Parenting is Messy (So Let's Laugh About It!) with Anjelah Johnson-Reyes

In this episode, Tara sits down with child development specialist Dr. Siggie Cohen to unpack why today’s overwhelming landscape of parenting advice so often leaves families feeling burnt out, inconsistent, and stuck in extreme reactions. They explore the delicate balance between connection and leadership, tackling why modern parents frequently zigzag between permissive strategies and rigid control rather than holding a steady, moderate course. Dr. Siggie breaks down her core message: children need a calm, confident leader unafraid to step into authority. Together, they dive into common pitfalls like overparenting, the hidden trap of asking rhetorical questions, and why stepping back to allow kids to experience age-appropriate friction and disappointment is actually the key to building lifelong resilience and mental strength. Dr. Siggie also shares how decades of professional practice and parenting her children shaped her grounded philosophy and inspired her new book, You Are the Parent. The conversation offers real-world guidance on establishing firm, loving boundaries without resorting to power struggles, showing up as a steady presence when kids use parents as emotional “punching bags,” and shifting away from guilt-driven choices. Whether you are struggling to cut through the noise of conflicting parenting advice or looking for practical ways to simplify your daily communication, this episode serves as an empowering reminder that families are complex systems that thrive best when parents trust themselves to lead with clarity, directness, and empathy. Links: https://drsiggie.com/ https://drsiggie.com/you-are-the-parent/ https://www.instagram.com/dr.siggie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heart-warming episode, Tara sits down with Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie of the legendary children’s group The Wiggles to dive into life behind the iconic skivvies, balancing life as beloved performers with the realities of being dads. The pair reflect on how fatherhood completely transformed their approach to music, making their songwriting and performances even more child-centered and playful. They also share the story behind their podcast, Wiggle Talk, which was born out of their own late-night parenting questions and a desire to learn alongside expert guests. From the multi-generational nostalgia bringing original Wiggles fans back with their own kids to the high energy of their current North American tour, Simon and Lachy offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at performing for families worldwide. Beyond the stage lights, the conversation gets real about the everyday struggles of modern parenting. Simon and Lachy open up about navigating dad guilt, managing long-distance family logistics, and finding small ways to stay connected through early-morning wakeups and hotel video calls. Whether you're a lifelong Wiggles fan or just looking for a relatable perspective on raising children, grab your favorite hot potato, hit that subscribe button, and join them for an episode that proves parenting is a whole lot easier when you learn to go with the flow. Links: https://thewiggles.com/ https://thewiggles.com/pages/live https://thewiggles.com/pages/podcast Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with former WWE superstar, entrepreneur and podcaster Leah Van Dale for an honest conversation about identity, motherhood, and stepping into a new creative era. Leah opens up about her journey from professional dancer to wrestling royalty as Carmella, including winning the first Women’s “Money in the Bank," sharing the emotional shifts that came with leaving her high-profile WWE career behind.  As a mom navigating the real-world pressures of parenthood, she reflects on how becoming a mother reshaped her priorities, forced her to confront social media comparison culture, and stripped away the pressure to "do it all" without burning out. Together, Tara and Leah dive into the messy beauty of holding multiple truths, proving that ambition and devotion to family can coexist, even when life feels completely chaotic. Leah discusses her drive to build genuine connection through Snatch, a platform crafted to facilitate conversations around pregnancy and postpartum, as well as her new podcast Hot Mom Sh*t. Exploring everything from body image struggles to book recommendations like The Power Pause and When Life Happens, this empowering conversation is a reassuring reminder that motherhood doesn't mean sidelining your ambition, but discovering an exciting new way to thrive. Links: https://www.instagram.com/theleahvandale https://www.instagram.com/hotmomshitpod/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/@theleahvandale Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with author, artist, and Emmy-winning animator Loryn Brantz for an honest conversation on creativity, modern parenting, and what’s really going on behind the scenes in children’s media. Loryn opens up about shifting from traditional animation