the 5 to 8 shift podcast

Our guests on Episode 22 are Becky Thompson, and Dr. Mark R. Pitts, the father/daughter duo behind the Midnight Dad online community, that encourages fathers with short, powerful prayers every night at Midnight. 

In this episode, Susannah chats with Becky and Mark about ways to encourage the Dads you love in your life, how fatherhood looks different than it did 30 years ago, and some of the challenges men and fathers are struggling with today. Their words are encouraging, their conviction is moving, and although they don't have all the answers - they can point you in the right direction. Their message is not heavy or shaming - it's full of light, life, and love.

Our guest on Episode 21 is Pamelyn Rocco, who is on a mission to instill gratitude into families all across the country. (We agree - it's a great idea!) Pamelyn has been a party stylist for 20 years, is a girl mama x 2, an avid Instagrammer at @houseofbashery, and her first book, Gratitude the Great, released on May 4, 2021.

In this episode, Pamelyn shares how gratitude has changed her life, why learning about gratitude and it's many benefits at a young age are so important, and provides ways for families to incorporate gratitude into their lives and routines. In fact, she wrote a children's book about this very topic called, Gratitude the Great.

Our guest on Ep. 20 is Heather Chauvin, leadership coach, podcaster, wife, mother, and author. Her first book, Dying to Be a Good Mother, chronicles her journey into motherhood with honesty, humor, and strength. 

In this episode, Susannah and Heather discuss building sustainable micro-habits, the impact of re-learning how to live after Heather traversed the difficult road of cancer treatment and recovery, and overcoming many of the excuses that moms make when it comes to prioritizing their own health, time, and dreams. This is a great conversation that will implore you to "stop dying to be a good mother, and start living the life you deserve."

We did something a little different for this episode - and we really like the way it turned out! Instead of interviewing a parent - we looked at the other side of the equation. We asked five young adults to share their perspectives on their parents, family life, technology, and so much more.

In this episode, Susannah interviews five Eastern University students including: Claudia Glover, Morgan Pierce, Darryl MacKey, Stephen Sattanino, and Milan Sharma. We discuss things parents worry about that they don't need to, what role technology (namely social media) has played in their self identity, the impact of distracted parenting, and the best values instilled in them by their parents.

Our guest on Episode 18 is Michelle Icard, speaker, author, and educator who helps kids, parents, and teachers navigate the complicated social world of early adolescence. Her latest book, Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen guides readers through the fourteen essential conversations parents need to have with their kids before they start high school.

Michelle and Susannah talk *so many things* related to middle school life. Specifically, Michelle shares why she is so passionate about middle schoolers, what role risk plays in the brain of an early adolescent, and what parents should understand about the power of reputation in middle school.

Sharing 6 ways to (try to!) destress for busy and tired parents. If you are fighting the good fight and just feeling weary or warn down - I hope this episode encourages you in your parenthood journey. 

I hope you listen and feel confident in letting something go or adding in a new routine, habit, or activity that reduces your stress and brings you joy. Intentional living is the best there is - now go chase it, friend. 

 Episode 16 features Crystal Paine, founder of the wildly popular MoneySavingMom.com, host of "The Crystal Paine Show" podcast, New York Times bestselling author, Foster Mom, and Mama to 4 bio kids. Although Crystal has written a couple books, her new book, Love-Centered Parenting: The No Fail Guide to Launching Your Kids, is her first parenting book and we're thrilled to have her share some parenting insight on this episode.

You will find Crystal’s honesty, conversational style, and tried-and-true methods to be balm to your weary soul. Crystal talks about the day she found out her kid was a bully, leading with humility, and why letting go of what others think is so powerful as a parent.

Today's guest is Laura Gethers, wife, mother, conflict resolution expert, author, speaker, and founder of Love Harder Marriage Coaching. Laura equips couples with the tools they need to strengthen their marriage. She believes that every couple is capable of loving harder and wants to be in your corner encouraging you to do so.

On this episode, Laura and Susannah chat all things marriage. Solid relationships don't just appear - they are nurtured, cultivated, and developed with intention; marriage is no exception. Laura even makes the case for why couples should have a marital mission statement. (Spoiler alert: You're gonna want one too after listening to this episode!) Laura is down to earth, funny, and full of great insight for couples. 

 Today's guest is Nicole Cole, founder and creator of the Polished Playhouse, an online community where she gives parents practical tips and ideas for organizing their homes. Nicole has a background in education and infuses her experience in early learning into her advice, hacks, and activities she readily shares online and on her blog.

In this episode, Nicole shares with us some great tips for organizing a playroom so it's fun for the kids and less stressful for mom and dad. With a little bit of work, the whole family will enjoy a more intentional space for creating memories. We talk the best kinds of storage, toy rotations, how to deal with paper, paper, and more paper! 

If you have toys and little humans living in your home - this episode's for you. 

Today's guest is Dr. Sarah Fiedler, Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist, who serves patients out of her practice, North Florida Naturopathic. Sarah, along with her husband, Teegan, has been helping patients reach their full potential through holistic wellness and a multi-dimensional approach to optimal health.

Dr. Fiedler shares some healthy swaps for busy moms on today's episode. These easy, accessible swaps can help busy parents make healthier choices for themselves and their families. These tips are down to earth and simple to incorporate into hectic schedules - and Dr. Fiedler does a great job giving context for each of her tips - essentially the "why" behind the swap. 

If you are looking for simple ways to stay healthy in 2021 - this is a great place to start! 

Episode 12 features Julie Falcone, author and mama raising four children diagnosed with a myriad of neurological disorders. Her goal is to help mothers raising children with invisible special needs feel seen and valued.

Julie shares her unexpected motherhood journey with humor, honesty, and humility. We talk about raising kids with invisible special needs, how to be a good friend to a parent of a special needs kid, and how to cope if you yourself are staring down a complicated neurological diagnosis for your kid. Julie is hilarious and her self-deprecating humor and light-hearted nature will encourage any parent out there in a hard season with their kid - or anyone stumped for ways to help a friend with a special needs child.

Even better - she recently wrote a book called, Dear Loved Ones, where she shares her experiences with ADHD and Autism diagnoses and provides encouragement for families walking this path. 

 On today's episode, Susannah is sharing 10 ways that parents can prioritize and be more intentional about how they spend their 5 to 8 shift - those precious evening hours with your A Team. January is such a great opportunity to refocus, renew, and get into some healthy routines, and Susannah has a few ideas to help families make that happen.

We hope you'll listen and feel encouraged to prioritize your own 5 to 8 shift - it's the most important shift of the day!