Momtroversial

Leeah Carter, Alyssa Crone and Tori Dwight

Welcome to Momtroversial—the unfiltered podcast where three military wives and moms get real about the chaos of motherhood. Join Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori as they spill the tea on tantrums, tough choices, and the stuff no one warns you about. From crunchy to scrunchy, we’ve got the laughs, the truths, and your back. Let's get Momtroversial!

  1. Sep 13

    Postpartum After 3 Kids: Home Birth, Mastitis & Postpartum Anxiety | Season 2 Ep. 10

    ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode discusses personal experiences with home birth, mastitis, and postpartum mental health. Alyssa and Leeah are sharing what worked for them — this is not medical advice. Please consult your OB, midwife, or healthcare provider for guidance specific to your situation. Postpartum with baby #3 hits different — and Alyssa and Leeah are back to talk about exactly how. In this honest, practical conversation, they compare recovery, sleep, mastitis, and postpartum anxiety across multiple births, and share what actually felt easier this time around. In this episode: How postpartum prep changed from baby to baby — packed bags, birth prep, and setting up the baby space earlyHome birth vs. birth center vs. hospital transitions, compared side by sideLeeah's postpartum experience while PCS-ing from South Korea to FloridaWhy having older kids can make postpartum easier, not harderSleep strategies: swaddles, sleep sacks, co-sleeping for feeds, and protecting a morning sleep blockMastitis — how fast it can hit, the symptoms, and what helped avoid antibioticsPostpartum anxiety: spiraling thoughts, nervous-system stress, and grounding tools that helpedWhy paternity leave matters more with multiple kids and big life transitionsSmall family rituals that help reconnect with older siblings during the newborn seasonNotable Quotes: "The third baby is the best baby.""We're on zone defense now instead of being like man to man.""I would have three more babies with no epidural before I would do mastitis again."Timestamped Chapters 00:00 🎙️ Why they missed each other and what this episode covers02:52 👶 Comparing third postpartum experiences across multiple kids03:49 🎒 Earlier prep for Killian and what stayed the same05:29 🏠 Home birth prep — physical and mental readiness07:25 🔄 How the transition home changed postpartum stress08:12 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bringing a newborn home with older siblings10:44 💡 Why older kids can make postpartum easier12:42 🤝 How home birth helped the older kids understand the baby14:06 🗣️ What postpartum mental health topics they are (and aren't) covering15:32 😴 Sleep deprivation, pain, and early feeding weeks16:06 ✈️ Leeah's postpartum during a cross-world move18:28 💕 Why Cillian felt like the right baby for this season19:59 🌙 Safe co-sleeping and night feeds without waking dad22:48 👶 Baby temperament and why baby #3 can feel easier23:36 ☀️ Split-night support for a real morning sleep block25:43 🔦 The red-light headlamp trick for night feeds28:08 🍼 Swaddle transitions and rough sleep nights return29:19 🚨 Mastitis hits — symptoms, speed, and how fast it changes30:16 💊 What helped Alyssa avoid antibiotics31:22 😣 Leeah's mastitis experience — her worst sickness33:37 ⏳ Why mastitis can still happen later in postpartum38:32 😰 Postpartum anxiety, fear spirals, and intrusive what-ifs44:08 🌙 Leeah's anxiety showing up as dreams and nervous-system stress45:39 🙏 Breathing exercises and prayer as grounding tools47:34 👨‍👶 Why paternity leave matters so much49:16 📊 Comparing Ryan's leave across different babies52:00 🧭 How routine and support ease the postpartum transition55:56 💬 Momtroversial Moments: snuggle time before bed58:30 💬 Momtroversial Moments: kids learning games differently #MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments #PostpartumJourney #PostpartumRecovery #ThirdBaby #HomeBirth #MilitaryFamily #PCSLife #PostpartumAnxiety #NewbornSleep #BigSiblings #MotherhoodUnfiltered #MomLife #MilitaryMoms #ParentingJourney #NewbornCare #MomSupport

  2. Aug 30

    Becoming a Mom for the First Time: Haddi Jean on Pregnancy, Birth & Life After | Season 2 Ep. 9

    Becoming a mom for the first time changes everything — and no one can fully prepare you for it. In this episode of Momtroversial, Alyssa sits down with guest Haddi Jean to talk through her journey into first-time motherhood: pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum season that followed. Haddi Jean opens up about learning to hold her birth plan loosely, the mental health realities of postpartum life, and what it took to build a community around her as a military spouse navigating it all far from her usual support system. This conversation is honest, encouraging, and full of practical wisdom for any first-time (or expecting) mom — especially those facing pregnancy and postpartum without their usual village nearby. In this episode: Haddi Jean's pregnancy and birth story, and why flexibility mattered more than a rigid planMaking informed medical decisions with confidenceThe realities of postpartum mental health as a new momBuilding community and support as a military spousePractical encouragement for moms navigating motherhood far from home📚 Mentioned in This Episode: The VBAC Link — Paige Lloyd, DoulaHoum Birth CenterNatal-K Oral Vitamin KGet Out of Your Head Bible Study — Jennie Allen🔗 More From Momtroversial: Momtroversial LinktreeMomtroversial InstagramThis episode discusses pregnancy, birth, and postpartum mental health. It is not a substitute for medical or mental health advice — please consult your provider for guidance specific to you. 00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Momtroversial & Meet Haddi Jean02:30 🤰 Haddi Jean's First Pregnancy Story12:00 📋 Building a Flexible Birth Plan22:00 🏥 Birth Day: What Actually Happened34:00 💊 Informed Choices: Vitamin K & Medical Decisions42:00 🧠 Postpartum Mental Health, Honestly52:00 🪖 Community as a Military Spouse1:02:00 🙏 Faith, Mindset & the Get Out of Your Head Study1:10:00 😂 Momtroversial Moments #MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments #MomPodcast #FirstTimeMom #PregnancyJourney #PostpartumSupport #Postpartumdepreassion #MilitarySpouseLife #BirthStory #NewMomTips #MotherhoodJourney #InformedConsent #ParentalRights #MomCommunity #ChristianMoms #RealMotherhood

