De-Stress the Nest

Hannah Morgan
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Expert guests share bite-sized tips to help you minimize stress at home.

  1. 1D AGO

    Ep. 73 - Returning to Work After Parental Leave with Helen Harmetz

    Episode 73 – Coming Back to Work After Parental Leave with Helen Hermes Returning to work after parental leave is one of the most emotional and complex transitions a parent can experience. In this episode, Hannah welcomes back executive coach Helen Hermes to talk about how to approach the return to work with intention. Drawing from her own experience coming back twice to a demanding tech role, Helen shares practical mindset shifts and boundary-setting strategies that can make this season more manageable. Whether you're preparing to return from leave or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers clarity, reassurance, and a reminder that working parenthood is a marathon — not a sprint. If you’ve ever struggled with guilt, overwhelm, shifting priorities, or figuring out what this new chapter should look like, this episode is for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways Decide whether your job still fits this new chapter — or needs to evolveSome parents crave new challenges; others want comfort and familiarityBoundaries often become clearer after parental leaveProductivity increases when time becomes limited and intentionalCommunicating needs directly builds respect at workRoutines will evolve — what works at 3 months won’t work at 9 monthsWorking parenthood is a marathon, not a sprint 💬 Quotes from Helen Hermes “When you want to come back to what you're doing, it’s easier to come back.”“There’s nobody more productive than a mom who has to leave daycare by 5:30.”“It’s not trust without verification. It’s trust before verification.”“Life as a working parent is a marathon — not a sprint.”“Give yourself grace. What you need today is not what you’ll need in three months.” 📚 Resources Mentioned Helen Harmetz ⁠: Executive coach for working parents and tech professionals. Connect with Helen on ⁠Instagram⁠ @mindthebeet.Heron House Management⁠⁠ – Virtual house management for busy families 📝 Full transcript available on our website:www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-73 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

    10 min

  2. FEB 17

    Ep. 72 - Establishing Family Throughlines with Michael "Whit" Whitaker

    Episode 72 – Establishing Family Throughlines with Michael “Whit” Whitaker Parenting today means navigating conversations that didn’t exist when we were growing up — AI, digital manipulation, social media influence, graphic content, lockdown trauma, and more. In this episode, Hannah Morgan sits down with Michael “Whit” Whitaker, author of Family Through Lines, to talk about how parents can bring timeless wisdom into modern challenges. Whit introduces the concept of “family throughlines” — the connective ideas that unify your parenting approach across topics. Instead of reacting case by case, throughlines create consistency, trust, and stability for your kids in a chaotic world. If you’ve ever felt unsure how to guide your child through issues you didn’t grow up with, this episode offers a grounded, practical framework. 🔑 Key Takeaways Throughlines are the connective ideas that unify your parenting across topics“Proven plays” are the patterns that already work well in your familyCore principles define how you want to show up as a parentTimeless lessons help kids navigate new challenges independentlyTrust before verification builds responsibility and integrityA stable parenting foundation reduces decision fatigue in high-stress moments 💬 Quotes from Michael “Whit” Whitaker “Your kids need you to show up in these conversations in a way that feels authentic to your family.”“It’s not trust without verification. It’s trust before verification.”“Recognize manipulation.”“Kids have finely tuned hypocrisy radars.”“It feels like we’re parenting from a stable foundation.” 📚 Resources Mentioned Family Throughlines by Michael “Whit” WhitakerHeron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families 📝 Full transcript available on our website:www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-72 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

