Gals Get Real with Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti

Meghan Caponiti and Kristin Hocker
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Great friends Kristin and Meghan are pulling back the curtain on mother-daughter dynamics with the conversations we've all been dying to have. When was the last time you wondered who your mom was before she became "Mom"? Or wished you could explain to your mother what dating apps are without the inevitable eyebrow raise? This podcast dives headfirst into today’s generational divide. Meghan and Kristin aren't just talking about what’s different (spoiler alert: everything has changed), but celebrating the beautiful constant: mothers who want their daughters to write their own stories, even when the chapters make them nervous. The magic happens when wisdom flows both ways. These moms aren't dispensing advice from on high anymore, they're soaking up insights from daughters navigating a world they never knew. It's knowledge transformed into wisdom through authentic exchange, proving that the best conversations happen when everyone brings something to the table. Listen as they bridge generations, celebrate female bonding, and demonstrate that the mother-daughter relationship isn't just about surviving the teenage years, it's about evolving into something far more interesting: a friendship between women who happen to share DNA.

  1. The Power of Grace: A Mother’s Story of Autism and Growth

    3D AGO

    The Power of Grace: A Mother’s Story of Autism and Growth

    In this heartfelt and deeply honest conversation, Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti sit down with writer and mother Eileen O’Connor, author of Eating Pizza Backwards and Other Adventures. Eileen shares the powerful story behind her book’s title — a moment involving her son preparing a friend for the unpredictability of his sister Erin, who has autism — and how that small, tender exchange captures the heart of her family’s journey. The discussion begins with the day of Erin’s diagnosis and the writing prompt that inspired Eileen to reflect on what she would tell her younger self in that moment. From there, the conversation weaves through grief, joy, resilience, marriage, sibling dynamics, and the unexpected gifts that can emerge from life’s most difficult chapters. Key Points: The intertwined nature of grief and joy in parenting a child with special needs The power of grace — giving yourself patience, love, and space to grow The role of siblings and how empathy develops through lived experience The impact of service animals and the deep bonds they create Finding community and support through social media in meaningful ways How perspective — even in ordinary places like the grocery store — can transform daily life Eileen speaks candidly about the early fears that accompanied Erin’s diagnosis, the slow transformation that followed, and the many “angels” — both fleeting and lifelong — who showed up along the way. She reflects on her marriage, the growth of her sons, and how Erin has changed not only their family’s trajectory, but their way of seeing the world. At its core, this episode is about redefining expectations, honoring complexity, and recognizing that even in profound challenges, joy has a way of showing up. Connect with Eileen Instagram Website Connect with Meghan and Kristin   Instagram

    37 min
  2. Active Aging, Nourishment, and the Power of Showing Up Strong with Kristen Coffield

    FEB 4

    Active Aging, Nourishment, and the Power of Showing Up Strong with Kristen Coffield

    Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti sit down with wellness expert, author, and founder of The Culinary Cure and Active Grandparenting, Kristen Coffield, for a candid and deeply relatable conversation about resilience, aging well, and redefining what it means to thrive in midlife and beyond. Kristen shares her personal journey through significant life stressors in her 50s—including caregiving, financial strain, health challenges, and burnout—and explains how a return to foundational wellness practices like hydration, nourishment, movement, and habit-building became her turning point. From there, the conversation expands into her philosophy of food as medicine, nutrient-first eating, and why outdated calorie-focused models continue to hold women back. A major focus of the episode is Kristen’s concept of active grandparenting—a movement rooted in physical capability, emotional intelligence, communication, and boundaries. She challenges listeners to think of aging and grandparenting as something to train for, not drift into, and makes a compelling case for building a healthspan that supports meaningful connection across generations. Why hydration is a foundational wellness practice that impacts sleep, stress, hormones, and energy Moving away from calorie-counting toward nutrient-dense, nourishing food How habits—not motivation—shape long-term health outcomes The emotional and physical realities of active aging and active grandparenting Redefining the grandparent role with intention, boundaries, and communication Why wellness is about putting the odds in your favor before life throws the unexpected The importance of modeling healthy relationships with food and wellness for younger generations This episode is a powerful reminder that wellness is not about perfection or quick fixes—it’s about daily practices that support resilience, connection, and longevity. Kristen reframes aging as an opportunity to show up stronger, more engaged, and more present for ourselves and the people we love.  Whether you’re navigating midlife, rethinking your health habits, or preparing for a future role as a grandparent, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical wisdom for thriving in your next chapter. Connect with Kristen Website LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Meghan and Kristin   Instagram

