This New Year’s mini episode is a pause button — a moment to look back before rushing forward.
Krista and Samantha reflect on the whirlwind of December, name the wins they’re proud of from the past year, and talk honestly about what they’re leaving behind as they head into a new one. From clutter (physical and mental) to unrealistic expectations, this conversation centres on simplicity, self-care, and choosing what actually matters.
They share how taking time off created clarity, why themes can be more useful than resolutions, and how cherishing small, ordinary moments with family often ends up being the most meaningful part of the year.
It’s a gentle reset — no pressure, no grand declarations — just an invitation to move into the next season with a little more ease.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🌀 December can be a lot — even when it’s joyful.
⏸️ Stepping back creates space for reflection and growth.
🧹 Letting go of clutter clears mental bandwidth.
🧭 A simple theme can guide the year better than rigid goals.
🍽️ Simpler meals = less daily stress.
👨👩👧👦 Family moments matter more than doing everything “right.”
🍼 Perfection isn’t required in parenting — done really is better.
🏆 Naming personal wins builds confidence.
❤️ Quality time is the real luxury.
🌱 Growth often looks quieter than we expect.
💌 Follow us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode felt grounding, share it with a friend who’s entering the new year craving simplicity over pressure.
This week kicks off our pre-recorded holiday mini-episode series, airing through Christmas, New Year’s, and the first week of 2026 — short, honest conversations designed to meet you right where you are during the festive blur.
In this episode, Krista and Samantha talk about the joy and the chaos of December. From evolving traditions and abandoned expectations to crafts that look better in theory than practice, they reflect on what Christmas really looks like as moms — messy, meaningful, and rarely Pinterest-perfect.
They share what they’ve let go of over the years, what still matters, and why moms deserve space to name the stress instead of silently carrying it. It’s a reminder that the magic of the season isn’t in the wrapping paper — it’s in the kids’ excitement, the shared moments, and giving yourself permission to make things easier.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🎄 December can feel like a lot — and that’s not a personal failure.
🔄 Traditions change, and that doesn’t mean they’re less meaningful.
🎁 Gifts don’t need perfect wrapping to count.
🎨 Crafts are fun… and also complete chaos.
🗣️ Moms are allowed to say the holidays feel heavy.
🎅 Santa photos can be stressful and sentimental.
❤️ Kids’ joy often carries the season.
🧠 Balance matters — especially during busy, emotional months.
👨👩👧👦 Quality time beats perfection every time.
✨ New traditions can be just as special as old ones.
💌 Follow us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode felt like a deep exhale, share it with a friend who’s doing their best to make Christmas feel good — not flawless.
This week, it’s Krista’s turn in the hot seat as we continue our mini-episode series with a rapid fire round of the same questions we ask all of our guests.
Krista reflects on what self-care really looks like in a season that feels loud, busy, and unfinished. From wanting her roots done to needing accountability, emotional support beverages, and permission to coast, this episode is a candid look at navigating motherhood, motivation, and personal growth without pretending everything is under control.
It’s a gentle reminder that there’s no prize for burnout — and that choosing yourself, even in small ways, still counts.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🌀 Life can feel chaotic — and that doesn’t mean you’re failing.
🧴 Small acts of self-care (yes, including hair appointments) matter.
🤝 Accountability can be motivating when willpower runs out.
🚫 There is no merit badge for burnout.
💬 Everyone has “their thing” that helps them feel more like themselves.
🍷 Emotional support beverages are sometimes exactly what’s needed.
👯 Social connection can ease the mental load at home.
🧠 Support systems help release shame, not add to it.
😌 Coasting is allowed — not every season requires pushing.
❤️ Balance starts with kindness toward yourself.
💌 Follow us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who needs permission to rest, reset, or just get their roots done.
This week’s episode flips the script — it’s Samantha’s turn in the hot seat for a rapid fire round of the questions usually reserved for guests. In this shorter, behind-the-scenes conversation, she reflects on how motherhood and ambition coexist, what efficiency really looks like in this season, and why she’ll always choose quality over quantity in both life and work.
