decide which commitments are worth your time– Choosing a monthly “top 3 priorities” keeps you focused and prevents overwhelm
💬 Quotes from Dr. Welsh:“Your limits don’t make you a bad mom — they make you human.”“When you protect your time, you show your kids it’s okay to do the same.”“You don’t have to carry a list of 300 to-dos — pick your top three and let the rest go.”“Those little daily moments create the foundation for how your kids see boundaries.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Dr. Anne Welsh’s coaching services
– De-Stress the Nest Podcast Archive
– Heron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families — we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full transcript available on our website
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 48 – Managing (Your Own) Expectations for Success with Liz Kent
Licensed therapist and maternal mental health coach Liz Kent joins host Hannah Morgan to share how unrealistic expectations can sabotage your confidence, connection, and joy in motherhood. Together, they unpack the pressure to “do it all” — and how letting go of perfection can help you feel more grounded, present, and fulfilled at home.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Unrealistic expectations are often absorbed from culture, family, and social media
– Self-compassion is key: Talk to yourself the way you'd talk to a friend
– Everyone's life looks different behind the scenes — your “success” should, too
– Letting go of shoulds helps you make confident, aligned decisions for your family
💬 Quotes from Liz:
“We’re all human — we all fall short sometimes.”
“Would you talk to your best friend the way you're talking to yourself?”
“Make decisions based on your family’s needs — not what you think you ‘should’ be doing.”
“Nobody is doing it all. They might just have more help behind the scenes.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
– Liz Kent Coaching: Therapy and coaching support for moms navigating the mental load
– Heron House Management: Virtual house management that helps you simplify your home life so you can focus on what matters most
📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-48
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 47 – Fostering True Connection in Your Marriage with Michelle Purta
In this episode, marriage coach Michelle Purta shares simple but powerful strategies to reconnect with your partner — even during the chaotic parenting years. From micro-connections to Costco dates, Michelle explains how small, intentional moments can make a big difference in your relationship.
🔑 Key Takeaways:– Don’t wait for “someday” to prioritize your marriage– Micro-connection is the glue between big moments– Stronger connection leads to better communication– Love languages can be a game changer in daily life
💬 Quotes from Michelle:
“Your marriage is the foundation of your family.”“Connection doesn’t have to be big — it has to be consistent.”“Date night is what you make of it.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:– Michelle Purta Coaching: marriage coaching and resources for moms– Love Languages Assessment by Gary Chapman– Heron House Management: virtual house management for busy families
📝 Full Transcript: view here
📅 Episodes released weekly on Tuesdays
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 46 – Planning a Stress-Free Vacation with Nick Loper
Nick Loper from Side Hustle Nation shares his favorite tips for low-stress family travel. Learn how planning ahead and involving your kids can create more joy and fewer meltdowns.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Planning ahead brings peace of mind and excitement
– Seasonal school breaks help narrow vacation ideas
– Kids stay more engaged when they help plan
– Use calendars to reduce decision fatigue
💬 Favorite Quotes:
> “If you don’t put it on the calendar, it doesn’t happen.”
> “Anticipation is half the fun.”
> “Let the kids help plan.”
📚 Resources:
– Side Hustle Nation: A community and resource hub for people building extra income streams.
– The Side Hustle Show: A podcast featuring stories and tips from successful side hustlers.
– Heron House Management: Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full transcript: https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-46
📅 New episodes every Tuesday
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 45 – Tools for Dealing with Parenting Conflict with Lisa Reichelt
Parenting coach Lisa Reichelt shares 5 practical strategies to reduce conflict and create more calm at home. Learn how your response shapes your child’s behavior—and why silence, empathy, and questions are powerful tools.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Lower your voice to de-escalate
– Create silence to spark reflection
– Ask questions to give kids ownership
– Lead with empathy, not reactivity
💬 Quotes from Lisa:
> “Your child will respond differently when you respond differently.”
> “Silence is powerful — it gives your child space to reflect.”
> “Empathy isn’t giving in — it’s role modeling right relationships.”
📚 Resources:
Champion Your Parenting – Coaching, tools, and support to help parents reduce conflict and build strong, lasting relationships with their kids.
Heron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full Transcript:
📅 Episodes released weekly on Tuesdays
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
🎙️ Episode 44 – Aligning Our Time to Our Values with Courtney Cecil
In this episode, coach and podcast host Courtney Cecil shares how working parents can align their time with what matters most. Learn how defining your family values can lead to less stress, clearer decision-making, and more meaningful time.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
– Your time, money, and energy should reflect your values
– Aligning with your partner helps reduce conflict
– Start with your long-term vision, then work backward
– Say no with confidence by knowing what you’re saying yes to
💬 Quotes from Courtney:
> “Knowing your values leads to time freedom.”
> “You don’t need to do it all — just do what aligns.”
> “Start with the end in mind.”
📚 Resources Mentioned:
**Working Moms Movement** – Courtney’s coaching and programs
**The Life Management System for Working Moms** – Courtney’s podcast
**Heron House Management** – Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.
📝 Full Transcript:
**Read the full transcript HERE**
📅 Episodes released weekly on Tuesdays
💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management
In this insightful episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan welcomes Paige Connell, a working mother of four and viral content creator known for her candid, relatable take on the mental load of motherhood. Together, they dive deep into what mental load really means—how it manifests in families, why it so often falls on women, and how couples can begin the work of redistributing it more equitably. Paige shares personal stories, practical tools, and honest advice that every overwhelmed parent needs to hear.
Key Takeaways
Quotes
Resources Mentioned
Subscribe & Leave a Review:
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content!
Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays
This episode of De-Stress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management.