Show notes are something a little different today. Almost as I write, both Sarabeth and Anne are decorating their Christmas trees with their families, holiday songs playing, and delicious smells wafting from their respective kitchens. Despite this picturesque scene, played out over both homes on a foggy Sunday morning, holiday magic doesn’t just “happen” — it doesn’t just “magic” itself.

This morning shows up for us today because a) our privileges. We are so very aware of the many privileges we walk through the world benefiting from, and how many people cannot and will not have a cozy Sunday morning like this. And b) we prioritized it. We’re not listening to our episode to prepare genuine show notes today (if we promised some links, I’m sure we’ll catch it on Monday and link in socials). The kitchen is a mess. The laundry isn’t done. Other parts of the house are a disaster. There may or may not still be a poorly patched, limb-sized hole in one bedroom ceiling and some years-old splatter paint courtesy of a smoothie-curious toddler (now FOUR) across another ceiling, just above those cozy little families making this morning a magical one.

It’s never going to be perfect. For some, reaching for magical moments is far easier than for others. As we wrap Season 2 — in the midst of the chaotic, stressful, magical, grief-inducing steam train of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas — let’s lean in on a recurring theme we dove into this season: release the shame. Release the moral hierarchy. Release the perfect pictures we hold in our minds, the old versions of ourselves and those we love, and lean into being present. Even in our grief. Even in the overstimulated chaos. Even as we knowingly dive into a much-needed moment of escapism on our phones, books, or TV screens. Give yourself grace — and know that we are giving it too.

Season 3 coming in 2026. Until then, know that these mamas are doing their best to soak up whatever magical moments we can between the mess, the tears, and the stark realities that our world demands we acknowledge.

Love to you all this holiday season — and grace and care to you in each and every life season.

Love, Anne & Sarabeth
The Mamas

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Britney Dent (@theteenchoicecoach) is back in the studio for a cozy friend chat with Anne, Sarabeth, and Producer Tim to talk all things holidays—the magic and the stress. From navigating blended families to finding the balance between thoughtful and practical gifts, we swap stories about favorite traditions, memorable moments, and what it looks like to craft holidays that feel joyful on your own terms. In the end, we all agree: when we release expectations, care for ourselves, and focus on the people we love, the holidays become exactly what they’re meant to be.

Find Britney on socials

Britney’s website

Jolabokaflod

How to pronounce

Skout’s Honor (SB used the laundry booster)

The Thrifty Gifter

Trader Joe’s Taste Test of Caramels

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

This week we’re thankful to welcome the incomparable Britney Dent to the studio! Britney is a powerhouse of wisdom, compassion, and community leadership — and honestly, we could’ve talked with her for hours.

Britney holds a B.A. from UNC Greensboro and is a certified Life Coach for parents and teens. She’s a Hands On Northwest & Wake Forest Women’s Emerging Leaders graduate, a City of Winston-Salem University alum, and a United Way Women United Transformational Leader. With a decade of experience in the public school system, years in the nonprofit sector, and features across multiple media outlets, Britney is a voice you want in your corner.

She currently serves on the board of Triad Restorative Justice and as Program Director at LEAD Girls of NC, volunteers with organizations across the community, and somehow still finds time to enjoy reading, watching Jeopardy, and beating her family at board games.

In this conversation, we dive into:

✨ Her experience as a mom — especially parenting teenagers (blink and we’ll be there, too)
✨ Grounded, practical advice for navigating the teen years with connection and grace
✨ Her “260 Movement” and how it encourages intentionality in spending time with our kids
✨ Digital safety and how to equip—not scare— our children
✨ Her published book and the many impactful paths her career has taken (this woman stays busy)
✨ And so much more wisdom we’re still unpacking

Britney brings truth, directness, and a refreshing sense of empowerment to every topic she touches. Whether you’re parenting teens, working with young people, or simply trying to be a more present adult in a child’s life, this episode is a gift.

🎧 Tune in for an episode full of heart, honesty, and hope — and walk away feeling like you can absolutely do this.

Links:
Parenting Redefined: Finding the Confidence to Parent Your Teen

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

This week we’re joined by our friend Beth Recchio for a funny and honest conversation about growing edges—those places where we’re choosing to stretch, change, and show up differently.

Beth opens up about her fear of success, and we dive into what it means to grow even when it feels uncomfortable. Anne and SB share stories about self-advocacy in healthcare, while Tim vulnerably reflects on his medical history, current challenges, and the new habits he’s building to support his own health.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mama’s Gonna Make It episode without laughter, food talk, and a few tangents. Listen in and let us know about your growing edges!

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

In this episode, we’re joined by our friend and social media powerhouse Beth Recchio — the bold, boho, and beautifully unfiltered force behind @bethsboholife. Beth brings her full, multifaceted self to every space she enters, whether it’s gardening, home improvement, comedy, storytelling, or fashion. She’s redefining what connection and authenticity look like online (and off).

We talk about the practice of becoming yourself — of letting go of the people-pleasing, acknowledging the versions of ourselves that got us here, and rejecting the call to fit neatly into a box. Beth shares that a turning point in her journey toward self-care–centered living pivoted on her motherhood, and how giving herself permission to grow has shaped her life, her art, and her family. She’s so damn proud of her son @pickinnicklawrence, herself, her hubs @matteorecchio, and her little BooperButt – and quite frankly, we are too!

Expect laughter, honesty, and a few spicy words (yes, we saved our E for Beth!) as we dive into what it really means to evolve, show up fully, and bring all of who you are to the table — online, on stage, and in your own skin.

Tune in for a conversation about growth, creativity, and giving yourself permission to be the ever-changing, ever-beautiful work in progress that you already are.

Beth’s Boho Life Christmas Mantle tutorial (discussed in episode)

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

In this episode, we’re answering listener questions (pause for dramatic effect: WE HAVE LISTENERS!? 😭🙌 And you have QUESTIONS!?) Cue the happy dance. 💃🕺 Keep ’em coming, friends — we love hearing from you!

Here’s what we dive into:
Q1: How do you even start therapy?
Anne consults Mama D for advice, and we share some friend wisdom from a Lazy Genius thread. Spoiler: You don’t have to have it all figured out before you start.

Q2: What if your partner doesn’t want to join?
Long story short — go anyway! But listen in for the full context and how to navigate that conversation with compassion and confidence.

Q3: Are we all a little hypervigilant about spotting diagnosable issues in our kiddos?
We get it. None of us want to miss something that might make life harder for our kids. The takeaway? Lead with love. It’s not our job to diagnose — it’s our job to love the kid in front of us and help them navigate their world the best we can. We’ll all miss something, somewhere, sometime… and that’s okay, mama.

This one’s full of heart, real talk, and a few deep breaths of solidarity.

Links:
Parenting Framework SB Mentions: Govern, Garden, Guide

American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

American Psychological Association (Find a Therapist tool)

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

This week we’re joined by filmmaker Nicola Rose (@nicolarosedirects), writer and director of the new feature film Magnetosphere (@magnetospheremovie). Nicola shares the inspiration behind the film, which follows 13-year-old Maggie as she navigates first love, moving to a new town, and living with synesthesia—a condition that makes her see sounds, hear colors, and more.

We talk about how Magnetosphere came to life, including the importance of representation in film, the role of a neurodiverse group of consultants and cast members, and Nicola’s own perspective as a neurodivergent creator. Nicola also dives into the film’s themes, including the transformative power of caring relationships and self-acceptance. From a toilet in the kitchen to a chaos-inciting exterminator turned Pirate King, Nicola let us in on some surprising real-life inspirations behind her film’s more humorous elements.

Beyond the story itself, we spend time on the world of indie filmmaking: why low-budget films matter, the challenges and joys of bringing them to the screen, and where audiences can find and support them. Check out the Magnetosphere and Nicola’s first feature film Goodbye, Petrushka, and let us know what you think!

Links:
Where to Watch Magnetosphere Now: Prime Video, Apple TV

Where to Watch Independent Films: Tubi, Youtube, Omoleto(short films), GooglePlay, Prime Video, Apple TV, your local library resources (including Hoopla!),

Noteworthy Indie Film Fests: River Run (Winston-Salem), CineQuest, Dances with Fims Film Festival

Incomplete list of US Distributors of Independent Films: Freestyle Digital Media, Buffalo 8, Gravitas Ventures, Level 33 Entertainment

Learn about and Connect with Director Nicola Rose:
Website: Nicola Rose Directs
Instagram: @nicolarosedirects

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome local legend Kim Shufran to talk about neurotypes, the medical vs. social models of disability (and how each shifts our language, expectations, and even our parenting), and so much more.

Kim designed and founded iCan House in 2008 as a place of belonging, acceptance, positivity, learning, and fun. Inspired by the unmet needs of her incredible daughter, Erica, and her passion for applying a positive lens, Kim created a community that reframes how we think about and support diverse neurotypes. With a background that includes 17 years in clinical nursing and 12 years in organizational development, Kim shaped iCan House into a unique resource that teaches social skills through clubs, provides educational opportunities, serves as a resource hub, and builds a strong support network for neurodivergent individuals and their families.

Whether she’s out and about with her music-loving white cockatoo, Sam, cheering on her daughter, or continuing to guide iCan House as it grows to meet our community needs, Kim radiates wisdom and positive thinking. Don’t miss this timely episode where we deepen our understanding of neurodiversity, explore universal parenting skills, and push back against harmful narratives that undervalue or objectify difference.

Links:

Articles Kim brought to the studio: Disability Scoop and The Autism Wars: Legacy of the Tragedy Narrative

More about the iCan House

A documentary and play about Kim’s daughter and son-in-law, Erica & Ian: Bird’s Eye View
A visual tool for changing the Disability Narrative: Medical Model VS Social Model

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit