Are Pets Really Worth It?

Growing up, Vanessa's family was basically two animals away from running a full-on zoo—but parenting with pets? That's a whole different story. In this episode, she sits down with Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt—New York Times bestselling author, animal advocate, and mom—to ask the big question: Are pets really worth it? They talk about the beauty and chaos of raising kids (and animals), how pets teach responsibility and empathy, and the heartbreak that comes when it's time to say goodbye. Katherine shares stories from her new children's book Kat and Brandy—inspired by her own childhood pony—and offers thoughtful advice for families deciding whether to add a furry (or feathered!) friend to the mix. Whether you're a lifelong "animal person" or still dodging your kids' puppy PowerPoints, this conversation will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink what "family" really means.   Katherine's book is out now! Order Kat and Brandy today!   Start printing your photos with Chatbooks!   Follow us on Instagram @vanessaquigley @chatbooks  

Have you ever felt lonely—even when your life is full of people? Vanessa has too. In this solo episode, she opens up about the sneaky kind of loneliness that shows up when you're busy doing everything for everyone else and the friendships that fill your soul get pushed aside. From comparing yourself online to craving real connection, she's getting honest about what it feels like and what she's doing about it. Plus, she shares her favorite "dopamine questions" to help spark meaningful conversations and rebuild connection—one small step at a time. Get started with Chatbooks!

Few things are scarier for a mom than handing over the car keys—and then getting that phone call. In this sister episode, Vanessa and her sisters swap stories about teen drivers, fender benders, and what really happens after the crash. From how their parents handled it back in the day to what they're doing now with their own kids, the sisters get real about fear, forgiveness, and finding the funny in those heart-stopping moments. Plus, practical tips for what to do (and what not to say) when your teen crashes the car.

We're back! This is season 7 of the MomForce Podcast and we couldn't be more grateful that you're here. This season is going to be more exciting than ever. You'll keep hearing from exciting guests with their expert opinions and stories on the podcast, but we're also bringing back Vanessa's sisters to join every other episode for some sister chats and funny family lore from their youth.    In this episode, Vanessa shares how the new structure of the podcast will be as well as share one of her most vulnerable parenting moments that might make your skin crawl just a little... hey, we're all making this parenting thing up as we go!   Don't forget to get started on your Chatbooks and if you're a first time user, use code TAKE50 for 50% off your first classic book in a subscription!

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! Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  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 Follow Vanessa Follow Chatbooks Follow Mary 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.  Follow Chatbooks  Follow Vanessa  Follow Laura 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   

Do you ever worry that you are too strict or too lenient? Questioning all your parenting choices? In this heartfelt and hilariously honest encore episode, Vanessa Quigley is joined by her sister Leah (fellow mom of seven!) for a deep dive into the chaos, comedy, and total emotional overload of motherhood. From rage-cleaning the car to crying in the pantry, they open up about the moments that push moms to the edge—and how to find your way back. Together, they share vulnerable confessions, real tips that actually work (yes, even sex gets a moment), and crowd-sourced wisdom from the incredible MomForce community. Whether you're overwhelmed by toddlers, teens, or just the dinner dishes, this episode will make you feel seen, laugh, and remember: you're doing better than you think. Use code CB15 for 15% off a Monthbooks subscription.  Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  7:30 We are all human. It's normal to reach a breaking point.  9:05 Words from the MomForce community about bad days as a mom.  11:30 When Meghan Markle admitted that she's not okay.  14:00 How to institute a "room of tranquility".  16:15 The mental load and how to identify your needs.  21:00 Ask for attention and time with your husband when you are feeling stressed.  26:00 Smiling is science!  28:00 The magic of an 8 second hug.      

In this heartfelt season finale of the MomForce Podcast, Vanessa Quigley is joined by Chatbooks CMO, and fellow mom, Karen Peterson for a conversation that every parent will feel in their bones. Together, they open up about the emotional rollercoaster of parenting milestones, from preschool graduations and big-kid beds to the life-shifting moment of sending a child off to college. They reflect on the beauty of "lasts and firsts," the myth of control in motherhood, and the power of reframing painful transitions as sacred moments. Karen shares her personal journey raising her son Gavin, a sought after D1-bound wheelchair basketball athlete who defied the odds after being born with spina bifida. She recounts the early years, where simple, difficult moments like coaxing Gavin through tears with a walker at the back of Costco laid the foundation for the independence and strength he now carries into adulthood. They also talk candidly about the grief and growth that comes with change, the emotional whiplash of summer parenting, and how moms so often hold themselves to impossible standards. Whether you're deep in toddler chaos or navigating an emptying nest, this episode is a reminder that you're doing better than you think.  Follow Vanessa  Follow Chatbooks  5:15 Reframing lasts into firsts  5:45 We are supporting characters in our children's lives  7:20 Realizing you have a lot less control than you think you actually do  9:45 The reality of being a parent of a D1 athlete  10:56 Our kids are our greatest teachers  14:00 Every stage of motherhood has hard moments  15:29 Photos help remind us of all of the hard things we've made it through  18:48 Life transitions are all about the "and" to process all the feelings  22:40 You are the perfect parent for your child. You know what your child needs even if other parents judge you.  25:40 Live in the moment this summer. Chatbooks will be there for you when school is back in session!     

When Neha Ruch left her high-powered career to become a stay-at-home mom, she didn't see it as stepping back—she saw it as stepping into something deeper. In this episode, Neha, founder of The Power Pause and author of the book by the same name, shares how embracing a career pause led her to a more grounded, intentional version of ambition. She talks candidly about identity shifts in motherhood, the surprising ways her family has grown from her presence at home, and how we can all challenge hustle culture in favor of something more meaningful. This is a conversation for anyone navigating the messy, beautiful in-between of motherhood and self. As Neha says, "it doesn't have to be an identity crisis, it can be an identity evolution".  5:00 Choosing to leave a career in the height of the girl boss era.  8:07 Look at the vast gray area between full-time working or full-time staying at home.  11:30 What language you can use to convey that you are spending your time with your kids instead of "stay at home mom".  23:30 Goals dignify time. A career pause is not a life pause.  26:45 The importance of personal development while parenting.  29:40 A woman's career is a long game.  33:43 "I resist the culturally induced urge to dream bigger. What if this is my big dream?" Follow Chatbooks Follow Vanessa  Follow Neha