Modern Mom Probs

Latest Episodes:

Perfectionism is Dumb and Other Parenting Truths with Keesha Scott Oct 20, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Tara sits down with Keesha Scott, mother of three, podcaster, certified parenting coach, and author of the new memoir Cake for Dinner, for a refreshingly honest conversation about dismantling the pressure to be a perfect mother. Drawing from her own experiences with addiction recovery, high-achieving environments, and raising teenagers, Keesha opens up about why modern mom culture often feels impossibly harsh. Together, they tackle the competitive nature of modern childhood and the pitfalls of overparenting, highlighting how stepping back from the "must do everything" mindset can actually build greater resilience, confidence, and independence in our kids.

Beyond the daily logistics of raising children, their discussion explores the challenge of maintaining an individual identity outside of motherhood and adapting to the emotional complexities that arise as kids grow older. Keesha shares the touching origin of her memoir's title, a playful reminder from her father that sometimes you just have to say "forget it" and eat cake for dinner, reinforcing the message that mothers can make mistakes, survive hard things, and still be phenomenal parents. Packed with actionable insights on letting kids answer for themselves and stepping out of the comparison trap, this episode is a powerful reminder that "perfection is dumb" and you don't have to get it all right to be a great mom.

Links:
https://keeshascott.com/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cake-for-dinner/id1836443936
https://www.instagram.com/keeshawscott/
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0757325653
https://www.youtube.com/@CakeForDinnerPod

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Normalizing Normal with Emily Feret Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

In this conversation, Tara chats with Emily Feret, the self-proclaimed "anti-mommy influencer," for a refreshingly candid conversation about stripping away the pressure of perfection in motherhood. Emily shares the story of how her "normalizing normal" movement was accidentally born out of pandemic boredom on TikTok, quickly growing into a massive community built on unfiltered honesty, messy homes, and finding humor in the chaos of everyday life. They discuss the profound impact of seeing real, uncurated lives online, and how sharing the unvarnished truth, from dealing with mom guilt over toddler cavities to embracing the actual bodies we have, can instantly make motherhood feel less isolating.

They deep dive into the very real challenges modern mothers face, particularly the lack of a physical village and the dangerous trap of social media comparison in an era of AI-generated perfection. Emily opens up about writing her new book, Normalizing Normal, without experiencing a vulnerability hangover, and why it's so crucial to let go of the idealized parent you thought you'd be to embrace the child you actually have. Ultimately, this episode is a powerful reminder that two things can be true at once, and by saying the hard stuff out loud and focusing on our parenting strengths instead of our perceived failures, we can build the virtual village we all desperately need.

Links:
https://normalizebeingnormal.com/
https://www.instagram.com/emilyjeanneferet
https://www.facebook.com/share/192uDgX6zf/
https://www.tiktok.com/@emilyjeanne333

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Creating a Calm Life in a Chaotic World with Cory Allen Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

In this enlightening episode, Tara welcomes back author and podcast host Cory Allen to discuss his new book The Quiet Age: Creating a Calm Life in a Chaotic World, and explore why slowing down feels more urgent now than ever. Their conversation dives into how digital overload, reactive living, and a culture of constant urgency can disconnect individuals from their own bodies and inner sense of direction. Tailored especially for busy parents feeling stretched thin by the demands of modern life, Tara and Cory examine how to step off the "freight train" of the mental load, noting that while cell phones often carry the effects of our disconnection, they are not the entire root of the problem.

This episode highlights practical strategies for moving through daily chaos with profound intention. Cory shares how incorporating micro-moments and a simple stillness practice, such as taking just five to ten minutes a day to sit and breathe without distraction, can help overwhelmed parents reconnect with their values. Tara and Cory tackle a major modern parenting challenge: stepping back to allow children to problem-solve and think for themselves.
Tune in to discover how to use curiosity as an antidote to urgency and reduce physical tension while staying highly effective. Listen now to find out why moving slowly is truly an act of rebellion!
Links:
https://www.cory-allen.com/
https://link.amazon/B0h2EJrbs
https://www.cory-allen.com/andthenithitme

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Does Screaming Work?: Turning Toxic Parenting Advice Into Comedy Gold with Arthur Meyer and Stephanie Drake Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

In this hilarious episode, Tara sits down with Stephanie Drake and Arthur Meyer, the creative minds and co-hosts behind the hit satire series ABC Parenting. The trio dives deep into how the show brilliantly parodies the overwhelming, contradictory flood of online parenting advice that leaves so many parents feeling like they are failing. Stephanie (an actress and writer, known for her role as Meredith in Mad Men) and Arthur (a veteran comedy writer whose credits include The Tonight Show) share how their own real-life anxieties shape their sharpest sketches. The conversation highlights how ABC Parenting turns the fear-based messaging of modern parenting into comedy gold.