    10 min

  3. FEB 10

    Ep. 71 - The Reality of Moving Abroad with Kids with David Schnurman

    Episode 71 – The Reality of Moving Abroad with Kids with David Schnurman Moving abroad with kids sounds dreamy… until the ceiling starts leaking, the suitcases don’t meet airline rules, and you’re repacking the morning you leave. In this episode of De-Stress the Nest, Hannah Morgan sits down with David Schnurman, CEO of LawLine and author of 11 Suitcases, to talk about what it really takes to relocate internationally as a family of five. David shares the behind-the-scenes reality of their move to Barcelona, why it was supposed to be one year but became two, and the mindset shift that made the experience truly transformative. 🔑 Key Takeaways Big life changes happen through small “yes” decisionsThe logistics aren’t the hardest part — the mindset isThe first weeks of relocation are messy, exhausting, and realSaying yes creates connection and community faster than you thinkIt’s possible to build new friendships in midlifeYou can still turn your ship — even when it feels too big to steer 💬 Quotes from David Schnurman “We did little yeses until we accidentally walked into Barcelona.”“Once you start telling people, it’s hard to back down.”“Your one job is to say yes.”“In your mid-40s, you think you’ve had all the friends you’re ever going to make.”“It’s never too late to turn your ship.” 📚 Resources Mentioned 11 Suitcases – David Schnurman’s book about moving his family to BarcelonaThe Fast Forward Mindset – David SchnurmanYear of Yes – Shonda RhimesHeron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families 📝 Full transcript available on our website:www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-71 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

    13 min

  4. FEB 3

    Ep. 70 - Meal Planning So You Don’t Go Crazy with Nick Loper

    🎧 Episode 70 – Meal Planning So You Don’t Go Crazy with Nick Loper Meal planning is one of those everyday stressors that somehow never goes away. In this episode, Hannah Morgan sits down with Nick Loper, dad of two and host of The Side Hustle Show, to talk about the simple systems his family uses to take the chaos out of “What’s for dinner?” Nick shares how turning an overwhelming open-ended question into a multiple-choice system has made weekly meals easier, faster, and way less stressful. From using a family favorites binder to embracing school lunch and even adding a garage freezer for back-up meals, this episode is packed with realistic ideas for busy families who just need dinner to feel less complicated. If you’ve ever felt decision fatigue at 5PM, this one’s for you. 🔑 Key Takeaways Turn “What’s for dinner?” into a multiple-choice systemKeep a running list of family favorite meals to reduce decision fatigueKids don’t need endless variety — consistency can actually make life easierSchool lunch can be a time-saving tool and a learning opportunityA second freezer can be a game changer for bulk buying and leftoversTry a “live off the freezer” week to reset your food system and save time 💬 Quotes from Nick Loper “We tried to make dinner a multiple-choice question instead of an essay question.”“There’s comfort in the known quantity — especially for kids.”“What would it look like if it were easy?”“Sometimes the easy button is just letting the school handle lunch.” 📚 Resources Mentioned Side Hustle Nation – Nick Loper’s platform for earning extra income through side hustles.The Side Hustle Show Podcast – Nick’s podcast sharing real-life side hustle success stories and tips.⁠Heron House Management⁠⁠ – Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most. 📝 Full transcript available on our website:www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-70 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

    10 min

  5. JAN 27

    Ep. 69 - Make Your Calendar Your Superpower with Amy Briggs

    🎙️ Episode 69 – Make Your Calendar Your Superpower with Amy Briggs In this episode, host Hannah Morgan talks with Amy Briggs — mom of two, speech-language pathologist, and founder & CEO of Aviva — about how using your calendar intentionally can dramatically reduce mental load and family stress. Amy explains why getting everything out of your head and onto a shared calendar is one of the most powerful systems busy parents can build. From scheduling the small prep tasks that usually get forgotten to improving communication with your partner, this conversation is all about turning your calendar into a tool that supports your life — instead of another source of overwhelm. 🔑 Key Points: – If it’s living in your head, it’s quietly draining your energy – A “full” calendar can actually make you feel less stressed – Shared calendars work best when both partners fully buy in – More tasks are calendar-worthy than you think — including prep and transitions – The goal isn’t a prettier planner — it’s less mental load and more presence 💬 Quotes from Amy Briggs: – “If it’s living in your head, it’s costing you bandwidth all day long.” – “A full calendar can actually reduce stress — because you finally see what you’re carrying.” – “Shared calendars aren’t about control. They’re about partnership.” – “We’re too busy to be busy with our calendars — that’s why systems matter.” – “The goal isn’t a prettier planner. The goal is less mental load.” 📚 Resources Mentioned: – Aviva: A family calendar app that automatically turns emails into events and helps parents streamline scheduling – Heron House Management: Virtual house management for busy families 📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-69 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

    10 min

  6. JAN 13

    Ep 68 - Delegate or Let it Go with Courtney Cecil

    🎙️ Episode 68 – Delegate or Let It Go with Courtney Cecil Feeling stretched thin at home and at work? In this episode, Hannah sits down with Courtney Cecil, founder of Working Moms Movement, to talk about one of the most powerful (and underused) tools for reclaiming your time: delegation. Courtney shares how to evaluate what actually needs to be done, what can be delegated, and what might not need to be done at all. From creative low-cost solutions to involving your kids as part of your support system, this episode will help you rethink what “doing it all” really means. 🔑 Key Takeaways: – Delegation is a skill you already use at work—so you can use it at home too. – Not everything needs to be done, and not everything needs to be done by you. – Asking the right questions helps you decide what to keep, delegate, or drop. – Delegation doesn’t always require money—community solutions can be just as powerful. – Kids can (and should) be part of the support system. – Letting go of draining tasks creates more time, presence, and peace. 💬 Quotes from Courtney Cecil: – “Delegation is one of the most underutilized skills for finding time freedom at home.” – “Just because something needs to be done doesn’t mean you need to be the one to do it.” – “If it’s not something you value, maybe it doesn’t even need to be done.” 📚 Resources Mentioned: – Working Moms Movement – Courtney’s coaching and programs – The Life Management System for Working Moms – Courtney’s podcast – Heron House Management – Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most. 📝 Full transcript available on our website:  https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-68 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

    9 min

  7. JAN 6

    Ep. 67 - How Setting Boundaries Can Set You Free with Steph Koenig

    🎙️ Episode 67 – How Setting Boundaries Can Set You Free with Steph Koenig In this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with working mom coach Steph Koenig to unpack why boundaries are foundational—not restrictive—when it comes to balancing work, family, and personal identity. Steph shares how boundaries rooted in self-awareness and flexibility can actually create more freedom, presence, and peace for working parents navigating constant demands on their time. 🔑 Key Takeaways: – Boundaries work best when they’re flexible, not rigid. – You can’t control others’ actions—but you can control your response. – Sustainable boundaries protect your identity and sense of self. 💬 Quotes from Steph Koenig: – “You can only control your own thoughts, feelings, and actions.” – “Rigid boundaries don’t equal strong boundaries.” – “Putting yourself first actually makes you a better parent.” 📚 Resources Mentioned: – Steph Koenig – Working mom coach & Time Freedom Framework – ⁠Heron House Management⁠⁠ — Virtual house management for busy families 📝 Full transcript available on our website: https://www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-67 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

    10 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Ep. 66 - Top 3 Tips for Working Parents with Helen Harmetz

    🎙️ Episode 66 – Top 3 Tips for Working Parents with Helen Harmetz In this episode, host Hannah Morgan sits down with executive coach Helen Harmetz to share three powerful, practical tips that help working parents reduce stress and reclaim time. From outsourcing strategically to protecting personal time and intentionally building community, Helen offers grounded advice that supports both career growth and family life. This conversation is a refreshing reminder that working parenthood doesn’t have to feel like constant survival mode — with the right systems and support, it can feel sustainable and fulfilling. 🔑 Key Takeaways: You don’t have to do everything yourself to be a great parent.Protecting personal time strengthens both family and work life.Parenting was never meant to be done alone.💬 Quotes from Helen Harmetz: “Working and parenting are not solo sports.”“Figure out what only you should do — and let the rest go.”“Taking a night off shouldn’t require guilt or negotiation.”📚 Resources Mentioned: ⁠Helen Harmetz — Mind the Beet⁠: Executive coach for working parents and tech professionals. Connect with Helen on ⁠Instagram⁠ @mindthebeet.⁠Heron House Management⁠: Virtual house management for busy families: we handle your to-dos so you can focus on what matters most.📝 Full transcript available on our website: www.heronhousemanagement.com/podcast/episode-66 📅 New episodes every Tuesday 💛 Sponsored by Heron House Management

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Expert guests share bite-sized tips to help you minimize stress at home.

Information

  • Creator
    Hannah Morgan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Hannah Morgan
  • Show Website
    De-Stress the Nest