The Motherhood Experience

Val Kleppen
  • 5.0 (18)
  • 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. Faith Over Excuses: Building Sustainable Wellness Without Adding More to Your Plate with Ashley Perry Lambert

    3D AGO

    Faith Over Excuses: Building Sustainable Wellness Without Adding More to Your Plate with Ashley Perry Lambert

    What if the key to better physical health isn’t more discipline, more workouts, or another restrictive plan, but strengthening your faith muscle? In this highly motivating episode, I sit down with Ashley Perry Lambert, a faith-based health coach who helps women pursue sustainable wellness by working within the lives they already have. Instead of asking women to add more to their routines, Ashley teaches them how to identify the root of their excuses, realign their habits with their faith, and achieve health through systems that already exist in their daily schedules. Through powerful coaching examples, Ashley demonstrates how faith can become the foundation for physical health without overwhelm, guilt, or burnout. This conversation is especially encouraging for women who feel stuck in the cycle of starting over, or who believe wellness requires more time, energy, or perfection than they can give. This episode is a reminder that lasting health doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from living more intentionally. In This Episode, We Discuss: What it means to build your faith muscle and how it directly impacts physical health Why most women’s wellness plans fail and what to do instead How to identify the real root behind common health excuses Using systems and routines you already have to support sustainable wellness Why adding more rules, workouts, or plans often backfires How faith-based coaching helps women stop starting over A powerful role-play example showing Ashley’s coaching approach in real time Encouragement for women who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or discouraged in their health journey Who This Episode Is For: Women who want better physical health without adding more to their plates Christian women seeking a faith-centered approach to wellness Moms who feel overwhelmed by traditional diet and fitness culture Anyone tired of “all-or-nothing” health thinking Women who want sustainable habits that actually fit real life Key Takeaway: Sustainable wellness isn’t about doing more. It’s about aligning what you’re already doing with your values, your faith, and the life God has placed in front of you. About Our Guest: Ashley Perry Lambert Ashley Perry Lambert is a faith-based health coach who helps women transform their physical health by strengthening their faith, uncovering the roots of self-sabotage, and building sustainable habits within real-life systems. Her coaching approach focuses on grace, alignment, and long-term transformation rather than quick fixes or rigid routines. Ashley's Fat Loss Momentum Podcast Follow Ashley on Instagram Ashley's website & quiz ____________________ 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
  2. How Podcasts Saved Her Sanity: An Expat Mom’s Survival of Loneliness Abroad with Rosamaria Mancini

    FEB 10

    How Podcasts Saved Her Sanity: An Expat Mom’s Survival of Loneliness Abroad with Rosamaria Mancini

    What happens when motherhood unfolds thousands of miles from home without your village, your culture, or your familiar rhythms of life? In this honest, globally rich conversation, I sit down with Rosamaria Mancini, an Italian-American mother, author, and expat who shares her journey from growing up in New York to building a life across Europe. In a life of moving to Rome for work, marrying her Italian husband, and later raising two children in Germany, Rosamaria found herself wrestling with loneliness, identity shifts, and the emotional weight of motherhood abroad. During one of her most isolating seasons, podcasts became an unexpected lifeline, offering connection, companionship, and a reminder she wasn’t alone. That experience ultimately inspired her to write a book exploring how listening to podcasts helped preserve her mental health and sense of self while living far from home. This episode is an engaging listen for expat moms, military spouses, mothers navigating isolation, and anyone who has ever felt unseen during a vulnerable season of motherhood. In This Episode, We Discuss: What it’s really like raising children as an expat mother The loneliness and identity loss many moms experience living abroad Creating emotional connection when your support system is far away Turning personal survival into a story that helps other mothers feel less alone Who This Episode Is For: Expat and internationally living mothers Moms navigating loneliness, isolation, or major life transitions Women searching for connection while raising children far from family Podcast lovers curious about the emotional power of audio storytelling Rosamaria’s story is a reminder that even in the quietest, loneliest moments of motherhood, connection is possible and sometimes it arrives through a pair of headphones when you need it most! 🎧 Listen now to hear how podcasts helped one expat mom survive loneliness abroad and why her story may resonate more deeply than you expect. Connect with Rosamaria: Her website (& great book!) Find her on LinkedIn Follow her on Instagram ____________________ 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
  3. Family-First Motherhood: Building a Purpose-Driven Career Without Sacrificing Home with Emilia Coto

