The Motherhood Experience

Val Kleppen
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

If you’re craving more than highlight reels and quick tips, The Motherhood Experience is for you. Host Val Kleppen sits down with real moms for meaningful, faith-rooted conversations about the moments that shape us, from the messy to the miraculous. You’ll laugh, cry, and walk away reminded that God is at work in every chapter of your motherhood story. Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

  1. Filling the Void of the Empty Nest with Clancy Denton

    3d ago

    Filling the Void of the Empty Nest with Clancy Denton

    This week, I’m joined by Clancy Denton, co-host of the podcast The Loud Quiet, for a conversation about motherhood, transitional stages, and leaning into the "loud quiet" of life after grown children leave home. Clancy shares her own experience and how she and her husband started mentoring an entire community of empty nesters, both in-person and over the airwaves. Clancy talks about their book, as well, which would make an excellent gift for Father's Day, college move-in day, Mother's Day, or graduation! Connect with Clancy: The Loud Quiet WebsiteFind the BookListen to The Loud Quiet Podcast____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    47 min
  2. When Trauma Feels Like A Freight Train with Emily Cleghorn

    May 26

    When Trauma Feels Like A Freight Train with Emily Cleghorn

    This week, I’m joined by Emily Cleghorn, host of the podcast Mamahood After Trauma, for a conversation about motherhood, emotional wellbeing, and learning to move forward after difficult experiences. Emily shares about the ways unresolved trauma can unexpectedly surface in everyday life, sometimes feeling, as she describes it, “like a freight train”, especially within the already demanding and vulnerable season of parenting. Together, we talk about the emotional weight many mothers carry, the importance of self-awareness and support, and the ongoing process of healing while still showing up for your family. While this conversation touches on hard realities, it’s ultimately centered on resilience, growth, and the hope that healing is possible even in life’s most overwhelming seasons. Connect with Emily: ⁠Mamahood After Trauma PodcastOn ⁠Instagram⁠ or FacebookEmily's Website____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    38 min
  3. Reading Between the Lines of Motherhood: Infertility & Adoption with Kim Patton

    May 19

    Reading Between the Lines of Motherhood: Infertility & Adoption with Kim Patton

    After struggling with infertility and unanswered questions, Kim Patton and her husband found themselves on an unexpected path to motherhood through adoption. In this episode, Kim shares the stark realities of infertility, the journey of adopting two sisters, and what it looks like to build a healthy open adoption relationship with their daughters’ birth mother. As the host of Book Therapy with Kim Patton, Kim now encourages foster and adoptive families through honest conversations, hope-filled stories, and a deep love of books. Together, we discuss the healing power of reading, why embracing our passions matters, and how purpose can emerge from seasons that once felt full of grief and uncertainty. This conversation is full of wisdom, encouragement, and hope for anyone walking through infertility, adoption, foster care, or the unexpected turns of motherhood. In This Episode: Kim’s infertility journey and transition into adoptionAdopting two sisters and navigating open adoptionBuilding a relationship with a birth motherThe joys and challenges of adoptive parentingHow books and storytelling bring healing and connectionEncouragement for foster and adoptive parentsEmbracing the passions that bring purpose and hopeConnect with Kim: Book Therapy with Kim PattonOn Instagram and FacebookFind her authored books and more resources on her website! Bonus Resource: Thriftbooks (you can thank me later) ⭐️ If You Loved This Episode Share it with a friend, leave a review, or send it to a mom who might need encouragement today. ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    53 min
  4. Adoption: The Long Road to a Joyful Family with Bonnie Butler

    May 12

    Adoption: The Long Road to a Joyful Family with Bonnie Butler

    In this episode, Bonnie Butler shares her honest tale of adoption: the emotional highs, the unexpected challenges, and the long road toward becoming a truly connected family. What began as a comfortable journey into motherhood became something deeper. It was a refining process that stretched limits of patience and dentity. Bonnie opens up about the hard seasons that tested her, and how choosing to stay, regulate her emotions, and grow through the struggle ultimately led to a home filled with laughter, genuine connection, and joy. Now a life coach, Bonnie helps other mothers navigate the emotional weight of adoption and family transition with greater awareness, steadiness, and grace. About Our Guest: Bonnie Butler Bonnie Johnston Butler is a certified life coach, speaker, and teacher specializing in thought management and emotional resilience. Drawing from her experience as a mother of 10, four biological, six adopted, and former foster parent to 17 children, she founded Bonnie Butler Coaching to help parents and professionals transform overwhelm into clarity. Through practical strategies for emotional regulation and self-leadership, she empowers clients to overcome self-sabotage, navigate complex dynamics, and create purpose-driven lives. Bonnie brings deep expertise in mindset shifts and personal transformation to every client interaction. Connect With Bonnie: Bonnie's Website: https://bonniebutlercoaching.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100075873774099 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bonniebutlercoaching/ ⭐️ If You Loved This Episode Share it with a friend, leave a review, or send it to a mom who might need encouragement today. ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    58 min
  5. Adoption: A Test of Endurance & of Faith with Christine Siddens

    May 5

    Adoption: A Test of Endurance & of Faith with Christine Siddens

    From the time she was a child, Christine knew she wanted to adopt. As strongly as she felt about adoption, there was no way for her to know or predict what it would mean for her family, or for her motherhood journey. From loss, to estrangement, to disruption, to success, Christine has experienced a little bit of everything. About Our Guest: Christine Siddens Christine started podcasting to create a space where other moms could share their struggles, tears, and triumphs. Sound familiar? :) As the host of the One Tough Momma Podcast, Christine not only shares her own journey of loss, adoption, and revelations, but invites other mothers to share what they've learned and lived through as well. This was born from Christine's realization that sometimes, the best way to heal is often just to share. Find Christine's podcast wherever you stream, or follow her on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@onetoughmomma ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    52 min
  6. Grieving Hope & Finding Gratitude in Motherhood with Holly Andrews

    Apr 28

    Grieving Hope & Finding Gratitude in Motherhood with Holly Andrews

    Holly's story is one that will simultaneously tug at your heart and leave you inspired! I asked Holly's husband if he would ask her to consider being a guest on the podcast, though she and I had never spoken before and didn't know each other. We got into the story of how we're connected, but I'm so glad she agreed to come on the show! About Our Guest: Holly Andrews Holly is a loving wife, doting mother, and has experienced so much in life. From serious health issues, bereaved motherhood, and an abundance of blessing, Holly shares all she has learned to appreciate in her life. Her first daughter, Hope, did not survive long after delivery. The grief she and her husband walked through - and still walk through - impacts them profoundly. However, Holly realized early on, despite heartache or struggles, finding gratitude is the greatest gift of all. Message the host (me, Val) if you'd like Holly's email address and I'll get you connected with her. In the meantime, just enjoy this conversation between two moms, sharing our story and all we're grateful for! Want to book Todd for a comedy show? https://www.toddandrews.com/ ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    49 min
  7. Redeeming Motherhood and Mental Health with Healey Ikerd

    Apr 21

    Redeeming Motherhood and Mental Health with Healey Ikerd

    This conversation with Healey was so candid and we talked about so many different aspects of motherhood and mental health. I think my guest, Healey Ikerd, says it best herself: "I have written a workbook called Changing Your Feelings - A Workbook for Anxiety and Worry, and a book of Christian poetry and reflections called Celebrate the Day. I have also written two children's books, The Red Ball - A Story of Friendship and Forgiveness and The Worried Little Goat.I am the host of a solo podcast called Healthy & Redeemed. My goal with the podcast is to help Christians improve their emotional health to better reflect living like Jesus.I have experienced so much in life that I feel like I could really talk about anything, but I enjoy talking most about becoming more holy for the glory of God through reading the Bible. That, of course, includes being as mentally healthy as possible. My own failings as an early Christian were justifying a lot of my choices because I did not know the Bible well enough to argue the justifications in my own mind. Now, it is my passion to help others understand healthy thoughts and choices through Biblical principles." About Our Guest: Healey Ikerd Healey Ikerd is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She has earned a Certificate in Ministry from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. She is a U.S. Army Veteran and has worked in the mental health field for over 17 years. She owns her own private practice in Fayetteville, Arkansas called HopeLife Counseling. Her passion is to help others excel in life and relationships through biblical principles. She is an author and podcast host of the show, Healthy & Redeemed. She is also a wife, mom, and grammy. Healey's Website: https://writtenbyhealey.com/ Healey's Books: https://writtenbyhealey.com/my-books Follow Healey on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writtenbyhealey/ Find Healey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WrittenbyHealey/ ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    58 min
  8. The Motherhood Dance of Surviving and Thriving with Karen Dittman

    Apr 14

    The Motherhood Dance of Surviving and Thriving with Karen Dittman

    Karen Dittman, adoptive mother, grandmother, author, and speaker explains how Thriving in Grace (not just the title of her book, but a way of life) is possible even when it seems the most unlikely outcome. Karen shares her struggle of infertility, life as an adoptive mother and the challenge of finding true love and acceptance in the midst of the most challenging season of her life, and about her miracle biological pregnancy years later. If you've ever held your head in your hands wondering if you have the strength to even make it one more day, Karen's story will encourage you! About Our Guest: Karen Dittman Karen A. Dittman is a Christian author, speaker, and mentor who helps women step out of survival mode and into grace-filled growth. She shares Biblical truth, honest conversation, and steady encouragement for every season. Karen's Website: https://karenadittman.com/ Karen's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Karen-Dittman/author/B08HPF2X2W?ccs_id=84c11db9-29e0-43a4-b646-9d802a404f26 Follow Jennifer on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karenditt ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    52 min
See All (148)

5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

If you’re craving more than highlight reels and quick tips, The Motherhood Experience is for you. Host Val Kleppen sits down with real moms for meaningful, faith-rooted conversations about the moments that shape us, from the messy to the miraculous. You’ll laugh, cry, and walk away reminded that God is at work in every chapter of your motherhood story. Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

Information

  • Creator
    Val Kleppen
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Val Kleppen
  • Show Website
    The Motherhood Experience

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