on classic shows like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Sesame Street to writing children’s books, sharing how a very relatable toddler meltdown inspired her new book, I Am a Spicy Nugget. She and Tara unpack practical strategies for co-regulation and handling big emotions, explaining why doing the inner self-work and reparenting ourselves beats relying on cookie-cutter parenting scripts every time. They also tackle the changing landscape of creative content, diving into Loryn’s advocacy for artist protection against AI after her public battle over The Good Advice Cupcake. From the rise of AI-generated slop in children’s shows to her behind-the-scenes work with powerhouses like Ms. Rachel and PBS, Loryn reminds us that human connection is at the heart of storytelling. This conversation is a candid look at the emotional work of raising good humans while fighting to protect genuine creative integrity for the next generation. Links: https://lorynbrantz.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lorynbrantz/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with New York Times bestselling author Nir Eyal for an eye-opening conversation on mastering focus, shifting limiting mindsets, and reclaiming control over daily attention. Nir pulls back the curtain on the real root causes of distraction, debunking the common myth that technology alone is to blame. Instead, he reveals that an astonishing 90% of phone checks happen without a single notification, driven instead by "internal triggers," fleeting moments of emotional discomfort, boredom, or anxiety. Nir shares an actionable four-step framework to manage these internal feelings, break the cycle of procrastination, and rewrite the internal narratives that hold them back from living intentionally. The discussion also dives deep into the incredible power of the mind, highlighting the research behind his work in his new book Beyond Belief: The Science-Backed Way to Stop Limiting Yourself and Achieve Extraordinary Results, including the mind-bending story of a patient undergoing surgery without anesthesia through the power of hypnotic belief. Nir unpacks how beliefs function as tools rather than absolute truths, introducing powerful reframing techniques like Byron Katie’s four questions to dismantle self-sabotaging thoughts. Nir emphasizes the importance of moving past parental hypocrisy, modeling healthy device habits, and leading with purpose and love to build a deeply connected, resilient family. For parents or anyone feeling stuck, the episode offers crucial, practical strategies to stop limiting beliefs from holding them back. Links: www.NirAndFar.com https://amzn.to/4bjYEL6 https://www.linkedin.com/in/nireyal/ https://www.youtube.com/user/nirandfar https://twitter.com/nireyal https://www.facebook.com/nirandfar/ http://instagram.com/neyal99 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this eye-opening episode, clinical psychologist and sex therapist Dr. Piper Grant joins the podcast to unpack the complex evolution of intimacy in relationships after parenthood. Dr. Grant sheds light on how the profound hormonal, neurobiological, and identity shifts of motherhood fundamentally alter couple dynamics, often creating subtle rifts driven by the mental load, loneliness, and miscommunication. Redefining intimacy through the lens of "into me you see," she emphasizes that true connection is built on a foundation of vulnerability and emotional safety. The conversation explores how couples can navigate these shifts across various life stages, from the immediate challenges of the postpartum period to the later transitions of perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Grant advocates for the power of open communication, patience, and simple practices like non-sexual touch to gently rebuild emotional and physical bonds without performance anxiety. Infused with humor and refreshing honesty, Dr. Grant and Tara aim to break the stigma around relationship struggles in survival mode and offer a roadmap for maintaining intimacy resilience. This is an essential listen for any couple looking to reconnect and cultivate a deeper understanding of one another amidst the busyness of family life. Links: https://www.instagram.com/dr.pipergrant https://www.instagram.com/born.into.motherhood www.NumiWellness.com www.BornIntoMotherhood.com https://www.youtube.com/@dr.pipergrant Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Tara sits down with New York Times bestselling author, award-winning podcast host, professor, and "ray of human sunshine" Kate Bowler to explore the profound idea that joy is not a luxury reserved for perfect circumstances, but a vital force that can be discovered even in life's darkest moments. The conversation dives deep into how modern societal pressures, the American prosperity gospel, and self-improvement culture shape our often unrealistic expectations around happiness. Kate and Tara dismantle the idea that life must be flawless to be fulfilling, explaining instead how genuine moments of joy frequently emerge in the midst