From ClickUp hacks and clutter tolerance to evolving personal style and the myth of balance, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to build a business and a home without losing your sense of self. It’s equal parts reflection and reality — a reminder that sometimes, ambition looks like choosing what matters most today.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💼 Ambition shifts with capacity and life stage — and that’s okay.
✨ Quality over quantity wins every time.
🧺 A little clutter is fine if you can still find your keys.
⚙️ Tools like ClickUp make the mental load easier to carry.
🧠 Systems are shortcuts for sanity.
👗 Personal style evolves alongside identity.
🌿 Growth doesn’t always mean doing more.
💬 Support systems keep everything standing.
🎯 Efficiency is less about speed, more about clarity.
🏡 Managing the chaos is a skill — not a failing.
💌 Follow us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved the episode? Share it with a fellow multitasking mom or business owner who’s redefining ambition — one organized ClickUp board at a time.
This week’s episode has it all — choir recitals, broken wrists, parenting chaos, and The Sims 2. Krista and Samantha are in full December mode, juggling end-of-year work, family schedules, and a few laughable detours along the way (including Sam’s speeding ticket while wearing a hat that said slow down).
Samantha shares the joy and chaos of completing her choir recital — from nearly crying mid-performance to the family cheering section that took up half the crowd — while Krista navigates life with a husband with a wrist injury, Wed Well registration deadlines, and a craving for control (and Pepsi).
What starts as a catch-up turns into a conversation about self-doubt, delegation, and the emotional side of scaling a business, before spiralling into nostalgia for The Sims and an impromptu debate over whether a toddler counts for the carpool lane. It’s cozy chaos — part therapy, part comedy, part strategy.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🎤 Doing something for yourself — like choir — is worth it.
👩👦 Parenting during the toddler climbing phase = survival mode.
🥴 The mental load is real — sometimes you just leave the house.
🪴 Every couple has a gardener and a flower (and sometimes both are weeds).
💼 Delegating is a mindset game, not just a task list.
💸 Paying others to help in business is both freeing and terrifying.
💬 Confidence wobbles when you scale — but that’s growth.
🚗 Sometimes you just have to laugh at your own speeding ticket.
🎮 Nostalgia can be self-care — especially if it involves The Sims 2.
💡 Taking yourself (and your work) less seriously is the secret to surviving December.
💌 Follow us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review or share it with a friend who’s balancing family, business, and chaos — preferably not while driving 20 over the limit.
This week, Krista and Samantha cover a little bit of everything — from Black Friday and fashion to ADHD, business strategy, and holiday prep. It’s a full-circle conversation about personal growth, clarity, and how both hosts are navigating a busy season while trying to stay present (and maybe look good doing it).
Samantha shares reflections from her birthday week — new outfits, intentional business planning, and what’s next for client engagement and growth. Krista opens up about ADHD and self-acceptance, and how she’s learning to work with her brain instead of against it. Together, they unpack everything from time management and consumerism to the evolving art of holiday gift-giving — debating online shopping, supporting local businesses, and whether experience gifts really are the new standard.
It’s equal parts introspection and shopping list — a mix of clarity, humour, and real talk about the pressure to “do it all” before December hits.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🎂 Birthdays can be a catalyst for reflection and reinvention.
👗 Personal style evolves — and it’s okay to change your mind.
🧠 ADHD requires self-compassion and intentional planning.
💻 Managing client work and clarity is key in busy seasons.
💬 Balance looks different every year — and that’s okay.
🎯 Clear business strategy > constant busyness.
🎁 Gift-giving can be thoughtful and practical.
🛍️ Online shopping can feel overwhelming — and that’s valid.
🏪 Supporting local businesses creates real community impact.
💳 Rewards points and pre-planning can make holiday shopping easier.
🎠 Experience gifts can be more meaningful than more stuff.
🎄 It’s okay to want things — and ask for them.
💞 Family traditions matter more than perfect wrapping.
