This week, the Just 4 Moms crew dives into a real and relatable conversation about self-care for moms. Host Megan Schinella leads the chat as the moms swap stories about the struggles—and successes—of making time for themselves. From Caitlin’s backyard possum problem to Kallie’s stroller mishap and Charlotte’s quest for balance, this episode blends humor with heartfelt advice.

Special guest Dr. Katie Takayasu, integrative medicine doctor, shares practical tips for nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. Learn how pairing small mindful habits, creating stillness, and focusing on the four pillars of well-being (nutrition, exercise, sleep, spirituality) can make self-care achievable—even in the busiest times of life.

Don’t miss our signature Pits & Peaks—featuring everything from Easter baskets still out in June to the joys of pressure washing!

Self-Care and Well-Being

It’s that magical (and chaotic) time of year when school’s out, the sunscreen is everywhere, and moms everywhere are chasing that elusive “perfect summer.” In this honest and hilarious episode, the hosts share the toys they regret buying, their latest “mom fails,” and how summer break can sometimes feel more stressful than restful. Caitlin opens up about her own experience resisting the urge to overplan, while Charlotte, Kallie, and Megan reflect on how childhood memories are made in the smallest, most spontaneous moments.

Later, they’re joined by special guest Michelle Grosser, certified trauma-informed life coach and host of the Alive and Well Podcast. Michelle shares practical tips for managing summer burnout and how to embrace a mindset shift—from pressure and perfectionism to presence and peace.

From nostalgic summer stories to real talk about parenting guilt, this is the reminder all moms need: your kids don’t need a “Pinterest-perfect” summer… they just need you.

The Pressure to Have the Perfect Summer 

From lobster races and campfires to balloon arches and party favors, today we’re diving into the real story behind modern kids’ parties. In this episode of Just 4 Moms, Charlotte leads a heartfelt (and hilarious) chat with Caitlin, Kallie, and Megan about childhood summer memories, mom fails, and the growing pressure to throw Pinterest-perfect celebrations.

We reflect on our own family traditions, why some of us are scaling back, and how social media has shaped our views on birthdays and milestones. Plus, we’re joined by party planning queen Beth Kingston (HSN Craft Expert) who shares her genius tips for throwing personal, fun gatherings that don’t break the bank.

Whether taco bars and DIY decorations or birthday philosophies and sibling drama—we cover it all. Whether you’re a minimalist or a Pinterest mom (or a mix of both), this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and inspired.

Pinterest Parties, Budget Birthdays & Mom Guilt: How We Really Celebrate Our Kids

This week on Just 4 Moms, we’re breaking down a topic every mom can relate to: when “convenience” backfires. From confusing school apps and broken Diaper Genies to multitasking tech that drains our energy, the moms share what’s really causing their daily stress.

Kallie introduces the idea of the “Convenience Illusion,” inspired by Stolen Focus by Johann Hari, and how tools that promise productivity often create mental clutter. The group chats about the toll of digital overload and how these “time savers” actually steal our attention and peace of mind.

Plus, special guest Dr. Emma Seppälä (author of The Happiness Track and Sovereign) joins us to explore how the constant chase for efficiency may be costing us our well-being—and what we can do to reclaim it.

Also in this episode:

 * Favorite beauty products (hello, overnight lip masks and glowing skin)
 * Real-life mom fails (Amazon mishaps, neglected furniture, and more)
 * Our weekly Peaks & Pits (from Brimfield trips to dance recitals)

If you’ve ever wanted to throw your phone out the window after trying to book a beauty appointment or figure out a school app, this one’s for you.

The Convenience Illusion: How “Easy” Tech Is Making Mom Life Harder

On this episode of Just 4 Moms, we’re diving deep into something every woman faces but few talk about honestly: aging. From creaky knees and random chin hairs to Botox, dry eyes, and perimenopause, we’re opening up about what it really feels like to grow older in a world obsessed with looking young.

We may still feel 20 on the inside—but one look at our hands, knees, or under-eye circles can tell another story. Charlotte shares what it’s like to turn 50 while still feeling like she’s figuring it out. Caitlin reflects on the moment she stopped hearing “you look so young,” and started wondering if she looked “her age.” Kallie wonders why we’re made to choose between embracing aging or fighting it with every filter and filler. And Megan? She’s learned to love life post-40—Botox, laser treatments, laughter-induced bladder leaks and all.

You’ll hear our Mom Fails (rock painting day drama, a communion suit mishap, and a birthday phone call that never happened), plus some inspiring thoughts from plastic surgeon Dr. Flora Levin on aging with confidence—not fear.

We’re not here to fight aging—we’re here to figure it out together. Because while our skin may change, our sense of humor, our spirit, and our love for each other? That stays the same.

