🎙️ MomsWork Podcast – Episode #7

Guest: Heather Stigall | Children’s Book Author & Mom of 5
Topic: Raising Readers & Writers + “Gilbert and the Ghost”

Welcome back to another episode of MomsWork! I’m your host, Kristin Weinrich—mom of two, 4th grade teacher, and book lover. Today I’m joined by Heather Stigall, a fellow mom and the talented author of Gilbert and the Ghost and Paisley’s Big Birthday.

Heather and I talk about the path from dreamer to published author, how motherhood inspires creativity, and the joy (and challenge!) of raising readers and writers. You’ll also hear some great tips for encouraging a love of reading and writing in your own home—plus a few fun rapid-fire questions just in time for Halloween.

💬 In This Episode:

• Heather’s journey from aspiring writer to children’s book author
• Behind the scenes of Gilbert and the Ghost (a not-too-spooky story for Halloween!)
• How kids can spark creative ideas
• Tips for raising book lovers—even if your child “isn’t a reader”
• Daily habits that build literacy
• Simple and fun writing activities for home
• What NOT to do when encouraging kids to read or write
• A few fun Hot Seat questions: ghosts, candy, books & more!

🏆 Win & Challenge of the Week:

Heather and Kristin share recent parenting or personal wins—and one challenge that kept things interesting this week!

🔥 Hot Seat Questions:

Ghosts, Halloween candy, writing tools and more—Heather answers rapid-fire questions to close out the show.

📚 Learn More About Heather:

Check out Heather’s books and author updates:
👉 www.HeatherPierceStigall.com

The Haunting of Bellington Cottage by Laura Parnum

https://www.amazon.com/Haunting-Bellington-Cottage-Laura-Parnum/dp/0063249596

📲 Follow & Connect:

• Instagram & Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
• Email: momsworkpodcast@gmail.com
• Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you tune in

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to like, follow, and share with your fellow moms!

#momsworkpodcast #reading #writing #childrensauthor #childrensliterature #picturebooks

🎃 MomsWork Ep. 6 — Costumes, Candy & Chaos: A Halloween Chat with Amanda Kurman
Host: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Amanda Kurman
Length: ~45 minutes
Theme: Halloween memories, parenting tricks, and the magic (and mess) of October 31st.

🎧 Episode Summary:
Welcome back to MomsWork — where the tricks are fun and the treats are all in the stories! In this festive episode, we’re diving headfirst into Halloween through the lens of motherhood. From costume hacks to candy control chaos, host Kristin Weinrich is joined by wife, mom, and school secretary extraordinaire Amanda Kurman, who brings both heart and hilarity to the conversation.
Amanda shares what Halloween looks like in her home — favorite traditions, costumes past and present, and her take on how moms can reclaim the holiday just a little. Plus, we cover parenting hacks, stress tips, and the biggest compliment Amanda says you can give her. (Spoiler: It’s not just about being funny — but that helps.)

🧡 In This Episode:
•Amanda’s parenting hack and how she handles stress
•Wins and challenges of the week — real-life mom moments
•Halloween talk: costumes, candy strategy, and tradition
•What Amanda really hands out to trick-or-treaters
•A “Mom’s Dream Halloween” scenario (yes, it includes a Friday or Saturday night every year)
•Hot Seat: lightning-round Halloween questions

💬 Hot Seat Highlights:
•What’s worse — ghosts or glitter?
•Rainy trick-or-treating: worth it or nope?
•Favorite candy to sneak from her daughter’s stash
•Would Amanda eat only candy corn for a week? 🤔

📚 Coming Up Next:
In two weeks, join us for a literary-themed episode with Heather Stigall, mom of five and children’s author. We’ll talk about her newest book Gilbert and the Ghost, plus how to foster a love of reading and writing in your child — from the toddler years through the teen ones.
Guest Links:

🔗 Heather’s Website: www.HeatherPierceStigall.com
📖 Order Gilbert and the Ghost: Order Here

📬 Connect With Us:
We’d love to hear from you!
📧 Email: momsworkpodcast@gmail.com
💬 Share your feedback, topic ideas, or just say hi!

⭐ Don’t Forget:
If you enjoyed this episode, please:
✅ Like
✅ Follow
✅ Share
✅ Leave a rating or review on your favorite podcast app!
Thanks for tuning in, and until next time — stay cozy, eat the sweets, and have a spooktacular Halloween! 👻🍬

🎙️ MomsWork Bonus Episode #1: The Life of a Showgirl Predrop – Taylor’s New Era & Engagement Talk!

Hosted by: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Kelley Pidhirksy
Release Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025

💬 Episode Summary:

SURPRISE! Today we’re hitting pause on the motherhood talk and fully embracing our inner Swifties for a bonus episode you didn’t know you needed! 🎤💍

With just one day until Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated album The Life of a Showgirl drops (October 3rd!), Kristin and fellow mega-fan Kelley Pidhirksy come together for a full-on fan girl session. From favorite Taylor eras and Swiftie swag to thoughts on her engagement to Travis Kelce, we’re diving into all things T-Swift.

This episode is for the fans, by the fans — with heart, laughs, and a lot of glitter. ✨

🗣️ What We Talk About:

• Our Swiftie origin stories (feat. Kristin’s husband’s surprising fan status!)
• Raising kids in a Taylor-filled household
• Favorite Swiftie swag (friendship bracelets, anyone?)
• Predictions for The Life of a Showgirl — sound, vibe, and themes
• How this era compares to past albums like 1989, Reputation, and Lover
• The Travis Kelce effect — how their relationship may have influenced the album
• Is this the beginning of a new chapter... or the end of an era?
• The timing of her engagement: PR strategy, true love, or both?
• Proposal thoughts + media reaction
• How Swifties and NFL fans are reacting to the couple
• Prophetic lyrics: Was Taylor writing her future all along?

⚡ Swiftie Speed Seat (Rapid Fire!):

We wrap with a fast-paced round (that actually lasts much longer than expected) of Taylor questions, Favorite album?

• Top 3 songs of all time?
• First song that made you a fan?
• Favorite Taylor era?
• Most underrated song?
• And the ultimate question: Meet Taylor or attend her wedding (no meet)?

📲 Connect With Us:

If you loved this episode, share it with your fellow Swifties!
👉 Follow us on Instagram + Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
📩 Email us: momsworkpodcast@gmail.com
🎧 Listen, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

💖 Thanks for joining our fan-girl moment — we’ll be back soon with more episodes (mom-themed and otherwise)! #SwiftieStrong