Episode 500: A Look Back, A Look Ahead

EP504. In this episode of The Mom Room, Renee gets real about how freaking hard it is to just relax. Even on a day with no to-do list, the guilt creeps in, and suddenly you're reorganizing the junk drawer instead of lying on the couch like you promised yourself. She reflects on growing up around women who were always on the go—cleaning, cooking, doing, achieving—and how that hustle mentality is tough to shake. Renee opens up about her mission to get better at doing absolutely nothing on purpose (and not feeling bad about it). Plus, she recounts her emotional meltdown at the movie theatre during the new Lilo & Stitch—yes, she cried, and no, it wasn’t just the nostalgia. Grab a blanket and join Renee as she tries to make peace with rest, tears, and turtle-shell recliners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP503. In this episode, Renee welcomes back Sarah Adams, a digital privacy advocate, mom of two, and creator of @mom.uncharted for a candid conversation about kids, consent, and what growing up online looks like these days. Diving into everything from the risks of sharenting and child influencer culture to consent and privacy, Sarah talks about how becoming a mom changed her view of social media—and why she felt compelled to start speaking out. It’s a fantastic episode for parents of all ages to tune in and get informed to help you make the best decisions for your family in the digital space. Enjoy! Read more about Sarah and her work at https://www.momuncharted.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP502. In this entertaining episode, Renee gives us a very personal health update — spoiler alert: her uterus is back in the spotlight and there’s a polyp eviction notice in progress. From hospital appointments to hormonal chaos, she’s keeping it real as always. Then, we head to the park where things took a turn. What started as a wholesome family outing ended with Renee channeling her inner playground vigilante — and yes, she may have exchanged words with two very bold 10-year-olds. She never thought she’d be that parent... but guess what? She is, and she's got the story to prove it. It’s uterus drama meets sandbox justice — only on The Mom Room. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renee is joined by activist, storyteller, and mom of two, Sarain Fox, for a vulnerable and uplifting conversation about the parts of motherhood we don’t talk about enough—loneliness, identity shifts, and the magic of finding community. From postpartum during the pandemic to the unexpected grief of letting go of the mom you thought you'd be, Sarain shares how her reality as a new mom differed from the narrative she had in her head. They talk about how friendships change after kids, the importance of being that friend who reaches out, and why even a walk around the block with someone can be transformational. Sarain also opens up about her work with the Cybex Stroll Together initiative, the healing power of movement, and how something as simple as a stroller helped her reclaim a sense of self. Whether you’re in the thick of new motherhood or reflecting back on those early years, this episode is a warm reminder that you’re not alone—and it’s okay to ask for more support, more connection, and more space to just be. Find out more about Stroll Together here - https://lifewithababy.com/strolltogether And find Sarain on Instagram @sarainfox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP500. Can you believe it?! 500 episodes of The Mom Room! In this very special milestone episode, host Renee takes a heartfelt (and hilarious) trip down memory lane—back to July 2020 when The Mom Room was born in the thick of pandemic parenting chaos. She shares the how, why, and what was I thinking? behind starting the show, the major shifts that have happened both in her personal life and the podcast, and where she stands today in her motherhood journey. It’s raw, reflective, and packed with gratitude. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just hopped on board, this episode is for YOU. Here’s to the next 500—let’s see where the next five years takes us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ep 499. Renee is joined by Dr. Alison Yeung, family physician and creator of @thesmartphoneeffectmd, to talk all things smartphones, social media, and kids. Why are so many parents struggling to set screen time boundaries? How is technology impacting our kids’ mental health, attention spans, and motivation? And how do we navigate platforms like Roblox, YouTube Kids, and even school-issued iPads? Renee and Dr. Yeung get real about balancing technology use, setting routines, and why it’s not just about “parenting harder”—it’s about pushing back against industries designed to hook our kids. If you’ve ever wondered when to give your child a phone (or if they really need one), how to protect their downtime, or how your phone habits shape theirs, this is a must-listen. Follow Alison on IG @thesmartphoneeffectmd Alison's free Parent's Guide to Modelling Healthy Technology use here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP498. In this episode, Renee gets real about her journey with ADHD and what it’s been like navigating life (and motherhood) with a busy, beautiful ADHD brain. She shares the common signs of ADHD in adult women—spoiler: it’s not always what you think—and opens up about her experience starting Vyvanse, including what it should feel like when medication is working well. Oh, and because life never slows down, Renee also takes us through the chaotic rollercoaster of her day… because, of course, everything had to happen at once. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, scattered, or like your brain has 37 tabs open, this one’s for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and heartfelt episode, Renee sits down with Kayleigh Kennedy to talk about her journey into motherhood and the unimaginable moment her son was diagnosed with leukemia. Kayleigh opens up about navigating the emotional rollercoaster of childhood cancer, the strength it demanded, and the lifeline her family found in Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). From the financial strain to the daily emotional toll, she shares what it's really like to care for a seriously ill child – and why support systems like RMHC across Canada are so crucial. They also dive into the importance of caregiver self-care, the incredible sense of community RMHC fosters, and how events like McHappy Day at McDonald’s (coming up on Thursday, May 8th) help families like Kayleigh’s across Canada. This episode is a moving reminder of the power of compassion, connection, and showing up for one another.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP497. On July 1st, 2020, the very first episode of The Mom Room was released and it was titled "momposter syndrome". In that episode, Renee discussed all the things that contribute to feeling like a "momposter" including; social media, comparing ourselves to others, information overload, and more! In this revisit episode, Renee and Dr. Tanya Cotler sit down and re-visit why so many moms feel like a "momposter". Share this one with your mom friends! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP496. #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin, is in The Mom Room talking motherhood, parenting, happiness, and her new book, Secrets of Adulthood: Simple Truths For Our Complex Lives. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices