34. Amanda Feels a Shift Coming

We've got a few bones to pick this week… and some of these stories are WILD. From bizarre vet client interactions to why showing up for your kids matters and splitting the mental load, we're covering it all. Plus, we're answering your influencer FAQs and talking about why we don't feel obligated to share our opinions on every hot topic online.

Marriage, mental load, parenting burnout, and feeling supported when life gets overwhelming—we’re getting REAL about what it takes to thrive in marriage when you’re in the thick of raising little kids. We’re talking about why marriages fall apart, what your spouse actually needs from you, navigating intimacy when you’re touched out, and why listening might matter more than you think.

We're spilling the tea on what REALLY goes on behind the scenes of the influencer industry ☕ From trade secrets like commission and trend tracking to an influencer getting exposed in a DIY snark Reddit thread, we're diving in to what it actually takes to make a living online. Plus, we're unpacking a playdate invoice that left us speechless, unhinged hockey parent behavior, and hot takes you might not agree with. 👀 If you've ever wondered what it's really like to be an influencer, this one's for you.

From bedtime battles and toddler birthdays to the emotional roller coaster of adding a second kid, we're getting real about the parts of parenting you don't always talk about. We're answering your parenting dilemmas, sharing a few hot takes, and reminding ourselves that there's no perfect formula for raising good humans. 🫶 EMDR Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcBvSW1uUWx/?exln=MWRoZ3pmMHBkY3VxOA== If you are interested in joining our team as a podcast analyst, please email [email protected] 🎙️💚

We had A LOT to cover this week! From “The Unspoken” and our very honest conversation about anxiety + EMDR, to Red Wings drama, parenting, and a wild weekend recap that somehow ended with TJ being invited to play golf with Shay from THE Dan + Shay?! Plus, we’re bringing back “Ask the Vet” with a conversation about euthanasia, advocating for your pets, and why veterinary care costs what it does. Basically… this episode has RANGE. 😂 Link to Amanda's jacket: https://url.comestayawhile.com/link-amazon/csa-bomberjacket

WE’RE BAAACKK!! Did you miss us?! We have A LOT to catch up on from our summer break, including our Turks + Caicos trip, what we loved, what we definitely wouldn’t do again, and everything in between. We’re so excited to be back for Season 2 with new segments, a little more structure, and plenty of chaos. 😂Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe/follow @mostlythrivingpodcast on all platforms!

In this episode, we're recapping our massage appointments that definitely didn't go as planned, and TJ shares a wild story about an unhappy client at the vet clinic that you'll have to hear to believe. It's the perfect mix of laughs, chaos, and the kind of random life moments that always seem to find us.ANNOUNCEMENT: We're taking a little break to soak up the rest of summer with our family! We'll be back this fall for Season 2 with fresh ideas, new segments, and plenty more stories to share. In the meantime, we'd love to hear from you—if there's a topic you'd like us to cover next season, leave us a comment! Thank you so much for listening and supporting Mostly Thriving. ❤️

This week's recap went completely off the rails—from TJ's golf tournament that left him with a smoker's cough to Amanda's questionable driving record, things got a little wild. We also need your advice on whether it's time to say goodbye to our trouble-prone Escalade and would love your best ideas for screen-free summer activities that encourage kids to play independently!

In this episode, we're recapping our much-needed parents' night out and chatting about what our hobbies might look like if we weren't busy being mom and dad. Amanda also shares an update on her journey with anxiety and panic attacks, including the lifestyle changes that have been making a real difference.

Last week was one of the hardest weeks I’ve had in a long time. Anxiety and panic convinced me my world was getting smaller. Getting out of bed felt impossible. Every symptom felt real. Every fear felt true. Then I realized something that changed everything: I don’t have to wait until I feel brave to start living again. Was it easy? Hell no. There were some very dark moments but I kept going. I’m not sharing this because I’ve “arrived.” I’m sharing it because if you’re in the middle of it, I want you to know there is hope. Your brain can re-learn. Your body can heal. And anxiety doesn’t get the final say.If you’re fighting this battle too, you’re not alone. ❤️