How Can We Normalize Puberty Conversations? with Dr. Cara Natterson
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
Release Date: 02/03/2026
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...
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Why Does Parenting Teens Feel So Lonely… and What to Do About It?
The MomForce Podcast Hosted by Chatbooks
The teenage years bring big emotions, shifting boundaries, and a new kind of loneliness for moms. With kids’ stories becoming more private, we explore the big question: how do we find support without oversharing? Ashley Reeves joins Vanessa in this episode as they dive into vulnerability, safe friendships, resilience research, and why a strong community isn’t just good for moms—it’s protective for our kids. An essential listen for anyone parenting teens. Books: Download the now!
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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...
info_outlineIf 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 medical consultant on The Care and Keeping of You and has spent her career helping kids and adults navigate puberty with clarity and compassion. Dr. Natterson shares why these conversations matter, where we tend to go wrong, and how we can do better—for the next generation and ourselves.
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