Imitation NyQuil, Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage, and Joy

May 7th 2026: Ever taken an imitation NyQuil thinking “how different could it really be?” Well… apparently VERY different. In today’s solo episode of The Mom Room, I recap the recent cold that absolutely took me out and the off-brand nighttime cold medicine that somehow managed to derail my entire night instead of helping me sleep. Turns out the non-medicinal ingredients matter more than I ever knew, and I have thoughts.I also share my honest review of Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage by Belle Burden. This review may ruffle a few feathers, but if you know me, you know I can’t fake enthusiasm for a book that didn’t land for me. Let’s discuss.Plus, I answer a few listener questions, including: what’s one small thing lately that has brought you an unexpected amount of joy? A simple question with surprisingly wholesome answers.A chaotic cold, questionable pharmaceuticals, controversial book opinions, and tiny joyful moments, a pretty accurate representation of life lately. Enjoy!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln joins The Mom Room to discuss various topics from her new book The Birth Book. What is considered normal when giving birth? How do I make a birth plan? What is the difference between a midwife and OBGYN? Do I need to deliver while laying on my back if I have an epidural? There have been countless books written all about pregnancy, but there hasn't been one that talks all about labor and delivery from someone who actually does it for a living. Giving birth is an extremely heightened anxiety scenario where everything can feel overwhelming and out of control, but Dr. Lincoln wants to empower women to have autonomy over their body, stand firm in their choices, but also consider options just in case the initial plan gets redirected. If you're pregnant, about to deliver, or planning for the future, this episode will give you the awareness and preparedness you need so that you can stand up for yourself and your needs in the delivery room.FOLLOW DR. JENNIFER LINCOLNInstagram - @drjenniferlincolnCheck out her book The Birth BookTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Quince - Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/MOMROOM for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.Wayfair - Way Day is THE sale to shop the best deals in home – we’re talking up to 80% OFF with fast and FREE shipping on everything! Head to Wayfair.com April 25th through the 27th to shop Way Day. Little Spoon - Try Little Spoon Formula with their 2 can trial pack (Buy 1, Get 1 free - that’s $30 for 2 cans), which is great if you’re easing into the transition. That’s LittleSpoon.com/TRYFORMULATime4Learning - Curious if Time4Learning is right for your family? Visit time4learning.com to explore their curriculum and find the perfect plan for your student. You can get started with a monthly subscription to see just how much your kids enjoy learning on their own terms.BioOptimizers - If you’re ready to feel more rested, head to https://bioptimizers.com/momroom and use my exclusive code MOMROOM to get 15% off any order. Tumble - Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at tumbleliving.com/MOMROOM #Tumble #adPerelel - New customers can use code MOMROOM and get 20% off your first order at perelelhealth.com/momroom. Merit Beauty - Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com.Skims - Shop Everyday Cotton, and all of my favorite bras and underwear at http://www.skims.com/momroom #skimspartnerFOLLOW RENEE REINA  Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina  TikTok: @thereneereina  Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room PodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

April 30th 2026: It started with mould in the fruit drawer… and somehow turned into a full emotional unraveling. 🫠In this solo episode, I’m walking you through the Tuesday meltdown that had nothing to do with fruit and everything to do with the mental load, the build-up, and all the little things we keep pushing down until… we can’t anymore.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “fine” one minute and spiraling the next over something seemingly small, this one’s for you. I’m sorting through what actually triggered it, what’s been weighing on me behind the scenes, and why these moments might be more necessary than we think.Raw, honest, slightly unhinged, but hopefully makes you feel a little less alone in your own “fruit drawer” moments.