Beyond the laughs, the conversation unpacks the very real pressures driving the satire, touching on everything from the intense stress of kindergarten "redshirting" to navigating comment sections when audiences mistake parody for actual advice, a struggle Tara knows all too well. The group also reflects on broader cultural shifts, contrasting the hands-off independence of 1980s childhoods with today's hyper-monitored, information-overloaded landscape.
Be sure to hit subscribe, share this episode with a mom friend who needs a laugh today, and come join the conversation over in the Modern Mom Probs Patreon community for even more unfiltered (dare we say, unhinged) fun.
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/abcparentingadvice/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7JqpCGJj1LuVu_DkODF6LA
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/abcs-of-parenting-adult-children/id1693026736

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Toddler Meltdowns, Fighting AI Slop, and Raising Good Humans with Loryn Brantz Sep 22, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Tara sits down with author, artist, and Emmy-winning animator Loryn Brantz for an honest conversation on creativity, modern parenting, and what’s really going on behind the scenes in children’s media.
Loryn opens up about shifting from traditional animation on classic shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sesame Street to writing children’s books, sharing how a very relatable toddler meltdown inspired her new book, I Am a Spicy Nugget. She and Tara unpack practical strategies for co-regulation and handling big emotions, explaining why doing the inner self-work and reparenting ourselves beats relying on cookie-cutter parenting scripts every time.
They also tackle the changing landscape of creative content, diving into Loryn’s advocacy for artist protection against AI after her public battle over The Good Advice Cupcake. From the rise of AI-generated slop in children’s shows to her behind-the-scenes work, Loryn reminds us that human connection is at the heart of storytelling. This conversation is a candid look at the emotional work of raising good humans while fighting to protect genuine creative integrity for the next generation.
Links:
https://lorynbrantz.com/
https://www.instagram.com/lorynbrantz/

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Raising Conscious Sons and Daughters with Dr. Shefali Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

In this enlightening episode, Tara sits down with Dr. Shefali to dive into her two new books, Raising Conscious Sons and Raising Conscious Daughters. Dr. Shefali shares what called her to shift her focus toward adolescence and address the intense, unique pressures reshaping modern childhood. Together, they explore the profound differences in what kids are up against today, from rescuing boys from the isolation and dopamine fixation of the digital age to helping girls break free from the anxiety-inducing "perception prison" of social media. Dr. Shefali explains how the "algorithmic abduction of childhood" is feeding children vastly different, yet equally damaging, narratives, and why honoring their natural biological wiring while fostering real-life connection is more critical than ever.

Beyond just sounding the alarm, Dr. Shefali provides a practical blueprint for parents at every developmental stage. The conversation highlights how conscious parenting must adapt as children grow, why parents need to stop over-comforting them, and how "engineering healthy friction" actually builds resilience and self-reliance. By learning to loosen the reins, embrace the messiness, and allow kids to solve their own small problems, parents can step out of their own anxiety and raise grounded, capable adults.
Tune in to the full episode for a grounding conversation on letting go of parenting perfectionism, and discover how a little healthy friction can help both you and your children thrive.

Links:

https://www.drshefali.com/
https://www.drshefali.com/raisingconscious-daughters-sons/
https://www.instagram.com/doctorshefali

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stop Being Their Friend: How to Be the Leader Your Child Needs with Dr. Siggie Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Tara sits down with child development specialist Dr. Siggie Cohen to unpack why today’s overwhelming landscape of parenting advice so often leaves families feeling burnt out, inconsistent, and stuck in extreme reactions. They explore the delicate balance between connection and leadership, tackling why modern parents frequently zigzag between permissive strategies and rigid control rather than holding a steady, moderate course. Dr. Siggie breaks down her core message: children need a calm, confident leader unafraid to step into authority. Together, they dive into common pitfalls like overparenting, the hidden trap of asking rhetorical questions, and why stepping back to allow kids to experience age-appropriate friction and disappointment is actually the key to building lifelong resilience and mental strength.

