Mom Life, Glitter & the Magical Mess of Christmas
Rated Mom Podcast
In this heartfelt podcast episode, Heather, Dena, & Jessica share candid stories about the joys and stresses of Christmas. They discuss the emotional labor of holiday preparations, the pressure to create magical moments, and the evolving nature of gift-giving as children grow. The conversation touches on family dynamics, loss, and setting boundaries to protect well-being. Emphasizing simplicity, gratitude, and meaningful connection, the women encourage listeners to let go of unnecessary obligations and focus on what truly matters, making space for authentic joy and self-care during the...
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Balancing Act: The Emotional Rollercoaster of Motherhood and Homeownership
Rated Mom Podcast
In part two of the "Rated Mom" podcast, Heather, Dena, Jessica, and guests continue their candid conversation about motherhood, homeownership, and personal growth. They share heartfelt stories about raising children at different ages, overcoming guilt, and learning to set boundaries. The episode explores the emotional challenges of buying and selling homes, the importance of support systems, and the impact of addiction and recovery on families. Through honest reflections, the hosts highlight the value of presence, self-awareness, and open communication, offering encouragement and solidarity to...
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From Perfection to Progress: How Three Moms Are Redefining Success
Rated Mom Podcast
👉 New here? This is the debut episode of Rated MOM and the first part of our opening conversation — start here. In this episode, Heather, Dena, and Jessica introduce Rated MOM and share how this podcast came to life. They talk openly about perfectionism, losing yourself in motherhood, redefining success, and the pressure women carry to appear like they have it all together. What began as years of conversations between friends turned into a space for honesty, humor, vulnerability, and healing. This episode sets the foundation for Rated MOM — real stories, real growth, and permission to...
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Rated Mom: Real Stories, Real Moms
Rated Mom Podcast
In this episode of Rated Mom, Heather, Dena, and Jessica introduce themselves and set the stage for honest conversations about the experiences that shape women’s lives. They discuss the stories—spoken and unspoken—that define, challenge, and empower women, emphasizing resilience, growth, and the importance of community. The hosts invite listeners to join a supportive space where both struggles and triumphs are shared, highlighting that every woman’s journey is unique and worthy of being heard. This episode celebrates the strength and authenticity of women, especially mothers,...
info_outlineIn this heartfelt podcast episode, Heather, Dena, & Jessica share candid stories about the joys and stresses of Christmas. They discuss the emotional labor of holiday preparations, the pressure to create magical moments, and the evolving nature of gift-giving as children grow. The conversation touches on family dynamics, loss, and setting boundaries to protect well-being. Emphasizing simplicity, gratitude, and meaningful connection, the women encourage listeners to let go of unnecessary obligations and focus on what truly matters, making space for authentic joy and self-care during the holiday season.
Timestamps
Introduction & Setting the Scene (00:00:05) Hosts introduce themselves and the theme of candid conversations about motherhood.
Gift-Giving and What Kids Remember (00:01:48) Reflecting on how children often forget their gifts and the value of experiences over material things.
Santa, Fairness, and Financial Realities (00:04:07) How families handle gifts from Santa, financial disparities, and being mindful of other children’s experiences.
Gifting for Adult Children & Extended Family (00:10:23) The complexities of buying for adult children, nieces, and nephews, and questioning ongoing obligations.
The Meaning and Lessons of Gifting (00:16:49) Teaching kids about the meaning of gifts, transitioning to adult exchanges, and the emotional aspects of giving.
Therapy, Healing, and Family Boundaries (00:27:19) How therapy and self-reflection help process childhood trauma and set healthy boundaries.
Last-Minute Holiday Prep & Matching PJs (00:29:43) A lighthearted moment about coordinating matching pajamas and the reality of last-minute holiday planning.
What Christmas Really Means (00:30:14) Each host reflects on the deeper meaning of Christmas: slowing down, family time, and personal fulfillment.
Remembering the Reason for the Season (00:33:55) Re-centering on the spiritual meaning of Christmas and challenging listeners to simplify and focus on what matters.
Final Challenges and Takeaways (00:35:11) Hosts share personal challenges for listeners: self-care, letting go of obligations, and finding joy for themselves.
Powerful Quotes from the Episode
Heather, “It feels like I’m laughing with a little extra Christmas added to it.”
Jessica, “I’m 43, and I remember that conversation. I remember the room, my dad’s face, every part of it.”
Jessica, “I feel like I grieve my dad at the holidays, even though he’s still alive.”
Dena, “Working through that in therapy, I realized I’m a perfectionist probably because of something that happened when I was a kid.”
Jessica, “You deserve just as much joy as everyone you’re trying to create it for. Don’t let the holidays steal that joy from you.”
RESOURCES:
Connect With Us:
- Dena: https://www.facebook.com/share/1YYxWExz9R/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Heather: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DSnFyt4Gk/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Jessica: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D1f3e9iKD/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Follow the Podcast: Rated Mom on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
“Christmas isn’t about doing more—it’s about slowing down, letting go, and choosing what truly matters.”
Podcast Produced and edited by the team at ResilientVoiceMedia.com
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