Atomic Moms

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Daddy's Home | Joe Ballarini, Writer, Director, Funny Dad May 23, 2017

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Funny work-from-home dads and best friends Joe Ballarini and Adam Sztykiel (my husband) riff on how fatherhood has changed them, how much us moms scare them, and how they’d man-handle the apocalypse (God help us all!). We share Sabrina’s latest antics (!!!), the dads’ opposing views on “maternal gatekeeping”, marriage after kids, Joe's epic Dad-urdays with his adorable, half British baby Theo, and what they hope to remember most about these intense early years of parenting. We also talk about the inception of Joe's brand new middle grade novel series, A BABYSITTER’S GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING (published by fancy pants Harper Collins), the first of which will be released this June. Expect to see it in theaters as well, as Montecito Picture Company and Walden Films are producing Ballarini's film adaptation. I’m so proud to report that it has fantastically written, funny, and super empowered female leads (#girlpower!), and I cannot wait for Sabrina to be old enough to read it. Mom Question of the Week: Would you feel comfortable leaving your child sleeping in a hotel room if you stayed on the premises and had a monitor? Share on instagram (@atomicmoms) and our “Atomic Moms” Facebook page. Subscribe on iTunes.com/AtomicMoms! It really helps out our free, self-produced, iTunes top-ranked show. Subscribe on iTunes.com/AtomicMoms! It really helps our free, self-produced show! Show notes and guest bio: AtomicMoms.com xo Ellie Check out momsneedsleep.com/AtomicMoms for more on the Reverie power bed! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How to Get Organized and Get It Done Fast! May 16, 2017

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Buh bye clutter! Robyn Reynolds swears we can organize ANYTHING that's worth keeping. This single mom with a can-do spirit and no-nonsense attitude whips Ellie's haphazard "put away" habits into shape. She teaches us how to streamline our kitchen in order to turn our morning routines into a well-caffeinated machine. She walks us through the process of getting our closets under control (and saving money in the process!), and gives an excellent mom hack for how the heck to keep track of what-you-put-where in all those darn diaper bag pockets. In this podcast, you'll also laugh at what a rainy day means at Robyn's L.A. home and how to keep your cool with home maintenance issues, like when the 1-800 customer service for your broken washing machine is leaving you high and dry. Bravo TV, are you listening? Cause Atomic Moms is pretty sure that Robyn Reynolds, Long Island's answer to Marie Kondo, needs her own show! Show Notes: atomicmoms.com Reverie Power Bed Foundation: www.reverie.com/atomic Subscribe on iTunes.com/AtomicMoms and please leave a review! Join our conversation on Facebook "Atomic Moms" page and Instagram: @atomicmoms! xx Ellie About our Guest: Founded in 2008, stepping out as a first-time entrepreneur, Robyn created her professional organizing company with the intent to manage the mundane, simplify the complexities of everyday life, and bring harmony to your home or office. Using her childhood home as her personal workshop, she found joy in organizing and re-organizing every room, closet, cabinet and drawer to perfection. As an adult, Robyn continued to hone her skills as a fashion merchandiser and a personal assistant. After a short-lived career as an actress, Robyn found herself at a professional crossroad. She decided to take a leap of faith and follow her lifelong dream of creating an environment where organizing was her focus and Organize2Harmonize was born. As a long-time member of NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), a Certified Professional Organizer and a Golden Circle Member, Robyn has steadily grown her business into a recognized and trusted name in the organization industry. In addition to being quoted in the Huffington Post, Woman’s Day magazine and numerous other publications, Robyn has also worked on the television show “Hoarders.” She just published her first book and is working on another one. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Extreme Nesting | Tips for Marriage, Renovations, & Moving On May 09, 2017

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Meet SARA REICHLING: Hollywood real estate agent and mama to Sabrina's best friend. The fact that our own mom-friendship is still going strong after signing on a new house and listing our old one is testament to her ability to remain the calm, focused, trusted leader every client dreams of and every kid hopes for in a parent. Together with her charming husband/ real estate partner JOE REICHLING, Sara reveals secrets for getting the most bang for your home renovation bucks, the neglected home maintenance that could turn into a seller's nightmare, how to keep the marriage passionate, and how the heck to turn our work brains off at home in this age of 24/7 accessibility. We also discuss their ‘one and done’ parenting decision and you won't want to miss Joe's thoughts on the beauty and bitch of impermanence. Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Facebook and Instagram! Support the podcast. Get some Zzz's. Pretty please click our Reverie link: Momsneedsleep.com/atomic More on Our Guests: Instagram: @beyond.the.crib BeyondTheCribLA.com BryantReichling.com Show Notes: atomicmoms.com Don’t miss the conversations we’re having on Instagram @atomicmoms, Facebook Page "Atomic Moms", and Twitter @atomicmoms Don't forget to subscribe and write a review on iTunes.com/AtomicMoms. It helps new mom friends find us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ch-Ch-Changes! Ellie & Adam on Moving, Bed Rest, & Third Trimester May 02, 2017

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In this madcap family huddle, comedy screenwriter Adam Sztykiel (aka “Sabrina’s favorite”) and host Ellie Knaus catch a breath from packing up the house and make light of the insanity that seems to be knocking on their door. Ellie replays a couple Friday nights ago when she suspected another woman of checking out her husband. (And it wasn't weird at all that Ellie wasn't wearing panties at the time.) Adam, who swears he just has a really high tolerance before feeling things, shares other recent events that made “water come out of my face." And the couple kicks off Ellie’s third trimester before rushing back into the house to help the handyman dismantle their lives for an upcoming move. If there’s one thing Ellie is super grateful for this week, it’s her superstar cervix! Find out why and have a good Shadenfreude laugh! Support the podcast. Get some Zzz's. Pretty please click our Reverie link: Momsneedsleep.com/atomic Show Notes, Family pics, and a link to the FFN (Fetal Fibronectin) test info : atomicmoms.com Loving me the action on Instagram @atomicmoms, Facebook Page "Atomic Moms", and Twitter @atomicmoms Don't forget to subscribe and write a review on iTunes.com/AtomicMoms. It helps new mom friends find us! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 'Good Enough' Mama | Erin Williams, Illustrator, Cancer Research Specialist, Writer Apr 25, 2017

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Mama identity crisis? Join the club. After stepping into the all-consuming role of mom, how the heck do we reclaim our sense of self outside of motherhood? Writer, illustrator, and cancer research specialist ERIN WILLIAMS shares the deeply personal solutions that are working for her, especially how she's embracing 'good enough' when it comes to being mom. In addition to writing raw, complex personal essays, and conveying the messiness of motherhood in her artwork, and caring for her two year-old Lucy, Erin Williams is an oncology research specialist. And while that admirable job title would make a lot of us need a drink (or 3), Erin shares what it’s like being a sober mom and having to learn to cope with feeling everything. Sensitive mamas out there, this one is especially for you. And if you listened to last week’s episode with Jordan Reid, Erin’s co-author of "The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People” (Penguin Random House), you WILL NOT BELIEVE Erin’s side of their ‘meet-cute’ friend story. As much as I want to spill the beans, you’ll have to hear it from her. I’ll just say: sometimes the most supportive people in our lives show up in the most unexpected ways. xo Ellie Knaus Reach out on instagram/twitter: @atomicmoms and Facebook (search: atomic moms) show notes: atomicmoms.com Read Erin’s blog: www.goosecamp.co/ Take a peek at all the awesomeness available for sale at Erin and Jordan's online shop: www.glamcamp.co Check out where Erin is a cancer research specialist: https://www.flatiron.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Mother of Reinvention | Jordan Reid, Ramshackle Glam Apr 18, 2017