Is This Aging Gracefully? Getting Candid About Looking & Feeling Older

In Episode 18 of Just 4 Moms, Caitlin and the crew are back with laughs, honesty, and a deep dive into a topic that impacts countless mothers—maternal mental health. They kick things off with a hilarious discussion about the lies we tell our kids (yes, stores do close at naptime), and a round of fresh “Mom Fails” that will have you nodding along in solidarity.

Then, in honor of Maternal Mental Health Month, the conversation takes a heartfelt turn as the hosts share their personal journeys through postpartum challenges—from anxiety and baby blues to the gaps in postpartum care. They’re joined by special guest Katie Crenshaw—author, speaker, and mental health advocate—who brings powerful insight into her own experience and her work with The Blue Dot Project. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s felt the weight of new motherhood and wondered if they were alone. Spoiler: you're not.

Breaking the Silence on Maternal Mental Health

In this candid and thought-provoking episode of Just 4 Moms, Charlotte celebrates a milestone birthday and dreams of a girls trip, while the hosts share their latest "mom fails"—from forgotten snacks to Easter candy sabotage. But the heart of the episode dives deep into a listener's question: How do we talk to our kids about feminism?

Charlotte offers a quick history of feminism, and the moms discuss how their parenting approaches reflect their values—from dismantling gender stereotypes in chores and play to raising sensitive sons and confident daughters. Special guest Chrissy Khachane, an educational consultant and former head of school, joins the conversation with her take on how fairness, dignity, and opportunity are key to raising the next generation.

With warmth, humor, and honesty, the hosts explore how motherhood itself can be a feminist act—and how we’re all figuring it out in real time.

Feminism and How We Address It With Our Kids

In Episode 16, host Kallie and the crew get candid about failing forward—what it means, why it matters, and how to reframe our relationship with failure. From viral underwear ads and the Dunning-Kruger effect to forgotten lip stains and botched job interviews, this conversation explores how we stumble, what we learn, and how to model resilience for our kids.

We dive into the gender gap in confidence, especially in how women approach risk, perfectionism, and the fear of public failure. Charlotte unpacks how burnout and rejection redirected her to a life she loves, while Kallie shares how a "dream house fail" ended up being a blessing in disguise. Caitlin reminds us that sometimes the only way forward is to be willing to "suck" at something until you get better.

Plus, a special chat with Erica Ligenza of Coming Up Roses and the THRIVE Podcast, where she opens up about her own recipe mishaps, personal growth, and her favorite mantra: “We can do hard things.”

We close out the show with our signature Pits and Peaks segment—because even in a week full of messes, there’s always something to celebrate.

Failing Forward – Why Failure Might Be Your Greatest Asset

Motherhood isn't just one job—it's dozens, and on Episode 15 of the podcast, host Megan and the mom squad are talking all about it! From laugh-out-loud mom fails (like choking on sprouts and hiding snacks from kids) to heartfelt conversations about juggling career goals, family life, and self-care, this episode is a relatable look at the "many hats" moms wear daily.

You'll hear stories about handling the mental load, dealing with guilt, and the invisible labor of motherhood—and you'll leave with real strategies for setting boundaries and finding joy amidst the chaos. Plus, special guest Samantha Yanks, cofounder of The Connecticut Edit, shares how she balances her many roles with grace and purpose.

Pits and Peaks wrap up the show with everything from tech hacks to Broadway adventures.

Whether you're a new mom, a seasoned pro, or just need to know you’re not alone—this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now for laughs, real talk, and a reminder that every mom deserves her crown.

The Many Hats of Motherhood: Balancing Family, Career, and Self

In this heartfelt and hilariously honest episode, Caitlin and the crew (Megan, Kallie, and Charlotte) dive deep into the complexities of body image after having kids. From the emotional rollercoaster of feeling like a stranger in your own skin to learning how to appreciate your body for the miracles it’s performed, the moms share raw personal stories, honest reflections, and the real struggles of postpartum self-acceptance.

We’re also joined by special guest Katy Fassett, a stay-at-home mom and motherhood advocate, who brings insight into finding beauty in the “after” and embracing the now.

But first—what’s with all the wildly inappropriate lyrics in our favorite songs? From Taylor Swift to Lady Gaga’s “disco stick,” the moms break down the music their toddlers are (accidentally) singing. Plus: a round of Mom Fails, some surprising postpartum stats, and a candid conversation about wrinkles, wardrobes, and the pressure to “bounce back.”

This episode is a reminder that two truths can coexist: you can be proud of what your body has done and still struggle with how it looks. Let’s talk about it.

Accepting Your Body Post Kids

This is a podcast about women, friendship, motherhood and more. Join Kallie Branciforte, Caitlin Houston, Megan Schinella and Charlotte Smith as they discuss everything from navigating careers to parenting challenges to the science experiment that is aging as a woman. With humor, honesty and authenticity, Just 4 Moms is the conversation you have with your girlfriends around the kitchen counter.