of adversity, illness, and crisis. They offer actionable insights into reclaiming a sense of lightness amid daily chaos. In her new book Joyful, Anyway, Kate highlights the transformative role of collective effervescence, the shared energy and connection fostered through community celebrations and mutual support. The episode provides practical strategies for  moms to intentionally weave playfulness and service into their daily routines. This conversation serves as a beautiful reminder that while joy may be fleeting, actively cultivating it through community and shared experiences is essential for building true resilience. If you are looking for that glimmer of joy, tune in to this episode, and subscribe to Modern Mom Probs today. Links: https://katebowler.com/ https://amzn.to/4pUqqE4 https://www.instagram.com/katecbowler/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this heartfelt episode, Tara welcomes therapist, author, and podcast host Dr. Cassidy Freitas to share her personal journey through parenthood and her expert insights on navigating postpartum challenges. They dive into how childhood and cultural legacies shape modern parenting styles, often triggering cycles of stress and control. Dr. Cassidy explains how systemic issues, social media, and even AI impact modern motherhood, making it harder than ever to find balance. Drawing from her book Mom Needs a Moment, Dr. Cassidy offers highly practical strategies for creating protected boundaries and margins amidst the daily chaos of digital-era lives. She explains how to identify personal triggers, regulate reactions, and cultivate deep self-compassion. The episode also highlights the significance of personal space, offering invaluable resources for both parents and therapists looking to foster authentic well-being. Whether you are navigating the vulnerable early days of a newborn or managing the complexities of the teenage years, tune in to discover how to unpack stressful cycles, embrace vulnerability, and build deeper, more meaningful connections with your children and yourself. Links: https://www.drcassidymft.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drcassidy/ https://amzn.to/3TaCu7S Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How do you turn life’s darkest, most chaotic moments into comedy? In this episode, internet sensation, comedian, and author Laura Clery joins the show for an incredibly candid conversation about resilience, vulnerability, and the transformative power of humor. Laura takes us behind the scenes of her journey from Chicago to Los Angeles, sharing how she found her unique voice through unapologetic storytelling and "over-sharing" on her rise to capturing over 26 million followers. Together, Tara and Laura dive into the unbelievable story of her miraculous survival after a refrigerator fell on her, exploring both the deep physical and mental toll of unexpected trauma and how comedy became her ultimate tool for processing pain and finding a path forward. They also explore the creative process behind Laura’s new book "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Hotter" discussing how she successfully balanced raw, vulnerable writing with the signature humor her fans adore. Beyond the laughs, Laura opens up about the complex realities of navigating public life, setting essential boundaries as a mother and a survivor of addiction and abuse, and managing the intricate dynamics of co-parenting and divorce in the relentless spotlight. Laura offers a powerful, funny, and deeply human reminder of how resilience can shape our coping mechanisms, proving that when we find the courage to laugh through the chaos, we reclaim our power. This one is a must-listen! Links: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraclery https://www.instagram.com/lauraclery/ https://amzn.to/3Rhddbt Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Motherhood is a wild ride, and honestly, sometimes you just have to laugh so you don't cry. This week, Tara sat down with comedian, actress, and podcast host of Funjelah, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes for a deeply relatable chat about marriage, babies, and everything in between. Anjelah shared her incredible journey from NFL cheerleader to viral comedy sensation, but she also gets raw about the less glamorous side of things, like newborn survival mode and the pressure on modern moms. Together, she and Tara spoke about finding your village, surviving the social media noise, and keeping the spark alive in a long-term marriage. Anjelah also shared about the inspiration behind her new comedy special called Ugly Baby, now on YouTube. Packed with laugh-out-loud stories and genuine honesty, this episode feels less like a formal interview and more like catching up with a close friend who just gets it. It’s funny, it’s real, and it’s a great reminder that none of us are doing this perfectly. Links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bvkoxZ6xcw https://anjelah.com/ https://www.instagram.com/anjelahjohnson/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.