This is a REPOST of The Motherhood Experience's Most Popular Episode of ALL TIME! As we head into the new year, I know this will be a good episode to revisit if you've heard it already, or a wonderful episode to hear for the first time if you're new here! This episode with RuthAnn Zimmerman will bless you, encourage you, and inspire you to start the new year off more invested in your motherhood and in your family.
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Many years ago RuthAnn Zimmerman popped up in my Instagram feed sharing something about gardening. Little did I know how much influence this woman would have in my motherhood journey! Listening to RuthAnn is like drinking from a deep well of wisdom - you will be encouraged, inspired, and happier just from listening to this conversation. (or your money back!) ;)
Follow RuthAnn:
on YouTube
on Instagram
via her Website
RuthAnn and her family live in Northeast Iowa. She and herhusband Elvin have been married for 25 years, have 7 children, 2 sons-in-law, and 1 grandson. Five of the children still live at home. RuthAnn and her husband have been homesteading on their 21-acre homestead since 2001. They seek to preserve the self-sufficient lifestyle of their Mennonite Heritage for the next generation by involving their children in every aspect of the homestead. From raising and harvesting the meat they consume, gardening and preserving to fill the family's larder, processing the dairy from the family milk cow plus the many other skills that develop the character, integrity, and relationships of a family that desires to bring glory and honor to their Heavenly Father.
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
In this special Christmas episode, we reflect on the motherhood of Mary, the mother of Jesus, by reading from Luke 1 and Luke 2 and walking through her journey of faith, surrender, and obedience. From the angel Gabriel’s announcement to the birth of Christ in Bethlehem, this episode highlights Mary’s humble yes to God and how her role as a mother forever changed the course of history. Through Scripture and personal reflection, we explore how Mary’s example continues to inspire Christian mothers today with courage, faith, and quiet strength.
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
💬 Episode Summary:
What does it really mean to live as a mission-driven mom? In this inspiring conversation, Audrey Rindlisbacher, founder of Mission Driven Mom, joins host Val Kleppen to share how faith, education, and divine purpose come together to transform a mother’s heart AND her home.
Audrey unpacks the principle-based framework that helps women grow spiritually, discover their God-given mission, and lead their families with confidence and conviction. Drawing from years of study, mentorship, and her own motherhood journey, she reminds us that the greatest gift we can offer our families is a well-educated, faith-filled mother who lives with intention and grace.
Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, renewed purpose, or clarity in your calling as a mom, this episode will encourage you to root yourself in truth and step boldly into the mission God has placed on your life.
🔑 Key Topics Discussed:
How Audrey’s faith journey led to the founding of Mission Driven Mom
The connection between education, principle, and spiritual growth
Why the greatest gift to a family is a well-educated mother
How to discern and live out your divine purpose
The role of faith and principle-centered living in motherhood
Practical steps for becoming a mission-driven mom in everyday life
🙌 Connect with Audrey Rindlisbacher:
🌐 Website: missiondrivenmom.com📘 The Mission Driven Mom Podcast: Available wherever you listen📸 Instagram: @https://www.instagram.com/the_mission_driven_mom/
💛 Connect with Val:📸 Instagram: @_themotherhoodexperience💌 Join the community right here
🔍 SEO Keywords:
faith-based motherhood, Christian personal growth, mission driven mom, Audrey Rindlisbacher, living with purpose, Christian motherhood podcast, principle-based living, finding God’s calling, personal mission for moms, faith and education
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
Episode: When Motherhood Feels Overwhelming: How to Reset Your Home, Your Mind, and Your Expectations
Guest: Melissa Schulz , Speaker, Coach, and Founder at melissaschulz.com
Do you ever look around and think:“Why does motherhood feel SO HARD… and why does everyone else seem to handle it better?”
In today’s episode, Melissa Schulz shares how her early work with troubled and special-needs children equipped her with the exact tools she would need later as a mom of three, two of whom are neurodiverse. She opens up about how her career shaped her parenting, her perspective on neurodiversity, and her approach to managing overwhelm.
✨ Key Takeaways
Melissa offers practical, doable steps for moms who are drowning in responsibility and decision fatigue, including:
How to recognize the root cause of overwhelm
Why tiny shifts are more powerful than big dramatic fixes
Simple systems that help your home run smoother without perfection
How to parent neurodiverse kids with compassion and confidence
What to do when you feel like you’re failing (spoiler: you’re not)
If you’ve ever wanted to take a breath, press reset, and feel capable again—this episode is your permission slip.
You don’t need to overhaul your whole life—one small change creates momentum.
Behavior is communication: your kids aren’t giving you a hard time, they’re having a hard time.
Overwhelm is a signal, not a character flaw.
