Getting more support doesn’t have to break the bank: Creative solutions to get you the help you need

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1:12:26

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including Apple’s newest product announcements at WWDC, Warner Bros. Discovery’s split back into two companies, and the U.S. and China meeting in London to discuss trade talks. Next, since its inception in 2008, NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts have become a staple on YouTube with over 11 million subscribers. Josh and Yaz speak with Fast Company associate editor David Salazar about the lasting influence, favorite acts, and future programming of Tiny Desk Concerts. Finally, Yaz and Josh interview Sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman about the company's new menu items, advancements in culinary technology like Infinite Kitchens, and the removal of seed oils from their food preparation process. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read David Salazar’s piece on NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts: https://www.fastcompany.com/91337277/npr-tiny-desk-concert-artist-impact…

about a year ago 19:14

MP3•Episode home

Key Points Discussed:

A quick exercise to identify the top tasks you absolutely hate doing
Five different approaches to getting the right support
Real-life examples of creative solutions that have worked for Lauren and her clients
Why delegating tasks you hate isn't a luxury but a necessity
How support needs evolve over different seasons of motherhood
The value of spending money on support for your highest-stress tasks

Connect:

Follow me on Insta @itslaurenmora

Website itslaurenmora.com

16 episodes

Getting more support doesn’t have to break the bank: Creative solutions to get you the help you need

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Key Points Discussed:

A quick exercise to identify the top tasks you absolutely hate doing
Five different approaches to getting the right support
Real-life examples of creative solutions that have worked for Lauren and her clients
Why delegating tasks you hate isn't a luxury but a necessity
How support needs evolve over different seasons of motherhood
The value of spending money on support for your highest-stress tasks

Connect:

Follow me on Insta @itslaurenmora

Website itslaurenmora.com

16 episodes

All episodes

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
The Health Impact of a Mom’s Social Circle We Can’t Ignore 28:13

8 days ago28:13

28:13

Lauren dives into the fascinating research behind the world's longest-living communities—and why the findings are absolutely crucial for busy moms. Spoiler alert: it's not just about eating your vegetables. Learn why your social circle could literally add years to your life, plus get practical, low-pressure strategies for building community that actually fit into your chaotic schedule. Key Points Discussed: The Blue Zones research: What the world's healthiest communities teach us about longevity Simple diet and movement principles that don't require perfection The shocking stats on how loneliness dramatically affects our physical health Low-pressure ways to build community through school, work, and daily routines Resources Mentioned: Join the waitlist for our Back to School Prep Guide starting in July Instagram: @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
My summer game plan: Make it epic and productive 15:22

15 days ago15:22

15:22

Today, Lauren is sharing the 3 planned lists she’s working from to have the best summer ever. The summer break from school can go by in a blink. All of the things you intended to do can be left undone – both fun things and responsibilities that need to get done. Lauren shares the 3 categories of plans she’s made so every week can be focused and intentional, to help you get what you want from this time of year. Key Points Discussed: The summer bucket list you can make with your kids to keep track of fun things you want to do as a family this summer. Summer is a great time to tackle a few house projects that tend to sit on your list and never budge. Lauren will break down how she’s tackling hers this summer The Honey Do list for Spring – the adulty things that are boring but that need to get done. Join the waitlist for our Back to School Prep Guide starting in July DM the phrase Spring Clean to me @itslaurenmora and I’ll send you my free Spring Cleaning Page!…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Why We Can't Do the Things We Actually Want to Do 20:19

22 days ago20:19

20:19

We all have those things we constantly say we want more time for: working out, eating better, spending quality time with our kids, having date nights, taking time for ourselves. But somehow, we keep not making it happen. In this episode, we dive deep into the real reasons behind this frustrating cycle (spoiler: it's not about lacking willpower or discipline). You'll discover the three main sources of resistance that keep us stuck, plus practical strategies to finally start doing the things we actually want to do - without burning yourself out or fighting against your natural flow. Key Points Discussed: We all have things we continue to say we want to have more time for, but we keep not making or having make time for them. We beat ourselves up for “not having enough discipline to do them” or not having enough time to fit them in. · The 3 real reasons we face resistance to our own goals: - Fuzzy outcomes or unclear action steps - Fighting against your natural daily rhythm - Getting stuck in solution ruts · 4 solutions we can use to work past our resistance: - Get very clear about the goals and outcomes you want and what that would look like in practice - Make things as easy as you can on yourself. - Redesign the flow - Don’t go it alone, ask for help to brainstorm the solution Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Sensory Overload: Moms Have Meltdowns Too 23:02

