Elevating Motherhood

Latest Episodes:

175. Mouth Breathing: What Every Parent Needs to Know with Dr. Hilary Fritsch May 30, 2025

Show notes

What if your child’s mouth breathing, restless sleep, or even focus issues weren’t behavioral—but biological?

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with a pediatric airway dentist to explore the critical (and often overlooked) role of airway health in childhood development. We talk about how things like tongue ties, narrow palates, and poor oral posture can impact sleep, behavior, and even long-term health—and why early intervention matters.

If you’ve ever been told “they’ll grow out of it,” or felt dismissed when raising concerns about your child’s breathing or sleep, this conversation is for you.

In this episode, we cover:

* The difference between traditional and airway-focused dentistry

* How mouth breathing can lead to misdiagnoses like ADHD or anxiety

* Signs parents can look for at home

* What treatment and support can look like

* Why airway health is a foundational part of whole-child wellness

This episode is full of insight, practical takeaways, and encouragement for parents who want to better understand what’s going on beneath the surface of their child’s symptoms.

Dr. Hilary’s Bio: Dr. Hilary Fritsch is a leading airway and biological dentist, one of the very few in the country with deep expertise in proper jaw development and airway health. She is also Montana’s premier Toothpillow provider, offering cutting-edge, nonsurgical techniques to optimizeairway growth and function.

Practicing dentistry since 2006, Dr. Fritsch has been featured on The Today Show (NBC), New York Magazine, Business Insider, Pop Sugar, Fatherly, and Romper. Her passion for wellness is deeply personal—shaped by her own struggles with childhood sleep apnea and a debilitating autoimmunedisease that once impaired her ability to see and even walk unassisted. These experiences fuel her commitment to helping patients and their families optimize their health through airway-focused dentistry.

Dr. Fritsch is the founder of Western Sleep Solutions andSaddle Peak Dental, both rooted in the philosophy that oral health is intricately connected to whole-body health. She specializes in nonsurgical airway development and the treatment of sleep apnea, breathing disorders, andorthodontic issues that impact long-term wellness.

Determined to bring the best possible care to her patients,Dr. Fritsch has trained under one of the most elite airway dentists in the world and continuously pursues advanced education in airway-aware orthodontics, occlusion, and oral microbiome health. She is an active member of theInternational Academy of Sleep and other leading organizations dedicated to uncovering the root causes of airway dysfunction.

Dr. Fritsch is passionate about educating and empowering her patients—both young and old—to take ownership of their health, breathing, and longevity.

Quick Note Before We Begin:If you get curious during this episode about the palateexpander device we mention, head to toothpillow.com and use the code LORIBETH to receive a free video consultation with a trained airway dentist—a $50 value—plus $200 off the cost of treatment.
That’s toothpillow.com, code LORIBETH

Dr. Hilary’s Links:

Website: Saddlepdeakdental.com

Instagram: @hilaryfritschdmd

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

174. The Kind of Decluttering That Actually Lasts—with Julia Ubbenga May 28, 2025

Show notes

The Kind of Decluttering That Actually Lastswith Julia Ubbenga

Julia Ubbenga is a minimalist. I’m not.But I read her new book Declutter Your Heart and Your Home from cover to cover—and I was both challenged and changed.

In this episode, we talk about what it really means to live with less—less clutter, less noise, less pressure—and how that can create more space for peace, purpose, and presence. We dive into the emotional side of decluttering, why stuff isn’t the real problem, and how simplifying your outer world can lead to deep inner clarity.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos in your home or your calendar... this conversation will speak to you.

In this episode:

Why emotional clutter keeps us stuck
How to start simplifying when minimalism feels extreme
The surprising link between physical space and spiritual freedom
What Julia let go of—and what she gained
And why this kind of decluttering actually lasts

Whether you're a seasoned minimalist or just starting to rethink what “enough” looks like, this episode will encourage you to move toward a simpler, more intentional way of living.

Julia's Links:

Instagram: @richinwhatmatters

Website: www.richinwhatmatters.com

Lori Beth's Links:

Instagram: @loribethauldridge

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Check out my favorite planner: www.sparrowhomeschool.com

CODE: LORIBETH for 10% off

173. From Outrage to Understanding: My Unexpected Conversation with Mary Ruth Boehmer May 06, 2025

Show notes

Mary Ruth Organics collaborated with the brand Liquid Death in a temporary collaboration for their nighttime formula. They released the "ad" on social media that included chainsawing clowns (murder) and dark imagery and messaging that really rocked the online space. The collaboration seemed to make zero sense for those of us who have been users of Mary Ruth's high quality vitamins and products for years.