🚀 Resources Mentioned to Connect with Melissa:
👉 Website: melissaschulz.com
🔍 SEO Keywords / Phrases Used:
(overwhelm moms, motherhood overwhelm, neurodiverse kids, parenting neurodiverse children, small steps for overwhelmed moms, practical motherhood tips, reset your motherhood, simplify parenting)
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
When your child receives a medical diagnosis, your whole world shifts. In this episode, Val sits down with Constance Lewis, author, mother of three, and creator of the children’s book series celebrating her son, who wears a hero cape for good reason.
Constance opens up about the emotional and practical realities of parenting a child with epilepsy while still needing to be present for her other children. She shares what medical motherhood feels like behind the scenes : the fear, the strength you never knew you had, and the importance of helping siblings feel seen, valued, and emotionally supported.
If you are a mom walking through chronic illness, long-term medical care, or trauma in motherhood, this episode will remind you:
➡️ You’re not alone.
➡️ You’re stronger than you think.
➡️ Your presence matters more than your perfection.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
What it’s really like when your child is diagnosed with epilepsy
How to stay emotionally present for your other kids during medical trauma
The surprising role storytelling and imagination can play in healing
How Constance turned her son’s experience into a powerful children’s book
Practical encouragement for moms walking through fear, uncertainty, and guilt
📚 About Constance’s Book:
Constance Lewis is the author of the children’s book series featuring her son as a superhero, helping kids see themselves as brave, important, and capable, even in hard situations.
👉 Learn more about her books here:
🌐 https://colorfulcapesoffeelings.com
These stories help:
Children with medical diagnoses feel represented
Siblings better understand what’s happening
Parents spark hopeful conversations
🌐 Connect with Constance:
Website: https://colorfulcapesoffeelings.com
🔎 SEO Keywords Included:
parenting a child with epilepsy
medical mom / medical motherhood
siblings of medically complex children
coping with medical trauma in motherhood
children's book about epilepsy
epilepsy parenting encouragement
📢 Call to Action:
If this episode encourages you, share it with another mom walking through a hard season. Your story has power — just like Constance’s.
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
When Life Feels Like Too Much: Seeing God’s Presence Through Every Trial
💬 Episode Summary:
If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the middle of your hardest moments, this conversation will meet you right there.
In this episode, Janell Kremer, author, podcaster, and woman of deep faith, shares how she has walked through more trials than most could imagine. From heartbreak to hardship, Janell shares not just what she’s endured, but how she has seen the Lord’s presence in every single season.
This isn’t a “perfect ending” story. It’s a story of ongoing faith and of finding peace when circumstances don’t change and hope when you feel completely worn out. If your soul feels tired or you’re questioning what God is doing in your life, this conversation is for you.
💡 In This Episode, We Talk About:
How to sense God’s presence when you feel abandoned or unseen
Finding purpose in prolonged suffering
Why faith doesn’t always mean everything turns out okay
The difference between knowing about God and walking with Him
How Janell learned to find joy, gratitude, and spiritual intimacy through her trials
Connect with Janell Kremer:
Now My Eyes See You Devotional (Free Bible Study Included):https://janellkremer.com/janell-kremers-new-book/
You Are My Witnesses Podcast:https://janellkremer.com/you-are-my-witnesses-podcast/
Website:https://janellkremer.com/
Facebook (Janell Kremer):https://www.facebook.com/share/14E2FUKUu5D/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/janell.kremer?igsh=MXBpdGtyMzdmbTc4NQ==
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@janellkremer?_t=ZT-8zOa99tsehZ&_r=1
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@janellkremer3402
Email: janell.kremer@gmail.com
📲 SEO Keywords:
faith in hard times, God’s presence in trials, Christian encouragement podcast, devotional author interview, finding hope in suffering, walking with God through hardship, Christian motherhood encouragement, trusting God when life is hard
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
Jennifer Collins shares how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of kids leaving home, practical ways to redefine your identity, and how to approach this new stage of motherhood as a time of growth (while still embracing the grief).
Whether your child is heading off to college, starting a job, or simply moving out, this episode offers compassionate, practical wisdom and encouragement for every mom learning to let go while still loving big.
💡 In This Episode, We Talk About:
The emotional and spiritual side of launching your kids into adulthood
How to confidently navigate the empty nest transition
Redefining purpose and identity after the kids leave home
What healthy letting go looks like and why it’s an act of love
Finding connection and joy in your next season of motherhood
🔗 Connect with Jennifer Collins
Website: TheSmallJar.com
Podcast: The Almost Empty Nest
📲 Episode Keywords (for SEO):
empty nest advice for moms, launching kids into adulthood, kids leaving for college, how to handle empty nest syndrome, life after kids leave home, rediscovering yourself after motherhood, how to let go as a mom, confident empty nest transition, empty nest encouragement, motherhood identity after kids
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
How do you manage a home full of kids and lead multiple successful businesses without losing your peace or purpose? In this episode, Val sits down with Aimee Rickabus, author of The Manage Her, to talk about the powerful connection between managing a home and managing a business.
Aimee is a homeschooling mom of six and a serial entrepreneur behind several multi-million-dollar companies. She shares how the same principles that bring order, intention, and success to her businesses are the very ones that keep her home running smoothly, and how embracing her God-given gifts as a manager has allowed her to lead both with grace.
You’ll hear about:
How Aimee applies business structure to family life (and why it works)
The rhythms and routines that make her days flow with six kids
How to embrace the gift of being both a mom and a leader
What “managing” really means in light of faith, stewardship, and calling
Practical takeaways from The Manage Her that every mom can use
This episode is a must-listen for moms balancing home life and ambition, entrepreneurs seeking peace in productivity, and anyone who wants to lead with both heart and purpose.
🔗 Connect with Aimee Rickabus at The Manage Her
📘 Grab her book: The Manage Her
📱 Instagram @themanageher
The Manage Her Podcast
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
If bedtime has become the hardest part of your day, you’re not alone. In this episode, host Val Kleppen sits down with Allison Egidi, certified childhood sleep coach and founder of sleepandwellnesscoach.com, to talk about why your kids are fighting sleep and what you can do to bring peace back to your household.
From grumpy mornings to late-night second winds, Allison helps moms understand what’s really behind bedtime battles. She shares practical, grounded guidance for creating calmer routines, supporting your child’s emotional needs, and helping the whole family get the rest they need.
Whether you’re dealing with bedtime tantrums, frequent night wakings, or simply feeling drained by the nightly chaos, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, encouraged, and equipped with simple strategies to make sleep less stressful.
In this episode, we discuss:
The hidden reasons kids resist sleep
How to break the cycle of bedtime battles
The connection between emotions, security, and sleep
Practical encouragement for weary moms
Realistic steps to help everyone rest better
✨ Connect with Allison Egidi:
Allison's Podcast & Website: sleepandwellnesscoach.com
Facebook: Sleep Wellness CoachInstagram: @sleepandwellnesscoach
🎧 Tune in for a reminder that you’re not a “bad mom” because bedtime is hard. There’s a reason behind the struggle, and hope for peaceful nights ahead.
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Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
In this lively, laughter-filled episode of The Motherhood Experience, host Val Kleppen sits down with Colleen Souza, author of the newly released book Living by the Mantras. Colleen shares her passion for creating special memories, embracing spontaneous fun, and building a home that feels safe, not only for your kids but for their friends, too.
Together, Val and Colleen dive into the beauty of living with intention and joy, guided by faith, family values, and the “mantras” that shape our days. From practical ways to strengthen your family’s foundation to simple ideas for adding fun and connection into everyday moments, this conversation will leave you smiling, inspired, and ready to live by your own life-giving mantras.
Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40
Resources:
Visit Colleen’s website: livingbythemantras.com
Follow The Motherhood Experience for more faith-filled, real-life conversations about motherhood
In This Episode You'll Hear:
What inspired Colleen’s new book Living by the Mantras
How to create meaningful, spontaneous fun as a family
Ways to become a safe home for your kids and their friends
How your core beliefs and values can strengthen your family
Encouragement for moms to lead with faith, presence, and joy
In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, TME host Val sits down with her good friend and fellow loss mom Sara Schultz, a mother of four living children and one precious daughter in heaven, Ruby, who was diagnosed with Trisomy 18.
Sara shares her family’s story with raw honesty and grace, from learning Ruby’s diagnosis to the heartbreak of her preterm delivery and passing.
Together, we explore what it means to hold both joy and sorrow in motherhood, how grief reshapes a mother’s heart, and why connection with other loss moms can bring profound comfort and healing.
This episode offers a safe, tender space for any mom navigating pregnancy loss, infant loss, or life after loss. Sara reminds us that even in grief, there is beauty, community, and grace.
🎧 You’ll hear about:
Navigating a Trisomy 18 diagnosis and preparing for loss
The tension of joy and grief coexisting in motherhood
The power of shared stories and community in healing
How to support a friend walking through pregnancy or infant loss
Finding purpose and peace after unimaginable heartache
💗 Whether you’re a grieving mom yourself or someone who wants to understand and support those who are, this episode is a heartfelt reminder: you are not alone.
🔗 Resources:
Learn more about Trisomy 18 at trisomy18.org
Find community and support through Share Pregnancy & Infant Loss Support
Sue Becker (Bread Beckers) is a woman who has changed the lives of thousands of people, myself included.
When I heard her share about the history of white flour, the diseases that followed suit, and her inspiring journey of fresh-milled grains, I changed my own tune about what I was feeding my family and my commitment to eating foods the way God designed them to be made.
Sue is a mom to 9, grandmother to 19, great grandmother to 1, business owner, teacher, and an advocate for healthy eating the way God intended.
You will be encouraged, inspired, and you may even want to road trip to Georgia after this episode!
More from Sue:
Website: https://www.breadbeckers.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BreadBeckers
Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5IfHB2yQzvYDU8q3PqcNYp?si=4da65f72fca84ea3
Social: https://www.instagram.com/breadbeckers/
In this episode of The Motherhood Experience, I sit down with Nikki McPhetridge, first-time author and mom to Maya, to talk about the inspiration behind her new children’s book, Maya’s Birthday Wish. Nikki shares the story of her faith journey, the struggles she faced during pregnancy, and how those challenges deepened her perspective on motherhood.
We also dive into conversations about materialism in today’s culture, the importance of intentional parenting, and the legacies we hope to leave for our children. Nikki’s gentle wisdom and personal experiences remind us that motherhood is about more than the day-to-day; it’s about shaping hearts, nurturing faith, and creating lasting stories for future generations.
If you’ve ever wrestled with questions of faith, or wondered how to raise children with grounded values in a fast-paced world, this episode will encourage and inspire you.
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Learn more about Nikki and her book: mayastoryland.com
Maya’s Birthday Wish Available now wherever books are sold
Connect with Nikki on social media: @mayastoryland
When Elena got married, she said she felt like that was the instant her husband transformed into a different person. She hadn't known or realized he struggled with addiction, and her marriage became nightmarish quickly.
And Elena didn't tell anyone until she absolutely had to.
Hear how she is now a single mother to her two daughters and what she is learning along the way.
elenahuggins.com
I combined episodes 6 and 7 into one file for your listening/viewing pleasure! Not only was this a fantastic story of faith, but I needed to pull one from the archives this week as I've been under the weather.
This was such a rich conversation with Jacque, and I know it will bless you this week!
This is me, Val Kleppen, sitting across from you for a conversation I probably should have started before today.
If you're wondering how we (the world) got to this place of chaos, or if you're wondering how to navigate as a mother through it, I touch on those things.
You're invited to sit with me in the thoughts of it all.
In this inspiring episode, we welcome Lori Atwood, founder of Fearless Finance, mother, and financial educator, who shares how motherhood and business intertwined to shape her life’s work. After having her daughter later in life, Lori knew she wanted to be the primary caregiver while still pursuing meaningful work. Out of that desire, Fearless Finance was born.
Lori now equips families with the financial tools and confidence they need to make empowered choices. She talks about:
How becoming a mom influenced her career path and entrepreneurial journey
The ways business ownership has shaped her motherhood experience
Why financial literacy is essential for every family
The most expensive trait a person can carry
Whether you’re a parent navigating money decisions or simply looking for a fresh perspective on financial empowerment, Lori’s story will leave you both inspired and equipped.
✨ Connect with Lori Atwood:
Website: Fearless Finance
Instagram: @fearlessfinance
This labor day week, we're revisiting one of Val's favorite episodes from September, 2023. Please enjoy this replay of episode 5 with Annette Schultz, one of the first guest episodes when The Motherhood Experience podcast began!
One of the sessions from the 2025 VCBC Ladies Retreat, presented by Val Kleppen.
Is it really possible for teens to attend their dream school without piling on student debt? In this inspiring episode of The Motherhood Experience, Val welcomes Shellee Howard, visionary mom, college admissions expert, and founder of College Ready.
Shellee shares her own motherhood journey and how her strength as a planner helped both of her children get into Ivy League schools debt free. For the past 18 years, she has guided thousands of families through the often-overwhelming college admissions process, helping students identify the right schools, earn scholarships, and graduate with financial freedom.
What you’ll discover in this episode:
How to create a personalized college plan that matches your teen’s interests and goals
Proven strategies for earning scholarships and avoiding student loan debt
Why starting early gives families a major advantage in college admissions
Encouragement for moms who want to support their children’s big dreams without financial stress
Whether you’re raising little ones or walking through the college process right now, this conversation will give you hope, practical tools, and a vision for making the college dream come true (and possibly even debt free)!
👉 Connect with Shellee Howard:
Website: collegereadyplan.com
(collegereadyplan.com/info for Shellee's consult offer!)
Instagram: @collegereadyplan
LinkedIn: Shellee Howard