Destress the Nest

Hannah Morgan
Destress the Nest

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

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 27 - Money Talks: How to Navigate Finances with Your Spouse & Kids with Brian Page

    In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan welcomes Brian Page, founder of Modern Husbands, to discuss how couples can navigate finances together and teach their children about money. Brian shares practical advice for managing money as a team, fostering open conversations about finances, and using money as a tool for teaching values to kids. He also provides creative ideas like "money dates" and activities to build financial intimacy. Key Takeaways: - Money is a major source of marital stress: Approach financial challenges with teamwork, empathy, and a shared vision. - Try a 'money date': Buy a lottery ticket and use it as a prompt to dream together about your financial goals. - Focus on experiences over possessions: Experiences create lasting memories and are more fulfilling than material purchases. - Teach kids financial values through experience: Use allowances to help children learn about money management, not as a reward for chores. - Let kids make money mistakes: Create safe opportunities for children to learn from their financial decisions. Quotes from the Episode: - "It's you two against the world. Approach money with teamwork, love, and empathy." - "Money spent on experiences pays dividends in joy and connection." - "Allowance is for learning about money, not for doing chores." - "Dreaming together about your financial future can be a powerful relationship builder." Resources Mentioned: - Modern Husbands – Brian Page's platform for supporting dual-career couples with managing money and home life. - The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Lieber– A book about using money to teach children values. - Heron House Management⁠ – A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content! Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays This episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management. About Heron House Management: Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month. Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

    15 min
  2. FEB 11

    Ep. 26 - Using the Fair Play Method to Balance the Mental Load at Home with Sam Kennedy Christian

    In this episode ofDestress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan welcomes Sam Kennedy Christian, an executive coach and certifiedFair Play Method facilitator. Sam shares insights on how couples can redistribute the mental load at home, not just by dividing tasks but by ensuring true ownership and trust. She discusses how starting small—by assigning just one task using theFair Play cards—can make a significant difference in reducing stress and improving relationships. Key Takeaways: The mental load is invisible but heavy: It’s not just about who completes a task, but who holds the mental responsibility for it. Visibility is key: TheFair Play Method uses 100 cards representing household tasks to help couples clearly divide responsibilities. Start with just one card: Instead of overhauling everything at once, begin with one responsibility (e.g., homework or weekend lunches) and define a shared expectation. Trust is essential: The key to reducing mental load is knowing that when a partner takes on a task, they own it completely—without reminders or micromanagement. Facilitation can ease resistance: A third-party facilitator can help couples frame the conversation as a shared challenge rather than a conflict. Quotes from the Episode: "The biggest challenge with the mental load is that it’s not visible. We value what’s visible." "The goal isn’t just splitting tasks—it’s redistributing the mental load. When you trust your partner to take ownership, that’s when real change happens." "Start with one small thing—just one card. That’s how you make it manageable instead of overwhelming." "The moment I knew it worked? When my client told me, ‘I could just forget about stuff.’" Resources Mentioned: The Fair Play Method: Learn more about the system and access the 100 household task cards. Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live) by Eve Rodsky: The book that introduced theFair Play system. Heron House Management⁠:A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content! Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays This episode ofDestress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management. About Heron House Management: Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month. Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

    11 min
  3. FEB 4

    Ep. 25 - Running Your Family Like a Business with Bonnie Bruderer

    In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Bonnie Bruderer, CEO of Binge Movies and TV, to discuss how she applies business principles to family life. Bonnie shares practical strategies like creating a family mission statement, assigning household roles, and fostering independence in young children. Learn how treating your family like a well-organized team can reduce chaos, build responsibility, and strengthen family bonds. Key Takeaways: Create a Family Mission Statement: Just like a business, having a clear mission helps guide decisions and keeps everyone aligned on shared values. Assign Roles and Responsibilities: Giving even young children tasks helps build their independence and sense of responsibility. Foster Accountability: Encourage family members to hold each other accountable in a positive, supportive way. Connect Work and Family Goals: Teach children the value of work by explaining how it supports family life and fun activities. Set Boundaries and Focus: Use your mission statement to eliminate unnecessary commitments and focus on what matters most. Quotes from the Episode: "Running your family like a business doesn’t mean perfection; it means creating systems that work for your unique family dynamic." "If something doesn’t align with our mission statement, we don’t do it." "My kids take their responsibilities seriously—they’re proud of their contributions." Resources Mentioned: Binge Movies & TV: A streaming service where Bonnie Bruderer serves as CEO, offering a curated selection of movies and TV shows. It functions as a "mini Netflix," providing diverse entertainment options with a user-friendly experience. Heron House Management⁠: A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content! Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays This episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management. About Heron House Management: Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month. Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

    8 min
  4. JAN 28

    Ep. 24 - The 3-a-Day Method: Maximizing Productivity for Working Moms with Mary Ellen Knauff

    In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan sits down with Mary Ellen Knauff, a productivity expert for working moms, to explore the power of her "3-a-Day Method." As a full-time technical sales professional and mom of two young children, Mary Ellen shares how she turned her background in industrial engineering into practical strategies for managing work and life. From setting realistic daily priorities to embracing simple tools like Trello, Mary Ellen explains how working moms can reclaim their time and end each day with a sense of accomplishment. Key Takeaways: - The 3-a-Day Method: Identify three key tasks each day that, if accomplished, will make you feel like the day was productive. Use a sticky note or small notebook to keep this list visible. - Focus on What Matters: Tasks can range from critical work meetings to small, delayed tasks. The point is to prioritize what will move the needle for the day. - Simple Tools Are Key: Use easy-to-implement systems, like Trello, to manage digital tasks and avoid overcomplicating your workflow. - Create a Positive Feedback Loop: Checking off tasks builds self-esteem and keeps you motivated, even if you don’t complete all three items every day. Quotes from the Episode: - "Productivity isn’t about doing everything; it’s about doing the right things." - "The 3-a-Day Method helps you end the day feeling accomplished rather than defeated by all the things you didn’t get to." - "When you simplify your to-do list to just three key tasks, you create space for real progress without overwhelm." Resources Mentioned: - Mary Ellen Knauff: Productivity expert helping working moms with sustainable time management tools. - Trello: Free task management tool Connect with Mary Ellen on Instagram - Heron House Management⁠: A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content! Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays This episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management. About Heron House Management: Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month. Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

    8 min
  5. JAN 21

    Ep. 23 - Planning for Peace: Essential Tips for Caregivers and End-of-Life Preparation

    In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan interviews Melissa Miller, an expert in caregiving and entrepreneurship, to explore practical strategies for balancing personal and professional responsibilities as a caregiver. Melissa shares actionable advice for managing the demands of caregiving while building a sustainable business, focusing on organization, self-care, and building a support network. This episode is packed with insights to help caregivers reclaim their time, energy, and purpose. Key Takeaways: - Start with Legal Documentation: Prepare notarized living wills, power of attorney, and advance directives, ensuring documents comply with current laws and regulations by working with a lawyer. - Take Small Steps: Begin gradually with manageable tasks, such as adding caregivers to utility and bank accounts, while collecting and organizing medical and legal information in a central, accessible place. - Leverage Digital Tools: Use apps like Google Drive, Notion, or Airtable to store and access key information on the go, ensuring critical documents and contact lists are always available on your mobile device. - Build a Support System: Establish relationships with legal and medical professionals early and maintain an updated list of contacts for doctors, specialists, and emergency resources. Quotes from the Episode: - "In caregiving, preparation isn’t just helpful—it’s empowering." - "You don’t have to do it all alone. Build a team, and lean on your community." - "When you document and organize now, you’re setting yourself up for smoother transitions later." - "The peace of mind that comes from being prepared is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself as a caregiver." Resources Mentioned: - Digital Tools: ⁠Google Drive⁠, ⁠Airtable⁠, ⁠Asana⁠, ⁠Notion⁠ - Connect with Melissa Miller: ⁠Website, ⁠⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠ - ⁠Heron House Management⁠⁠: A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content! Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays This episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management. About Heron House Management: ⁠⁠⁠Heron House Management⁠⁠⁠⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month. Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

    11 min
  6. JAN 14

    Ep. 22 - Clarify Your Why: Making Meaningful Choices as a Working Parent with Dr. Anne Welsh

    In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan interviews Dr. Anne Welsh, a clinical psychologist, executive coach, and consultant who specializes in supporting working parents and women leaders. Dr. Welsh shares how clarifying your "why" can help you prioritize your to-do list and let go of perfectionism. Through her own experiences and insights, she explains how saying no—whether to medical school or guest bathroom towels—can lead to greater alignment, authenticity, and freedom in both work and family life. Key Takeaways: Clarify Your Why: Pause and ask yourself who you're doing something for and whether it aligns with your values or goals. Practice Saying No: Small "no's" build confidence for larger ones. It's okay to disappoint others to protect your mental health and authenticity. Perfectionism Isn’t the Goal: You don’t need to excel at everything. Focus on what matters most to you and let go of societal or self-imposed standards. Avoid People-Pleasing: Short-term benefits of people-pleasing can lead to resentment and hinder deeper connections with others. Self-Care Matters: Filling your own cup enables you to show up fully for others in your life. Quotes from the Episode: “Ask yourself: Who are you doing this for? That question can bring clarity to whether you need to do something at all.” “I don’t have to get an A+ in everything to earn my place in the world or to be a good mom.” “If you bend over backwards to make everyone happy, you end up resentful, which isn’t who we want to be as parents.” “Learning to disappoint others is part of protecting your own sanity.” Resources Mentioned: Connect with Dr. Anne Welsh: www.drannewelsh.com⁠, Instagram, LinkedIn Heron House Management⁠: A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content! Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays This episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management. About Heron House Management: Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month. Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

    10 min
  7. JAN 7

    Ep. 21 - Creating Standard Operating Procedures for Your Personal Life with Shivani Rao

    In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan sits down with tech professional and busy mom Shivani Rao to explore how creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for daily tasks helps minimize stress at home. Shivani shares how she systemizes everything from birthday parties to morning routines, giving her more time to focus on building community and enjoying family life. Tune in to learn how small, repeatable systems can transform your household and mental load. Key Takeaways: Start Small: Begin with simple, recurring tasks, like packing lunches or evening routines, to develop confidence in creating SOPs. Scale Up: Apply SOPs to larger tasks, like planning birthday parties or family trips, to save time and minimize stress. Outsource More Effectively: SOPs enable clear communication with helpers, such as event planners or mother’s helpers, reducing the need for constant oversight. Build Community: Having systems in place allows for hosting regular gatherings, like playdates or seasonal events, fostering connection with friends and family. Enhance Your Brand: Organizing personal events with thoughtful planning can build trust and even professional opportunities. Quotes from the Episode: "The more you can build these standard operating procedures, the more you can outsource—now you have a village of people helping you out." "Having these routines lets me focus on what kind of life I want to build for my family." "Systems aren’t just about reducing stress—they’re about creating opportunities for connection and community." Resources Mentioned: Moms in Tech: A supportive community for mothers working in the tech industry, offering resources, networking, and shared experiences to help balance career and family life. Heron House Management⁠: A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content! Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays This episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management. About Heron House Management: Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month. Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

    10 min
  8. 12/17/2024

    Ep. 20 - The Power of Nurturing: Setting Boundaries That Foster Connection with Deborah Winters

    In this episode of Destress The Nest, host Hannah Morgan interviews Deborah Winters, a licensed therapist and parent educator, to discuss the "N" in her PCN method—Nurture. Deborah shares practical tips for creating a calmer and more connected home through nurturing boundaries and humor. She explains how predictability reduces stress and enhances family communication, backed by insights from neuroscience. Learn how to implement these strategies to foster a harmonious environment for both parents and children. Key Takeaways: The Role of Nurturing Boundaries: Setting consistent boundaries, like "no phones at the dinner table," helps children feel safe and supported, reducing stress for the entire family. Humor as a Nurturing Tool: Acknowledging your imperfections with humor teaches children that it's okay to make mistakes, building stronger connections. The Science Behind Predictability: Predictable routines activate neurotransmitters like GABA and oxytocin, reducing cortisol levels and promoting calmness. Gentle Parenting with Boundaries: Effective parenting balances gentle guidance with firm boundaries to create a safe, nurturing environment. Connection Before Correction: Building trust and understanding through positive systems fosters better communication and behavior. Quotes from the Episode: "Boundaries are so important because they help our children feel safe, and safety is a basic human need." "Humor takes the pressure off kids and nurtures your relationship by showing it’s okay not to be perfect." "Predictability isn’t just comforting; it’s science—helping to lower cortisol levels and reduce stress." "Gentle parenting isn’t weak parenting; it’s about teaching respect and accountability while building connection." Resources Mentioned: Deborah Winters’ PCN Method: A three-step system for enhancing communication and reducing stress at home. House of Harmony Club: Deborah’s coaching program for parents looking to reduce stress and improve family dynamics. Previous Episodes: Learn about the "P" and "C" in the PCN method in Episode 5 and Episode 13. Heron House Management⁠: A virtual house management service designed to reduce mental load and stress for busy families. Subscribe & Leave a Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable content! Episodes Released Weekly on Tuesdays This episode of Destress the Nest is sponsored by Heron House Management. About Heron House Management: Heron House Management⁠ is a virtual house management service that takes the stress out of your busy life by taking on your mental load and managing your To Do list. We provide fractional virtual house management for busy families at 5, 10 and 15+ hours/month. Meal planning, signing up for kids activities, scheduling doctor's appointments, finding a house cleaner, planning your kid's birthday party, getting quotes for that home renovation project, or scheduling a monthly date night with your significant other and so much more. We do it all!

    11 min

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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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

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