There was outrage--including from me. I left an unbecoming comment on MRO's IG post, I cancelled my subscription to their products, I shared it with friends and followers. And once I had done all of those things, I should have felt some sort of peace, right? Wasn't that the "right" thing to do? Wasn't this me aligning my actions and values? It sure didn't feel like it...

I couldn't get rid of this nagging feeling that perhaps Mary Ruth Organics wasn't familiar with just how dark Liquid Death's advertising tactics can get (ever heard of their "soul contract?") So I decided to message the MRO's IG page and ask if they knew about it and get curious about how this collaboration came to be. You know who answered? Mary Ruth herself. THE Mary Ruth of Mary Ruth Organics. She messaged me back and asked if we could talk. I said yes. She called me, we chatted, and at the end of the conversations I can confidently say hearts and minds were changed--especially mine.

This episode is about the unfolding and understanding that took place after that conversation. It also explains why--despite the online outrage over a collaboration (that has ended, by the way)--I'm going to continue to buy and use Mary Ruth Organics products.

Disclaimer: at the the time of this recording, I am not an affiliate for or have any sort of business relationship with Mary Ruth Organics. This is simply my opinion & personal story about a "hot topic" among the mom community.

172. Confident in the Kitchen: My 8 Best Tips for Elevating Your Everyday Cooking Apr 24, 2025

Show notes

This episode is my audio version of my contribution to the 2025 For the Love of Homeschooling Homesteading & Skillful Living Mega Bundle – available now through April 25, 2025

Get your mega bundle here: https://www.fortheloveofhomeschooling.com/?ref=loribeth

What makes me a passionate home cook?

Lori Beth Auldridge is a homeschooling mom of 4 & passionate home cook. She learned from the best (Grandma Huck) while growing up in Appalachia & from private celebrity chefs when she worked as a personal assistant. She is the creator & host of the Elevating Motherhood Podcast. Follow her on IG: @loribethauldridge

What if cooking didn’t feel overwhelming? What if you could follow a recipe—or even create your own—without second-guessing yourself? I’m here to help.

In this episode, you’ll find my 8 best tips for home cooks to help you build trust in your own cooking instincts. You’ll learn how to elevate flavors, experiment with spices, and make meals that actually taste good—not just edible. We’ll also cover how to study recipes, memorize key dishes, and practice your favorites so they feel effortless.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Let’s make it simple—and enjoyable. I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get started!

Tip 1: Cook from Semi-Scratch.

Tip 2: Elevate Your Flavor Profiles.

Tip 3: Pinch Your Salt

Tip 4: Bold Flavors, Better Cooking

Tip 5: Study Recipes and Make Them Your Own

Tip 6: Perfect a Favorite Dish

Tip 7: Try New Meals

Tip 8: Memorize a Recipe

(More details available in print form in the mega bundle)

Lori Beth’s Famous Easy 3-sy Sausage Gravy

If you can remember the number 3, you can memorize this recipe!

1lb ground sage breakfast sausage

3 tbs grass-fed butter

1/3 cup white flour

3 cups raw milk

salt & pepper to taste

Brown the sausage in a pan on the stove. Once browned, add 3 tbs of butter. Let the butter melt, stir the sausage to coat. Add the flour. Stir again, coating the sausage. Allow the butter & flour to cook together for a few moments, forming a roux. Once a roux is achieved, add the milk. Stir continually on low to medium heat until thickened. You’ll know it’s ready when you scrape the pan and the gravy doesn’t come back together right away, but slowly moves back together because of its thickness. Add salt & pepper to taste (aiming to season heavily), tasting for flavor before serving. Serve over biscuits of your choosing.

Note: I’ve added my personal preferences for a knock-your-socks-off gravy, but you are welcome to use your own (real) butter, whole milk, & preferred flavor of sausage.

171. Understanding Cortisol: A Chat with Holistic Health Coach Evgeniia Arasim Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

Today’s Sponsor: Homesteading & Skillful LivingMega Bundle 2025

Evgeniia’s Bio: Evgeniia Arasim is a homeschooling mama and holistic health coach dedicated to helping fellow homeschooling moms overcome burnout through movement, nourishing food, andmindset work. Originally from Russia, she grew up in a competitive school and sports environment but chose a different path for her own child—one filled with wild adventures, child-led learning, and a slow, intentional lifestyle.
Now living in Toronto with her husband and son, Evgeniia embraces a multilingual homeschooling journey, incorporating English, Polish, and Russian into their daily learning, making education both enriching and fun.

After becoming a mother, she shifted her focus from traditional fitness to holistic health,recognizing that true well-being goes beyond just movement. With a deep understanding of metabolism, movement, and sustainable wellness, she now empowers homeschooling moms to nourish their bodies, regain their energy, and thrive in both motherhood and homeschooling.

In this episode, Evgeniia & I talk about:

* Her Russian background

* Her work with homeschool moms on their health journeys

* What is cortisol is and why it matters

* Cortisol is all the rage online right now

* Cortisol is a hormone

* Life-long learning mindset

* Not aiming for perfection but for learning

* High cortisol

* Low cortisol

* Cortisol testing

* What we can do today to feel better

* Cortisol is supposed to peak in the morning (between 6-8am)

* Using our cortisol energy to live our life (not scroll social media)

* Doing what helps you survive

* Everyone stresses out about something different

* Glycogen & the liver

* Insulin resistance

* Hemoglobin A1C averages

* Do we need snacks?

* Sugars going up and down

* Making small changes

* Cortisol and metabolism

* Cortisol and weight management

* Accepting your body shape/form

* Acknowledging our natural body frame

* It’s never going to be “just cortisol”

* Blood sugar disregulation and imbalances

* Craving certain things

* Energy crashes

* Muscles not growing despite working out

* Symptoms of high cortisol

* Symptoms of low cortisol

* H pylori

* Best tips for balancing cortisol

* Managing weight for how our body needs to be

* Breathing exercises

* Prioritizes protein

* Protein before coffee

* Get outside and get morning sunlight

* Cold plunging

* Challenging yourself

* Book Evgeniia mentions: Wim Hof: Iceman

* Underestimating the importance of sleep

* Evgeniia’s coaching offerings

Evgeniia’s Links:

Free Cortisol Guide: (April 2025 only) https://www.atnourishedmotherhood.com/page/650812

Instagram: @at.nourished.motherhood

Website: www.atnourishedmotherhood.com

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Leave a 5 star review on Apple Podcasts! This helps other moms find this resource...thank you for listening! I appreciate you!

170. Abundant Motherhood (Even If You Feel Inadequate, Uncertain, & Disqualified) with Author Brittany Maher Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

*Must Read* Book Alert! + *Must Listen* Episode!

Patience, purpose, perfectionism, stagnation, doubts, worries, fear…there aren’t many stones we leave unturned in this episode of Elevating Motherhood!

Britt Maher and Cassandra Speer co-authored a book called Ready As You Are: Discovering a Life of Aundance When You Feel Inadequate, Uncertain, & Disqualified...Britt is here today to share about the book and their incredible mission to encourage women (especially moms!)

Britt’s Bio: Brittany Maher (Britt) is the founder and president of Her True Worth, a large and growing online community designed to liberate an entire generation of faith-filled women with the freedom found in discovering their true worth in Christ. She and her husband Ryan invest most of their time in equipping and empowering God's people for digital evangelism across the globe. Brittany is planted in Michigan with her husband, Ryan, and their daughter, Ariana.

Link to the book

Britt’s Links:

IG: @brittmaher @hertrueworth @cassandralspeer

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

IG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

169. Winter in Review: A Moment to Reflect Together Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

For the Love of Homeschooling Virtual Conference: Click here to join!

Episode 169 Show Notes

Spring is almost here—it's March 1st, and the air is starting to feel different! Before we fully dive into the new season, let’s take a moment to reflect on this winter (yes, we’re still in it) and all the growth and learning we've experienced this winter. I’ll lead you through the questions and give you a few of my answers, but also press pause and apply each question to your own life.

1. What were your goals for winter? Did you meet any of them?

2. Celebrate what went well and all you did accomplish (including holidays)

3. Were your goals realistic? Were they too much or not challenging enough?

4. Did you rest? Enough or too much?

5. What is something you really enjoyed this winter?

6. Did you create magical moments worth recreating? Any new traditions?

7. Did you read? Any good book suggestions worth passing along to others?

8. Were you cozy? Content?

9. How was your mood? Do you think the weather affected you?

10. Is there anything you would do different next year?

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Amazon Book Lists: Click here for book lists

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

168. Well Lived: Shaping a Legacy of Gratitude & Grace with Sally Clarkson Feb 26, 2025

Show notes

For the Love of Homeschooling Virtual Conference Link - click here.

