The 5 to 8 Shift with Susannah McMonagle, a podcast for parents

Mothers often feel guilt when they pursue something that takes time away from their kids, especially when that something could be deemed less important than parenting. Today's guest, Ashlee Gadd, gives readers permission to pursue their creative gifts alongside motherhood. (And you are going to love her down-to-earth advice and encouragement.)

In Ep. 71, we chat -
- The benefits of being creative - even when you've got your hands full
- Advice for someone who knows they need an outlet but isn't sure where to start
- The many ways motherhood inspires our creative endeavors
- Ashlee's advice to someone who is tired, frustrated, feels like quitting on their own creative journey

Pre-order your copy of Create Anyway: The Joy of Pursuing Creativity in the Margins of Motherhood (Bethany House Publishers, March 28, 2023) anywhere books are sold and check out Ashlee's online community for women, Coffee + Crumbs.

What does every mom want? More time. Well, I'm not sure I can give you that - but I can absolutely provide some great time saving tips and hacks for you courtesy of today's guest, Crystal Paine. She is the founder of MoneySavingMom.com, host of The Crystal Paine Show podcast, and a New York Times bestselling author. 

In today's episode, we chat:
- How a 25-year mindset changes everything
- Crystal's Four-Step System to feeling less frazzled, having more breathing room, finding time to invest in important things, and discovering more joy
- How to prioritize what to do next
- Crystal's "Time-Blocked To-Do List" - and how it's the antidote to distraction
- A look at Crystal's Morning Routine (Spoiler Alert: It starts the night before)
- ...and what to do if this all sounds overwhelming! (Yup, she's got a hack for that too.)

Her new book, The Time-Saving Mom: How to Juggle a Lot, Enjoy Your Life, and Accomplish What Matters Most, comes out on March 7, 2023 and is available wherever books are sold. Pre-order today! 

Kelly Heath talks to us today about the importance of building a circle of influence around our teens. Additionally, she shares ways to discern who might be a strong mentor for your kid, the many roles a mentor can take, and how to spot red flags. If you've got a teen you love in your life - this one's for you!

Buckle up, Mama. We have an incredible episode for you. Episode 67 brings you an emotional and heart-warming conversation with Jeannine Keim. We are honored to share her story of grace, redemption, and placing a beautiful baby for adoption long ago. In our conversation, she reflects on the outcomes of her decisions, how God is always present, and how shame distorts everything. She shares about navigating the unscripted and moving into the reckless love of God - it's SO remarkable. She also shares how one Facebook message changes everything.

On this episode, we chat:
- Seeing God's hand at work, even in crisis
- What it's like to place a baby for adoption at the hospital
- The deepest and darkest moments in our lives - why we should share with our trusted tribe
- Shedding the misconceptions around building relationships between birth families + adoptive families
- ...and a poignant reminder that life isn't perfect no matter what - everybody has a story

You will be so moved by Jeannine's bravery in sharing her story. Listen and share with someone who needs some faith and encouragement today.

Want 2 extra hours a day? Sandy Cooper says she can give it to you. 

In this episode, Sandy Cooper, author of "The Scoop On Balance" blog and host of "The Balanced Momcast," encourages moms to get off social media. She's got great research, loads of data, and plenty to share from her own journey to implore moms to spend more time off of social media.

For this episode, we talk all about the addictive nature of social media, how to step away, and compelling reasons why you should (read: to fight depression, regain your time, rewire your brain to focus better, and so much more). She's even hosting a 7-Day Challenge called Make Social Media Small that starts on November 1st where you'll receive daily encouragement via email. Listen in to learn more about why you may want to rethink your relationship with social media.

If you've ever been scrolling aimlessly or feel a yearning to turn your focus to other important things - this one's for you. Check out Sandy's blog and sign up for her 7-Day Make Social Media Small Challenge below.

Season 3 is underway and I am so excited to introduce our first episode and first guest, Leticia Barr, Tech Savvy Mama! I had such a great time chatting with her and I know you'll enjoy the listen. We talked about all things digital safety including: creating family technology rules, intentionally considering our relationship with technology, modeling safe behaviors, teaching kids how to be kind online - AND tools you and your family can use to keep everyone safer. (These tech tools for families are amazing!)

This August we are rebroadcasting some of our top episodes from Season 2. Enjoy this throwback episode with LB!

LB, Founder of The Wife Coach, wants you to shift your mindset from being "a married woman" to being "a wife" - and she's got all the details about how women can influence their marriage, common communication challenges she sees in her work, and how a solution-based approach can strengthen an entire family. One of our key topics in this episode is why women are the THERMOSTAT in their marriages! You'll love LB's energetic and passionate approach to married life - listen in and share with a friend today. Write a review and tell me about how you approach your marriage!

This August we are rebroadcasting some of our top episodes from Season 2. Enjoy this throwback episode with Jenessa W. Broderick!

Co-Parenting and Blended Family Life has been one of the most requested topics here on the podcast. I'm happily bringing on Jenessa W. Broderick to offer insight about co-parenting with an ex-spouse. Jenessa has had a successful corporate career for over a decade, is a wife, and mother to four boys ranging in ages from 12-3. She has also been my friend for over 15 years. She shares a son with an ex and is incredibly intentional about how their child is raised amidst two households. On this episode, we talk about communication, grace, scheduling, flexibility, and the idea of being accommodating with an ex-partner, even when you don't want to be. Listen, share, and tell us how you're managing.

Connect with Jenessa:

This August we are rebroadcasting some of our top episodes from Season 2. Enjoy this throwback episode with Darlynn Childress!

Darlynn brings over a decade of experience to moms who desire to stop yelling at their kids. She helps moms understand how feelings drive behavior and provides powerful, yet tangible ways moms can help dissipate bad behavior. We talk about why parents react the way they do, where to start, and how to build an emotional (but not loud) connection to kids' misbehavior. Listen, share, and tell me what you think!

Connect with Darlynn:

This August we are rebroadcasting some of our top episodes from Season 2. Enjoy this throwback episode with Kristen Poppa!

Self care is important for the whole family. You want your kids to feel replenished and rested, and you want to pour from a full cup. Kristen Poppa is a professor at Eastern University and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience meeting with couples and families. We talk about the interconnectedness of all aspects of wellness and the practicalities of getting in that oh-so-important self care. Listen, share, and write a review.

Thanks for being here and investing in your family!

Episode 56 brings you a candid and lively conversation about what it means to be a wife. LB, Founder of The Wife Coach, wants you to shift your mindset from being "a married woman" to being "a wife" - and she's got all the details about how women can influence their marriage, common communication challenges she sees in her work, and how a solution-based approach can strengthen an entire family.

We chat:
- The difference between being "A Married Woman" and "A Wife"
- Manipulation vs. Influence as a wife
- How communication, expectations, and resentment impact your marriage
- Solution-focused approaches to strengthening your relationship
- How your role as a wife influences your family life
- Why waiting on your husband might not be the best approach
- Why women are the THERMOSTAT in their marriages!

You'll love LB's energetic and passionate approach to married life - listen in and share with a friend today.

At the beginning of every summer, I always get excited about traveling with my family.  

I'm aware this does NOT excite every parent out there - there are a gajilion bags to pack, gas is outrageous, snacks end up all over the car, sand (or mud) stays in the bottom of sacks and packs for months, and I could go on and on. Without question though, I've never regretted a trip with my family; I don't think you will either. 

Please enjoy this rebroadcast of my interview with Travis and Heather Sherry - two of the most well-versed travelers I know.  

Trav and Heather travel as much as they can, dabble in real estate, constantly upgrade their short-term rental game, are passionate about location independence and so much more. They're also parents - and well, that keeps things interesting. You'll love this episode, and hopefully, get inspired to plan a getaway with your kids this summer. Happy traveling, families! 

