Episode Summary: As mothers, we are hardwired to give, serve, and pour into others—but how good are we at receiving? In this special roundtable episode, Deanne is joined by Charity Haderlie, National Chair of the Mom to Mom program, to discuss a beautiful question: Have you found your soul mom? Together, they break down the barriers that keep us from accepting help, share how to open our hearts to genuine connection, and redefine what it means to show up for each other. Whether it’s a lifelong friendship or a supportive connection for just a single moment, finding your "soul mom" changes everything.

Key Takeaways:

• The Art of Receiving: Why allowing others to help you is actually a gift to them, letting them share their heart with you.
• A Mom for a Moment: Understanding that a soul mom connection doesn’t require a lifelong timeline to be meaningful—sometimes it’s about a single moment of perfect understanding.
• Showing Up and Being Present: Practical insights on how to truly be there for another mother by simply offering your presence and a willing heart.
• Connecting Across the Nation: How mothers everywhere are linking arms to ensure no mom walks her journey isolated or alone.

Links & Resources:

• Nominate a Mom: The 2027 Mother of the Year nominations are officially open! Head over to www.americanmothers.org to honor an incredible mom in your life today.

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during the American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of American Mothers, Inc.® and its members or employees. AMI is not responsible and does not verify for accuracy any of the information contained in the podcast series available for listening on this site.

Episode Summary:

We wear the title of "Mom" with so much pride, but who are we when we step outside of it? In this episode, Deanne sits down with the newly named 2026 National Mother of the Year, Dr. Kenae Black. Dr. Black shares her passionate heart for helping mothers show up for themselves, open their hearts to community, and find emotional soundness in an unprecedented world. From her powerful philosophies on loving leadership at home to her impactful nonprofit work, this conversation is the exact reminder you need that you are doing a good job—and that it's okay to pour back into your own cup.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Community: How opening our hearts allows us to be poured into by women we never expected.
• Showing Up Differently: Why the most radical thing you can do in this season is intentionally show up for yourself.
• Leading by Loving Example: Dr. Black's philosophy on guiding our children through grace, emotional maturity, and owning our mistakes.
• Rest, Reflection, & Reach Back: A look into her DC-based nonprofit, Reach Back, Spring Forward, and her restorative The Will of Wellness Retreat.

Special Announcements & Links:

• Dr. Kenae Black’s New Book: She Poured Back Into Herself - Freshly published on May 7th! Grab your copy here at Amazon
• 2027 Mother of the Year Nominations: Nominations are officially open! Nominate an incredible mom in your life today at www.americanmothers.org.

The Shift—Resilience and the Reality of Motherhood

"It’s not about being perfect; it’s about showing up through the changes."

In the final part of our series, Deanne Taylor looks at the wisdom shared by the 2026 Mothers of the Year to talk about the steady strength it takes to keep going. From helping our kids find their footing to discovering the "beautiful busy" of our own daily lives, this episode is a heart-to-heart on how we adapt when life gets unpredictable.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• Helping Kids Keep Going: Why we should help our children navigate challenges rather than just trying to fix everything for them.
• A Work in Progress: Understanding that building resilience is a journey we take alongside our children.
• The Beautiful Surprises: Honoring the parts of motherhood you just can't anticipate—like the bittersweet realization of how much they need us, and how we learn to let go.
• What Self-Care Actually Looks Like: Why finding your "me time" is personal—whether it’s volunteering, a night at the movies with friends, or a quiet hour with a book.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Your Team: Why we aren't meant to do this alone and the importance of finding your community.
• Meeting the Moment: How we learn to change our approach as our kids grow and their needs shift.
• The Long View: Realizing that your presence and your willingness to keep showing up are the greatest legacies you can leave behind.

Resources Mentioned:

• Meet the 2026 Mothers of the Year: Watch the full interviews and hear their stories firsthand at AmericanMothers.org.
• Connect with the Community: If you're heading to the convention, come find us! We can't wait to see you there and continue these conversations in person.

Disclaimer:

The primary purpose of this program is to educate and inform. The views, information, or opinions expressed during the American Mothers: Mom to Mom Podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of American Mothers Incorporated, its members or employees. AMI is not responsible for, nor does it verify the accuracy of the information contained in the podcast, nor does a series constitute any professional advice or services.