This episode is pure encouragement & hope! Mamas…tune into this episode and be inspired by Sally’s generous spirit and find out about her newest book Well Lived.

Sally’s Bio: Sally Clarkson is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and beloved mentor who has dedicated her life to inspiring countless women to live for Christ. Her podcast, At Home With Sally, has over 28 million downloads. She has been married to her husband Clay for more than forty years and they have raised four adult children. Today, Sally lives between the mountains of Colorado and the rolling fields of England.

In this episode, Sally & I talk about…

· Her latest book Well Lived

· Surrounding ourselves with beauty in dark times

· Rhythms

· Taking time away from work and then come back, it gives you clarity & focus

· Finding delight even in the hard times

· Not being a victim

· Whatever you practice, you become

· Guarding our children

· Choices inside our hearts

· Keep going forward

· Mount up over the darkness

Sally’s Links:

Website: www.sallyclarkson.com

IG: @sally.clarkson

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

IG: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

167. Whimsy & Joy: A Heartfelt Chat with Melissa Ferguson on Writing Romance & Adding Delight to Everyday Life Feb 21, 2025

Show notes

Sponsor Highlight: The 2025 For the Love of Homeschooling Virtual Conference--Join Now!

A romance author on a "serious" podcast for moms? ABSOLUTELY. Melissa's message is just what we need right now...more light, more hope, more joy, more whimsy. You are going to enjoy this chat SO MUCH!

Melissa’s Bio: Melissa Ferguson is the bestselling author of titles including Meet Me in the Margins, How to Plot a Payback, On the Way to Christmas, and The Perfect Rom-Com.
She lives in Tennessee with her husband and children in their growing farmhouse lifestyle and writes heartwarming romantic comedies that have been featured in such places as The Hollywood Reporter, Travel + Leisure, Woman’s World, and BuzzFeed. Join along her journey with over 900,000 other followers at @ourfriendlyfarmhouse.

In this interview, Melissa & I talk about:

* Melissa’s new book: The Perfect Rom Com

* How I went from reading The Invisible War (about spiritual warfare) to reading a rom com

* Love and laughter…why is it considered less than other things we need

* Cheerfulness and whimsy in motherhood & everyday life

* The bleak motherhood messaging in American culture right now

* An invitation into lightness

* Humility in motherhood

* Living hopeful and loving

* Finding the balance between strong messaging & lightness

* Encouragement for moms

* Strength in lightness

* Being bold in our life (and everyday!) decisions

* And SO MUCH MORE!

More info over at: www.elevatingmotherhood.com

Melissa’s Links:

Website: www.melissafurguson.com

Instagram: @ourfriendlyfarmhouse

Find Melissa's Books Here

166. Mothering with the Seasons with Lyndsey Mimnagh of Treehouse Schoolhouse Feb 06, 2025

Show notes

You Can Create a Flexible Schedule That Supports Connection in Every Season

Today's conversation is for all moms (not just homeschoolers!) It's packed full of ideas for creating rhythms, traditions, and memories no matter season (or the weather!) It's a conversation about connection & intentional mothering that you're going to love.

Lyndsey’s Bio: Lyndsey Mimnagh is a homeschool mom of four and the founder of Treehouse Schoolhouse. Before motherhood, Lyndsey had a career in children's ministry and special needs education. Her home education centers around living books and ideas, hands-on learning, nature exploration, and biblical discipleship. She shares experiences and home education inspiration through her Instagram and blog, as well as creates curriculum and resources for families around the world. Her most popular curriculum titles are An Expectant Easter, A Connected Christmas, and Treehouse Nature Study.

CODE: ELEVATINGMOTHERHOOD15 for 15% off Treehouse Schoolhouse www.treehouseschoolhouse.com

Lyndsey’s Links:

Instagram: @treehouse_schoolhouse
Facebook: /treehouse.schoolhouse
YouTube: /TreehouseSchoolhouse
Pinterest: /TSMotherhoodHomeschool

Elevating Motherhood Links:

Instagram: @loribethauldridge @elevatingmotherhood

Website: www.elevatingmotherhood.com