In this episode, Catie and Danielle discuss the chaos of the holiday season, the pressures of maintaining traditions, and the importance of being present with their children. They share personal anecdotes about holiday preparations, the challenges of parenting during this busy time, and the joy of creating lasting memories. The conversation also touches on the significance of experiences over material gifts and the emotional journey of navigating childhood beliefs in Santa and holiday magic.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Chaos and the Magic Maker

02:54 Balancing Responsibilities and Presence

05:42 The Pressure of Holiday Traditions

08:33 Embracing Imperfection in Parenting

11:28 Creating Lasting Memories

14:30 The Role of the Elf on the Shelf

17:21 Navigating the Transition of Childhood Magic

20:15 The Magic of Childhood and Holiday Traditions

23:14 Experiencing Santa: The Joys and Challenges

26:07 Gift Giving: Balancing Expectations and Reality

29:37 Mom's Wish List: Experiences Over Things

35:01 Pop Culture and Holiday Cheer

In this week’s episode of From 9 to Mom, we dive deep into the emotional side of motherhood, identity, and the quiet pressure we all feel when we start comparing ourselves to others. We kick things off with a hilarious (and slightly terrifying) story from a listener whose AI notetaker accidentally recorded their entire bedtime routine—and then sent them a full recap with recommendations. Yes… even the robots have thoughts about your parenting now.

From there, we unpack our own “Dr. Becky–inspired” parenting styles, how we try (and fail) to stay regulated, and why gentle parenting sometimes meets “real-life mom chaos.”

Most importantly, we get honest about comparison culture—how easy it is to compare yourself to the “perfect mom,” the “perfect partner,” or the version of yourself you think you should be. We talk about what comparison quietly steals from us, how it fuels shame and burnout, and how to get grounded again when that spiral starts.

If you’re a working mom trying to juggle careers, kids, expectations, and that never-ending bedtime routine, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air (and maybe a free therapy session).

It’s that chaotic, candy-fueled week where moms everywhere are running on caffeine and costume glue. In this episode, we’re talking all things Halloween — from the madness of Red Ribbon Week (seriously, who makes up these random dress-up days?!) to kids who can’t decide if they want to be Spider-Man, a witch, or a hot dog.

We debate when to step in and just pick the costume already, share our trick-or-treating traditions (and Danielle’s big change this year — attending a wedding instead of making the candy rounds!), and, of course, gush over our kids’ obsession with all things spooky.

It’s a little scary, a little sleepy, and a whole lot of mom life chaos. 💀🍬

After a two-week break, we’re catching up on everything life threw at us — and trust us, it’s been a lot. From Catie’s back injury and a round of hand, foot, and mouth (thanks, kids 🙃) to Danielle’s whirlwind work travel, medical procedures, and the ever-present mom guilt of being away — this episode is pure chaos and comedy rolled into one.

Between snack interruptions from Jack 🍿, real talk about balancing work and motherhood, and plenty of laughs along the way, it’s the perfect “welcome back” episode that every working mom will relate to.

Tune in, laugh with us, and remember — we’re all just doing our best to keep it together (mostly).

October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, and in this episode of From 9 to Mom, we’re joined by Lauren, founder of BrooksyBox. Brooksybox was created to support moms in every stage of their journey — from loss to celebration and everything in between.

Lauren opens up about her personal journey through motherhood and infertility — and how she turned her story into a mission to support moms at every stage. brooksybox is more than a care package — it’s a way to bring comfort, support, and encouragement to moms who need it most. 💕

To honor this month, we’re also giving away a brooksybox to one of our listeners! Tune in, share with a friend who needs this conversation, and join us in bringing awareness and support to moms everywhere.

It’s our 2-year podcast anniversary! 🥳 In this special episode, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to highlight our top episodes, favorite guests, and the conversations that had us laughing, crying, and nodding along the most. We also share a behind-the-scenes look at how far From 9 to Mom has come, plus what we’re dreaming up for year three—from new topics and guests to ways we want to connect even deeper with our working mom community.

✨ Whether you’ve been here since day one or you’re just tuning in, this episode is a perfect place to celebrate with us, catch up on some must-listens, and get excited for what’s ahead.

👉 Thank you for being part of our journey—cheers to year three! 🥂

This week on From 9 to Mom we’re joined by Realtor and fellow mom, Rae, who shares her journey of her real estate business now that her kids are older and more independent. We dive into the challenges of stepping back into business after the early motherhood years, what it takes to balance family and career in the real estate world, and the mindset shifts that make it possible to thrive in both roles. Whether you’re a working mom considering a career reboot or just curious about the hustle behind real estate, this episode will give you both inspiration and relatable laughs along the way.

👉 Tune in and get motivated to chase your goals—no matter what season of motherhood you’re in!

✨ This week on From 9 to Mom, we’re talking all things Enneagram—the personality framework that can help you understand not only how you work but also what kind of mom you are.

We break down all 9 Enneagram types (👩‍💼 at work + 👩‍👧 as a mom) and share how each number shows up in daily life. From perfectionist tendencies to peacemaker vibes, we cover the quirks, strengths, and challenges that come with each type. We also reveal our own Enneagram numbers and what we’re personally taking away from learning more about ourselves.

👉 Whether you’re curious if you’re a Type 1 Perfectionist mom balancing endless to-do lists, a Type 7 Enthusiast mom chasing fun and adventure, or somewhere in between, this episode will give you relatable insights and some “aha!” moments.

💡 Why this matters:

• Gain self-awareness in your work life 💻

• Understand your parenting style 🍼

• Learn how your type influences relationships, stress, and balance ❤️

🔗 Want to take the Enneagram test for yourself? Try these:

• Free Enneagram Test

• Official Enneagram Institute Test

Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe even learn a little more about yourself in the process. 🎙️