For a lot of us school is back in session or about to be and mornings can be… A LOT! We’re bringing back a favorite to share with you today. This episode,“Good Mornings for YOU!”, is exactly the kind of real talk we all need to hear.

We're talking about those mornings when your kid is hunting for the cleanest dirty shirt, scrambling to throw together a sack lunch, and then you can’t find the car keys. Oh have we been there! I originally recorded this episode 6 years ago with my younger sister Leah , who also has 7 kids and our babies are all so muhc more grown up now. But mornings can still be rough!

So join us as we not only swap tales of the fails, but also some of the wins that help keep our morning routine running smooth–becuasee we want YOU to have a good morning too!

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3:39 How to prep for success before you go to sleep

7:47 How to make lunch packing more efficient and stree free

15:37 The secret to fresh bread throughout the week

17:32 The magic of a hair drawer in the kitchen filled with a brush, combs, elastics, gel, etc.

24:27 The discovery of the sonic boom alarm clock

26:50 Why you should get dressed like you mean it

Vanessa chats with "Spicy Ones" coach Mary Van Geffen for a conversation about what it really takes to parent strong-willed, defiant kids. Mary shares how her own journey—from being a spicy child herself to raising one—led her to become a gentle parenting coach.

They swap tips on how to stay calm, kind, and firm even on the days your child pushes all your buttons. You'll hear why separating your worth from your child’s behavior is one of the most important things you can do as a mom, and how choosing to love your child unconditionally—even when they are hard to love—is actually a spiritual discipline.

If you’re raising a spicy one this is your reminder that you’re not broken, your kid’s not broken, and you’re not alone!

Mary has opened her Moms of Spicy Ones®️ group program back up. This 8 week course is the guide to building a beautiful (and durable) relationship with your strong-willed, intense powerhouse - no matter their age. Only listeners of this podcast get access to one of five exclusive $50 off coupons. The code is MOMFORCE. Registration is at https://www.maryvangeffen.com/moso

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1:00 "Very good moms can have wildly defiant children."

2:00 "A spicy one is loyal to their own soul more than to your agenda."

3:05 "We’re in charge—but we’re not always in control of them."

6:59 "Sometimes, it’s not the child that’s spicy—it’s the parent’s level of support and need for control."

10:02 "I want to reduce the number of children who grow up feeling like they’re wrong or broken."

17:01 "Parenting is a spiritual discipline, practicing unconditional love for someone who isn’t always lovable."

What if we treated friendship with the more intentionality? In this encore episode of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley welcomes author and podcaster Laura Tremaine, whose bestselling book The Life Council: 10 Friends Every Woman Needs has helped women everywhere rethink what meaningful connection truly looks like.

Laura shares her wisdom on how to build your personal "life council"—a diverse circle of friends who each offer something unique, from the "fun friend" to the "mentor" to the "battle buddy." Together, Vanessa and Laura explore the real work of friendship, navigating social anxiety, giving ourselves grace for unmet expectations, and even surviving friendship breakups. They talk candidly about how modern life has made connection more difficult—and more vital than ever.

Whether you're deep in friendships or longing for them, this episode is a reminder that we were never meant to do this life alone!

Since this episode went live Laura has wrapped up her podcast of six years, 10 Things To Tell You, and has launched her new substack where she shares her musings and conversations.

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8:45 Why you might not have a best friend that covers all your needs

15:50 Your spouse is not your best friend

23:20 Using a to-do list to uplevel your relationships

30:02 How to make friends as an introvert

33:50 Tips for managing social anxiety

40:39 Where to make new friends as an adult

43:15 Do something that is already on the calendar

47:23 What to navigate friendship breakups