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Jordan Reid hustles like a mother-lover: raising two young children, writing books, and running the uber popular RamShackleglam.com, where she shares funny parenting moments, DIY videos, and refreshingly honest details about her family life. But before all that cool stuff started, Jordan endured what Ellie would describe as a Joseph Campbell-esque “dark night of the soul” or what Jordan calls a “truly spectacular career implosion!” (HINT: you’ll never ever look at one particular insanely popular tv show the same way ever again). From that experience, she discovered the magic of reinvention and promises us, “If you put in the work, and you do the things you say you’re gonna do, your past experiences all make sense.” Of course, transitions are a b*tch, and her life as an accomplished author and popular website founder isn’t always an Instagram-worthy bed of roses. (Isn’t it a GD relief to hear that?!) Jordan gives us a heart-to-heart about the negative online commenters she’s had to handle in the past and tips for how to rise above the haters (real or imagined). We also laugh about her brand new book “The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People”, co-authored by her gal pal Erin Williams, and published by Penguin Random House. If you overhear me giggling in my OBGYN waiting room, it’s cause I’m doing the book’s “Bad Baby Names” word search. xx Ellie Knaus atomicmoms.com Subscribe and write a review on iTunes.com/AtomicMoms so new moms can find us! Reach out on Twitter (@atomicmoms), Instagram (@atomicmoms), and Facebook "Atomic Moms" MEET OUR GUEST: JORDAN REID is the founding editor of the lifestyle blog Ramshackle Glam and the author of two parenting and style memoirs. Her hobbies include unfortunately timed blushing, coming up with reasons to not shave her legs, and darts. She lives in California with her husband and two children, mostly so that she can wear flip-flops in the winter. The Big Fat Activity Book for Pregnant People (April 25, 2017): "This book, part guide, part journal, part activity book, chronicles the trimesters of pregnancy (and the fourth trimester, aka having a newborn) and encourages readers to both entertain themselves while reflecting on this incredibly meaningful experience in a woman’s life." - Penguin Random House See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pregnancy, Cancer, and Courage | Warrior Mom Apr 11, 2017

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Teresa Palmer and host Ellie Knaus speak with Helen Tunea about her intense journey from pregnant cancer patient to thriving mother of two. In this candid and inspiring conversation, Helen and Teresa share the life-changing power of friendship, including fun advice for how the rest of us can “pick up” lifelong mom friends. For the first time publicly, Helen opens up about her moment-to-moment decision making when she was diagnosed with stage 3, triple negative breast cancer while pregnant with her second child. She shares her fears at the time of not being present for first child, her countless surgeries and chemotherapy while pregnant, and how they got through it all! You'll definitely want to hear Helen's advice for what NOT to do or say when supporting a friend with illness and HOW to best show up for her in times of need! Helen's #MOMBOMB: "Pain is temporary, warriors are forever” Follow Teresa's parenting journey on our favorite mom blog: YourZenMama.com Facebook: "Atomic Moms” page and Twitter/Instagram Meet Our Guests: Born and raised in Chicago to Romanian refugees, and the middle child of five, Helen Tunea was the first American born of her family. She found her bi-cultural upbringing made it easy to connect with people which lead her to a career in HR, and in the global tech industry. She’s traveled the world for work and play, met her soul mate (also a first gen/Mexican) and chef. They moved to LA when said soul mate-now husband received an offer to open a restaurant in Hollywood. They had their daughter Luna, and soon after, she was diagnosed with breast cancer soon after finding out she was pregnant with her son. She underwent a year of chemo/radiation treatment and gave birth. Now in remission, Helen is the head of talent acquisition for a global tech company in Silicon Beach, and lives in Palms with her family. Teresa Palmer splits her time between the Hollywood Hills and Adelaide, South Australia with her husband Mark and their kids, 3 yr old son Bodhi and 4 month old son Forest. She also has an almost 9 year old step son, Isaac. Teresa is an actor, director, writer, philanthropist and owner of Your Zen Life and co-founder of our favorite blog: YourZenMama. She is passionate about raising conscious minded children and using her platform to “Be The Change.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Motherhood in Hollywood" | Heather Brooker Apr 04, 2017

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Emmy award-winning journalist turned actress/comedian/host Heather Brooker chats with fellow parenting podcast host Ellie Knaus about everything under the L.A. sun. Join us as we laugh about the recent moment Heather's family video went Youtube viral, and go international with us as we discuss how Heather’s recent family trip to London took a shocking turn when she found her family in the midst of the Parliament attack (she gave live news coverage to US stations while her daughter played in a nearby park). Ellie shares the recent loss of their family pet, how she shared the news with Sabrina, and the sweetest (and perhaps most bizarre) FaceTime exchange in iPhone history. Because we're talking "Motherhood in Hollywood", we also have a playful social media tug-of-war over the fine line between not wanting to project a falsely perfect family image while also not sharing our dirty laundry or our children’s meltdowns. And of course, we have to ask Heather: what’s the biggest misconception about motherhood in Hollywood? x Ellie Knaus, Atomic Moms mom-in-chief Guest Bio: Heather is an actress, comedian, Emmy Award-winning Journalist, and host of the Motherhood in Hollywood podcast (available on iTunes!). She’s appeared on TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy, The Office, Fresh Off The Boat, and The Mindy Project. On her podcast, Heather discusses her two passions — parenting and entertainment — and has a hilariously addicting, tell-it-like-it-is personality. She has appeared as a guest on CBS2/9 Los Angeles, and is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post, mom.me, Wonderwall and the Today Show Parenting Team as well as her own blog. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and 3-year-old daughter. MotherhoodinHollywood.com Subscribe and download iTunes.com/atomicmoms! Please leave us an iTunes review (consider it our Atomic Moms tip jar! It helps other moms find us!) Find us on social media: Instagram/Twitter @atomicmoms and Facebook Page “Atomic Moms” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids" | Jancee Dunn, Bestselling Author Mar 28, 2017