Trav and Heather share their story of creating a life different than most, how traveling has changed them, how kids has changed everything, and why "slow travel" might be the perfect way to approach traveling with the whole gang. They've got great tips for families - just in time for travel season - listen in and let us know what you think! 

Episode 53 brings a whole lot of insight for parents - thanks to the great information shared by Dr. Carrie Jackson. Even if you aren't managing ADHD in your own home - this is a great episode for every parent out there. The more we understand about the kids in our neighborhoods and communities - the more compassionate we all become - and the better we can show up for our friends and neighbors!

No matter how much we want to stick our head in the sand, the truth is that families need a plan when it comes to technology. I give you - Andrea Davis, founder of Better Screen Time. Andrea wants parents to worry about tech less and connect with our kids more. She takes a "slow tech, relationship-first approach," and you are going to love her insight.

On episode 51, we chat:
- Why it's important to set screen time boundaries
- Thinking intentionally about WHERE tech is used, HOW tech is used, and WHEN
- Doing the work to model good screen time behaviors
- The mental health battle our young teens are likely to experience with social media before they are ready
- How to know when your kid is ready for their own device
- What age should a child get a phone
and...
- Andrea's 4 Phone Process that she recommends to parents she works with

Honestly, I'm biased but I think every parent out there should give this one a listen. Tech is only getting bigger and the sooner we are having conversations with our kids - the better!

Some stories take a lot of courage and vulnerability to share. Stories like Chelsea Patterson Sobolik's. When I began to read the pages of Chelsea's book, I was so moved by her words, by the beautiful way she shares about brokenness and shattered dreams in a fallen world. This raw and touching conversation uncovers what it's like navigating childlessness in a world full of children.

In episode 50 (!!!), Chelsea and I discuss:

- How Chelsea's world was turned upside down in college, detouring, in a very big way, her motherhood dreams
- What it can feel like to suffer in silence and why every woman needs a trusted tribe
- The invisible shame many women traversing childlessness and infertility must work through
- How the church can do better and why they should
- What to do if you are a friend to someone in a hard infertility season or navigating childlessness

This episode strikes an entirely different cord - and I hope you listen and share and encourage anyone you know dealing with the weight of childlessness. The burden is too heavy to carry alone.

It's not everyday you get to talk to a cucumber. AND one of your favorite children's authors all in the same episode! Mike Nawrocki, co-creator of VeggieTales and voice of Larry the Cucumber, and Amy Parker, beloved children's book author and podcast host, join me to talk about the work they are doing to help kids build their faith.

Loved my conversation with Courtney Florey! She's a decluttering coach out to help busy moms clear the clutter in their homes and minds. She helps you think about where to start and how to get your families on board. In episode 48, Susannah and Courtney chat: - how decluttering brings clarity - why declutering doesn’t need to be rigid - how to lead by example - ways that decluttering can help bolster your family values - what clutter is really costing you - where to start and some quick wins If you're up for some Spring cleaning, want to be more intentional with your space, or need to wrangle in some clutter - this one's for you! 

With one of the most interesting careers - from running drill rigs to Harvard to NYC public education to raising capitol for her app for kids, Stephanie Dua shares some remarkable insight about how communities are often failing our earliest learners. What I love most about our conversation is that Stephanie gives us a "behind the scenes" look at how we got here - and the science and data is absolutely FASCINATING. 

Kimball Lewis, CEO, Empowering Parents, chats with us today about what parents can do to deal with intense behavior problems and why a "good enough parent" is good enough!

On episode 46, we discuss:
- Why kids act out
- Moving beyond the mom guilt
- Why we shouldn't wait for our kids to be motivated to change
- How parents might be underestimating their kids
- Why tough kids are not bad kids
- and the value of holding your kids responsible!

This episode is packed with great advice and you will love Kimball's insight and tips. Check out even more on EmpoweringParents.com and share with a friend today.

Episode 45 brings you an excellent conversation about how to stay on track with your health. Amber Lia, author of Food Triggers, talks to us about how she finally made some health changes that lasted and how you can do the same. But, this conversation goes beyond physical health to a more holistic approach to stewarding our health well and living out the life we are called to lead.

In this episode, Amber and Susannah talk about:
- How to recognize a "food trigger"
- How to personally identify what is triggering us
- Sabotage (from others and ourselves)
- Negative Self Talk (and how to combat it)
- Ways to get your family on board
- Why there is no thought too small to take to God
- The value of taking every thought captive

There is so much goodness in this episode - physical health is just the beginning. Thanks for investing in you and your family this week!

Darlynn brings over a decade of experience to moms who desire to stop yelling at their kids. She helps moms understand how feelings drive behavior and provides powerful, yet tangible ways moms can help dissipate bad behavior.

On episode 44, Darlynn and I talk about:
- Where to start when we are feeling overwhelmed with bad behavior
- How many of our parental reactions are really our fears about the future
- Operating out of a Feelings First Model
- Building up our Emotional Literacy as parents
- Being comfortable with our kids' discomfort
- ...and how to be a Calm Mama!

Darlynn is a patient and wise teacher. No matter how old your kids - this one is not to be missed! Listen in and share with friend. Thanks for listening in and investing in you and your family!

Connect with Darlynn:

January (or whenever you get to this episode!) is a great time to think about the year ahead. Many of us have dreams and goals, but Debranetta Howard, founder of Career Mom Community, helps us think about the steps it takes to make those dreams come to fruition. If you want to get your year started in the right direction - with intention and organization - this one's for you!

We talk:
- Planning for the week, month and year
- How to improve on consistency once a plan is in place
- How to use technology to your advantage
- Ways to get your kids on board with setting intentions for the week
- Purposeful multitasking

Listen in and share with a friend! Thanks for investing in you and your family today!

Who better to talk about building future leaders than two leadership experts who have worked with thousands of corporate professionals across the country - meet Molly D. Shepard and Peter J. Dean. Molly founded The Leader's Edge in 2001 to help address the limited representation of women in the highest ranks of American businesses, and Peter, Wharton lecturer turned executive coach, has authored several books and runs the men's coaching division, Leaders By Design. 

On episode 42, we discuss:
- the role of early scripts
- how corporations are embracing mothers (or not)
- empathy
- ways to teach your kids to become leaders at a young age

Check out their new children's book, Little Leaders and Their Stories, and listen in today.

Feeling the busyness of this season? Want to help your kids feel replenished and rested instead of stressed and overwhelmed? How bout you, Mama? Have you taken any opportunities to care for yourself so that you can pour from a full cup? If you find yourself contemplating questions like these lately, then you've come to the right place. Today's episode helps us think through self care - the what, the why, the how - with Kristen Poppa. 

Kristen is a professor at Eastern University and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 15 years of experience meeting with couples and families. On episode 40, we discuss the varying stages of self care, how our physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual wellness are interconnected, how we can weave self care into our family lives and so. much. more. Whether you are combatting a season of "too much" or looking to get your family on track in 2022 - this one's for you!

That's right. You read that right. Today's guests are on a mission to get more married couples talking about how and why to prioritize a healthy sex life. The truth is - the world is already talking about sex everywhere you turn - why aren't we talking more about the value of a healthy sex life for our marriage and our family?

Co-Parenting and Blended Family Life has been one of the most requested topics here on the podcast. I am so thrilled to provide some insight on episode 38 with Jenessa Broderick. If you are looking for tangible tools you can take away to help prioritize your kids despite loss, divorce, or a myriad of other factors - you'll love this episode.

Jenessa has had a successful corporate career for over a decade, is a wife, and mother to four boys ranging in ages from 12-3. She has also been my friend for over 15 years. In my humble opinion, there is no better insight about co-parenting with an ex-spouse than what she brings to this episode. She is wildly intentional and the biggest beneficiary is her son who she shares with her ex. We talk about how divorce forces you to grapple with "forfeit" and "sacrifice" and how the road can be lonely and difficult. We talk about communication, grace, scheduling, flexibility and the idea of being accommodating with an ex-partner even when you don't want to be.

If you don't find yourself in a blended family situation - there is a lot here on how to be a friend to someone who is in transition, parenting solo, or navigating a new relationship. Listen and share with a friend today!

Connect with Jenessa:

Have you ever found it difficult to combat the idea that the things you do at home are not as important as the things you accomplish elsewhere? Ever feel like you're slogging your way through life - taking on one task after the next without feeling fulfilled? What would it look like to thrive in motherhood rather than simply surviving motherhood? 

Today's episode is a Mom Chat. Just two moms discussing these questions often brought on by motherhood - and we invite you into our conversation. Grab your coffee, tea, or wine and join us!

My guest on episode 36 is Judge Roy Sparkman, a retired Texas Judge, former school board attorney, a grandfather, dad, husband and follower of Christ who has spent the latter years of his career “accidentally” learning about the constitutional laws surrounding religious freedoms. As such, he is committed to empowering parents about the importance of teaching our children how to protect and defend religious liberties in America.

We discuss SO many provocative topics on today's episode around religious liberties - everything from the Fulton vs. Philadelphia case to advocating for more transparent school communication to clarifying the kinds of religious liberties kids do have at school to helping our kids dissect what is rhetoric and what is law. This is one of the most thought provoking episodes of Season 2 and it will leave you with a lot to chew on as a parent. You don't want to miss it.

Do y'all know Jamie Ivey yet?! Well, you should. She is one of the people who inspired me to get into podcasting! And, I just love her. She has a super popular podcast, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey (35 million downloads!), has written a few books, is a speaker, wife and mother of four teenagers.

Adrianne Delgado, RD, LDN, our guest on episode 34, is a registered, licensed dietitian with over 15 years experience in out-patient nutrition care. Her passion includes helping her patients have a positive relationship with food, improving energy levels and empowering her clients to live their best life. 

As a working mother of five children, Adrianne understands firsthand the challenges of balancing health and responsibilities. We discuss how to be a "proactive eater" rather than a "reactive eater," how planning ahead can lead to increased energy, and why it's so important to model self care (read: prioritizing health and wellness) for our kids. If you are looking for some tips to boost the overall wellness of your family - start here with Adrianne of Bodymetrix Health!

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Rachel Van Kluyve, our guest on ep. 33, wears a lot of hats. She is mostly known for her great DIY tips on a budget, but she is also a podcaster, an author, a homeschool teacher - and a mother of three. She has carved out this beautiful little space on the internet, Crate & Cottage, that has attracted thousands of loyal fans and offers her community ways to be more intentional about creating a home they love.

Rachel brings a good dose of encouragement to open up Season 2. (Who doesn't need a little encouragement?!) We discuss everything from how toxic thoughts can steal your dreams to the slippery slope of comparison to ways you can make your home a more inviting and functional space. She encourages women to let go of fear and chase their dreams - and she does this all with grace and humility. Rachel's words are just the encouragement you didn't know you needed. 

Connect with Rachel

On this episode, Michelle and Susannah talk *so many things* related to tween life, parenting the young teen crowd, and navigating the tumultuous time - otherwise known as middle school. Specifically, Michelle shares what role risk plays in the brain of an early adolescent and what parents should understand about the power of reputation in middle school.

Michelle Icard is a speaker, author, and educator who helps kids, parents, and teachers navigate the complicated social world of early adolescence. Her latest book, Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen (Harmony/Random House 2021), guides readers through the fourteen essential conversations parents need to have with their kids before they start high school.

Enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes from Season 1!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Megan and I go way back - 20 years back! - and she has no problem encouraging young women to pursue their careers while telling it like it is. In this episode, Megan, VP, In-Store Marketing and Merchandise Presentation, Big Lots, shares some insight on what it's like to be female in Corporate America, how to juggle the demands of a career and a family, and lessons learned through over a decade of honing her craft. 

We spend the second half of the interview talking about some of the mental health challenges Megan has faced in a very real and present way. In hopes to continue to break the stigma around mental health, Megan discusses how eventually she couldn't ignore her mental health any longer, what she did to find help, and imparts wisdom on how to be a friend to someone who might be trending in a worrisome direction. 

Enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes from Season 1.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

On Ep. 30, Laura and Susannah chat all things marriage. Solid relationships don't just appear - they are nurtured, cultivated, and developed with intention; marriage is no exception. Laura even makes the case for why couples should have a marital mission statement. (Spoiler alert: You're gonna want one too after listening!) Laura is down to earth, funny, and full of great insight for couples. We chat boundaries, consistency, and making time for your spouse. We also talk about the impact of strong marriages on family life - and how a happy marriage is a solid building block for a happy family.

Laura Gethers is a wife, mother, conflict resolution expert, author, speaker, and founder of Love Harder Marriage Coaching. Laura equips couples with the tools they need to strengthen their marriage. 

Enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes from Season 1. Season 2 out this September!

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Crystal Paine, founder of the wildly popular MoneySavingMom.com, host of "The Crystal Paine Show" podcast, New York Times bestselling author, occasional Foster Mom, and Mama to 4 bio kids is our guest today. Crystal's new book, Love-Centered Parenting: The No Fail Guide to Launching Your Kids, is her first parenting book and we are thrilled to have her share some insight on the journey of parenting in this episode.

You will find Crystal’s honesty, conversational style, and tried-and-true methods to be balm to your weary soul. At a time when parents are more fragile than ever, this message offers hope, freedom, and rest for the discouraged. Crystal talks about the day she found out her kid was a bully, leading with humility, and why letting go of what others think is so powerful as a parent.

We hope you enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our most popular episodes from Season 1. 

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Today's guest is Kelly Raudenbush; She is a Mama of 4 and Cofounder/Director, The Sparrow Fund, a nonprofit organization supporting families in adoption as well as those who care for vulnerable children. As an adoptive mom herself, Kelly talks about the importance of building attachment with your child in a conversation entitled, "The First 6 Months Together." There are so many resources available for those looking to adopt, but what about once you arrive home with your child? Now what? Those first 6 months together are crucial in setting a strong foundation for your family and Kelly shares some great ways to make them count.

Kelly and Susannah discuss why building attachment with your child is so vital, how and when to share your child's story with others, and the value of talking with your child about their story. This is such a great conversation for anyone who has adopted or is thinking of adopting.

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If you are a parent in 2021 then you already know that managing what your kids watch and how much they watch is a big challenge. Questions abound, such as: What are some ways parents can set up good habits for the 5 and under crowd? Why should we care about limiting screen time, (i.e., why does screen consumption matter?) What role do parents play in appropriately acclimating kids to internet usage? What's the advantage to referring to devices as "family devices?" How does extended screen time impact language development in toddlers? How can planning ahead help with unintentional extended screen time?

All this and more answered in this episode - specifically geared toward families with toddlers and/or preschoolers. 

And on that note - this is the last episode of Season 1. What a joy and privilege this podcast is - thank you for being here, for investing in your parenting, for investing in your family, and for investing in yourself over the past several months! This community is so encouraging - y'all are the best! We'll be back with new guests, new content, and a new season later this summer. 

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Netflix gets a lot of flack for being a time-sucking black hole, but the truth is - they have a boatload of incredible documentaries. Really! They even have some documentaries that can help with your parenting. 

On today's episode, our host, Susannah, shares three documentaries every parent should watch. One documentary has to do with the science behind the importance of loving relationships in the early years, one has to do with empathy and courage, and the last one has to do with a small dilemma, otherwise known as social media. But, you'll have to listen in to get all the details.

Season 1 coming to an end this June - but more goodness to come this Fall on Season 2! 

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