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In this episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, we dive into real-life motherhood, parenting, special needs advocacy, and what it looks like to start over when life doesn’t go as planned. Host Kayla is joined by author, podcast host, and former mom entrepreneur Jessica Danel for an honest conversation about marriage, burnout, business, and resilience.

Jessica shares her journey from building a million-dollar preschool business from the ground up to stepping away when motherhood — and advocating for a child with special needs — required everything she had. She opens up about identity loss, grief, faith, marriage after 25+ years, and the unexpected courage it takes to begin again in midlife.

Together, Kayla and Jessica talk about:

• Parenting children with special needs and navigating IEP advocacy
• Trusting your gut when professionals don’t listen
• The emotional toll of being the “default parent”
• Marriage, motherhood, and long-term commitment
• Walking away from a successful business without losing yourself
• Using humor to survive trauma, burnout, and overwhelm
• Why sharing your story matters — even when it’s messy

Jessica also dives into her memoir, Bucket List From a Redneck Girl, a raw and heartfelt collection of stories about childhood trauma, faith, resilience, and the moments where God shows up when you least expect it.

This episode is for any mom who has ever felt exhausted, unseen, or unsure if she’s doing enough — and needs the reminder that starting over doesn’t mean starting from nothing.

Guest Information

Jessica Danel
Author • Podcast Host • Mom • Entrepreneur

🌐 Website:
www.jesssaying.net

🎙 Podcast:

Jess Saying with Jessica Danel

📚 Book:
Bucket List From a Redneck Girl
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FC9M66CB

📱 Social Media:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jessdanel

X (Twitter): https://x.com/Jessdanel

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-danel-mba-88970283/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessdanel/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jessicadanel3

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-danel-mba-88970283/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jessicadanel4240

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/jesscuz

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@jessdanel

Truth: https://truthsocial.com/@JessicaDanel

Podcast Information

🎙 Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain

📱 Follow us on social media:
@Momsbrainisacoffeestain

🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout:
https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com

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What if the question isn’t “Which college should my kid go to?” but “Is my child actually ready for what comes next?”

In this episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Prasant Nukalapati, lifelong educator, parent, and founder of What Comes Next Ed Consulting, for a deeply honest conversation about teens, college readiness, parent anxiety, and helping young people discover their why—not just their next step.

With over 27 years of experience working with teens and families, Prasant shares why the “college conveyor belt” doesn’t work for every student, how parental pressure (even when well-intended) can cloud decision-making, and what real readiness for college actually looks like.

Together, Kayla and Prasant unpack:

• Why college should be part of the journey—not the destination
• How parent anxiety shapes teen decision-making (often without us realizing it)
• The hidden challenges students face once they get to college
• Why self-advocacy and time management matter more than test scores
• What parents of kids with IEPs and learning differences need to know before college
• The truth about FERPA and why parents may not have access to grades
• Why gap years, trade schools, and alternative paths are not “falling behind”
• How to help teens discover their personal purpose using curiosity—not pressure

Prasant also shares a powerful framework for helping teens uncover their personal why by exploring:

1. What they’re passionate about
2. What they’re genuinely good at
3. How they want to contribute to others

This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to support their kids without forcing them into a one-size-fits-all future—and for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re doing “enough” as a parent during the college years.

Guest Information

Prasant Nukalapati
Founder, What Comes Next Ed Consulting

🌐 Website:

• https://whatcomesnextedconsulting.com
  
  
• https://wcned.com
  
  

Prasant offers free 30-minute consultations for families navigating college readiness, alternative pathways, and purpose-driven planning.

Podcast Information

🎙 Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain

📱 Follow us on social media:
@ momsbrainisacoffeestain

🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout:
https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com

📧 Email us:
momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com

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What does it really mean to “be that guy” in today’s world—and how can parents support their sons without pushing them further away?

In this powerful and honest conversation, Kayla sits down with DJ Logory, founder of Be That Guy, to talk about what’s really going on with young men today. DJ shares his own story of feeling lost in his early 20s, why confidence and direction can’t be forced by parents, and how habits, accountability, and community can completely change a young man’s trajectory.

Together, they unpack:

• Why so many young men feel stuck, unmotivated, or overwhelmed
• What parents often get wrong when trying to “help” their sons
• How small daily habits build confidence, discipline, and self-trust
• What young men actually want (but rarely say out loud)
• How parents can support growth without overstepping

This episode is a must-listen for parents raising sons, young men trying to figure out their next chapter, and anyone who wants to better understand masculinity, emotional intelligence, and growth in today’s culture.

Guest Information
DJ Logory
Instagram: @DJLogory
Website: http://www.bethatguyclub.com/

Podcast Information
Email: momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com

Instagram & Socials: @momsbrainisacoffeestain
Buzzsprout: https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com

🎧 Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share this episode with a parent or young adult who needs to hear it.

#Momsbrainisacoffeestain #BeThatGuy #PodMatch

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If your kid has rolled their eyes at you more times today than you’ve sipped your coffee… welcome home. In this episode of Moms Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla and Crystal dive into the wild zone between strict parenting and gentle parenting — and why most of us are just doing our best in the messy middle.

From teen negotiations that feel like hostage situations, to real-life stories of safety, boundaries, emotional validation, and those “I just have a bad feeling” moments… this episode is for every parent trying to keep their kids alive and somewhat respectful.

We’re talking:• How to keep open communication without becoming a doormat• Why safety trumps “but everyone else gets to!”• How to stand firm without turning your home into a supermax• The difference between advocating and pestering• And why you are NOT your teen’s best friend (yet)

Oh, and Kayla spills a teenage confession that may make you feel way better about your own wild years. You’re welcome.

Grab your mug. Pop in your earbuds. Let’s survive parenting together.

✨ Follow the show for more weekly chaos + mom camaraderie!⭐️ Leave a 5-star review if this episode gave you a laugh, an insight, or a moment of “same, girl.”

Find us on social:Instagram · TikTok · Facebook → @momsbrainisacoffeestain

BuzzSprout Page:⁠https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com⁠

Email:momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com

Send in:– Your best “saying no without guilt” hack– Your funniest cringe-mom moment– Topics you want us to rant about next!

New episodes every Tuesday.Love y’all, mean it. Sip a coffee for all of us. ☕💛

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Holiday break is creeping up, the house is chaos, and you’re one TikTok scroll away from forgetting everything on your to-do list… sound familiar?

Grab your coffee and hide with us as Kayla and Crystal break down the real difference between **helicopter parenting** (hovering 24/7) and **intentional parenting** (deliberate, thoughtful involvement). We’re talking childhood flashbacks, playground jelly wipes, banned trampolines, bike-to-school milestones, and why the internet gets full helicopter mode (true crime ruined us).

From personal stories (and plenty of laughs) to practical mom hacks, we’re figuring out how to hover when it matters, step back when it builds character, and not lose our minds on the tightrope in between. Spoiler: it’s okay to swing both ways — just don’t beat yourself up about it.

This one’s for every mom who’s ever sprinted after a kid with a forgotten permission slip… or banned a trampoline and bought a pool instead. You’re doing great. ☕

**Resources Mentioned**

- Need a mental health check-in? Call/text/chat **988** anytime (free, 24/7, confidential) → 988lifeline.org

- Caregiver burnout support:

– Mayo Clinic self-care tips: mayoclinic.org

– HelpGuide.org burnout guide

– ARCH National Respite Network (find local respite care): archrespite.org

**Connect & Support**

- Follow us everywhere → @momsbrainisacoffeestain (TikTok, Instagram, Facebook)

- Want to keep us caffeinated and bringing the chaos every Tuesday? Support the show → https://momsbrainisacoffeestain.buzzsprout.com

- Send your stories, cringiest mom moments, or episode requests → momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com

New episodes drop every Tuesday. If this helped you feel less alone in the mess, leave a rating/review — it helps another tired mom find us at 2 a.m.

Love y’all. Mean it. Go sip one for us. ☕✨

#momsbrainisacoffeestain #momlife #parentingteens #helicopterparenting #intentionalparenting #realmomtalk #mompodcast #coffeestainedmom

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Ever wonder what it's really like becoming a mom as a teenager? In this raw, heartfelt episode, host Kayla welcomes her sister-in-law (and hopefully permanent cohost!) Crystal for an unfiltered chat about young motherhood, the chaos of raising teenage boys, patience, unconditional love, and looking back without regrets.

From crying on porches and hyper-sensitive teen emotions to "bruh" cringes and learning to live in the moment—these two spill it all. Crystal shares how her boys taught her true patience and love, while Kayla reflects on the journey that shaped them both. Plus, real talk on self-care: take that breath, prioritize your mental health, and remember—it's going to be okay.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you're not alone. Reach out:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call/text/chat 988 anytime for free, confidential support (988lifeline.org).
• Caregiver Burnout Resources:

Follow @momsbrainisacoffeestain on TikTok, IG & Facebook | Support the show & keep us caffeinated: buzzsprout.com/momsbrainisacoffeestain | Email your stories: momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com

New episodes every Tuesday—grab your coffee and join the chaos! ☕✨

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If your kid just got out for Thanksgiving, you finally sat down — then remembered the laundry has been marinating since Tuesday… or you Googled “what is 6,7” and immediately needed a priest and a drink — this episode is for you. Grab the biggest mug, lock the bathroom door, and let’s go.

Today we’re going deep on social media, teen privacy, grooming, cyberbullying, sextortion, and why I will yeet myself into a Discord voice channel faster than you can say “mom, you’re embarrassing me.” Protective mama-bear energy incoming (with unhinged humor and zero shame).

Expect:

• Real horror stories about grooming, sextortion, and predatory tactics against kids online 😡

• A no-BS breakdown of how to spot red flags — from “you’re mature for your age” to “just send one pic”

• Hard-won mom hacks: screenshot ➜ block ➜ report ➜ tell, plus parental-control tools, “no secrets” rules, digital safety, and more

• Practical advice for handling cyberbullying — screenshot evidence, wait 24 hours before reacting, group-chat audits, and empowering your kids to stand up for themselves

• Cringe-mom confessions, laughter, and caffeine-fueled clarity — because protecting your kids doesn’t have to feel like doom scroll energy 24/7

If you or someone you know has experienced suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Call or text 988 (if in the U.S.) or visit https://988lifeline.org for free, confidential support 24/7.

If you suspect sextortion, exploitation or grooming — don’t wait. Visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/reporting-sex-trafficking for tips on how to report online sex exploitation, or contact law enforcement.

Follow the chaos and stay connected: @momsbrainisacoffeestain on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook — or email the show at momsbrainisacoffeestain@outlook.com.

“Hey you amazing humans — yes, YOU, still listening right now — thank you. Seriously. Every download, every time you text an episode to a friend who needs it, every review you’ve left… it all means the world and keeps this little coffee-stained show alive.

If you loved this conversation (or any episode) and you’re in a spot where you can help us keep going, here are two super-easy ways:

1. Share it. Screenshot this episode, tag me, text it to the mom in your DMs who’s having a rough week — sharing is literally the oxygen that lets a small show like mine grow.
2. If you feel like going the extra mile and you’re able, you can toss a couple bucks toward production costs (mics, editing software, coffee for my permanent mom-brain fog ☕). There’s a “Support the Show” link in the show notes — anything from $3 to $10 makes a huge difference, and every single donor gets a personal thank-you voice note from me because I’m that grateful.

No pressure at all — just showing up and listening is already huge. But if you do share or support, know that you’re directly helping another tired mom feel less alone this week.

Thank you for being part of this community. I love you guys.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2562914/support

You’ve got this. I’ve got you. Lock the Wi-Fi door and pour the coffee. ☕🔒😂

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Grab your cold coffee and hide in the pantry—A new episode of Moms Brain Is a Coffee Stain is here to scream what every parent’s thinking during senior year!

Join millennial mom Kayla (former teen mom, current chaos coordinator) as she rants about the 47-page college applications that turned her stepdaughter “O” into a senior-year ghost, the spam email apocalypse from one innocent “request info” click, and why trade school might just save your sanity (and your kid’s bank account).

From Ethan’s door-less rebellion to O dubbing Kayla “The Interrogator” for daring to ask “Any thoughts on majors?”—this episode is equal parts laugh-out-loud and ugly-cry-in-Target-parking-lot real.

We’re talking:

• Why 18-year-olds are expected to predict their 401(k) but can’t fold laundry
• Trade school hot takes (underwater pipeline TIG welding, anyone?)
• Listener DMs that’ll make you snort coffee
• Mom-hacks for surviving FAFSA at 2 a.m. in pajamas

No gatekeeping, no judgment—just options, oversized hoodies, and the reminder that they’re still kids figuring out their first adult step.

If you’re batching transcripts, touring tech schools, or secretly Googling “dorm drop-off survival kit”… hit play. ☕

DM your application horror stories @momsbraincoffee—best ones get read next week!

Subscribe, rate, and tell a friend who’s hiding from the Common App. New episodes every Tuesday.

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