Full Circle Motherhood: A Conversation with My Daughter
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Release Date: 04/29/2025
Logging Off and Playing Mahjong
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
In this episode, the ladies celebrate how learning Mahjong has become an intentional ritual that has helped them log off and put their phones away. The intentional, forced slow down has reminded us that we're all craving community and connectedness, and that we have to be disciplined in order to achieve this.
info_outline
Working on Emotional Regulation
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Vanessa opens the episode with a story about Rudy—the dog she was watching for her son—and the unexpected lesson he taught her: sometimes we misjudge others until we take the time to truly understand them. From there, the conversation explores the shame many women carry around emotional regulation, especially in early motherhood, and what it looks like to grow through it with more awareness and compassion. They also dive into the weight of big life decisions—like whether to stay home or return to work—and how choosing what’s right for your unique circumstances, even when it’s hard,...
info_outline
Finding and Borrowing Confidence
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
This week on the podcast, we're talking about the characteristics of confident people. We share how the way we were raised helps us understand and find an internal confidence. We also discuss some of the vulnerabilities that come with insecurities. On this episode, Julie shares, "as a mom and a boss, something I always try to prioritize is to leave people more confident than you found them."
info_outline
We're Getting on the Joy Train!
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
In this episode, we share how we were inspired by the Artemis II mission and what those astronauts learned while traveling to the dark side of the moon. One of the quotes that got us thinking was from Astronaut Jeremy Hansen. He said, "We’re not always on the joy train, this crew, there are many times we’re not on the joy train, but we are committed to getting back on the joy train as soon as we can. And that is a useful life skill for any team trying to get something done.” Julie shares how sometimes facing reality helps her more easily get back on the joy train. Sarah shares...
info_outline
The Feeling of Home
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
This week's episode is all about coming home. Vanessa was in Paris last week and when she got back she was reminded that despite coming back to Utah where the inversion had settled in and the weather wasn't nearly as lovely as the beautiful Parisian spring, it was the excitement of being surrounded by her people that helped her to realize that the cliche, "home is where the heart is," truly made sense. Julie and Sarah discuss how they make their own lives feel like home amongst their families and they also discuss what those memories mean all these years later.
info_outline
How Do We Raise Independent Kids? with the Sissies
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
When your child calls from school because they forgot their lunch or homework, do you rush to save the day, or let them face the consequences? In this episode, Vanessa and her sisters are tackling the tough question of when saying “no” is actually the more loving choice. They reflect on their own family experience with “parallel work” — being available to help, but only when asked — and explore how small moments of discomfort can build long-term resilience. They also break down a few key factors to consider: safety, whether it’s a pattern or a one-time mistake, and how to offer...
info_outline
Are We Spoiling Our Kids or Just Loving Them Well? with the Sisters
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
In this episode, Vanessa is joined by her sisters as they tackle a question many parents quietly wrestle with: are we spoiling our kids, or simply loving them well? From sharing their own “Cinderella story” childhood memories and the differences between oldest and youngest siblings, to reflecting on modern pressures like TikTok unboxings and overindulgence culture, they explore where generosity can tip into excess. Drawing on insights from experts like Dr. David Bredehoft, Jean Illsley Clarke, and Ron Lieber, the conversation dives into gratitude, entitlement, financial literacy, and the...
info_outline
How Can We Normalize Puberty Conversations? with Dr. Cara Natterson
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
If you grew up in the ’90s or early 2000s, chances are The Care and Keeping of You played a starring role in your introduction to puberty—especially if no one at home was talking about it. For so many families, those conversations were awkward, avoided, or skipped altogether. But what if they didn’t have to be? In this episode, Vanessa is joined by Julie Taylor as they ask the question: how can we take the cringe out of puberty and replace it with honesty, confidence, and care? Joining as an expert guest is Dr. Cara Natterson—pediatrician, author, and podcaster—who served as a...
info_outline
What If a Teacher Calls About Your Child? with the Sisters
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Vanessa is joined in this episode by her four sisters! They chat about real scenarios that have happened both when they were in school as children, and to their own 30+ children that they have amongst them. The discuss how they react as moms when they get a call from the school about a child's behavior and how to not immediately jump into protective mode while still making room for discipline. They also ask the community to share how they've handled a tricky situation with a teacher. Follow on Instagram! Get started on your today!
info_outline
How Can Pop Culture Keep Us Curious? With Kate Kennedy
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
In this episode, Vanessa is joined by writer, author, content creator, and host of the Be There in Five podcast, Kate Kennedy. Together, they explore how the things we love, like pop culture and trends to hobbies and nostalgia, can help us better understand ourselves and connect with others. Together, they talk about curiosity, empathy, and why certain interests that are often dismissed as “silly” or mindless actually matter. Vanessa shares insights on parenting, judgment, and the science behind curiosity, including how paying attention and staying open can bring us closer to our kids, our...
info_outlineToday’s episode is extra special—it’s our Mother’s Day episode, and I’ve got my oldest daughter, Laken, in the studio with me! I’ve been wanting to have her on the podcast for a long time, and since she was in town this past week, I finally convinced her to sit down and chat about motherhood.
If you don’t already know her, you’re going to love her. She’s the most amazing mom to my granddaughter, Mauve, and she’s been a huge part of this podcast since the very beginning—six seasons ago! She actually wrote and recorded our theme song and has been our audio engineer ever since. I’m seriously so lucky to work alongside her... and even luckier to be her mom.
In this episode, we swap stories, laugh a lot, and share a few lessons we’ve learned along the way as a mother and daughter. It's a little peek into the beautiful (and sometimes messy) reality of family life—from both sides of the generation gap. Think of it as a celebration of the little moments that make it all worth it—and a reminder of why we do what we do at Chatbooks.
We also know that Mother’s Day can bring up all kinds of emotions. For some, it’s a day full of joy. For others, it might feel bittersweet or even heavy. However you’re feeling this year, please know we see you, we’re thinking of you, and we’re sending you so much love.
Listen to my podcast episode featuring my mom
Follow Chatbooks
Follow Vanessa
4:30 Expectations on your first Mother's Day as a new mom
8:30 What it is like to see your daughter become a mother
15:00 "Family Fandangos!"
21:15 Moments in your parenting journey when you have to step into the role of mother
23:20 The drawbacks of parenting in the age of social media
29:01 Why Monthbooks are the greatest gift for a grandma
33:00 Behind the Scenes of the newest top secret project at Chatbooks
40:00 The ups and downs of parenting through the teen years
44:00 The different seasons of life and motherhood that you can lean into as an artist
47:08 Mom as a camp counselor/daughter as a camper dilemma
50:00 "I hope you will do better than we did"