29 days ago23:02

23:02

In this episode, we tackle the all-too-familiar but rarely discussed phenomenon of parental sensory overload. While we're quick to recognize when our children are overwhelmed by sensory input, we often overlook the same signs in ourselves. Lauren explores why scientific studies are showing that 75% of parents experience sensory overload, what triggers these moments of overwhelm, and practical strategies to help you regain your center when everything becomes too much. Key Points Discussed: The 'ah ha' moment Lauren had when she learned parents can experience this just like our kids do The research she dove into to learn more about what parents are really experiencing, but hardly ever talking about What it looks like to have sensory overload How we are thinking about the solution for this differently today than past generations Practical solutions we can use to help ourselves when we get overloaded with too much Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora https://itslaurenmora.com/end-of-school-year-stress-for-moms/…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Hiring a Personal Consultant: The Support You Never Knew You Needed 19:02

5 weeks ago19:02

19:02

Ever wondered if there's a better way to juggle career and motherhood without constantly feeling torn in two? In this episode, Lauren breaks down exactly what it means to hire a personal consultant as a busy working mom. Learn how this unique form of support differs from other support solutions you’ve tried, and how it can help you transition from feeling overwhelmed to feeling poised and in control of your life again. Key Points Discussed: What kind of moms hire me as their personal consultant and what makes them pull the trigger The typical outcomes clients see when they work with me My core philosophy and what working with me actually looks like A quick history of how I came to do this type of work Why I think this work is so critical for moms and how it’s become such a passion for me. Lauren’s 3 Month Private Consulting Program is officially open for enrollment through May 17. Learn more and sign up here. Space is very limited. Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora · Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
What no moms want to admit: The ages and stages we love best 14:36

6 weeks ago14:36

14:36

Let's talk about that thing no one wants to say out loud - we all have favorite stages of raising our kids. In this honest chat, Lauren opens up about watching a frazzled dad with a crying baby on an airplane and how it got her thinking about our different parenthood experiences. Maybe you didn't love the newborn phase but think toddlers are hilarious. Or maybe you're counting down to those teenage years when they get a driver’s license and more independence. Whatever your truth is, this episode is all about ditching the guilt and embracing your real motherhood experience. Lauren gets real about why we need to stop pretending every moment is magical and start owning our authentic mom journey. Key Points Discussed: Addressing the fact that we have universal experiences as moms, but also very unique frames for it. The different ways we grew up thinking about motherhood, our pregnancy experience, and all the way from when your children are babies to grown ups. The permission to not love every single stage and age of being a mom and what happens when we let go of the guilt. Sign up for our free webinar on May 9: Make Mom Life Easier & Actually Enjoy it Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora · Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Getting more support doesn’t have to break the bank: Creative solutions to get you the help you need 19:14

7 weeks ago19:14

19:14

Lauren tackles the universal challenge of getting the support busy moms need. Starting with a revealing exercise to identify your most dreaded tasks, she offers practical and creative solutions for delegating, outsourcing, or simplifying the things that drain your energy the most. Whether you're working with a limited budget or simply haven't considered all your options, this episode provides a fresh perspective on lightening your load. Key Points Discussed: A quick exercise to identify the top tasks you absolutely hate doing Five different approaches to getting the right support Real-life examples of creative solutions that have worked for Lauren and her clients Why delegating tasks you hate isn't a luxury but a necessity How support needs evolve over different seasons of motherhood The value of spending money on support for your highest-stress tasks Connect: Follow me on Insta @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
3 Practical ways to stop the mom stress spiral 17:21

8 weeks ago17:21

17:21

A piggy back to last week’s episode, we’ll dive into the nitty gritty and give 3 specific ways to reduce your overwhelm. We talked through a major mindset shift that helps us think about the overwhelm in our lives differently, but what does it look like in practice to manage the overwhelm of the daily grind? Lauren shares her personal tried-and-true methods for getting your mental load out of your brain and organized in ways that actually works. If you've ever found yourself in a "tizzy" of stress with too many things spinning in your head, this episode offers practical relief. Key Points Discussed: The first step in reducing your overwhelm: recognize when you’re getting worked up about your never-ending to do list. The exercise to help relieve the pressure when it builds up. How to organize your to do list to instantly identify what’s a priority and what’s not. The weekly add-on step in your planning to get ahead of the overload.· Connect: Follow me @itslaurenmora Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Why Your Overwhelm is Actually a Good Thing 18:09

9 weeks ago18:09

18:09

We are so overwhelmed as moms, but is it all bad? Lauren dives into how she sees the overwhelm we deal with differently. Rather than seeing overwhelm as entirely negative, she suggests reframing it: part of our overwhelm comes from caring deeply about many aspects of our lives (our "buckets"), while another part comes from the endless supporting tasks or "noise" that accompany those things we love. Key Points Discussed: A flip on how we see the overwhelm that’s present in our lives. A look at all of the things we’ve intentionally created in our lives that we love dearly. How much effort it takes to put attention on all of these things. The reason behind why we usually feel rewarded for our hard work, but now it feels draining. The #1 reason why we feel so much overwhelm now in our every day. How we jumped straight from intern to CEO of our family. The 2 kinds of overwhelm we face: things we value and the noise. How we can quiet the noise to focus on the things we value and love more. Resources and links Join The School to Summer Shift Prep Guide . Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora · Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Having more fun even when it feels like you have no spare time, Part 2 18:03

10 weeks ago18:03

18:03

In this second part of our two-episode series on fun, we dive into how to genuinely enjoy spending time with your children. Let's face it—sitting on the floor playing dolls or trains isn't always thrilling for adults! This episode breaks down practical strategies for creating fun that works for both you and your kids, plus simple ways to fit play into your busy schedule without it feeling like just another chore. Key Points Discussed: Four approaches to having fun with your kids that you'll both actually enjoy. Why you don't need to be your child's "cruise director" 24/7. Six practical and easy strategies for how to make time for fun regularly. Resources and links Join The School to Summer Shift Prep Guide . Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora · Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Having more fun even when it feels like you have no spare time, Part 1 18:31

11 weeks ago18:31

18:31

This episode is Part 1 of a 2-part series on FUN. We are in our busiest phase of life, and it feels like we have so much on our plate that we can’t imagine adding anything else, even if it’s things we really want to be doing. We all want to have more fun in our lives, but we have a hard time finding time for it, and often don’t have a clear idea of what we actually like to do for fun. Let’s fix that. Key Points Discussed: Lauren’s search for how to have more fun in her adult life. How children and adults play differently and what adults do for fun. How we can add fun activities to our calendar without making it feel like just one more thing on the to do list. An exercise in how to identify what you like to do for fun. And then how you can turn it into a list of ideas of things you are excited to do and that don’t feel overwhelming to put on your calendar. The importance of having fun on a regular basis and planning those bigger vacations through the year. Resources and links Join The School to Summer Shift Prep Guide Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora · Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
The Spring Scramble: Navigating the Shift from End of School Year to Summer 13:52

12 weeks ago13:52

13:52

Today, Lauren is walking us through the 3 busiest seasons we have as moms: the holidays, back to school time, and the upcoming school year to summer transition. While most moms recognize back-to-school and holiday seasons as peak stress times, she shines a light on why April and May create a perfect storm of scheduling nightmares, financial strain, and mental overload as families transition from school routines to summer plans. Key Points Discussed: We feel like there should be an ebb and flow to the busyness of the year, but the reality is that there’s always something coming up to plan for when you have children. The importance of intentionally planning: how you can focus ahead of time to reduce stress caused by doing things last minute. How Lauren thought she had it all figured out, and then got whacked with the End of School Year mayhem last year. Why she does weekly planning but also targeted guidance for the 3 busiest times of year for parents. Why the end of the school year is so very busy. Details about the upcoming School to Summer Shift Prep Guide and why you should join to get some help over the next few months. Resources and links Join The School to Summer Shift Prep Guide , starting April 4 Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora · Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Dinner Table Rants: Why I’m Unfollowing Your Favorite Insta-Famous Experts 13:53

13 weeks ago13:53

13:53

Today’s a spirited episode! Lauren dives into the world of the "experts" on social media who use shame tactics rather than empowerment. From unqualified weight loss coaches to Insta-famous parenting gurus, we examine why their advice often leaves us feeling worse about ourselves rather than better. Learn how to be selective about who you let into your mental space, trust your intuition, and remember that no one knows you or your children better than you do. Key Points Discussed: Why I went off on a rant...twice...in one dinner. The importance of who we choose to follow and be influenced by. The truth about the power we hold as parents. My high level, non-expert opinion on weight loss and parenting. The action you can take today to feel better. Resources and links Join the waitlist for The School to Summer Shift Prep Guide A week-to-week guide to get us through one of the busiest times of the year as moms. Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora · Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
The C-Word: How Control (or Lack of It) Shapes Your Parenting Experience 27:56

14 weeks ago27:56

27:56

In this candid episode, we explore the "C-word" that impacts every parent's experience: Control. From managing the physical details of our homes to regulating our emotions, we explore the different facets of control that shape our parenting journey. Through personal stories and practical advice, discover how finding the right balance can transform your day-to-day life as a parent and help you reclaim a sense of peace amid the chaos. Key Points Discussed: The 3 Types of Control That Impact Parents: Minutia details we keep track of for our family and home Schedule Flexibility Emotional Regulation 5 Strategies to Regain Control: Hormone Regulation: How getting the physical support for hormone regulation in postpartum and perimenopause can affect your mood and anxiety levels. Leverage Expert Support: Stop trying to become the expert in everything and instead connect with specialized experts who can help you achieve specific goals. Prioritize Self-Support: Regularly ask yourself what you need and schedule it into your week. Make blatantly obvious where you need support in your week: Openly express your stressors and needs to your partner instead of expecting them to read your mind. Find Your Control Sweet Spot: Balance between rigid control and complete surrender by planning with intention while also allowing for unstructured space. Connect · Follow me @itslaurenmora · Website itslaurenmora.com…

The Real Mother Effort Podcast

1
Beyond the To-Do List: Creating Intentional Time in the Week 20:15

15 weeks ago20:15