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.

"Love is the safety net that lets our children truly thrive."

In Part 2 of our special series, Deanne Taylor explores the "Emotional Bond"—the heartbeat that keeps a family steady. Curating the best insights from the 2026 Mother of the Year video interviews and written philosophies, this episode dives into how a mother’s consistent presence creates the security a child needs to grow..

How does a mother’s love transform a child’s confidence? This episode explores the profound impact of creating emotional security. Deanne curates the best advice from mothers across the country on building a child’s self-esteem through the simple, powerful act of "being there."

In This Episode, You’ll Hear From:

• The "Safety Net" Group: Real talk on how unconditional love creates the environment where children feel safe enough to fail, grow, and eventually soar.
• The Power of "Being There": Why showing up—even when you're exhausted—is your most significant parenting tool.
• Mother vs. Friend: Navigating the balance of providing emotional security while still offering firm guidance.
• Self-Care for the "Soul Mom": Why loving yourself and getting some sleep is essential to pouring into your kids.

Key Takeaways:

• The Heartbeat: Understanding love as an active verb, not just a feeling.
• Building Self-Esteem: How emotional security at home translates into confidence in the outside world.
• Practical Wisdom: Real-world advice on "parenting on purpose" and aligning your life with your values.

Resources Mentioned:

• Meet the Moms: See the faces and read the full stories of the 2026 Mothers of the Year featured on the website at AmericanMothers.org.
• Soul Mom Community: Follow us on social media to share your own "Heartbeat" moments and how you're building confidence in your home. Facebook: American Mothers Community American Mothers Inc.

Coming Up Next:

Stay tuned for Part 3: The Pivot, where we’ll talk about resilience, overcoming challenges, and finding the strength to keep going when motherhood gets tough.

"We aren't just teaching our kids what to do; we are teaching them who to be."

In this kickoff episode, Deanne Taylor curates the most powerful moments from the 2026 Mother of the Year video interviews. After diving into the stories of 36 incredible women from across the country, Deanne has selected 12 "Soul Moms" to help us explore the foundation of intentional parenting.

How do we actually raise kind kids when there are so many different voices out there? From the quiet power of integrity and humility to the active service of the Golden Rule, these mothers share the practical ways they are guiding their families. Whether it’s starting a summer running camp, sharing a miniature horse through 4-H, or simply learning not to be reactive in a tense moment, this episode is a beautiful reminder that your unique passions are exactly what your community needs.

• The "Core Values" Group: Insights on teaching honesty, accountability, faith, and the bravery it takes to do what’s right.
• The "Golden Rule" Group: Real-life examples of service, from military family foundations and T-ball coaching to creating fitness communities for busy moms.

• Your Mom Intuition: Why your core values act as the internal guide for your home.
• The Heart Meets the Hands: How to transition from teaching kindness to living it out in your neighborhood.
• Intentional Kindness: A fresh perspective on the Golden Rule—asking what people need and treating them how they want to be treated.

• Meet the Moms: Want to see the faces behind these voices? Read the full bios and see the videos of all the 2026 Mothers of the Year at AmericanMothers.org.
• Join the Conversation: Follow us on social media to share which "Soul Mom" nugget resonated with you most today!

Don't miss Part 2: The Heartbeat, where we dive into the power of unconditional love and building our children's confidence.

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.

With over 60% of mothers reporting they feel isolated, the need for genuine connection has never been greater. In this episode of Mom to Mom, we explore how to find your "soul mom" and build a support system that spans the country.

Joining us is Kim Vogt, the 2022 Nebraska Mother of the Year® and Chair of the 2026 American Mothers National Convention. Kim recounts her surprising journey to being honored and her passion for creating spaces where moms can learn, grow, and—most importantly—connect. She then previews the excitement behind the upcoming gathering in McLean, Virginia—a space designed for mothers to learn from one another, celebrate their roles, and form lifelong bonds. Whether it’s the wisdom of Mothers of the Year® representing 40 states or the festive "Denim and Dogwood" opening night, this episode is a reminder that you don’t have to do motherhood alone.

Key Highlights & Takeaways:

1. Filling the Gap: A heartfelt look at how mothers who lacked strong maternal bonds can find "surrogate" moms and mentors within this community.
2. The "Soul Mom" Connection: Why finding your tribe is the ultimate solution to the isolation so many mothers feel.
3. Nebraska to National: Kim’s surprising journey to becoming 2022 Nebraska Mother of the Year® and her heart for the 2026 National Convention.
4. The 2026 Preview: A look inside the upcoming National Convention in McLean, Virginia—from high-impact classes to the "Denim and Dogwood" celebration.
5. A National Sisterhood: The power of hearing from Mothers of the Year across 40 states and the wisdom they bring to the table.

Important Links & Resources:

1. Meet the Moms: View the 2026 Mothers of the Year® from all 40 states
2. Join the Celebration: Register for the 2026 American Mothers National Convention
3. Connect & Grow: Learn more about American Mothers, Inc.®

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.

How do we help our children separate what is actually happening from the meaning they are making of it? In Part 2 of our conversation with Alan Smith, we dive into the practical side of "context." Alan shares why he chooses to replace the word "mistake" with "learning consequences" and how giving our children the space to make choices—even ones that don't work out—is the only way to build true wisdom. If you want to raise children who are thinkers rather than just "order-takers," this episode is your roadmap.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Event vs. The Meaning: Helping children (and ourselves) realize that their reaction to a situation doesn't have to define their identity.
2. Moving Beyond "Mistakes": Why "Learning Consequences" are the greatest teachers we have.
3. The Trap of Stagnation: Understanding that if we aren't learning from our choices, we aren't progressing.
4. Cultivating Wisdom: How to give children the agency to make choices early so they don't grow up living "secondhand" lives.

Learn more about American Mothers, Inc.®

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.

Most of us live our lives based on the meaning and emotions we’ve attached to our past, often without realizing those 'stories' aren't the whole truth. Today, Deanne is joined by Alan Smith, who shares how he learned to separate the difficult events of his life—including childhood trauma and the loss of his son—from the narrative he was telling himself about them. Alan introduces a life-changing framework for breaking down our experiences to discover what is a 'secondhand' script and what is your 'firsthand' truth. This episode is a powerful guide for any mother ready to stop living by old expectations and start redirecting her journey toward a place of peace and clarity.

The Framework: Redirecting Your Story

1. The Event vs. The Story: Learning to see the difference between what actually happened and the emotion-driven meaning we created around it.
2. Deconstructing the Narrative: How to look at a painful memory and ask: "What part of this is my experience, and what part was brought to me by someone else?"
3. The Power of Firsthand Context: Moving from being "dictated to" by your past to making empowered choices based on your present truth.
4. The "Secondhand" Discovery: Identifying the expectations, language, and "scripts" we’ve inherited from others so we can trade them for our own authentic path.

Learn more about American Mothers, Inc.(R)

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.