Libby Ward: Balancing Creativity and Business While Avoiding Burnout

EP460. Renee had a mom guilt moment the other day about none other than the damn elf on the shelf. In this episode she talks about that experience, explains the rules of the elf on the shelf (which she didn't realize were so particular). Finally, she talks about the mental load of it all and shares some of the listener's feedback! SPONSORS   Lumen — Go to lumen.me/MOMROOM to get 15% off your Lumen.    Manscaped — Get 20% off + free shipping with the code momroom20 at Manscaped.com    FitXR — Go to Meta.com to purchase a Meta Quest headset with FitXR bundle fitxr.com/bundle Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/MOMROOM.    RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Renee is back this week talking to Janelle Riddle, who recently went viral on TikTok for a post aimed at the complex (and sometimes toxic) mother-in-law/daughter-in-law dynamic. No doubt that this can be a tricky relationship to navigate, especially with the generational differences in parenting that exist now. But there’s always room for common ground, and of course this relationship can be perfectly healthy if there are honest discussions on both sides. Janelle talks about setting expectations and clear boundaries, especially during the stressful postpartum period, to maintain a good relationship. Tune in for some insightful chats about both women’s experiences with their own MILs and why social media has given them a new platform to share and heal from their experiences. Follow Janelle on Tiktok and Insta @heyjanellemarie SPONSORS   FitXR — Go to Meta.com to purchase a Meta Quest headset with FitXR bundle fitxr.com/bundle Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/MOMROOM.  Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/MOMROOM IRestore — Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and get $625 off with the code MOMROOM at irestorelaser.com/MOMROOM! Beam — RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP458. In this solo episode, Renee chats about a recent unexpected snow day, an upcoming Disney cruise, and why she has been storying less on Instagram. In the pop culture segment she talks about Dwayne Johnson's surprising answer to the question "do you ever have fun?" and, she asks the questions we are all wondering about the Swift-Kelce Thanksgiving that took place this past weekend. Finally, she chats book! Specifically, what you guys said when she asked for cozy holiday book recommendations! SPONSORS   Lumen — Go to lumen.me/MOMROOM to get 15% off your Lumen.    Manscaped — Get 20% off + free shipping with the code momroom20 at Manscaped.com    FitXR — Go to Meta.com to purchase a Meta Quest headset with FitXR bundle fitxr.com/bundle Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/MOMROOM.    RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP457: This week, Renee chats with Jo Mathisen, a producer behind the groundbreaking documentary The M Factor, which explores the very misunderstood and almost taboo topic of menopause. The conversation touches on everything from personal experiences with difficult symptoms to the creation of the film itself to the self-advocacy work that Jo stresses every woman should be doing. Jo also talks about the eye-popping revelation that through her own journey, she was repeatedly misdiagnosed and under-cared for, as there was a severe lack of knowledge and understanding in the medical establishment about this significant phase in women’s lives. As a result, one of the film’s key goals is to normalize menopause, raise awareness, and advocate for better education, both for women and medical professionals. Tune in for an enlightening and important conversation about women’s health! Find out more information on the film at themfactorfilm.com or on socials @themfactor SPONSORS  Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/MOMROOM.  Calm — Get 40% off a Calm Premium Subscription at calm.com/MOMROOM IRestore — Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and get $625 off with the code MOMROOM at irestorelaser.com/MOMROOM! RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP456. In this solo episode, Renee Reina opens up about her personal journey with ADHD, including what it’s been like taking medication for the first time and the changes she’s trying to make to avoid burnout. In the pop culture segment, Renee dives into the latest Vanderpump Rules news, including the recent news that Schwartz & Sandy’s restaurant is closing and how the upcoming season of Vanderpump Rules will feature an all-new cast of servers at SUR and no original cast members. Finally, in the parenting segment, Renee has an honest rant about the external pressures couples face when it comes to intimacy. She discusses how there is no "one size fits all" when it comes to relationships and intimacy, and why it’s important to remove judgment and create space for what works for you and your partner. Tune in for a candid and heartfelt conversation about mental health, pop culture, and relationship dynamics! SPONSORS   Lumen — Go to lumen.me/MOMROOM to get 15% off your Lumen.    Manscaped — Get 20% off + free shipping with the code momroom20 at Manscaped.com    FitXR — Go to Meta.com to purchase a Meta Quest headset with FitXR bundle fitxr.com/bundle Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/MOMROOM.    RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP455. This week, Renee is joined by Libby Ward, creator of the wildly popular Diary of an Honest Mom TikTok and Instagram account. The two cover everything from keeping up with trends on TikTok to dealing with nagging feelings of imposter syndrome to the best reality TV. With her kids now 8 and 10, Libby reflects on how much things have changed for her since she was in the ‘trenches’ in the early days of motherhood, especially during the pandemic years. She’s channeling all those lessons learned into a new book she’s in the process of writing, due out sometime in 2026! Tune in for candid and relatable insights on navigating life as a creator, mother, and business owner, all while balancing mental health and the pursuit of personal passions. You can follow Libby on all socials as @diaryofanhonestmom or check out her website:  https://diaryofanhonestmom.com/ SPONSORS   Lumen — Go to lumen.me/MOMROOM to get 15% off your Lumen.    Manscaped — Get 20% off + free shipping with the code momroom20 at Manscaped.com    FitXR — Go to Meta.com to purchase a Meta Quest headset with FitXR bundle fitxr.com/bundle Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/MOMROOM.    RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP454. In this solo episode of The Mom Room Podcast, I dive into some valuable parenting tips on teaching your kids about kindness, charity, and the importance of donating. I share practical ways to instill these values early on, helping to raise compassionate little humans. I also chat about Claudia Oshry's pregnancy announcement!! I discuss an article about working as a team with your partner. And, I vent about how, as parents, we rarely get the chance to watch our favorite TV shows anymore—why is it so hard to find time for a good binge? Tune in for a mix of parenting wisdom, pop culture thoughts, and a little humor about the realities of life with young kids! SPONSORS   Lumen — Go to lumen.me/MOMROOM to get 15% off your Lumen.    Manscaped — Get 20% off + free shipping with the code momroom20 at Manscaped.com    FitXR — Go to Meta.com to purchase a Meta Quest headset with FitXR bundle fitxr.com/bundle Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/MOMROOM.    RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP453: Aurora Culpo joins Renee to share her candid journey through motherhood, divorce, and wellness. From navigating the challenges of co-parenting and overcoming a nicotine addiction to finding balance with fitness and self-care, Aurora opens up about her experiences with refreshing honesty. They discuss the highs and lows of the newborn phase, her PCOS diagnosis, and what filming The Culpo Sisters was really like. Aurora also reveals her go-to wellness hacks, favorite beauty item, true thoughts on Taylor Swift, her dream reality TV show, and so much more.     Be sure to follow Aurora on Instagram @auroraculpo   SPONSORS   Lumen — Go to lumen.me/MOMROOM to get 15% off your Lumen.    Manscaped — Get 20% off + free shipping with the code momroom20 at Manscaped.com    FitXR — Go to Meta.com to purchase a Meta Quest headset with FitXR bundle fitxr.com/bundle Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to UNCOMMONGOODS.com/MOMROOM.    RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP452. In this solo episode of The Mom Room Podcast, host Renee Reina is back from her family trip to Cancun, Mexico, and she's sharing all the details! Renee gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at her vacation experience. She talks about the highs and the lows, the challenges of traveling with kids, and what her next vacation plans are. Renee also dives into two fascinating documentaries: Chimp Crazy on HBO, which explores the world of captive chimpanzees and the controversial research surrounding them, and Martha, the Netflix docuseries on the iconic Martha Stewart. Tune in for all the travel stories, documentary insights, and a little mom-life real talk—because it wouldn't be The Mom Room Podcast without it! SPONSORS   Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to www.uncommongoods.com/momroom Manscaped — Get 20% off + free shipping with the code momroom20 at Manscaped.com  Lumen — Go to lumen.me/MOMROOM to get 15% off your Lumen.  RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  Youtube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EP451. One of our most popular guests, Dr. Ashurina Ream, is back in The Mom Room to discuss burnout. The conversation naturally leads to this new age of intensive parenting and how that increases the likelihood of burnout. Dr. Ream offers small steps you can take to break the intensive cycle, how to bring it up to your partner, and the pendulum swing from disengaged parenting to millennials trying to heal.   Be sure to follow Dr. Ashurina Ream @psychedmommy, and check out Episode 261 for her previous appearance!   SPONSORS   Uncommon Goods — To get 15% off your next gift, go to www.uncommongoods.com/momroom Manscaped — Get 20% off + free shipping with the code momroom20 at Manscaped.com  Lumen — Go to lumen.me/MOMROOM to get 15% off your Lumen.  RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  Youtube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices