In this unhinged holiday episode, Tori and her mom Karen are spiraling. With Christmas just days away, they chat about last-minute shopping stress, gift expectations, and the chaos of Amazon deliveries—plus the age-old question of whether anyone actually shops in stores anymore.

From there, the conversation spirals into everything from perfume layering and family dynamics to dog mishaps, travel with a head cold, and the frustration of modern life’s “inertia.” Tori opens up about feeling stuck, overthinking every decision, and struggling to find motivation, especially when it comes to working out, routines, and navigating big life transitions. Karen reflects on how structure, discipline, and movement have changed post-COVID, and why being “too gentle” with ourselves might actually be holding us back.

Together, they unpack the mental loops of planning vs. doing, the pressure to reinvent yourself in a new season of life, and why having total freedom can sometimes feel more paralyzing than empowering. It’s funny, honest, relatable, and reassuring,perfect for anyone feeling snarky, stuck, or just in need of a comforting reminder that you’re not alone in your mess.

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In this heart-warming, funny, and deeply nostalgic episode of Let Me Call My Mom, we welcome a very special guest: my sister, Maddie, all the way from Idaho. Karen (our mom) is visiting her while they scope out mountain wedding venues.

We dive into everything: what it’s like planning a destination-style mountain wedding, why Maddie chose Idaho for college (hint: it involves a metaphorical dart on a map), and how she met her fiancé, Drake.

We also revisit our childhood: softball days, Nintendo DS scandals, the infamous “My Sister Is Annoying” book, horseback riding adventures, and the exact moment Maddie realized I wasn’t being “returned” after being born. Plus, Maddie opens up about her hobbies, her dream of homesteading, writing children’s books, and becoming a crunchy little farm girly.

This episode is cozy, candid, and filled with the kind of sister banter that will make you feel like you grew up with us. And yes, Maddie shares her enchilada recipe, courtesy of Drake’s mom, Cindy.

Settle in, laugh with us, and enjoy this special family episode.

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Follow Tori:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toristerling_/?hl=en

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Newsletter: https://xotori.beehiiv.com/

Follow Karen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdesimom/

Newsletter: https://karenskindle.beehiiv.com/

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In this week’s episode of Let Me Call My Mom, we’re catching you up on everything; new houses, holiday chaos, surprise travel plans, and a whole lot of mother–daughter storytelling.

Tori finally reveals the big secret she’s been keeping: she bought a house! She and her mom break down the whirlwind of settling, moving out of Philly, and temporarily living with Zak’s parents while diving into a full renovation. From plumbers and gutter guys to renovating timelines and storage-room chaos, nothing is off the table.

We’re also talking Thanksgiving, the unexpectedly perfect menu, family traditions, and celebrating with neighbors who feel like chosen family. Then the conversation turns to travel as Mom packs for a last-minute trip to Idaho to help Maddie scout a potential wedding venue in the mountains.

Of course, there are detours; book reviews, dog show commentary, sourdough dreams, knitting talk, Frankie’s dramatic pee incident, and a full recap of the Jersey Shore Roast brand trip (yes, the note makes an appearance).

With comfort, chaos, and classic mother–daughter banter, this episode feels like catching up with your own family. Tune in, laugh with us, and don’t forget to call your mom.

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Email Us: lmcmmpodcast@gmail.com

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ScWZfafvQASzw6lXdkuya?si=69f544cebc824e1e

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-me-call-my-mom/id1839953390

Follow Tori:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toristerling_/?hl=en

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toridesimone_?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvREnrrKuHFePQ4W6UTcgnA

Newsletter: https://xotori.beehiiv.com/

Follow Karen:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kdesimom/

Newsletter: https://karenskindle.beehiiv.com/

Good Reads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen?utm_source=karenskindle.beehiiv.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=week-of-october-20-2025