🎙️ 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

🎙️ MomsWork Podcast
Episode Title: All Things Fall 🍂 with Rachel Gallegos
Hosted by: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Rachel Gallegos – Attorney, Wife, School Board Member, and Mom of Two

🍁 Episode Summary:

Welcome to another episode of MomsWork! This week, host Kristin Weinrich sits down with the inspiring Rachel Gallegos—attorney, school board member, and busy mom of two boys—for a conversation that blends career insights, parenting challenges, and the cozy joy of fall.

From career evolution post-motherhood to managing stress and navigating schedule conflicts, Rachel opens up about the realities of working motherhood. Then we shift gears into full-on fall mode—pumpkins, cool weather, fall recipes, and those oh-so-cozy clothes. Whether you're team #PumpkinSpiceEverything or just here for the apple crisp, this episode is full of warm, relatable vibes.

🗂️ In This Episode We Cover:

• Rachel’s journey balancing a legal career and family life
• How motherhood reshaped her professional identity
• Coping with scheduling conflicts and handling stress
• Favorite fall family traditions 🍂
• The fall “mom uniform” and how routines shift with the season
• How she manages the darker days post-time change
• And yes… where she stands on pumpkin spice 🎃

🏆 Win of the Week:
Rachel and Kristin each share a recent win and a challenge, showing the real and relatable ups and downs of working mom life.

🔥 Topic Talk:
Why do we all love fall so much? From childhood traditions to game day snacks, Kristin and Rachel go deep into what makes this season feel so special.

⚡ Hot Seat Segment:
Rapid-fire questions with Rachel to round things out with some fun surprises!

📌 Links & Resources Mentioned:

• 🎃 Milky Way Farm: milkywayfarm.com
• 🍲 Sweet Potato Chili Recipe: thefreshmancook.com
• 🍎 Easy Apple Crisp: thechunkychef.com
• 🦎 “Lizard Lamp” Carex Day-Light Classic Plus Bright White Therapy Lamp on Amazon

📣 Connect with MomsWork:
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
💌 Email: momsworkpodcast@gmail.com

If you loved this episode, please leave a rating, review, and don’t forget to subscribe. Sharing the podcast with your friends helps us grow and reach more amazing moms like you!

✨ Thanks for listening—and happy fall! 🍁

🎙️ Episode Title: Back to School – Ages & Stages (Teen Edition) with Beth Forbes

📌 Episode Summary:

Welcome back to MomsWork! In this episode, host Kristin Weinrich chats with Beth Forbes—mom of two teens and Managing Director at a financial services firm. If you caught our last episode on the ages and stages of younger kids, this conversation is the perfect follow-up—this time, we’re diving into the teenage and young adult years.

Beth shares what it’s like parenting a high school freshman and a college-bound senior, how parenting has shaped her career, and the joys and challenges of raising older kids in today’s world. From navigating screen time to managing emotional transitions, this honest and relatable conversation offers wisdom, laughs, and encouragement for moms with big kids.

👩‍👧‍👦 In This Episode:

• Meet Beth Forbes: her family, her work, and how she went from cookie trays to corporate leadership
• The best parenting advice she’s ever received
• How becoming a parent has changed the way she works and leads
• What it’s like having kids in two very different high school phases
• Balancing emotional needs during times of big change
• Sibling dynamics, screen time battles, and letting go as college approaches
• Favorite and least favorite parts of the teenage years
• A rapid-fire “Hot Seat” Q&A with Beth!

🏆 Win & Challenge of the Week:

Beth and Kristin each share one recent parenting or life win, and one challenge—because motherhood is always a mix of both!

🔥 Hot Topics:

• Parenting with empathy at home and at work
• Giving teens independence while staying emotionally connected
• Learning from our kids as they grow
• Prepping your heart (and home) for the college transition

💬 Listener Question:

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as your kids have grown older? Let us know on Instagram @momsworkpodcast!

📎 Resources & Links:

• http://lancasterfarmfresh.com/
  
  

🙌 Stay Connected:

Follow the MomsWork Podcast on:

• 📸 Instagram & Facebook: @momsworkpodcast
• 🎧 Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts

💬 Love the show? Share it with a friend or leave a review to help us grow!

