Two Moms and a Mic

Vicky Haapala and Lauren Walding

A weekly conversation between two Moms about health, parenthood and everything in between. You'll leave feeling like you just had a catch up and a laugh with a good friend. 

  1. 06/11/2024

    Fuelling Your Run: Nutrition Tips for Marathon Training

    In this episode of Two Moms and a Mic, we explore essential nutrition tips for marathon training to help you fuel your runs effectively. Join us as we discuss how to balance protein and carbs, create personalised meal plans, and explore natural fuel alternatives like homemade gels. We also dive into the benefits of cutting out alcohol to boost your energy and performance. Whether you’re preparing for your first marathon or looking to optimise your diet and training regimen, this episode provides valuable insights and practical advice to enhance your running experience. Tune in to discover how proper nutrition can make a significant difference in your endurance and overall health. Key Topics: • Balancing protein and carbs for optimal energy • Personalised meal plans for marathon training • Natural fuel alternatives and homemade gels • The impact of alcohol on energy and performance • Tips for maintaining sustained energy and avoiding burnout Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable tips and expert advice to help you achieve your running goals!

    37 min

  2. 05/28/2024

    Mind Over Marathon: Training Your Brain for Success

    In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences and challenges as first-time marathon runners. They touch on the importance of mindset and maintaining motivation during training, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies for overcoming negative thoughts and maintaining a positive attitude. The conversation also highlights the balance between flexibility and discipline in training plans and the mental strength required to push through tough moments. They provide insights on how to handle setbacks, the significance of enjoying the process, and the critical role of mental preparation in marathon training.00:00 Welcome Back to the Podcast: A Fresh Start00:44 The Power of Refreshing Knowledge00:58 Evolving Health and Nutrition Strategies02:44 The Marathon Journey Begins04:41 Choosing the Right Training Program05:14 The Benefits of the Runner App07:18 Navigating Marathon Training as Beginners12:08 Embracing Flexibility in Training14:59 Cultural Perspectives on Running and Training18:24 Reflecting on Past Running Experiences19:58 The Mental Game of Marathon Running21:38 Overcoming Training Challenges29:48 The Power of Mindset in Marathon Training37:38 Embracing Flexibility and Mindfulness in Training39:02 Concluding Thoughts on Marathon Preparation

    41 min

  3. 05/21/2024

    Episode 3 of 3: Boundaries for Balance: Managing Stress and Overwhelm in the Digital Era

    The script delves into the complexities of living in a technologically advanced era where instant communication is possible, emphasizing the significance of establishing boundaries to manage the overwhelming connectivity. It discusses the impact of social media and technology on relationships and personal well-being, illustrating how these tools have changed the way we interact, making us more available than ever to a wider network of people and influencing our emotional health. The conversation also touches on the importance of emotional boundaries to prevent taking on too much emotional baggage from online connections and the resultant stress. Practical advice is offered on how to effectively set boundaries for reducing stress and creating more personal space, including starting with a strong 'why' behind setting boundaries, and making gradual changes to form new habits. Additionally, the script explores teaching children about boundaries, illustrating the broader implications of boundary-setting on personal relationships and emotional well-being. The narrative is peppered with personal anecdotes, humor, and realistic perspectives on managing digital connectivity and its effects on daily life.00:00 Navigating the Digital Age: The Importance of Boundaries01:07 The Emotional Toll of Social Media02:20 Setting Boundaries for Stress Reduction02:43 Practical Tips for Establishing Boundaries04:10 Small Changes, Big Impact: The Power of Incremental Boundaries07:06 Empowering Others by Modeling Boundary Setting07:48 Teaching Kids About Boundaries08:15 Rethinking Traditional Parenting Advice12:30 Personal Anecdotes: Navigating Extracurricular Activities16:53 Concluding Thoughts on Balance and Boundaries

    19 min

  4. 05/14/2024

    Episode 2 of 3: Mastering the Art of Boundary Setting and Embracing Solitude

    This podcast episode delves into the intricacies of setting boundaries, particularly for parents, through a humorous and self-reflective conversation. The hosts discuss various scenarios, like negotiating bedtime with children, hiding for a moment's peace, and the challenges of mealtime negotiations. They explore the impact of setting personal boundaries and negotiating with oneself on achieving goals, like abstaining from alcohol, and how these practices are common in areas like weight loss. The conversation transitions into the importance of self-care, the struggle with people-pleasing tendencies, and the societal shift from valuing downtime to a constant state of busyness. They reminisce about the simplicity of childhood and the benefits of doing nothing, while acknowledging the challenges modern technology brings to setting boundaries and finding quiet moments. The hosts conclude by advocating for honest communication about personal limits and the liberating act of occasionally canceling plans for personal well-being.00:00 Boundary Setting Quiz: A Fun Start00:20 Parenting and the Art of Avoidance02:35 Mealtime Negotiations and Creative Solutions04:48 The Struggle with Personal Boundaries and Self-Negotiation09:40 The Journey to Self-Care and Setting Boundaries12:24 Navigating Social Obligations and Personal Time18:31 Embracing the Joy of Doing Nothing21:51 Reflecting on Modern Life and the Need for Simplicity

    25 min

  5. 04/30/2024

    EPISODE 1 of 3: Setting Boundaries for a Meaningful Life

    In this episode, the speakers explore the importance of setting boundaries for managing time and focus to lead a more meaningful life. They discuss insights gained from the book '4,000 Weeks' about embracing life's limitations and prioritizing what truly matters, rather than striving for unrealistic productivity. The conversation covers the impact of modern conveniences like smartphones on our ability to be present and the consequences of not setting boundaries, such as exhaustion and overstimulation. The speakers also share personal anecdotes and reflections on their own struggles with setting boundaries around technology, work, and social obligations. They emphasize the significance of setting boundaries for oneself and teaching children the value of time and space management.00:00 Opening Thoughts: The Struggle with Sleep and Expectations00:27 Reflecting on the Stress Series and Introducing Today's Topic01:39 The Philosophy of 4,000 Weeks: Embracing Limitations for a Meaningful Life03:22 The Never-Ending Cycle of Productivity and Its Pitfalls04:59 The Modern Dilemma: Smartphone Dependency and Its Impact09:49 Setting Boundaries: From Personal Space to Digital Detox09:52 The Ripple Effect of Our Actions on Children and the Importance of Boundaries12:39 Concluding Thoughts: Learning to Say No and Managing Social Expectations

    16 min

  6. 04/23/2024

    EPISODE 4 of 4: Understanding and Coping with Parental Stress

    In this episode of 'Two Moms and a Mic,' hosts Vicky and Lauren discuss the often underestimated realities of stress in parenting. They explore the less obvious sources of stress, such as societal expectations, the perpetual demands of parenting, financial worries, and even the impact of what we eat. The podcast aims to shed light on the diverse and sometimes hidden aspects of stress that affect parents, emphasising the importance of awareness, self-care, and finding individual coping mechanisms. Through their personal journeys, they highlight how stress is not limited to high-pressure jobs but is a constant in daily life, especially in the context of motherhood. The hosts share tips on managing stress, including journaling, making time for oneself, and learning about stress's effects on the body. The episode wraps up with personal advice to their past selves about seeking help, the significance of self-care, and the need to understand and mitigate stress for better health and well-being.00:00 Welcome to Two Moms and a Mic!00:58 Understanding Stress: The Hidden Factors06:22 The Many Faces of Stress: From Parenting to Financial Concerns09:39 Lifestyle and Stress: Nutrition, Exercise, and Self-Care13:37 Reflecting on Past Experiences and Advice for New Parents21:49 Closing Thoughts: Stress Awareness and Personal Growth

    25 min

  7. 04/16/2024

    EPISODE 3 of 4: The Truth About How Stress Affects You

    In this episode of 'Two Moms and a Mic,' Vicky and Lauren discuss the complexities of motherhood, focusing on the challenges and changes that come with parenting. They candidly share their personal experiences with stress, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and the unexpected journey of self-discovery through motherhood. The conversation highlights the impact of social withdrawal, especially during the challenging times following the birth of their children and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the struggles, they emphasise the importance of finding positive coping strategies and the unexpected benefits of slowing down life's pace. The episode is a blend of heartfelt discussions, laughter, and insights into navigating the highs and lows of being a parent, aiming to provide listeners with both support and valuable information.00:00 Welcome to Two Moms and a Mic!00:58 The Impact of Stress on New Moms01:31 Discovering Healthy vs. Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms02:53 The Social Withdrawal Journey07:25 Navigating Postpartum Life with Guests09:41 Finding Peace in Slower Living During COVID11:49 Reflecting on Behavioral Changes and Coping Mechanisms12:31 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

    13 min

  8. 03/25/2024

    EPISODE 2 of 4: Navigating Stress as Parents: Physical, Emotional, and Mental Impacts

    In this episode of 'Two Moms and a Mic,' hosts Vicky and Lauren dive into the topic of stress, particularly focusing on its impact on parents physically, emotionally, and mentally. They begin by discussing how stress manifests, starting with physical symptoms before affecting our emotional and mental state. The hosts share personal anecdotes, including how stress affects their personal lives and the physical symptoms they have experienced, such as headaches and muscle tension. They also touch upon the broader implications of stress on health, such as its effects on fertility and weight gain. Additionally, they explore how stress impacts one’s ability to concentrate and make decisions, emphasizing the importance of managing stress for overall wellbeing. The conversation also covers the role of social media in adding stress and the significance of being aware of our environments to mitigate stress. Vicky and Lauren aim to provide listeners with insights and strategies to manage stress, enhancing their ability to be more effective and happier parents.00:00 Welcome to Two Moms and a Mic!00:58 Diving Deep into Stress: Physical, Emotional, and Mental Impacts07:05 The Hidden Stresses of Modern Life11:02 Choosing Your Battles: Managing News and Social Media15:05 The Emotional Rollercoaster: Hormones and Stress23:54 The Mental Maze: Stress and Decision Making28:33 Behavioral Changes and Concluding Thoughts

    30 min
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About

A weekly conversation between two Moms about health, parenthood and everything in between. You'll leave feeling like you just had a catch up and a laugh with a good friend. 

Information

  • Creator
    Vicky Haapala and Lauren Walding
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit