Modern Mom Probs

Motherhood can feel incredibly isolating, but you don't have to navigate it alone. In this episode, Tara sits down with Leah Wiseman Fink and Jamie Kolnick as they share their powerful insights on building a genuine community and the realities of making mom friends in a modern world. Together, they dive into practical strategies for fostering real connection, breaking through the loneliness that so many mothers experience, and the undeniable importance of simply showing up for one another.

Beyond the basics of making friends, Leah and Jamie open up about personal stories of profound loss and how l...

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.<...

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...

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...

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...

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 coo...

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...

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 st...

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 wi...

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 "d...

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 relyin...

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...

In this eye-opening episode, clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Piper Grant joins the podcast to unpack the complex evolution of intimacy in relationships after parenthood. Dr. Grant sheds light on how the profound hormonal, neurobiological, and identity shifts of motherhood fundamentally alter couple dynamics, often creating subtle rifts driven by the mental load, loneliness, and miscommunication. Redefining intimacy through the lens of "into me you see," she emphasizes that true connection is built on a foundation of vulnerability and emotional safety. The conversation explores how couples can navigate these shifts across various life stages, from the immediate challenges...

In this episode, Tara sits down with New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, professor, and "ray of human sunshine" Kate Bowler to explore the profound idea that joy is not a luxury reserved for perfect circumstances, but a vital force that can be discovered even in life's darkest moments. The conversation dives deep into how modern societal pressures, the American prosperity gospel, and self-improvement culture shape our often unrealistic expectations around happiness. Kate and Tara dismantle the idea that life must be flawless to be fulfilling, explaining instead how genuine moments of joy frequently emerge in the...

In this heartfelt episode, Tara welcomes therapist, author, and podcast host Dr. Cassidy Freitas to share her personal journey through parenthood and her expert insights on navigating postpartum challenges. They dive into how childhood and cultural legacies shape modern parenting styles, often triggering cycles of stress and control. Dr. Cassidy explains how systemic issues, social media, and even AI impact modern motherhood, making it harder than ever to find balance.

Drawing from her book Mom Needs a Moment, Dr. Cassidy offers highly practical strategies for creating protected boundaries and margins amidst the daily chaos of digital-era lives...

How do you turn life’s darkest, most chaotic moments into comedy? In this episode, internet sensation, comedian, and author Laura Clery joins the show for an incredibly candid conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of humor. Laura takes us behind the scenes of her journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, sharing how she found her unique voice through unapologetic storytelling and "over-sharing" on her rise to capturing over 26 million followers. Together, Tara and Laura dive into the unbelievable story of her miraculous survival after a refrigerator fell on her, exploring both the deep physical and mental to...

Motherhood is a wild ride, and honestly, sometimes you just have to laugh so you don't cry. This week, Tara sat down with comedian, actress, and podcast host of Funjelah, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes for a deeply relatable chat about marriage, babies, and everything in between.

Anjelah shared her incredible journey from NFL cheerleader to viral comedy sensation, but she also gets raw about the less glamorous side of things, like newborn survival mode and the pressure on modern moms. Together, she and Tara spoke about finding your village, surviving the social media noise, and keeping the spark alive...

In this episode, Tara sits down with media trailblazer Angela C. Santomero, the creator behind some of the most beloved educational children's programming, such as Blues Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, to discuss what kids really need to thrive in today's fast-paced, screen-filled world. Drawing from decades of experience in child development and storytelling, Angela shares how intentional media can help children build confidence, emotional resilience, and problem-solving skills while offering parents practical strategies to navigate modern parenting with less pressure and more purpose. Both Jersey girls, Tara and Angela even discuss their time at Nickelodeon and their love...

What does it mean to build the family that's right for you, even when it doesn't fit society's expectations? In this episode, Tara sits down with Jacqueline Stein, founder of The Only Hearts Club, to explore the realities of raising an only child, navigating outside opinions, and finding confidence in your parenting decisions. Jacqueline shares how a simple Facebook group grew into a thriving global community for mothers of only children and why creating meaningful connections beyond traditional family structures matters more than ever.

Together, Tara (an only child with an only child) and Jackie unpack the...

What happens when a joke about beige baby clothes turns into a cultural phenomenon?

In this episode, Tara sits down with content creator, satirist, and author Hayley DeRoche, the internet's beloved voice behind the viral "Sad Beige" commentary. What began as playful observations about muted nursery décor and monochromatic baby wardrobes quickly evolved into a deeper conversation about modern motherhood, social status, consumer culture, and the pressures parents face online.

Hayley shares the inspiration behind her book, Dress Your Baby in Sage and Taupe, and explains why the "Sad Beige" aesthetic resonated with millions o...

In this episode, Tara welcomes OB-GYN and author, known as @theperioddoctor, Dr. Charis Chambers to explore how parents can revolutionize their approach to talking about puberty and menstruation, fostering respect, confidence, and health in adolescents. Dr. Charis shares powerful insights from her new book and experience, emphasizing early, honest, and ongoing conversations as the cornerstone of positive change.

Key topics:

In this heartfelt episode, Tara sits down with authors Liz Swenson and Alessa Martin to discuss the deeply personal journey behind Trying, a powerful book created to support those navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and the often-overlooked emotional challenges that accompany them. Liz and Alessa shares the inspiration behind the book, the importance of telling honest stories, and how creating space for these experiences can help individuals feel less isolated in their grief and uncertainty. They explore the emotional impact of fertility struggles and the need for greater compassion and understanding around these topics.

The conversation also offers...

In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, Tara welcomes trauma-informed therapist and author of Lonely AF: A Therapist's No-BS Guide to Feeling Less Alone Dr. Sylvia Kalicinski discusses the growing loneliness epidemic impacting mothers, young adults, and families everywhere. Dr. Sylvia shares how modern life, social anxiety, postpartum struggles, and the pressure to “do it all” have left so many people feeling disconnected from themselves and others. Through personal stories and practical insights, she reframes loneliness not as a personal failure, but as an invitation to build deeper self-awareness and more meaningful relationships. Her reminder, “You are doing an amazing job, y...

In this episode, Tara chats with Caitlin Wilder, a full-spectrum doula, lactation counselor, podcaster and founder of Wilder Beginnings, for an honest conversation about the realities of postpartum life that so many moms are experiencing, but few people openly talk about. Caitlin shares why managing expectations in motherhood can make such a difference during the postpartum season, especially in a world where social media often paints an unrealistic picture of what life with a new baby should look like. Tara and Caitlin talk about embracing imperfection, giving yourself permission to slow down, and how lowering your expectations during postpartum...

For this episode, Tara is handing the mic over to Mika Altidor and Julie Lokun, hosts of the awesome show Get Obsessed, which is also on the Bleav Network. This episode is an interview with Dr. Nadine Macaluso, the real-life ex-wife of Jordan Belfort, famously portrayed by Margot Robbie in The Wolf of Wall Street. While Hollywood glamorized the excess, Dr. Nadine reveals the hidden truth — the emotional and psychological abuse, manipulation, and trauma that came with life behind the movie.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The real story behind The Wolf of Wall...

In this thought-provoking episode, South African journalist, former CNN anchor and host of the “Searching for America” podcast, Robyn Curnow brings her unique global perspective to the conversation as she unpacks the fascinating realities of American culture, societal norms, and what it means to truly understand a country from both the inside and out. Drawing from her experiences reporting around the world and now living in the US, Robyn shares eye-opening observations about modern life, media consumption, and the ways our daily habits shape how we see ourselves and each other.

Robyn also opens up about parenting teen...

Motherhood is a wild ride: equal parts magic, mess, and muttering “what now?” In this episode, Tara is joined by Taylor Wolfe, comedian, content creator and author of Just a Busy Season, for a heartfelt conversation about parenting through those busy seasons of motherhood. Taylor opens up about her motherhood journey, the inspiration behind her book, and how humor has become one of the most reliable survival tools in the parenting toolkit.

They dive into the mental load modern moms carry, from the pressure of social media’s perfectly filtered parenting moments to the challenge of balancing self-c...

In this episode, Katie Kimball, award-winning speaker, author and podcaster, shares a refreshing and practical approach to parenting teens, centered on building independence, confidence, and real-life capability. She explains why the teen years don’t have to feel chaotic if a strong foundation is laid early, and how a gradual release of responsibility, from toddlerhood through adolescence, can set kids up for success. Katie walks through simple systems families can implement to foster independence, including managing chores, creating routines, and encouraging decision-making, all while shifting toward an “external locus of control” that empowers teens to take ownership of their own ch...

In this thought-provoking episode, Tara chats with journalist and author Fortesa Latifi to unpack the complicated world of influencer culture through the lens of her new book, Like, Follow, Subscribe. Together, they explore the rise of family vlogging and the often-blurred lines between sharing and oversharing, especially when children are involved. Fortesa shares how a viral story she wrote for Teen Vogue sparked a deeper investigation into the financial incentives, ethical gray areas, and emotional realities behind influencer parenting. From staggering earnings to the quiet cost of constant visibility, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really me...

In this inspiring episode, Tara sits down with Libby Ward, the author behind Honest Motherhood: On Losing My Mind and Finding Myself to talk about what it really means to show up as a mom without the filters. Libby shares her powerful journey from feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of motherhood to building a platform rooted in radical honesty and authenticity. They dive into the pressures moms face to “do it all,” how social media can both help and harm, and why telling the truth about motherhood can be a catalyst for connection, healing, and real change.

They...

In this empowering episode, Tara sits with Dr. Rachel Goldman, clinical psychologist and author of When Life Happens: The Mindset Shift You Need to Manage Stress, Build Confidence, and Break Free to talk about what it really takes to navigate life’s inevitable ups and downs. From unexpected challenges to everyday stressors, Dr. Rachel shares how shifting your mindset can be the key to moving forward instead of feeling stuck. Her practical insights offer a refreshing, real-life approach to building resilience, especially in seasons that feel overwhelming.

As both a working mom and a mental health expert who...

In this insightful conversation, Tara sits down with sisters, podcast hosts, and co-founders Anne Pizzuti and Kate Doerksen to explore the powerful story behind Sage Haven, a safer messaging platform for children born out of real-life experiences with cyberbullying and the growing challenges of navigating digital life. They open up about the pivotal moments that pushed them to take action, and how those experiences shaped their mission to create a space where kids can connect more safely while giving parents greater peace of mind. Tara shares a personal story about the dangers of group chats.

Together, they dive...

In this thoughtful and refreshingly honest conversation, Tara Clark sits down with Katie Mulvaney to unpack the layered realities of weight loss, health, and motherhood. Together, they move beyond the oversimplified “eat less, move more” narrative and explore how mindset, identity, and daily habits truly shape long-term wellness. Katie shares insights from her book The Missing Links to Weight Loss, reframing the idea that the “missing link” isn’t another diet or program, but often a deeper understanding of ourselves. From navigating busy mom schedules to redefining what health looks like on an individual level, this episode offers a grounded a...

In this insightful episode, Eli Weinstein, relationship therapist, author, and host of The Dude Therapist podcast, joins the conversation to unpack the realities of modern parenting and partnership. Drawing from his work and his book From I Do to We Do: Navigating Marriage In The Parenting Years, Eli explores the often-overlooked transition from being a “dude” to a fully engaged dad, and why parenting works best when it’s approached as a true team effort. He sheds light on how unspoken expectations can quietly build resentment between partners, and why shifting from an “us vs. them” mindset to a united fron...

In this candid conversation, Ali Prato, journalist, author, and host of the Infertile AF podcast, opens up about her deeply personal journey through secondary infertility, including several miscarriages before ultimately welcoming her son through IVF. Feeling isolated and frustrated by the lack of honest dialogue and resources around infertility, Ali transformed her experience into advocacy, launching her podcast to share real stories and build a supportive community for others navigating similar paths. She also discusses the creation of the Fertility Rally, a powerful space designed to connect and uplift people facing infertility.

Ali and Tara explore why op...

In this honest and energizing conversation, Tara sits down with Tyler Moore, known online as Tidy Dad, to talk about what it really means to raise a family in a world obsessed with perfection. Tyler opens up about how his own mental health journey led him to organization, and why decluttering isn’t just about having a picture-perfect home. It’s about creating peace. They dive into the pressure modern moms feel to maintain Instagram-worthy spaces, how social media fuels unrealistic comparisons, and why the concept of “just enough” living might be the permission slip so many of us need.

In this episode, Tara sits down with Sydney Quiseng of Echosmith for an honest, grounding conversation about music, identity, and parenthood. Sydney opens up about the joy and anticipation she feels as she prepares to become a mom, and how that season inspired her newest song, “That’s My Baby (On Main Street).”

Tara and Sydney talk about the evolution of her sound toward a more coastal-country feel, the role nature plays in her creativity, and how past songs like “Cool Kids” were born from her own journey toward self-acceptance. She also shares her deep love for Japanese cult...

In this episode, Tara sits down with Cameron Normand of Stepfamily Solutions and host of the Stepmom Diaries podcast to unpack the realities of blended family life and why stepmoms face a unique (and often overlooked) emotional load. Cameron shares her own path into stepfamily coaching and explains why stepfamilies aren’t just “nuclear families with extra people.” They’re a completely different dynamic that requires patience, boundaries, and a lot of self-compassion.

Together, they explore the mental health challenges stepmoms face, the impact of ex-partners, the emotional weight of transition days, and why striving to be the “per...

FIRST AIRED APRIL 25, 2023

As parents, we often want to shield our children from the realities of the world, but it's ultimately impossible to do so. When children do hear about the news, it's important to have open and honest conversations with them. 

In this episode of the "Modern Mom Probs" podcast, Tara interviews Tracy Leeds Kaplan, the founder of Small But Mighty Media and creator of the popular podcast "The Ten News," about how to talk with children about the news. They discuss the importance of age-appropriate news sources for kids, the challenges of discussing s...

BLAST FROM THE PAST: FIRST AIRED DECEMBER 26, 2023

Tara welcomes Dr. Aliza Pressman, developmental psychologist, author, and host of the wildly popular podcast Raising Good Humans. She shares insights from her groundbreaking new book, "The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans."

Tara and Dr. Aliza discuss the challenges of modern parenting, what it means to raise good humans, the importance of maintaining strong parent-child relationships, and the concept of repair in relationships. Dr. Aliza explains that rules are not meant to hinder the relationship or sensitivity of caregiving, but rather to...