Dr. Siggie also shares how decades of professional practice and parenting her children shaped her grounded philosophy and inspired her new book, You Are the Parent. The conversation offers real-world guidance on establishing firm, loving boundaries without resorting to power struggles, showing up as a steady presence when kids use parents as emotional “punching bags,” and shifting away from guilt-driven choices. Whether you are struggling to cut through the noise of conflicting parenting advice or looking for practical ways to simplify your daily communication, this episode serves as an empowering reminder that families are complex systems that thrive best when parents trust themselves to lead with clarity, directness, and empathy.

Links:
https://drsiggie.com/
https://drsiggie.com/you-are-the-parent/
https://www.instagram.com/dr.siggie

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Behind The Wiggles: Simon Pryce & Lachy Gillespie on Fatherhood, Modern Parenting, and Wiggle Talk Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

In this heart-warming episode, Tara sits down with Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie of the legendary children’s group The Wiggles to dive into life behind the iconic skivvies, balancing life as beloved performers with the realities of being dads. The pair reflect on how fatherhood completely transformed their approach to music, making their songwriting and performances even more child-centered and playful. They also share the story behind their podcast, Wiggle Talk, which was born out of their own late-night parenting questions and a desire to learn alongside expert guests. From the multi-generational nostalgia bringing original Wiggles fans back with their own kids to the high energy of their current North American tour, Simon and Lachy offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at performing for families worldwide.

Beyond the stage lights, the conversation gets real about the everyday struggles of modern parenting. Simon and Lachy open up about navigating dad guilt, managing long-distance family logistics, and finding small ways to stay connected through early-morning wakeups and hotel video calls. Whether you're a lifelong Wiggles fan or just looking for a relatable perspective on raising children, grab your favorite hot potato, hit that subscribe button, and join them for an episode that proves parenting is a whole lot easier when you learn to go with the flow.

Links:

https://thewiggles.com/

https://thewiggles.com/pages/live

https://thewiggles.com/pages/podcast

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ditching Comparison, Leaving WWE, and Finding Yourself Again with Leah Van Dale Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Tara sits down with former WWE superstar, entrepreneur and podcaster Leah Van Dale for an honest conversation about identity, motherhood, and stepping into a new creative era. Leah opens up about her journey from professional dancer to wrestling royalty as Carmella, including winning the first Women’s “Money in the Bank," sharing the emotional shifts that came with leaving her high-profile WWE career behind. As a mom navigating the real-world pressures of parenthood, she reflects on how becoming a mother reshaped her priorities, forced her to confront social media comparison culture, and stripped away the pressure to "do it all" without burning out.

Together, Tara and Leah dive into the messy beauty of holding multiple truths, proving that ambition and devotion to family can coexist, even when life feels completely chaotic. Leah discusses her drive to build genuine connection through Snatch, a platform crafted to facilitate conversations around pregnancy and postpartum, as well as her new podcast Hot Mom Sh*t. Exploring everything from body image struggles to book recommendations like The Power Pause and When Life Happens, this empowering conversation is a reassuring reminder that motherhood doesn't mean sidelining your ambition, but discovering an exciting new way to thrive.

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/theleahvandale

https://www.instagram.com/hotmomshitpod/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/@theleahvandale

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What's Really Holding You Back? The Beliefs You Didn't Know You Had with Nir Eyal Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Tara sits down with New York Times bestselling author Nir Eyal for an eye-opening conversation on mastering focus, shifting limiting mindsets, and reclaiming control over daily attention. Nir pulls back the curtain on the real root causes of distraction, debunking the common myth that technology alone is to blame. Instead, he reveals that an astonishing 90% of phone checks happen without a single notification, driven instead by "internal triggers," fleeting moments of emotional discomfort, boredom, or anxiety. Nir shares an actionable four-step framework to manage these internal feelings, break the cycle of procrastination, and rewrite the internal narratives that hold them back from living intentionally.

The discussion also dives deep into the incredible power of the mind, highlighting the research behind his work in his new book Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Extraordinary Results, including the mind-bending story of a patient undergoing surgery without anesthesia through the power of hypnotic belief. Nir unpacks how beliefs function as tools rather than absolute truths, introducing powerful reframing techniques like Byron Katie’s four questions to dismantle self-sabotaging thoughts. Nir emphasizes the importance of moving past parental hypocrisy, modeling healthy device habits, and leading with purpose and love to build a deeply connected, resilient family.

For parents or anyone feeling stuck, the episode offers crucial, practical strategies to stop limiting beliefs from holding them back.

Links:
www.NirAndFar.com
https://amzn.to/4bjYEL6
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nireyal/
https://www.youtube.com/user/nirandfar
https://twitter.com/nireyal
https://www.facebook.com/nirandfar/
http://instagram.com/neyal99

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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