The Running Wine Mom

Samantha Cieslinski
  • 4.7 (26)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Weekly

The Running Wine Mom is a motherhood podcast for ambitious, busy moms navigating parenting, mental health, fitness, and identity beyond “just mom.” Hosted by Samantha Cieslinski, this parenting podcast features real conversations about motherhood, women’s wellness, emotional regulation, body image, burnout, performance mindset, and the mental load of modern mom life. Each week you’ll hear solo episodes and in-depth interviews with athletes, psychologists, authors, and experts on topics like: • mental health for moms • parenting in the digital age • women’s hormone health • fitness and running after kids • high-achieving working moms • resilience, confidence, and self-trust • navigating marriage, ambition, and motherhood Whether you're a working mom, stay-at-home mom, athlete mom, or simply trying to stay strong in the chaos of raising kids — this mom podcast is your space. Listen on your run, during school pickup, or with a glass of wine after bedtime. Motherhood. Mental strength. Real conversations.

  1. Parenting Through Play: Dr. Kim Van Dusen’s Simple Strategies to Reduce Tantrums, Improve Behavior, and Strengthen Family Connection

    2d ago

    Parenting Through Play: Dr. Kim Van Dusen’s Simple Strategies to Reduce Tantrums, Improve Behavior, and Strengthen Family Connection

    What if the secret to fewer power struggles, better behavior, and a stronger connection with your child isn't another parenting hack—but play? In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with licensed therapist, registered play therapist, professor, podcast host, and author Dr. Kim Van Dusen to discuss her new book, Parenting Through Play. Together, they unpack why play is one of the most overlooked parenting tools, how it helps children communicate emotions, and practical ways parents can use playful strategies to navigate tantrums, sibling conflicts, picky eating, transitions, and everyday family stress.  Dr. Kim shares the science behind play therapy, the inspiration behind becoming The Parentologist, and why connection—not punishment—is often the missing piece when parents feel stuck. She also offers simple play-based techniques that can be implemented immediately, even by busy, exhausted parents. Whether you're raising toddlers, navigating the tween years, or supporting a neurodivergent child, this conversation is packed with practical tools that can help bring more peace and connection into your home.  In This Episode:  Why play is a child's primary language  The difference between connection-based parenting and permissive parenting  How playful parenting reduces power struggles and tantrums  Strategies for picky eaters and difficult transitions  The "Do-Over Method" for correcting behavior without shame  How play supports children with ADHD, autism, and sensory differences  Practical ways to strengthen parent-child connection in under five minutes  Why discipline works better when it's built on trust and attachment  Behind-the-scenes of writing Parenting Through Play Lessons from nearly 20 years as a child therapist and play therapist Connect with Dr. Kim Van Dusen Website: The Parentologist Instagram: @theparentologist Podcast: The Parentologist Podcast Book: Parenting Through Play

    52 min
  2. How Moms Carry the Mental Load | Annabel Monaghan on Dolly All the Time

    May 26

    How Moms Carry the Mental Load | Annabel Monaghan on Dolly All the Time

    This week on The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with New York Times bestselling author Annabel Monaghan for an honest conversation about motherhood, caregiving, burnout, love, and the invisible mental load women carry every single day.  Annabel shares the inspiration behind her newest novel, Dolly All the Time — a story about a single mom juggling work, family, financial stress, and caregiving while slowly learning how to stop carrying everything alone. Samantha and Annabel dive into the “curse of capability,” why moms struggle to ask for help, and how women often become the emotional managers of their entire families.  They also talk about:  Why romance shouldn’t magically fix a woman’s life  Fake dating, family pressure, and financial stress in fiction  The emotional reality of caregiving  Raising capable kids instead of over-functioning for them  The mental load moms carry every day  Why women relate so deeply to Dolly’s story  The famous “pants” mantra from the book  Writing chemistry and emotional intimacy  Rhode Island as the perfect summer-book setting If you’ve ever felt like the default parent, the family planner, the emergency contact, or the one holding everything together — this episode will hit home. Follow Annabel  Website: annabelmonaghan.com Instagram: @annabelmonaghanFollow Samantha  Instagram: @therunningwinemom_Books Mentioned Dolly All the TimeNora Goes Off ScriptSummer Romance

    27 min
  3. Homeopathy for Families: Marcus Fernandez on Natural Healing, Fevers, Anxiety & Parenting

    May 19

    Homeopathy for Families: Marcus Fernandez on Natural Healing, Fevers, Anxiety & Parenting

    What actually is homeopathy — and why are so many parents curious about it right now? In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with homeopath and educator Marcus Fernandez to talk about natural healing, parenting instincts, nervous system overload, and how families can feel more confident navigating everyday illnesses. Marcus is the founder of the Center for Homeopathic Education and creator of Homeopathy at Home, a program designed to help families use homeopathy in practical, everyday life. In this conversation, we discuss:  What homeopathy actually is  The biggest misconceptions surrounding it  How stress impacts healing  Why parents panic during illness  The connection between resilience and health  Three remedies Marcus believes every household should keep on hand  Why moms should trust their instincts more Marcus also shares his personal journey from aspiring rock musician to becoming one of the leading educators in homeopathy. Whether you’re fully immersed in holistic wellness or simply curious about alternative approaches, this episode offers a thoughtful conversation about parenting, healing, and slowing down enough to ask better questions. Resources & Links Marcus Fernandez Official WebsiteCenter for Homeopathic EducationHomeopathy at Home Book & ResourcesFree Home Prescriber CourseConnect with Samantha  Instagram: @therunningwinemom_

    36 min
  4. How Stork Exchange Is Changing Baby Gear Shopping for Parents

    May 12

    How Stork Exchange Is Changing Baby Gear Shopping for Parents

    What actually happens to returned baby gear? Most parents assume it goes right back on the shelf. But according to Ben Norment, founder and CEO of Stork Exchange, that’s usually not the case. In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with Ben to talk about the hidden world of open-box baby gear, how major brands handle returns, and why recommerce is becoming one of the smartest ways for families to save money without sacrificing quality or safety. Ben shares how Stork Exchange partners directly with baby gear brands to inspect, grade, and recirculate premium open-box and overstock products — keeping thousands of pounds of perfectly usable gear out of landfills while helping parents access high-end products at lower prices. The conversation also dives into parenting identity shifts, the mental load of baby gear, building systems that actually work for families, and the emotional reality of raising three kids under five while running a fast-growing company.  In this episode, we discuss:  What happens to returned strollers, bassinets, and car seats  The difference between open-box, overstock, and secondhand baby gear  How Stork Exchange inspects and grades products for safety  Why baby gear waste is a massive hidden problem  How recommerce is helping families save money  The emotional side of parenting and “gear overwhelm”  Why parents should stop shopping after 9 p.m.  The reality of raising three kids under five  The parenting products Ben regrets buying  The products he would buy again immediately  Why community and sharing resources may be the future of parenting Connect with Ben & Stork Exchange  Website: Stork Exchange How It Works: Stork Exchange How It Works Instagram: @stork.exchangeFollow Samantha & The Running Wine Mom  Instagram: The Running Wine Mom Instagram

    45 min
  5. Private Chef Experience at Home: Farm-to-Table Dining with Servis Events

    May 5

    Private Chef Experience at Home: Farm-to-Table Dining with Servis Events

    What if the best restaurant in your area… wasn’t a restaurant at all? In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with identical twin chefs Stephen and Nicolas Servis, founders of Servis Events — a Bucks County-based private chef and farm-to-table dining experience that brings high-end, seasonal meals directly into your home. Recorded on-site at their family Airbnb, Rocking Horse Acres, this conversation goes beyond food. It’s about community, entrepreneurship, and redefining what a “night out” can look like. Stephen and Nicolas share how they went from restaurant kitchens to building a thriving private chef business, why sourcing local ingredients matters more than ever, and what people don’t understand about the work behind a premium dining experience. You’ll also hear:  How the pandemic unexpectedly launched their business  The reality of running a business with your identical twin  Why farm-to-table isn’t just a trend — it’s a lifestyle  The biggest misconceptions about private chefs and pricing  What actually goes into a $200/person dining experience  Their vision for the future of Servis Events  And a fun rapid-fire segment you don’t want to miss Whether you’re a parent, entrepreneur, foodie, or just someone who loves a good dinner party — this episode will make you rethink how you gather. 📍 Mentioned in This Episode Servis EventsRocking Horse Acres🔗 Connect with Servis Events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/servisevents Website: https://servis-events.com/ 🥂 Connect with Samantha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.runningwinemom_ ⭐ Enjoyed This Episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend who loves good food, good wine, and better conversations.

    1h 10m
  6. Motherhood, Identity Shifts & “Soul Friction” with Kendall Mariah

    Apr 28

    Motherhood, Identity Shifts & “Soul Friction” with Kendall Mariah

    What happens when your life doesn’t look the way you thought it would? In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with author and creator Kendall Mariah to talk about the reality of motherhood, identity shifts, infertility, and what she calls “soul friction”—that tension between the life you expected and the life you’re actually living. Kendall shares her journey through fertility struggles, adoption, and building a platform rooted in honesty during one of the most uncertain seasons of life. From navigating neurodivergence and ADHD as a mom to redefining success, this conversation is raw, relatable, and deeply validating for women in every season. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t recognize yourself anymore, or like things didn’t go according to plan—this episode will meet you exactly where you are. What We Talk About:  What “soul friction” really means in motherhood  Infertility, adoption, and redefining expectations  The identity shift no one prepares you for  ADHD, neurodivergence, and motherhood  Why social media is shifting from “perfect” to real  The emotional reality behind building a platform  How to move forward when life feels off track Links & Resources:  Kendall Mariah Website: https://kendallmariah.com Kendall’s Book (This Little Fire of Mine): https://www.amazon.com/This-Little-Fire-Mine-Flickers/ Follow Kendall on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendallmariah Follow Samantha: https://www.instagram.com/therunningwinemom_ If this episode resonated with you, send it to a friend who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to follow The Running Wine Mom for more real conversations about motherhood, mindset, and everything in between.

    40 min
  7. Why the 2026 NFL Draft Is Pittsburgh’s Moment (And What It Means for Families)

    Apr 21

    Why the 2026 NFL Draft Is Pittsburgh’s Moment (And What It Means for Families)

    What does it actually take to bring one of the biggest sporting events in the world to a city—and why is now Pittsburgh’s turn? In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with Jim Britt, Vice President of Sports Events at VisitPITTSBURGH and leader of SportsPITTSBURGH, the team behind the 2026 NFL Draft. They break down what “sports tourism” really means (without the corporate jargon), how Pittsburgh beat out major cities to land the Draft, and what families can actually expect when hundreds of thousands of people arrive. You’ll hear:  What goes into planning an event at this scale  Why the NFL Draft doesn’t even have a “venue”  How this event will impact local businesses and communities across Western Pennsylvania  What kids will feel when they step onto the Draft campus  Why this moment is about more than football—it’s about identity, pride, and possibility This conversation goes beyond logistics—it’s about what happens when a city shows the world who it really is.  🔗 Links Mentioned  Visit Pittsburgh: https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/ SportsPITTSBURGH: https://www.sportspittsburgh.com/ NFL Draft Info: https://www.nfl.com/draft/

    28 min
  8. From Laguna Beach to Sobriety: Jason Wahler on Addiction, Fatherhood & Starting Over

    Apr 14

    From Laguna Beach to Sobriety: Jason Wahler on Addiction, Fatherhood & Starting Over

    What happens after the cameras stop rolling? In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with Jason Wahler—known from Laguna Beach and The Hills—to talk about what life really looked like behind the scenes, and what it took to rebuild after addiction. Jason shares his journey through fame, substance abuse, and recovery, including the moment that changed everything for him. He opens up about relapse, shame, and what sobriety actually feels like from the inside—plus how becoming a father reshaped his priorities and purpose. This conversation also dives into parenting, communication, and breaking generational cycles—something every mom will take something from. If you’ve ever struggled, supported someone who has, or just want to raise kids who feel safe talking to you… this episode is for you. What We Talk About  What reality TV didn’t show about Jason’s life  How fame amplified addiction and identity struggles  The moment he knew he needed to change  What addiction actually feels like (in a way that finally makes sense)  Relapse, recovery, and rebuilding trust  Fatherhood after addiction  The nightly habit that’s helping his kids open up  Why connection what kids really need  A new tool, SOBRSAFE, helping with accountability in sobriety Key Takeaways  Addiction isn’t a lack of discipline—it’s something that fully takes over your brain  You don’t have to “hit rock bottom” to change your life  Kids don’t need perfect parents—they need a safe place to come back to  Small daily habits (like communication routines) can completely shift your relationship with your kids  Change is possible—even after years of struggle Connect with Jason  Instagram: @JasonWahler SobrSafe Website: https://www.jasonwahler.com/ Recovery Resource: https://www.youarenotalonetn.com/Connect with Samantha  Instagram: @TheRunningWineMom_ CTA If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to follow the show for more real conversations about motherhood, mental health, and everything in between.

    49 min
See All (153)

4.7
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

The Running Wine Mom is a motherhood podcast for ambitious, busy moms navigating parenting, mental health, fitness, and identity beyond “just mom.” Hosted by Samantha Cieslinski, this parenting podcast features real conversations about motherhood, women’s wellness, emotional regulation, body image, burnout, performance mindset, and the mental load of modern mom life. Each week you’ll hear solo episodes and in-depth interviews with athletes, psychologists, authors, and experts on topics like: • mental health for moms • parenting in the digital age • women’s hormone health • fitness and running after kids • high-achieving working moms • resilience, confidence, and self-trust • navigating marriage, ambition, and motherhood Whether you're a working mom, stay-at-home mom, athlete mom, or simply trying to stay strong in the chaos of raising kids — this mom podcast is your space. Listen on your run, during school pickup, or with a glass of wine after bedtime. Motherhood. Mental strength. Real conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Samantha Cieslinski
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    153
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Samantha Cieslinski
  • Show Website
    The Running Wine Mom

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