    39 min
  3. From Perimenopause to Power: Dr. Shieva Ghofrany on Mindset, Medicine, and Midlife

    JAN 21

    From Perimenopause to Power: Dr. Shieva Ghofrany on Mindset, Medicine, and Midlife

    In this candid and deeply informative episode, Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti sit down with Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, a practicing OB-GYN, ovarian cancer survivor, and outspoken advocate for women’s midlife health. Together, they unpack the realities women face across every life stage—from menstruation and sexuality to perimenopause, menopause, and beyond—and why mindset and education are just as critical as medical care. Dr. Ghofrany explains why menopause shouldn’t be treated as a fleeting “moment,” but as an ongoing, essential health conversation, especially given decades of misinformation around hormone therapy. She addresses the persistent gaps in medical training, the fear-based narratives that still keep women suffering unnecessarily, and the importance of informed choice when it comes to hormone replacement. The conversation also dives into sexual health, libido, and the often-misunderstood concept of “use it or lose it,” reframing it in an empowering, non-patriarchal way. Dr. Ghofrany shares insights on responsive desire, why so many women feel “broken” when they’re actually normal, and how long-term intimacy evolves over time. Menopause is not a “moment.”Dr. Ghofrany explains that menopause has always existed, but decades of misinformation and lack of research caused it to disappear from mainstream medical conversation—leaving generations of women undereducated and underserved. Hormone therapy was misunderstood for years.Fear stemming from early 2000s studies dramatically reduced hormone use, even though current data shows hormone therapy is safe and beneficial for many women when prescribed thoughtfully and individually. Women deserve information, not fear-based care.Only a small percentage of women use hormone replacement today—not because they don’t need it, but because they haven’t been given accurate, balanced information to make informed choices. Sexual desire changes—and that’s normal.Many women experience a shift from spontaneous desire to responsive desire over time. This is not dysfunction or aging—it’s normal neurochemistry that’s rarely discussed openly. “Use it or lose it” needs reframing. Vaginal and sexual health benefit from regular blood flow and use, but this includes self-pleasure and agency—not obligation or patriarchal expectations. Openness builds confidence and connection.Dr. Ghofrany shares that being honest about bodies, health struggles, sexuality, and aging helps dismantle shame, reduce isolation, and empower women to advocate for themselves medically and emotionally. Beyond medicine, the episode explores authenticity, social media pressure, and Dr. Ghofrany’s personal journey through cancer, hair loss, and self-expression. Her core message is clear: openness breeds confidence, and honest conversations—especially the uncomfortable ones—are what help women feel less alone, more informed, and better equipped to advocate for their health.

    45 min
  4. Kristin McGee Movement and Mindset for the New Year

    JAN 7

    Kristin McGee Movement and Mindset for the New Year

    In this episode of Gals Get Real, hosts Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti welcome mindful movement expert, author, and Peloton instructor Kristin McGee for a powerful conversation about movement, resilience, and redefining wellness across every stage of life. Kristin shares her journey from NYU acting student to globally recognized yoga and Pilates teacher, explaining how breath, presence, and body awareness became the foundation of both her career and personal philosophy. The discussion moves beyond traditional fitness to explore somatic movement, accessibility, and the importance of meeting your body where it is—especially through life transitions such as injury, trauma, perimenopause, and aging. Key Points Movement should be about feeling good, not punishment, perfection, or checking a box Somatic exercise emphasizes listening to the body and “working in” rather than pushing through pain Accessible practices like chair yoga make movement possible for all ages, abilities, and life stages Life transitions—including injury, trauma, menopause, and aging—are opportunities for growth and reinvention True wellness comes from progress over perfection and cultivating inner peace that radiates outward Kristen Hocker's personal experience with limb loss brings a deeply moving perspective to the conversation, reinforcing how adaptive movement and mind-body practices can restore confidence, purpose, and joy.  The episode closes with Kristin’s grounding reminder that peace begins within—and that small, mindful practices can create lasting ripple effects in our lives and communities. Connect with Kristin and Meghan  Instagram

    33 min
  5. Grace, Growing Up & Getting Real: A Conversation Across Generations

    12/10/2025

    Grace, Growing Up & Getting Real: A Conversation Across Generations

    In this candid and heartfelt conversation, hosts Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti sit down with their daughters, Caitlyn and Madeleine, for a wide-ranging discussion on empathy, emotional awareness, social media, career pressure, identity, and what it really feels like to navigate young adulthood today. What unfolds is an honest multigenerational dialogue full of vulnerability, humor, and wisdom. Key Points Empathy as a core trait — Both daughters describe feeling deeply attuned to others’ emotions from childhood, viewing empathy as something partly innate and partly shaped by experience. They talk about how being “deep feelers” can enrich life but also make moments feel heavier. Emotional maturation & self-acceptance — Caitlyn and Madeleine share their personal journeys toward understanding that strong emotional reactions aren’t flaws. They discuss unlearning societal messages that sensitivity is “too much” and embracing emotional intelligence. Relationships with grandparents — They emphasize the meaning and emotional complexity of spending time with older generations — the joy, connection, and the emotional “hangover” that often follows once the reality of aging sets in. Navigating social media pressures — The group explores the impact of comparison culture, job-related anxiety, and the struggle to manage social media consumption while still craving connection and storytelling. Letting go of the pressure to ‘have it all figured out’ — Both daughters reject the idea that your twenties should be a fully defined stage of life. Instead, they view it as a decade for exploration, mistakes, growth, and self-discovery. What younger adults wish older generations understood — They express a desire for grace — understanding that young adults are aware of their struggles and are actively working through them. They explain how reassurance like “you’ll figure it out” can feel minimizing while they’re in the thick of it. A personal engagement story — Madeleine shares a heartfelt reflection on her engagement, highlighting the joy, identity shifts, and emotional overwhelm that can accompany major life milestones. Closing reflections & advice — Caitlyn encourages open-mindedness and reducing judgment, while Madeleine stresses the importance of giving yourself grace and learning to be a true friend to yourself. This heartfelt conversation beautifully highlights the power of empathy, emotional awareness, and open dialogue across generations. By sharing their experiences, vulnerabilities, and reflections, Caitlyn and Madeleine offer meaningful insight into what it feels like to navigate young adulthood today — the joys, the pressures, the comparisons, and the constant work of understanding oneself.  Their honesty not only deepens the mother–daughter connection but also invites listeners of all ages to extend more grace, embrace individuality, and stay open-minded as we each move through our own evolving chapters.

    35 min
  6. Breaking Patterns & Healing Together: A Conversation on Mother–Daughter Dynamics

    11/26/2025

    Breaking Patterns & Healing Together: A Conversation on Mother–Daughter Dynamics

    In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, hosts Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti sit down with licensed therapist and mother–daughter relationship coach Hilary Mae to explore the emotional patterns, communication struggles, and generational differences that shape mother–daughter relationships. With 15 years of experience and the creator of the Mother–Daughter Connection Framework, Hilary provides clarity on why mothers and daughters often misunderstand each other — and what helps them reconnect. Hilary shares how her work with adolescent girls led her to recognize common relational breakdowns rooted in communication habits, defensiveness, emotional burden, and unmet needs for understanding. She emphasizes the mother’s role in “leading the relationship,” particularly by listening with the intention to understand, not correct or defend. Key topics: Why communication is the #1 struggle mothers and daughters identify — and why the real issue is listening. How defensiveness, explaining, and “future thinking” shut down connection. The emotional burden eldest daughters often carry, sometimes for life. How generational shifts have created daughters with stronger voices — and why this is healthy. Why mothers must maintain boundaries, avoid emotional oversharing, and seek adult support instead of leaning on daughters. How acceptance — not advice, problem-solving, or perfection — is the heart of a healthy mother–daughter relationship. The conversation is emotional, honest, and full of simple, actionable wisdom that can transform family dynamics at any age.

    38 min
  7. Carry-On Couture: How to Pack Less, Live More, and Love the Journey

    11/12/2025

    Carry-On Couture: How to Pack Less, Live More, and Love the Journey

    In this inspiring conversation, Haley Lamey, founder of Carry On Couture, joins hosts Kristin Hocker and Meghan Caponiti to unpack her decade-long journey of traveling carry-on only. With over 94,000 Instagram followers, Haley has built a community around minimalist, mindful, and stylish travel. She shares practical tips for planning capsule wardrobes, overcoming over-packing anxiety, and embracing the freedom of lighter travel. Key topics include: The mindset shift required to travel lighter and let go of the “what-ifs.” Emotional reasons behind overpacking—control, comfort, and fear of being unprepared. How to plan ahead and create a travel capsule wardrobe that balances practicality and style. Her step-by-step process for helping clients plan efficiently while maintaining comfort and confidence. Real-world stories—from losing checked bags to helping clients pack for 18-day trips in one carry-on. The joy and liberation that come from traveling with intention—and living life the same way. Haley’s insights go far beyond packing tips—they’re lessons in letting go, staying present, and valuing simplicity both on the road and in life. Her approach to travel is a reminder that freedom isn’t found in bringing everything with you, but in knowing that you already have everything you need.

    30 min
  8. Four Thousand Mondays: Living a Life Worth Living with Jodi Wellman

    10/29/2025

    Four Thousand Mondays: Living a Life Worth Living with Jodi Wellman

    In this deeply engaging and uplifting conversation, Kristin and Meghan sit down with Jodi Wellman, speaker, author, and founder of Four Thousand Mondays, to explore what it really means to live a life worth living. Drawing from her book You Only Die Once and her acclaimed TED Talk, Jodi shares how contemplating our mortality can spark a more intentional, joyful, and meaningful life. The trio dives into the psychology of memento mori, the power of scarcity to enhance appreciation, and how agency, humor, and self-compassion can help us build lives of purpose. Through personal stories of loss, recovery, and near-death experiences, they remind us that aliveness is found not in grand gestures but in small, conscious choices—like savoring coffee outdoors, laughing with loved ones, or simply noticing a bird outside the window. Key Points Memento Mori in Modern Life: Remembering that life is temporary isn’t morbid—it’s a tool for living with vitality and meaning. Four Thousand Mondays: Jodi’s signature concept reframes time scarcity as motivation; knowing our Mondays are limited pushes us to make each one count. Quality Over Quantity: A good life isn’t about longevity but depth and width—living with joy, purpose, and connection. Agency and Action: Research shows that almost half of our happiness comes from intentional actions—small steps can spark transformation. Self-Compassion and Reframing: Being kinder to ourselves, even humorously, shifts perspective and resilience. Finding Meaning in Small Moments: Joy often hides in simple acts—petting a dog, seeing an old photo, or pausing to breathe. Jodi’s message is both a wake-up call and a warm invitation: life is fleeting, but that truth can be freeing. When we stop postponing joy and start paying attention—to ordinary moments, to our own choices, to the preciousness of time—we reclaim our agency to live wider and deeper. Whether it’s counting Mondays, practicing self-compassion, or taking one small bold step, this conversation reminds us that a life worth living isn’t about having more time—it’s about making the most of the time we have. Connect with Jodi LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Kristin and Meghan  Instagram

    38 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Great friends Kristin and Meghan are pulling back the curtain on mother-daughter dynamics with the conversations we've all been dying to have. When was the last time you wondered who your mom was before she became "Mom"? Or wished you could explain to your mother what dating apps are without the inevitable eyebrow raise? This podcast dives headfirst into today’s generational divide. Meghan and Kristin aren't just talking about what’s different (spoiler alert: everything has changed), but celebrating the beautiful constant: mothers who want their daughters to write their own stories, even when the chapters make them nervous. The magic happens when wisdom flows both ways. These moms aren't dispensing advice from on high anymore, they're soaking up insights from daughters navigating a world they never knew. It's knowledge transformed into wisdom through authentic exchange, proving that the best conversations happen when everyone brings something to the table. Listen as they bridge generations, celebrate female bonding, and demonstrate that the mother-daughter relationship isn't just about surviving the teenage years, it's about evolving into something far more interesting: a friendship between women who happen to share DNA.

Information

  • Creator
    Meghan Caponiti and Kristin Hocker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © @Meghan Caponiti and Kristin Hocker 2026