Enter the Chat: Less Guilt, More Play with Myriam Sandler of @mothercould
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Release Date: 05/13/2025
What Do You Do When Your Kid Sneaks Around?
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Vanessa is joined by her sisters in another episode where they discuss the sneaking out hijinks they all got up to in a family of 12 kids as well as how they deal with their own families' stories of teens sneaking around. They wrestle with the big question: how do you trust your kids and let them have their own freedom while also protecting and doing your duty as a parent when it comes to curfews, bedtime, and rules of the home? Vanessa's sister Shelly also shares about an upcoming product she and her husband are working on called that helps protect families from the dangers of...
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Are Pets Really Worth It?
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Growing up, Vanessa’s family was basically two animals away from running a full-on zoo—but parenting with pets? That’s a whole different story. In this episode, she sits down with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt—New York Times bestselling author, animal advocate, and mom—to ask the big question: Are pets really worth it? They talk about the beauty and chaos of raising kids (and animals), how pets teach responsibility and empathy, and the heartbreak that comes when it’s time to say goodbye. Katherine shares stories from her new children’s book Kat and Brandy—inspired by her...
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I Feel Lonely
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Have you ever felt lonely—even when your life is full of people? Vanessa has too. In this solo episode, she opens up about the sneaky kind of loneliness that shows up when you’re busy doing everything for everyone else and the friendships that fill your soul get pushed aside. From comparing yourself online to craving real connection, she’s getting honest about what it feels like and what she’s doing about it. Plus, she shares her favorite “dopamine questions” to help spark meaningful conversations and rebuild connection—one small step at a time. Get started with !
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Your Teen Crashes the Car: What Do You Do?
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Few things are scarier for a mom than handing over the car keys—and then getting that phone call. In this sister episode, Vanessa and her sisters swap stories about teen drivers, fender benders, and what really happens after the crash. From how their parents handled it back in the day to what they’re doing now with their own kids, the sisters get real about fear, forgiveness, and finding the funny in those heart-stopping moments. Plus, practical tips for what to do (and what not to say) when your teen crashes the car.
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Back to Our Storytelling Roots
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
We're back! This is season 7 of the MomForce Podcast and we couldn't be more grateful that you're here. This season is going to be more exciting than ever. You'll keep hearing from exciting guests with their expert opinions and stories on the podcast, but we're also bringing back Vanessa's sisters to join every other episode for some sister chats and funny family lore from their youth. In this episode, Vanessa shares how the new structure of the podcast will be as well as share one of her most vulnerable parenting moments that might make your skin crawl just a little... hey, we're...
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Messy but Magical Mornings (encore)
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
For a lot of us school is back in session or about to be and mornings can be… A LOT! We’re bringing back a favorite to share with you today. This episode,“Good Mornings for YOU!”, is exactly the kind of real talk we all need to hear. We're talking about those mornings when your kid is hunting for the cleanest dirty shirt, scrambling to throw together a sack lunch, and then you can’t find the car keys. Oh have we been there! I originally recorded this episode 6 years ago with my younger sister Leah , who also has 7 kids and our babies are all so muhc more grown up now. But...
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Parenting Without Losing Your Cool with Mary Van Geffen (encore)
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Vanessa chats with "Spicy Ones" coach Mary Van Geffen for a conversation about what it really takes to parent strong-willed, defiant kids. Mary shares how her own journey—from being a spicy child herself to raising one—led her to become a gentle parenting coach. They swap tips on how to stay calm, kind, and firm even on the days your child pushes all your buttons. You'll hear why separating your worth from your child’s behavior is one of the most important things you can do as a mom, and how choosing to love your child unconditionally—even when they are hard to love—is actually...
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Redefining Adult Friendships with Laura Tremaine (encore)
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
What if we treated friendship with the more intentionality? In this encore episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley welcomes author and podcaster Laura Tremaine, whose bestselling book The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs has helped women everywhere rethink what meaningful connection truly looks like. Laura shares her wisdom on how to build your personal "life council"—a diverse circle of friends who each offer something unique, from the "fun friend" to the "mentor" to the "battle buddy." Together, Vanessa and Laura explore the real work of friendship, navigating social...
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You’re Not a Bad Mom—You’re Just Overwhelmed
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Do you ever worry that you are too strict or too lenient? Questioning all your parenting choices? In this heartfelt and hilariously honest encore episode, Vanessa Quigley is joined by her sister Leah (fellow mom of seven!) for a deep dive into the chaos, comedy, and total emotional overload of motherhood. From rage-cleaning the car to crying in the pantry, they open up about the moments that push moms to the edge—and how to find your way back. Together, they share vulnerable confessions, real tips that actually work (yes, even sex gets a moment), and crowd-sourced wisdom from the incredible...
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Embracing Change with Chatbooks CMO Karen Peterson
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
In this heartfelt season finale of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley is joined by Chatbooks CMO, and fellow mom, Karen Peterson for a conversation that every parent will feel in their bones. Together, they open up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting milestones, from preschool graduations and big-kid beds to the life-shifting moment of sending a child off to college. They reflect on the beauty of “lasts and firsts,” the myth of control in motherhood, and the power of reframing painful transitions as sacred moments. Karen shares her personal journey raising her son Gavin, a...
info_outlineShe’s back! In this special return episode, Vanessa catches up with Myriam Sandler of @mothercould, who first joined The MomForce Podcast three years ago, and a lot has changed since then. Myriam is now a published author, and her new book, Playful By Design, is a tool for parents everywhere to rethink how they approach play at home.
From her viral take—“I hardly play with my kids”—to her genius strategies for cultivating independent play, Myriam shares how creating the right environment (not more Pinterest crafts) is the secret to raising curious, confident kids. As she puts it:
“Yes, I engage and connect with them… but I’ve built a space where they can play on their own and that’s the goal.”
Vanessa and Myriam also dive into:
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The unexpected power of Play Dough
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Why chia seed goop is a sensory win and a parental cautionary tale
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How to turn “no” moments into easy yeses
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And how Chatbooks photo books are actually made for kids to relive their own stories
This conversation is full of real talk, practical tips, and plenty of laughs—especially if you’ve ever found slime in your carpet! I know you are going to love it.
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5:35 Why Myriam "doesn't play with her kids"
9:36 The weirdest thing Myriam has made for her kids.
10:47 Why Myriam is not afraid of messes at her house
15:20 How Myriam organizes her family memories
22:17 What is the balance between sensory play and your sanity as a mom?
29:28 Connection is at the heart of everything
32:39 How to approach alone time and self care -- without guilt!