Writing, Reinvention, and Resilience with Sarah Mlynowski
So, Mom...
Adele Griffin and Dr. Priscilla Sands sit down with bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski, whose books—including the beloved Whatever After series—have captivated young readers around the world. Sarah shares her journey from growing up in Montreal to building a writing career in Toronto, beginning with her early days at Harlequin and the inspiration for her debut novel Milk Run. She reflects on her path through publishing, the power of reinvention, and how storytelling has evolved across her 50+ books. The conversation turns deeply personal as Sarah opens up about the Palisades fire and its...
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A Killer Career (In the Best Way): A Conversation with Michelle Gagnon
So, Mom...
Priscilla and Adele start with some Easter reflections before diving into a lively chat with bestselling author and LGBTQ+ youth advocate Michelle Gagnon. Michelle shares her eclectic path—from dancer and bartender to thriller writer—and her ongoing work supporting foster care youth while studying clinical psychology. She also offers insight into her writing process, balancing suspense with humor, and previews her upcoming novel Slaying You, the sequel to Killing Me. An inspiring conversation about creativity, advocacy, and finding your voice.
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Building Belonging with Dr. Jennifer Wells
So, Mom...
Priscilla and Adele open the episode with their favorite ways to relax—sound baths for Adele, brisk walks for Priscilla—before welcoming Dr. Jennifer Wells, an expert in higher education and social justice. Dr. Wells defines DEI as celebrating differences to build inclusive communities. She shares insights on supporting those at the margins, balancing student involvement, and offers thoughtful advice for new DEI practitioners. She also speaks to the importance of honoring past movements while continuing to push for progress.
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From Page to Screen: E. Lockhart on We Were Liars
So, Mom...
Adele Griffin and Dr. Priscilla Sands chat with bestselling author E. Lockhart about the upcoming Amazon Prime adaptation of her hit novel We Were Liars, premiering June 18. They discuss the creative journey behind the book, the challenges of adapting it for TV, and what it’s like to let go and trust others with your story. Lockhart also shares insights from her teaching experience and offers a few great book recommendations.
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Helping Teens Thrive in a Modern World with Dr. Dolly Klock
So, Mom...
This week, Priscilla and Adele get real about the ups and downs of parenting—messy bedrooms, teen moods, and all. They’re joined by Dr. Dolly Klock, a family medicine doc turned teen health educator, who shares her journey from clinic life to empowering parents and adolescents with better communication tools. They dive into the tough stuff—talking to kids about sex, body image, and how to stay present (but not overbearing) in the age of social media. Plus, you’ll walk away with some solid book recs.
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From Spy School to Real Life: Stuart Gibbs on Fatherhood and Resilience
So, Mom...
Adele Griffin and Priscilla Sands sit down with bestselling Spy School author Stuart Gibbs to talk about his journey from screenwriting to writing for kids, and how his personal experiences have shaped his work. Stuart opens up about parenting after the loss of his wife and raising his daughter, Violet. They also discuss the role books play in their families, the value of taking risks, and navigating the transition to an empty nest.
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So Many Trends, So Little Time - Parenting in a Modern World
So, Mom...
In this episode of So, Mom, Priscilla and Adele dive into trends in education and parenting—from multiple intelligences and SEL to modern ideas like the "anxious generation," the "Let Them" philosophy, and Lighthouse parenting. They stress the importance of thoughtful adaptation over trend-chasing and share personal stories about parenting and writing, all with a focus on balance and intentional connection with kids.
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Calm in the Chaos: Parenting Teens with Mindfulness and Grace with Dr. Marisa Crandall
So, Mom...
This episode explores the challenges of parenting adolescents, with a focus on stress management and supporting autonomy. Dr. Marisa Crandall joins the conversation to highlight the importance of parents regulating their own emotions and fostering a safe space for teens to express themselves. She offers guidance on balancing support with independence, practicing mindfulness, and involving kids in household responsibilities. The discussion also touches on the influence of peers versus parents and includes recommended books on adolescent development and mental health.
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Strike, Burn, Repeat: Inside the Creative Spark with Julie Buxbaum
So, Mom...
Adele and Priscilla kick things off in their new podcast studio and bond over watching Severance with Adele’s son. They’re joined by Julie Buxbaum, New York Times bestselling author of YA and adult fiction. Julie and Adele teamed up to write Strike and Burn under the pen name Taylor Hutton. The trio dives into their creative process, the chaos of balancing writing with motherhood, and their love for fierce female characters. Julie also speaks to the importance of giving young readers access to diverse, honest stories that reflect their real-life experiences. It’s a fun, honest...
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Pantsing a Perfect Crime With Abbi Waxman
So, Mom...
We sit down with acclaimed novelist Abbi Waxman for an engaging and often hilarious conversation about writing, parenting, and creative reinvention. Abbi, known for her witty and heartfelt novels such as Other People’s Houses and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, delves into her journey from advertising copywriter to bestselling author, her upbringing as the daughter of a crime fiction novelist, and how those early experiences shaped her approach to writing. She gives us a few details on her latest creative pivot into mystery-writing, and her upcoming book, One Death at a Time. A...
info_outlineWe sit down with acclaimed novelist Abbi Waxman for an engaging and often hilarious conversation about writing, parenting, and creative reinvention. Abbi, known for her witty and heartfelt novels such as Other People’s Houses and The Bookish Life of Nina Hill, delves into her journey from advertising copywriter to bestselling author, her upbringing as the daughter of a crime fiction novelist, and how those early experiences shaped her approach to writing. She gives us a few details on her latest creative pivot into mystery-writing, and her upcoming book, One Death at a Time. A must-listen for fans of Abbi’s novels, aspiring writers, and anyone seeking inspiration in balancing work, art, and family.
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So Mom... is hosted by Priscilla Sands and Adele Griffin. Sarah Enni is the executive producer. Shari Reynolds is the Digital Strategist. Olivia Wetherill Lopez is the Social Media Strategy Director. David Boman created our theme song. Find the show at somompod.com, and on Instagram and TikTok at @somompod