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Comedian, podcast host, television personality, and DJ in training, Jessi Cruikshank joins The Mom Room this week for a pop culture conversation. Jessi shares stories from her time interviewing celebrities on MTV, and gives a hot take on Taylor Frankie Paul’s Bachelorette season getting cancelled. Renee and Jessi also discuss not wanting to play with their kids, their mutual perspective on sharing one sonic device, and the underrated musical genius that is the Hanson brothers. If you like enjoy bringing out your inner fangirl - this episode is for you! And for the woman and queer community that yearn for a safe space to freely have fun - check out information about Jessi's Evening Club below!FOLLOW JESSIInstagram - @jessicruikshankJessi Cruikshank Evening ClubTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Quince - Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/MOMROOM for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.Wayfair - Way Day is THE sale to shop the best deals in home – we’re talking up to 80% OFF with fast and FREE shipping on everything! Head to Wayfair.com April 25th through the 27th to shop Way Day. Little Spoon - Try Little Spoon Formula with their 2 can trial pack (Buy 1, Get 1 free - that’s $30 for 2 cans), which is great if you’re easing into the transition. That’s LittleSpoon.com/TRYFORMULATime4Learning - Curious if Time4Learning is right for your family? Visit time4learning.com to explore their curriculum and find the perfect plan for your student. You can get started with a monthly subscription to see just how much your kids enjoy learning on their own terms.BioOptimizers - If you’re ready to feel more rested, head to https://bioptimizers.com/momroom and use my exclusive code MOMROOM to get 15% off any order. Tumble - Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at tumbleliving.com/MOMROOM #Tumble #adPerelel - New customers can use code MOMROOM and get 20% off your first order at perelelhealth.com/momroom. Merit Beauty - Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com.Skims - Shop Everyday Cotton, and all of my favorite bras and underwear at http://www.skims.com/momroom #skimspartnerFOLLOW RENEE REINA  Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina  TikTok: @thereneereina  Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room PodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP597: This week’s solo episode is a little life lately catch-up, and honestly, it’s a good one.I’m recapping our trip to Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda where we podcasted, pickle-balled our little hearts out, and fully leaned into vacation mode. It was one of those trips that just hits.I also have to talk about my mom, because she absolutely thrived in the Dominican. Like… living her best life, no notes. It inspired her to start sharing more of her life, travels, and this next chapter, and I’m so excited about it. You can follow along with her at @lifewithsusieq (you’re going to love her).We also get into:What I’ve been reading lately (book recs you’ll want to add to your list ASAP)My very humbling return to running… hello sore ankles and groin muscles??And my upcoming trip to Charleston (!!), a place I’ve wanted to visit foreverIt’s chatty, it’s real, it’s a little all over the place, in the best way.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on The Mom Room, Renee is joined by Jessie Inchauspé, aka the Glucose Goddess. Jessie's scientific background has helped her reach a massive audience where she shares through her own personal health journey (mental and physical) how to make informed choices when it comes to nutrition. Jessie explains how her new book, 9 Months That Count Forever, came to be and what she uncovered about the female body by digging into the science. Renee and Jessie discuss how disempowering the classic lines of "avoid cold cuts" and "don't eat sushi" are, and how there's actually so many cool things that pregnant women can add to their nutrition to feel empowered knowing that they are doing what's most optimal for their baby's growth, in utero and in life. Knowledge is power and if you are looking for more information on how to go about nutrition while pregnant, this episode is for you! And if you're wanting more - check out Jessie's book linked below!FOLLOW JESSIEInstagram - @glucosegoddessCheck out her book! - 9 Months That Count ForeverTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Quince - Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/MOMROOM for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.Wayfair - Way Day is THE sale to shop the best deals in home – we’re talking up to 80% OFF with fast and FREE shipping on everything! Head to Wayfair.com April 25th through the 27th to shop Way Day. Little Spoon - Try Little Spoon Formula with their 2 can trial pack (Buy 1, Get 1 free - that’s $30 for 2 cans), which is great if you’re easing into the transition. That’s LittleSpoon.com/TRYFORMULATime4Learning - Curious if Time4Learning is right for your family? Visit time4learning.com to explore their curriculum and find the perfect plan for your student. You can get started with a monthly subscription to see just how much your kids enjoy learning on their own terms.BioOptimizers - If you’re ready to feel more rested, head to https://bioptimizers.com/momroom and use my exclusive code MOMROOM to get 15% off any order. Tumble - Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at tumbleliving.com/MOMROOM #Tumble #adPerelel - New customers can use code MOMROOM and get 20% off your first order at perelelhealth.com/momroom. Skims - Shop Everyday Cotton, and all of my favorite bras and underwear at http://www.skims.com/momroom #skimspartnerFOLLOW RENEE REINA  Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina  TikTok: @thereneereina  Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room PodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I