    FEB 3

    Family-First Motherhood: Building a Purpose-Driven Career Without Sacrificing Home with Emilia Coto

    What does it really look like to pursue a meaningful career while keeping your family at the center rather than on the sidelines? In this episode, I’m joined by Emilia Coto, an immigration lawyer, business owner, mother of two young children, and fellow podcast host of Little Hands, Big Plans. Emilia shares her honest journey of building a career she’s deeply passionate about while intentionally shaping a family-first home life. We talk about redefining success in motherhood, setting boundaries that protect what matters most, and the ongoing process of aligning your work with your values, especially in seasons with young children. This conversation is a breath of fresh air for any mom navigating the tension between ambition and presence. Whether you’re a working mom, entrepreneur, or simply wrestling with how to live out your values in everyday life, this episode offers clarity and permission to design a life that truly fits your family. What We Cover in This Episode What family-first motherhood really means in daily life Juggling motherhood and career without constant guilt Building a purpose-driven career while raising young children Redefining success as a working mom Creating boundaries that protect home life and relationships Navigating the realities of entrepreneurship and motherhood How motherhood reshapes priorities, goals, and identity Encouragement for moms who love their work and their families Why This Episode Matters So many mothers feel pressure to “do it all” while quietly wondering if they’re doing any of it well. Emilia’s story reminds us that motherhood isn’t about choosing between career and family. It’s about intentionally designing a life that reflects your deepest values. This episode will resonate with moms who want to: work with purpose lead with integrity stay deeply connected to their children and build a life that feels aligned, not divided About Emilia Coto Emilia Coto is an immigration lawyer who runs her own practice while raising two young children. She is also the host of the podcast Little Hands, Big Plans, where she explores thoughtful, intentional parenting and career life. Emilia is passionate about meaningful work, family-first values, and helping parents live purpose-filled lives. Follow her on: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Listen If You’re Searching For: Family-first motherhood Juggling motherhood and career Working mom encouragement Purpose-driven careers for mothers Entrepreneurial motherhood Parenting with intention and values Motherhood and identity ____________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpr...

    51 min
  4. Hold My Hand, Mama: A Story of Motherhood From Babies to Beyond with Gabrielle Martin

    JAN 27

    Hold My Hand, Mama: A Story of Motherhood From Babies to Beyond with Gabrielle Martin

    One of the reasons every episode of TME begins with "age of kids and stage of motherhood you're in" is because I think it's important to acknowledge every phase, stage, and transitionary period in our motherhood journey. In this episode, I’m joined by Gabrielle Margin, who, after a statement from her daughter, had a bit of a revelation about the different stages of motherhood as well. Gabrielle's life didn't follow a map or the plan she may have initially had, but she's happy and content with her life as it is today and shares all about it in our conversation. If you’ve ever wondered how you'll navigate through different parts of your life or motherhood, Gabrielle's episode may encourage you as she talks about an all-areas approach from babies to beyond. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Motherhood isn't only what you're experiencing todayHow being a mom shapes the lives of so many othersHow to encourage other moms in your lifeThe role motherhood has that may be an unspoken blessing to so manyKey Topics Discussed In This Episode: Co ParentingBalancing needs of our kids, while balancing our needs as their momGabrielle's BookThe significance and impact of "Hold My Hand, Mama"About Today’s Guest: Gabrielle Martin While loving her work as a marketer, Gabrielle's experience as an author has opened doors for her she never imagined walking through. Her love for her daughters has now been forever captured on the pages of her book and she has been able to witness firsthand the impact of this simple story in the lives of so many others. Resources Mentioned: Gabrielle's Book "Hold My Hand Mama" & the HMHM Website Instagram Facebook This is a touching episode about the impact of motherhood no matter the age or stage, and you'll be moved by it for sure. 🎧 Listen now and share with a friend. _________________________ 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
  5. Navigating The Digital Jungle: How to Set Healthy Screentime Boundaries for Kids with Sue Atkins