🎙️ MomsWork – Episode 2: “Back to School: Ages & Stages” with Jess Connell
Host: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Jess Connell – mom of three and nurse practitioner

Episode Summary:
Welcome to Episode 2 of MomsWork! This week, host Kristin Weinrich sits down with Jess Connell, a nurse practitioner and mom of three girls in very different stages of childhood—from preschool to middle school. Together, they dive into the emotional, mental, and logistical realities of back-to-school season—especially when parenting across a wide age range.
We explore how motherhood impacts career confidence, the power of parenting empathy in the workplace, and how to navigate transitions as both a parent and professional. Jess opens up about what's going on in her house (spoiler: it's a lot!), and shares honest, heartfelt insights into raising daughters at every stage of growth.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
•💡 Jess’s best parenting hack
•💼 How being a mom has made her more confident at work
•🧠 Using empathy from parenting to build better professional relationships
•🧍‍♀️ Getting to know Jess outside of motherhood
•✅ Win & Challenge of the Week – real-life moments worth celebrating (and commiserating!)
•📚 Topic Talk: Back to school transitions and parenting through “ages & stages”
•👧 Navigating developmental differences between kids
•❤️ What she’s learning from her daughters right now
•🎢 Emotions around change: grief, excitement, and everything in between
•🔥 Hot Seat: Rapid-fire fun to wrap up the episode

Links & Mentions:
•Follow us on Instagram & Facebook → @MomsWorkPodcast
•Email Kristin → momsworkpodcast@gmail.com
•Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and SHARE with other moms!

Rate & Review
If you loved today’s conversation, share the episode and leave a review! It helps other moms find us.

🎙️ Episode 1: The Dog Days of Summer (with Guest Meredith Waldron)
Host: Kristin Weinrich
Guest: Meredith Waldron, third-grade teacher, mom of two
🗓️ Released: August 19, 2025
📍 Location: Philadelphia Suburbs
🎧 Duration: Approx. 40 minutes

🎉 Welcome to MomsWork!

In this premiere episode of MomsWork, host Kristin Weinrich—teacher, mom of two, and first-time podcaster—kicks off the series by chatting with her longtime friend and fellow educator, Meredith Waldron.

Together, they explore what it means to balance work, motherhood, and everything in between—starting with the "Dog Days of Summer."☀️

👩‍👧‍👦 In This Episode:

• Meet Meredith: Mom of two, third-grade teacher, and summer survivalist
• “Get to Know You” Segment: Kristin asks Meredith some candid questions about motherhood, work-life balance, scheduling conflicts, and the challenge of accepting help.
• 💪 Win of the Week: Meredith shares a personal victory that made her week brighter (you’ll have to listen to hear what it is!)
• 🎯 Topic Talk: The two moms dive into the emotional, chaotic, and often bittersweet final stretch of summer. From managing bored kids to squeezing in some self-care, they share real talk, relatable stories, and creative tips for making the most of August.
• 🔥 Hot Seat: Meredith answers rapid-fire questions with hilarious and heartwarming results.

📝 Topics Covered:

• Balancing parenting with professional responsibilities
• End-of-summer burnout and creative ways to power through
• Guilt-free mom time: carving out space for yourself
• Traditions and routines that help families transition back to school
• The small wins that keep us going

💬 Connect with MomsWork:

📱 Instagram & Facebook: @MomsWorkPodcast
📧 Email: MomsWorkPodcast@gmail.com

🎧 Listen, Follow, and Share
If you enjoyed today’s episode, make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Leave a review, share it with a friend, or let us know if you’d like to be a future guest!

Thanks for joining us for our very first episode—there’s more real talk, inspiring stories, and mom-to-mom connection coming your way every other week!

🎙️ MomsWork Podcast - Introduction Episode

Hi and welcome to the MomsWork Podcast! I’m Kristin, and I’m so glad you’re here.

This podcast is a space for working moms—whether you're building a career, running a business, or managing the beautiful chaos of both work and home life. I created this show to bring real, honest conversations about the challenges, wins, and everything in between when it comes to being a mom who works—however that looks for you.

In each episode, I’ll be talking to inspiring moms from all walks of life. We’ll dive into how they navigate work, family, identity, and self-care—and we’ll also talk practical tips, career advice, time management, and sometimes just the funny, unfiltered moments that come with motherhood.

My hope is that this podcast feels like a supportive friend you can tune into each week—someone who gets it. So whether you’re commuting, folding laundry, or hiding in the pantry for five minutes of peace—you’re welcome here.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. Let’s dive in!