💡 A universal gift registry? Not the worst idea.
💌 Follow us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved this episode? Share it with a friend who’s navigating holiday chaos with a side of self-reflection — or leave us a review to spread the cheer (no gift wrap required).
This week, Krista and Samantha sit down with Puja Malhotra, founder of Roop Creative Agency, for a conversation that gets real about the intersection of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Puja opens up about the messy middle of trying to balance personal growth, family life, and the demands of running a business — and how the glossy narratives of “doing it all” rarely match reality. She shares how she’s learning to rewrite her story, show up as she is, and find meaning in the work that actually lights her up.
This episode is an honest reflection on resilience, identity, and the evolving definition of success for women who are both building and becoming at the same time.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💬 “Show up as you are” is a powerful business strategy.
👩👧 Motherhood and entrepreneurship aren’t as seamless as they look online.
🪞 Redefining success means letting go of what it should look like.
💪 Resilience comes from continuing to show up through the hard parts.
🎨 Doing work that inspires you is the best form of sustainability.
🧩 Balance isn’t static — it’s something you keep finding and losing again.
🔥 Pushing through challenges builds confidence and clarity.
🚫 The romanticized version of “having it all” needs to go.
🧠 Identity evolves with every season of life and business.
💞 Authenticity attracts the right people and opportunities.
✨ Learn more about Puja and her work:
Visit Roop Creative Agency
Follow her on Instagram: @thepujamalhotra / @roopcreativeagency
💌 Follow us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s redefining what success looks like in this season of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
This week, Krista and Samantha sit down with Luz Perez Brown, a multi-passionate entrepreneur, community builder, and military spouse, for a conversation about what it really means to build a life-first business in the middle of constant change.
Luz shares how frequent relocations, motherhood, and entrepreneurship have shaped her approach to ambition and growth—and why reflection has become her favourite business strategy. From creating community wherever she lands to redefining success on her own terms, she offers tangible insights for anyone balancing purpose, parenting, and pivoting.
The episode explores clarity, connection, and the courage to evolve, reminding us that freedom often comes from building a business that fits the life you actually want to live.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🏡 Community can be built anywhere—it starts with connection.
👩👧👦 Parenting and entrepreneurship often overlap in surprising ways.
🪞 Reflection keeps you grounded through change.
🌿 A life-first business prioritizes sustainability over speed.
💫 Being multi-passionate is a strength, not a flaw.
📲 Social media can spark real-world relationships.
🔥 Ambition is about commitment, not constant hustle.
🧘 Flexibility is a superpower in motherhood and business.
💬 Self-care is part of strategy.
💞 Growth comes from giving yourself permission to evolve.
✨ Want to collaborate with Luz?
Join her workshop ➡️ Start With Clarity
Explore her work ➡️ Willow and Jax
Follow her on Instagram ➡️ @willow.and.jax
⭐️ If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who’s craving clarity and community in their next season of business.
💌 Follow us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
This week, Krista and Samantha unpack the mental load of the holiday season — from Halloween hangovers and early gift planning to the nostalgia and chaos that make this time of year both magical and maddening.
They share personal updates on parenting through October (the unofficial hardest month for families), the joy and exhaustion of community events, and the ever-present pressure to create “whimsy” while holding everything else together. The conversation weaves between family traditions, marketing strategies, and the business of being human during the holidays — because running a household and a company in Q4 is no small feat.
Whether you’re deep in decor mode, hiding in your car before pickup, or rethinking how to make the holidays feel lighter this year, this episode is a reminder that the best kind of magic is the kind you don’t have to manufacture.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🎃 October really is a tough month for parents — you’re not imagining it.
👯 Finding joy in community events can recharge your energy.
🎁 Gift-giving doesn’t have to be elaborate to be meaningful.
💭 Nostalgia shapes how we approach the holidays as adults.
🏡 Sharing responsibilities keeps the season (and relationships) balanced.
💻 Marketing strategies should evolve with the season’s pace.
