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

Follow Tori:

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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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Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw

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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

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

Follow Karen:

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In this week’s episode of Let Me Call My Mom, Tori and Karen cozy up on the couch in Philly for a relaxed, cozy Q&A that covers everything from Thanksgiving hosting essentials to sister dynamics, night routines, and navigating adulthood together. The duo kicks things off with a deep dive into hosting must-haves, Tori swears by music and a well-timed cocktail, while Karen shares her tried-and-true entertaining hacks, from perfect charcuterie boards to the magic of chafing dishes and stocked powder rooms.

They also get into dilemmas of having contractors in your home, stories from past family parties (Titanic party lore included), and how their mother–daughter relationship has grown through the decades. Tori opens up about becoming closer to her sister as they both enter new life stages, while Karen reflects on how friendships evolve, especially in the empty-nester era.

The episode takes a heartfelt turn as they discuss conflict resolution, grace in relationships, and how they’ve learned to communicate through disagreements. It’s comforting, chaotic, warm, and filled with the exact kind of honest conversations you only have with your mom.

If you need company, comfort, or a good laugh, this one's for you!

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Where to Catch Us:
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw

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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

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Follow Karen:

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This week’s episode of Let Me Call My Mom is as real and unfiltered as it gets. From microneedling facials gone numb, to near-retina detachments, to the most Idaho engagement story ever (congrats, Maddie + Drake 🥹💍), Tori and Karen catch up on all the latest family happenings. The two dive into a newly-wed game to see how well they know each other, and tell family stories along the way!

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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

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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

This week on Let Me Call My Mom, we’re talking about the weird in-between of adulthood, when you realize being 22 feels just like being 18, and 58 feels just like being 30, except now you’re paying taxes, trying to cook something other than eggs, and wondering if you’re supposed to have it all figured out.

From mean girls that never grow up to learning to be smart with your money, we’re covering it all. Karen and Tori get real about the things they’d tell their younger selves, from money lessons to forgiving yourself for not having it all together, to why your twenties are not a race (even if social media makes it feel that way).

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Where to Catch Us:
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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

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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

After a year away, we’re back — and so much has happened. From a total podcast rebrand to Ross’ prostate cancer diagnosis, Karen’s health journey with Tirzepatide, Tori’s move to the city (and house hunting adventures), and of course, Frankie… there’s a lot to catch up on!

It’s emotional, hilarious, and as always, honest. We’re so happy to be back, grab a coffee (or a water ice 😉) and hang out with us.

Where to Catch Us:
Watch us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letmecallmymompod/?hl=en

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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

Tori and Karen DeSimone are back in PA for a catch-up style episode! Fall is here and mother/daughter duo is ready to sit down and recap what’s been going on on this rainy Fall night at home!

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New episodes every Friday!

Watch this episode on YouTube & Subscribe to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJFiEJ_Gk8Q2MYWEON_TLiw/

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Karen’s Book Recs:

Whisper by Tal Bauer: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef4ae35e8ae610b6870242ac110017

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver:https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone/productsets/11ef4ae35e8ae610b6870242ac110017

Follow Karen on GoodReads: ⁠https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/12921106-karen⁠

Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_

Manifest with Tori DeSimone: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=e7611e06d53f4b4d

Manifest with Tori DeSimone YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@manifestwithtoridesimone⁠

Watch Tori’s YouTube channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@toridesimone⁠

Follow Tori on Tik Tok: @toridesimone_

Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: ⁠https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone⁠