sat down with Cat & Nat from the stunning Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic to talk about something every parent of a tween or teen is navigating right now… screens, social media, and what’s actually happening online.We dive into their “Common Parent” guide and break down the most popular apps kids are using today, and what parents might not realize about them.We talk about:The social media apps your kids are using (and what you need to know)The parental control options most parents aren’t taking advantage ofWhy Pinterest might be one of the most overlooked (and concerning) appsRoblox - what parents think it is vs. what it actually isHow Cat & Nat navigated screens and social media with their own kidsIf you have kids (or will one day), this is a must-listen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Libby Ward joins The Mom Room this week to talk all about Honest Motherhood, which is coincidentally the title of her new book! Holding it all together all the time is unrealistic for mothers, yet society expects them to be the epitome of perfection. Libby shares her parenthood journey with Renee as they connect over shifting belief systems, partner dynamics, therapy, boundaries and how we have to be honest about our struggles so that we can figure out where to go. Please enjoy listening to Libby’s powerful story of losing her mind and finding herself, and check out her book linked below!FOLLOW LIBBYInstagram: libbywardBuy her book!: Honest MotherhoodSPONSORSQuince - Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to Quince.com/MOMROOM for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. Wayfair - Way Day is THE sale to shop the best deals in home – we’re talking up to 80% OFF with fast and FREE shipping on everything! Head to Wayfair.com April 25th through the 27th to shop Way Day. Little Spoon - Try Little Spoon Formula with their 2 can trial pack (Buy 1, Get 1 free - that’s $30 for 2 cans), which is great if you’re easing into the transition. That’s LittleSpoon.com/TRYFORMULATime4Learning - Curious if Time4Learning is right for your family? Visit time4learning.com to explore their curriculum and find the perfect plan for your student. You can get started with a monthly subscription to see just how much your kids enjoy learning on their own terms.BioOptimizers - If you’re ready to feel more rested, head to https://bioptimizers.com/momroom and use my exclusive code MOMROOM to get 15% off any order. Tumble - Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at tumbleliving.com/MOMROOM #Tumble #adPerelel - New customers can use code MOMROOM and get 20% off your first order at perelelhealth.com/momroom. Skims - Shop Everyday Cotton, and all of my favorite bras and underwear at http://www.skims.com/momroom #skimspartnerFOLLOW RENEE REINA  Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina  TikTok: @thereneereina  Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room PodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

EP593. Today's solo episode is for all the working moms out there! Ahhhhh. With lots of travel on my schedule recently, I am starting to feel the dreaded Mom Guilt! I am usually pretty good at keeping those feelings at bay but this recent situation just made me feel overwhelmed and questioning everything I'm doing. Sorry in advance for the rant. If you can relate... I see you!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Journalist and author Fortesa Latifi joins The Mom Room for a conversation about kids growing up online and the complex world of family influencing. Fortesa shares what led her to write her new book "Like, Follow, Subscribe", diving into the realities behind family vlogging, the pressure it can place on children, and the blurred lines between home life and work. They unpack everything from digital footprints and online safety to the opportunities social media can create, along with the lack of regulation compared to child actors and the rise of 'snark' communities.Find Fortesa:Book: "Like, Follow, Subscribe"IG: @hifortesaSponsors:Wayfair - Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.Skims - Shop the SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. And if you’re looking for the perfect gifts for everyone on your list - the SKIMS Holiday Shop is now open at SKIMS.com.Time4Learning - Curious if Time4Learning is right for your family? Visit time4learning.com to explore their curriculum and find the perfect plan for your student. You can get started with a monthly subscription to see just how much your kids enjoy learning on their own termsGreater Than - If you’re in your pregnancy or postpartum chapter and looking for hydration that truly supports you, go to DrinkGreaterThan.com and try GREATER THAN.Bio-Optimizers - If you’re ready to feel more rested, head to https://bioptimizers.com/momroom and use my exclusive code MOMROOM to get 15% off any order.Perelel - New customers can use code MOMROOM and get 20% off your first order at perelelhealth.com/momroomRENEE REINA  Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina  TikTok: @thereneereina  Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room PodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.