🌲 The pressure for “whimsy” can sometimes rob it of joy.
🎶 Creative hobbies like choir can reconnect you to yourself.
💞 Community involvement brings warmth to colder months.
🕯️ Authenticity always matters more than aesthetics.
💌 Follow along on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If you loved this episode, share it with a friend who’s trying to make the holidays meaningful — not perfect.
And remember: the magic isn’t in the Pinterest board — it’s in the moment.
This week, Krista and Samantha sit down with Janelle Nelissen, brand strategist and founder of Sage Creatives, for an honest and expansive conversation about what it means to be ambitious after motherhood—and how the journey doesn’t always look like the plan.
Janelle became a mother just weeks before the COVID lockdown, and what followed was a deep reckoning with identity, postpartum depression, and the pressure to perform. They talk about how success shifts in the wake of major life changes, how creativity can become a tether back to self, and why building something meaningful doesn’t have to mean building it fast.
This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt the tug between ambition and presence—and needed the reminder that you can create something you’re proud of, even in the mess. Especially in the mess.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
👶 Becoming a parent during a pandemic adds layers to identity shifts.
🌀 Postpartum depression changes how you view yourself and your work.
🪞 You’re allowed to redefine success—and keep redefining it.
🧠 Being present with your kids is productive.
🎨 Creative work can be both healing and strategic.
🧱 You don’t have to build fast to build well.
👯♀️ Community and conversation can carry you through the fog.
👧 It’s powerful to model self-trust and slow ambition for your kids.
📝 You can write your own rules—again and again.
🔥 Ambition doesn’t have to look like hustle.
✨ Want to learn more about Janelle’s work?
Check out her studio: The Sage Creatives
Follow her on Instagram: @janelle.nelissen
💌 Hang out with us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s finding their way through a new season—and don’t forget to leave a review if you loved it.
This week, Samantha and Krista are joined by copywriter and messaging strategist Maddy Aucoin for a conversation about ambition, burnout, and choosing a life that feels good—not just productive.
Maddy shares her experience finishing her Master’s degree at 37 weeks pregnant, launching her business in a pandemic, and intentionally deciding to be one and done when it comes to kids. They talk about the lack of support for student parents, navigating social media as a creative business owner, and the recovery required after girlboss culture nearly broke us all.
She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at her signature micro workshop model—offering a fresh take on selling with heart, not hustle.
This one is honest, hilarious, and refreshingly human. Whether you're rethinking your ambition or just trying to finish your coffee while it’s still hot—you’ll feel seen here.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
👩🎓 Parenting and higher ed are rarely designed to coexist.
🛏️ Making time for naps is a legitimate life skill.
🎯 Micro workshops can create real impact without burnout.
🥵 Burnout recovery isn’t linear—but it is necessary.
💻 Business growth looks different when you stop performing.
📣 Messaging is more powerful when it’s grounded in truth.
👶 Choosing to be one and done is valid—and freeing.
📱 Social media is a tool—not your boss.
🏛️ Systems aren’t sexy, but they make everything easier.
🤝 Real talk is the best kind of marketing.
✨ Want more from Maddy?
Check out her upcoming micro workshop and find out more about her work at www.bymaddyaucoin.com
Follow her on Instagram: @bymaddyaucoin
💌 Come hang out with us on Instagram: @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review or share it with a friend who's redefining ambition—one slow morning at a time.
This week, Krista and Samantha are deep in the thick of it—sleep regressions, toddler chaos, and the kind of parenting fatigue that makes you forget what day it is. They share real-time reflections on what it means to grow a business when you’re already maxed out, and how clarity can come even in the messiest seasons.
In the midst of it all, Krista offers a behind-the-scenes look at her group program, Design Your Dream Wedding Business—a space built for wedding pros who want to feel more confident, focused, and ready for inquiry season. They also chat about ideal clients, personal growth, and how implementing even simple systems can make business feel a little less heavy.
This episode is equal parts survival mode and strategy—and a reminder that you don’t need a perfect season to build something great.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🛏️ Sleep struggles are real—and exhausting.
👩👧👦 Parenting and work will always compete for capacity.
📚 Reading can be both an escape and a growth tool.
📈 Business growth is not linear—it evolves with you.
⚙️ Systems help create breathing room.
💬 Confidence comes from clarity, not perfection.
🎯 Defining your ideal client changes everything.
📬 Inquiry season is real—prepare before you're overwhelmed
🏆 Success is personal, not prescriptive.
👯♀️ A supportive community makes all of this easier to carry.
✨ Wedding pro? Ready to get clear, confident, and set up for success?
Check out Krista’s group coaching program: Design Your Dream Wedding Business
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved the episode? Leave a review or share it with a friend who’s building big things—through the chaos, not after it.
Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of cancer, diagnosis and treatment, recovery, grief, and the emotional impact of navigating illness as a mother and business owner. Please listen with care.
This week, Krista and Samantha sit down with Emily Anderson—a photographer, mother of three, and cancer survivor—for a powerful conversation about vulnerability, identity, and trusting yourself through life’s hardest seasons.
Emily shares how her cancer diagnosis changed everything—from how she sees motherhood and ambition to how she shows up in her business and her art. She opens up about the realities of treatment, grief, family dynamics, and the deeply human experience of not knowing what comes next. Through it all, she brings humour, depth, and an open heart.
This is a conversation about more than survival—it’s about integration, self-acceptance, and what happens when you stop waiting for the perfect time to start living as your full self.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💔 A cancer diagnosis can reshape every part of life.
👯♀️ Community support makes healing possible—and lighter.
💬 Vulnerability is strength, not weakness.
🧭 You can trust yourself, even in uncertainty.
🎨 The artist and the entrepreneur can coexist.
🧘 Productivity is not a measure of worth.
📸 Capturing the real moments matters—especially with your kids.
🩺 Advocating for your health could change everything.
🧠 Grief is not linear, and healing isn’t tidy.
🌱 Self-acceptance takes time—and is always worth it.
We’re so grateful to Emily for sharing her story with such honesty and grace.
💌 Connect with her on Instagram at @e_m_anderson
📸 Learn more about her work at emandersonphotography.com
💬 Follow us at @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode moved you, please leave a review or send it to someone who needs to feel less alone in their own journey.
This week, Krista and Samantha unpack the tangled web of parenting, social life, and adult friendship—and how those things rarely play nicely together in the same season. They talk about the pressure of social obligations, the real mental load of making and keeping friends post-kids, and how Lucky Girl Syndrome shows up in both motherhood and mindset.
There’s reflection on parenting fatigue, post-COVID social anxiety, and the nostalgia for a time when making plans didn’t involve three calendars and two rounds of childcare coordination. Through it all, they explore what intentional connection can look like in this season—because sometimes having friends and feeling connected aren’t the same thing.
Whether you’re missing your people, feeling spread thin, or wondering how to model healthy friendships for your kids—this episode is equal parts relatable, reflective, and a reminder that you're not the only one feeling it.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💇 Curly hair is a full-time job (and a personality trait).
🛏️ Parenting fatigue is real, and it compounds quickly.
🧠 Work-life balance remains elusive, but worth pursuing.
🫶 Friendships need intention—not just availability.
🗓️ Scheduling time with friends is harder, but not impossible.
💖 Teaching optimism can shape how kids move through the world.
📉 Social rituals shift dramatically post-kids (and that’s okay).
🎭 Social anxiety and burnout are often hiding under “I’m just busy.”
👯♀️ Modelling healthy friendships matters more than preaching them.
⚖️ It’s okay to say no to social plans for the sake of self-care.
Craving connection but also kind of hoping everyone cancels? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Leave a review or share this episode with someone who gets the friendship juggle—because we’re all just doing our best out here.
In this week’s episode, Krista and Samantha are knee-deep in the realities of parenting while sick—and trying to hold it together when everyone in the house is under the weather. They talk through the mental load, the flexibility of running their own businesses, and the quiet craving for a day where no one needs anything from them.
There’s also conversation around community building, client engagement, and why a thriving space doesn’t have to mean doing the most. Plus, they sprinkle in some book recs, TV talk, and a reminder that sometimes, the best thing you can do is nothing at all.
If you’re parenting through sniffles, burnout, or back-to-school chaos—this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🤧 Sick days = survival mode. Full stop.
🛋️ A “do nothing” day is sometimes the most productive thing.
🧠 The mental load is real—but it doesn’t have to be carried alone.
👯♀️ Community spaces can be powerful without being overwhelming.
📺 Pop culture is valid self-care.
📚 A good book (or a half-finished one) can reset your brain.
🛠️ Autonomy is a privilege—and a challenge.
📅 Flexibility is a superpower when your kid’s home sick again.
🍵 Coping looks different for everyone—permission to find what works.
💬 Being honest about your capacity helps everyone, including you.
Snacks, sniffles, and a never-ending to-do list? We see you.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Leave a review or send this episode to a friend who’s riding the same wave—you don’t have to do this alone.
This week, Krista and Samantha are in the thick of it—navigating the chaotic trifecta of adulting, parenting, and trying to have a social life. They swap stories about managing health appointments, sleep-deprived parenting, and the wild world of raising kids who lie with confidence.
There’s honest talk about discipline vs. values, family routines, and the tension of balancing what you believe with what actually happens in your home. They also touch on marketing strategies, social media messiness, and the real impact of showing up online while parenting in real life.
If you’ve ever postponed a doctor’s appointment for six months, been gaslit by a four-year-old, or tried to write Instagram captions while folding laundry—this one’s for you.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🧾 Health admin is a full-time job no one warned us about.
🛏️ Sleep regressions = character development (for you, not them).
🥂 Trying to be social and functional is a delicate art.
📱 Marketing feels different when you’re also in mom mode.
🙊 Kids lie—but they’re often just figuring things out.
⚖️ Parenting values > parenting rules.
🍽️ Family dinners (even chaotic ones) build connection.
😅 Discipline works best when it’s grounded in understanding.
📚 Book clubs exist. Whether or not we finish the book is another story.
😂 The best parenting stories usually start with “You’re not going to believe this…”
Overdue on every appointment and raising kids with strong imaginations? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ Loved this episode? Leave a review or share it with a friend who's just trying to keep all the plates spinning.
We’re back! In the Season 2 premiere, Krista and Samantha dive into the full-body shift that is back-to-school season—where to-do lists get longer, routines get tighter, and life admin takes centre stage.
They talk through the tension of transitioning out of summer, the mental and hormonal chaos of September, and the constant juggle of parenting, business, and health. There’s reflection on parenting milestones, evolving business offers, and the pressure to be “productive”—plus a little escapism via book recs, bingeable shows, and a hot take on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Whether you're crying at drop-off or thriving in a freshly organized Google Calendar, this episode is a deep breath and a reality check for anyone navigating this messy, meaningful season.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🎒 Back to school brings both structure and pressure.
🧠 September is peak life admin—and peak mental load.
💊 Hormonal shifts and health concerns deserve space in the convo.
📝 To-do lists can help—but they can also feel like a trap.
📈 Business pivots often mirror life changes.
📚 Escapism through books and TV is valid self-care.
🧠 Pop culture is not fluff—it’s how we process and connect.
☀️ Summer reflections can shape future plans.
👨👩👦 Family dynamics shift everything—from travel to daily routines.
⚙️ Systems and intention are the only way through the chaos.
Still trying to find your rhythm after a wild summer? Same.
----
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode felt like a friend in your ear, leave a review or send it to someone staring down their own September sprint.
In the Season 1 finale, Krista and Samantha dive into the layered realities of summer—from the literal heat to the shifting dynamics of parenting, work, and personal growth that come with the season.