    JAN 20

    Navigating The Digital Jungle: How to Set Healthy Screentime Boundaries for Kids with Sue Atkins

    Screens, social media, gaming, and digital devices are part of everyday childhood, but how do we guide our kids safely and wisely through it all? In this episode, I’m joined by Sue Atkins, parenting expert and host of the Navigating the Digital Jungle podcast, to help parents confidently navigate screen time, online safety, and age-appropriate digital boundaries for children. We dive into how to have ongoing conversations with kids about technology and how parents can stay proactive rather than reactive in today’s digital world. Sue also shares the practical tools and resources she’s created to support families as they raise children in a screen-saturated culture. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by devices, apps, or online influences, this conversation will equip you with clarity and actionable steps. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why digital boundaries matter at every stage of childhood How to approach age-appropriate conversations about screens and online activity How to teach kids healthy digital habits without fear or control The importance of connection over restriction in digital parenting Tools and resources Sue Atkins has created to help parents navigate the digital jungle How to prepare kids for the long-term impact of digital choices Key Topics Discussed In This Episode: Parenting in the digital age Screen time limits for kids Online safety for children Digital boundaries for families Social media and kids Technology and child development Digital literacy and responsibility About Today’s Guest: Sue Atkins Sue Atkins is a globally recognized parenting expert, speaker, author, and host of the Navigating the Digital Jungle podcast. She is passionate about helping parents raise confident, resilient children in an increasingly digital world through practical strategies, education, and support. Helpful Resources Mentioned Sue Atkins’ digital parenting resources: https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/resources/ Navigating the Digital Jungle podcast: https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/the-podcast/ Navigating the Digital Jungle blog: https://navigatingthedigitaljungle.com/blog/ Follow Sue: LinkedInInstagramFacebook If you’re parenting in the digital age and want to feel empowered rather than overwhelmed, this episode is for you! 🎧 Listen now and start navigating the digital jungle with confidence. _________________________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    51 min
  6. Parenting Teenagers: How to Stay Connected Through the Tough Teenage Years with Jeanine Mouchawar

    JAN 13

    Parenting Teenagers: How to Stay Connected Through the Tough Teenage Years with Jeanine Mouchawar

    Parenting teenagers can feel overwhelming, confusing, and emotionally exhausting, especially when the relationship you once had with your child feels strained or distant. In this episode, I’m joined by Jeanine Mouchawar for a powerful and honest conversation about navigating the tough teenage years while protecting and strengthening your connection with your teen. Jeanine shares vulnerable, real-life examples and practical parenting insights on how to adjust your approach as your child grows, communicate more effectively, and build a relationship rooted in trust, respect, and understanding. If you’re wondering how to parent teenagers without losing your sanity (or your relationship) this episode offers hope and actionable encouragement. Whether you’re parenting middle schoolers or older teens, this conversation will help you feel less alone and more equipped to walk through the teenage years with confidence and compassion. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why parenting teenagers requires a shift in expectations and approach How to stay emotionally connected during turbulent teenage years Common mistakes parents make when trying to “fix” teen behavior Practical ways to strengthen your relationship with your teen How vulnerability and listening can transform parent-teen communication Encouragement for parents who feel like they’re “losing” their teenager Who This Episode Is For This episode is for parents who: Are navigating difficult or emotional teenage years Want a better relationship with their teen Feel disconnected and don’t know how to rebuild trust Are looking for realistic, grace-filled parenting strategies Want to parent teenagers with wisdom, flexibility, and confidence Key Takeaway You don’t have to choose between discipline and connection. With the right mindset and tools, it is possible to guide your teenager through hard seasons while preserving, and even strengthening, your relationship. Connect With Jeanine: 5 Questions That Get Teens Talking www.jeaninemouchawar.com Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube _________________________ 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. A Mother's Battlecry: Fighting For Our Kids In Prayer with Debra Mcninch

    JAN 6

    A Mother's Battlecry: Fighting For Our Kids In Prayer with Debra Mcninch

    In this powerful and faith-filled episode, we sit down with Debra McNinch, founder of Battle Cry Moms, to talk about what it truly means to fight for our children on our knees. If you are a mother carrying the weight of a prodigal child, praying for your children’s future, or feeling weary in the spiritual battle of motherhood, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Debra shares encouragement for mothers who feel discouraged, reminding us that prayer is not passive. It is an act of courage, obedience, and fierce love. We explore how to stand firm in faith, refuse fear, and boldly intercede for our children’s hearts, futures, and callings. This episode is a rallying cry for mothers who refuse to give up, even when the road is long and the answers feel slow. In This Episode, We Discuss: What it means to have a “battle cry” as a mother Praying faithfully for prodigal children Standing firm in faith when fear and doubt creep in Letting go of guilt and trusting God with outcomes we can’t control Key Takeaway: You are not powerless. Your prayers matter. And even when you can’t see the work God is doing, heaven is moving when a mother prays. 🌐 Learn more at BattleCryMoms.com and DebraMcninch.com Who This Episode Is For: Mothers praying for prodigal sons or daughters Moms feeling spiritually weary or discouraged Women who want to grow deeper in prayer for their children Faith-driven mothers who refuse to give up the fight Keywords for SEO: Christian motherhood podcast, praying for prodigal children, faith-based parenting, spiritual warfare for parents, mothers praying for children, Christian parenting encouragement, prayer for children’s future, motherhood and faith Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Azure Standard⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Motherhood Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠ __________ 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. TME's Most Popular Episode EVER: Ruthann Zimmerman + Motherhood = Wholesome Podcast Goodness

    12/30/2025

    TME's Most Popular Episode EVER: Ruthann Zimmerman + Motherhood = Wholesome Podcast Goodness

    This is a REPOST of The Motherhood Experience's Most Popular Episode of ALL TIME! As we head into the new year, I know this will be a good episode to revisit if you've heard it already, or a wonderful episode to hear for the first time if you're new here! This episode with RuthAnn Zimmerman will bless you, encourage you, and inspire you to start the new year off more invested in your motherhood and in your family. _________________________________ Many years ago RuthAnn Zimmerman popped up in my Instagram feed sharing something about gardening. Little did I know how much influence this woman would have in my motherhood journey! Listening to RuthAnn is like drinking from a deep well of wisdom - you will be encouraged, inspired, and happier just from listening to this conversation. (or your money back!) ;) Follow RuthAnn: on ⁠YouTube⁠ on ⁠Instagram⁠ via her ⁠Website⁠ RuthAnn and her family live in Northeast Iowa. She and herhusband Elvin have been married for 25 years, have 7 children, 2 sons-in-law, and 1 grandson. Five of the children still live at home. RuthAnn and her husband have been homesteading on their 21-acre homestead since 2001. They seek to preserve the self-sufficient lifestyle of their Mennonite Heritage for the next generation by involving their children in every aspect of the homestead. From raising and harvesting the meat they consume, gardening and preserving to fill the family's larder, processing the dairy from the family milk cow plus the many other skills that develop the character, integrity, and relationships of a family that desires to bring glory and honor to their Heavenly Father. _______ Looking to save money on quality, bulk foods? Shop ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Azure Standard⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Watch on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Motherhood Experience⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook __________ Want to be a guest on The Motherhood Experience? Send Val Kleppen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1758742098661627c9cc46f40

    51 min
See All (133)

5
out of 5
18 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
    133
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Val Kleppen
  • Show Website
    The Motherhood Experience

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