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,...
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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."
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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...
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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.
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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!
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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...
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How Do We Keep Christmas From Feeling Like Work? with Claire Quigley and Laken Lambson
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
In this episode, Vanessa is joined by her daughters, Laken and Claire, for an honest, thoughtful conversation about Christmas: what makes it magical, and what so often turns it into work. Together, they reflect on childhood memories, evolving traditions, and the pressure to make everything “just right.” They talk openly about perfectionism, anxiety, and OCD, and how the holidays can intensify spiraling thoughts—especially for moms and daughters who care deeply. This episode is an invitation to slow down, embrace uncertainty, and protect the feeling of Christmas from the pressure to...
info_outlineGrowing 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 own childhood pony—and offers thoughtful advice for families deciding whether to add a furry (or feathered!) friend to the mix.
Whether you’re a lifelong “animal person” or still dodging your kids’ puppy PowerPoints, this conversation will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink what “family” really means.
Katherine's book is out now! Order Kat and Brandy today!
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