They reflect on seasonal preferences, family routines, and the joy (and anxiety) of gaining independence as a parent when your kids start spending more time away. There’s also conversation around shopping habits, travel hiccups, summer camps, and what it actually looks like to take a sabbatical when you’re an ambitious person who doesn’t unplug easily.
With a few tangents into writing projects, business systems, and why the podcast isn’t a job—it’s a joy—this episode is a love letter to the in-between season of trying to do it all, and the grace it takes to do just enough.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🌡️ Summer heat hits hard—and affects your whole vibe.
🛍️ Seasonal shopping? Dangerous territory.
🏕️ Childhood camp experiences shape how we show up for our kids now.
📖 Reading habits shift with energy and workload.
🎒 Kid-free time brings both relief and reflection.
🛫 Travel with kids isn’t a break—it’s a different kind of work.
📱 Tech helps... until it doesn’t.
✍️ Sabbaticals can be self-directed—and still purposeful.
🗓️ Summer routines need flexibility and consistency.
📚 Personal projects (like writing) can fuel something bigger.
🎙️ The podcast? Still fun. Still not homework.
Still trying to balance rest and routines with ambition and sunscreen? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode resonated, leave us a review or send it to a friend who’s also figuring out how to enjoy summer and survive it.
This week, Samantha and Krista dig into the layered conversation around self-esteem, body image, and confidence—both for themselves as mothers and for the kids they’re raising. They talk about how positive self-talk can shift your perspective, the quiet harm of societal expectations, and why celebrating the small wins really does build confidence over time.
The episode weaves between friendship chats, book club updates, and even a bit of reality TV commentary, but always circles back to the deeper theme: how the words we use—with ourselves and around our children—shape the way they see themselves.
This is a thoughtful, honest, and sometimes funny look at self-acceptance, parenting with intention, and the messy, beautiful evolution of confidence at every stage of life.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🌿 Embracing a more chill attitude can lead to a more balanced life.
📺 Reality TV reflects more about human nature than we sometimes want to admit.
📚 Book clubs can be a joyful way to connect with friends and build community.
🫂 In-person connections matter for sustaining meaningful friendships.
🎯 Setting business goals can fuel both personal and professional growth.
💬 Self-esteem and body image are ongoing conversations for mothers.
🪞 Positive language helps shape children’s views on body image and self-worth.
🧘 Parenting is a balance of self-care and expectations (yours and theirs).
💖 Self-acceptance is a journey that shifts over time.
🎉 Celebrating even the smallest achievements can boost confidence.
Learning how to talk kinder to yourself while raising kids to do the same? Same.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this episode gave you a boost (or made you think about your own self-talk), leave a review or share it with a friend who needs the reminder too.
This week, Samantha and Krista dive into the emotional rollercoaster of parenting in the summer months—from the simple joys of family outings to the more complicated lessons that come with children’s big feelings (and their own).
They share personal stories about navigating grief and loss, reflect on how modelling behaviour teaches children about boundaries, and discuss the balance between assertiveness and kindness—both in parenting and in life. Humour weaves through the heavier moments, reminding us that laughter can be a real coping mechanism when parenting feels intense.
This episode also explores the value of direct conversations, why vulnerability is a strength in motherhood, and how the hardest life lessons often leave the deepest imprint—for both parents and kids.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
🌞 Summer amplifies both the fun and the friction in family life.
🧠 Children’s emotions are layered—patience is the real superpower.
💬 Vulnerability and open communication strengthen relationships.
🪞 Children learn boundaries by watching us set and hold our own.
🎭 Humour helps lighten heavy parenting moments.
⚖️ Assertiveness doesn’t cancel kindness—it balances it.
💔 Navigating grief is part of life and part of parenting.
🗣️ Direct conversations prevent confusion and build trust.
🧩 The hardest lessons often become the most meaningful.
🤝 Preparing kids for social interactions starts with modelling it yourself.
Parenting in the thick of summer and feeling all the emotions? You’re not alone.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If this one resonated, leave a review or share it with a friend who’s navigating the same messy, beautiful season.