Show notes

Relationship tips + hilarious parenting stories. Podcast #122: New York Times best-selling author Jancee Dunn and host Ellie Knaus share the ins and outs of their relationships and compare funny notes on the home front. Dunn's new book, "How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids," (Little, Brown and Company) is described as "part memoir of discovery, part parenting and marriage how-to, and part intriguing exploration of science that explains why we behave the way we do." We laugh about what frustrates us most about our partners in Newbornland. For example, I remember in my sleep-deprived haze telling Adam he was not allowed to sit in the driveway with his phone after work and that if he wanted to go to the bathroom right when he got home then he should use the one at the office!... (Sorry, Adam. Can't wait to be back in the thick of it with baby #2 this July!) Jancee shares communication skills she learned from an FBI hostage negotiator (for her husband, but I swear it applies to toddlers as well), and we discuss the traps of "maternal gatekeeping". If you find yourself losing your cool with your partner in front of your child, Jancee offers a powerful suggestion for calming your temper. And if you're struggling to make Quality Family Time (Q.F.T.) in this crazy age of kids sports and non-stop birthday parties, Jancee offers the guilt-free, sure-fire way to get off the hook! Yes, buckle up. We cover a lot of ground! xx Ellie Guest Bio: New York Times bestselling author Jancee Dunn is the author of five books, including "But Enough About Me", a memoir of her rock and roll years, (HarperCollins, 2008) and an essay collection, "Why Is My Mother Getting A Tattoo? And Other Questions I Wish I Never Had To Answer", a finalist for the Thurber Prize for American Humor (Ballantine, 2009). In 2012, with Cyndi Lauper, she cowrote "Cyndi Lauper: A Memoir". Her first book for children, "I’m Afraid Your Teddy Has Been Naughty Today", will be published in 2017 by Candlewick Press. She was a staff writer at Rolling Stone for over a decade, and a veejay at MTV for five years. She writes for many publications, among them the New York Times, Vogue, Food & Wine, and Parents, and was a columnist for GQ and O, The Oprah Magazine. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, the author Tom Vanderbilt, and their daughter. JanceeDunn.net Subscribe and download iTunes.com/atomicmoms Please leave us a review (consider it our Atomic Moms tip jar! It helps other moms find us!) Find us on social media: Instagram/Twitter @atomicmoms and Facebook Page "Atomic Moms" See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BabyMoon + Meeting the Baby | Bridget & Becca Return Mar 21, 2017

Show notes

#121 Mom friends Ellie Knaus and Bridget Moloney-Sinclair crash Becca McHugh’s babymoon! We find out if Hawaii is as “relaxing” as it sounds with a three year-old and a thrill-seeking husband. We also address the Do’s and Don’ts of meeting the newborn. Sleep-deprived and always candid, brand new second time mom Bridget enlightens Becca and Ellie as to their future of juggling young children and infants (like, who do you address first when they both want something at the same time?…how about when the older one takes the new transition out on the dog?…does motherhood foster or destroy creativity?...and last but not least, do peepee teepees actually work?). Most notably, Ellie interviews her youngest Atomic Moms guest ever: Bridget's six week old baby George. SUBSCRIBE (iTunes.com/AtomicMoms) for next Tuesday's Atomic Moms episode: "How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids" with New York Times bestselling author Jancee Dunn! Pretty please help us out by leaving a review on iTunes.com/AtomicMoms Go to AtomicMoms.com for show links! Social media: Facebook "atomic moms", Instagram/Twitter: @atomicmoms See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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