  3. Aug 16

    Wine Terms, Good Manners & Raising Great Kids | Season 2 Ep. 8

    Ever wonder what wine tasting and parenting have in common? In this episode of Momtroversial, Alyssa sits down with Danielle Frank, author of A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting, for a hilarious and honest conversation about raising good humans — manners, independence, resilience, and giving kids room to see the world. From teaching respect and independence to handling setbacks with grace, Danielle brings humor and heart to some of parenting's biggest challenges. This episode is packed with practical wisdom on cultivating a positive, worldly outlook in your kids — without losing your sense of humor (or your wine) along the way. In this episode: The humorous link between wine terminology and parentingTeaching manners, respect, and independenceExposing kids to diverse cultures and perspectivesBuilding positivity, optimism, and resilience in childrenBalancing discipline with autonomyDanielle's personal parenting journey and lessons learnedModeling good behavior and self-compassion as a parentIf you needed a reminder that parenting can be funny, hard, and worth celebrating all at once — this one's for you. 🔗 Connect with Momtroversial: Linktree | Instagram 🔗 Connect with Danielle Frank: Instagram | Author Website | A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting (Amazon) 00:00 Introduction to Danielle Frank and Her Book 02:08 🍷 Wine Terminology Meets Parenting 04:06 🙏 Teaching Manners & Respect 06:12 🧭 Cultivating Independence in Kids 08:07 🌍 Exposing Kids to Diverse Cultures 09:54 ☀️ Teaching Positivity & Optimism 12:10 💪 Handling Setbacks & Building Resilience 13:57 👂 The Value of Outside Perspectives 15:52 😂 The Role of Humor in Raising Good Humans 17:59 ⚖️ Balancing Discipline with Autonomy 20:03 📖 Lessons from Danielle's Personal Journey 22:04 🌬️ Giving Kids Room to Breathe 23:56 🪞 Modeling Good Behavior 25:58 🌎 Creating a Worldly View for Children 28:12 🗺️ The Impact of Cultural Exposure 29:49 💬 Open Conversations About Taboo Topics 32:03 🎲 Accepting Life's Unpredictability 34:00 💛 Self-Compassion & Parental Authenticity 34:57 🎙️ Momtroversial Moments #MomtroversialPodcast #Momtroversial #MomtroversialMoments #WineLoversGuideToParenting #DanielleFrank #ParentingWithHumor #RaisingGreatKids #ParentingManners #RaisingResilientKids #ParentingPodcast #MomLife #MotherhoodJourney #ParentingTips #MomsOfInstagram #ParentingHumor

  4. Aug 1

    Parental Control: Alyssa's Real Parents Talk Discipline & Boundaries

    Parental control just got literal. In this episode of Momtroversial, Alyssa sits down with her own parents to unpack how they raised her — and what they'd do differently. Together they break down the four recognized parenting styles, why authoritarian parenting is rarer than people assume, and how childhood memories can skew our sense of what "discipline" really looked like growing up. The conversation moves into generational trauma, the politically charged debate around spanking, and what a biblical view of discipline actually says — versus what pop culture assumes it says. From the "hot burner" analogy to natural vs. logical consequences, this episode digs into practical, real-world discipline strategies — plus an honest look at how gentle parenting trends and gender roles shape the way moms and dads approach authority differently at home. Whether you're raising toddlers or teenagers, this conversation offers grace, perspective, and practical tools for building loving, respectful boundaries at home. 📚 Mentioned in this episode: Parenting With Love and Logic: Magic for Early Childhood ⚠️ Reminder: This episode reflects personal parenting experiences and opinions, not professional medical or psychological guidance. Please consult a qualified provider for advice specific to your family's needs. ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 🎙️ Introduction & Meet Alyssa's Parents01:38 📊 The Four Parenting Styles, Defined03:09 🤔 Why Authoritarian Parenting Is Rarer Than You Think05:32 🧠 How Childhood Memory Skews Our View of Discipline08:32 💔 Generational Trauma & Its Impact11:31 ⚖️ Discipline & Political Correctness12:52 ✋ Spanking, Love & Discipline Styles16:32 📖 The Biblical View on Spanking20:17 🔥 The Hot Burner Analogy23:43 🤝 Understanding & Grace in Discipline27:33 ⏳ Discipline's Lifelong Impact32:56 🔄 Natural vs. Logical Consequences35:49 🌱 The Influence of Gentle Parenting36:44 👫 Gender Differences in Parenting41:46 👨‍👧 Men's Role in Discipline & Authority44:21 🚧 Setting Standards & Boundaries50:30 👨‍👩‍👧 Fathers & Family Dynamics 1:25:00💬 Momtroversial Moments 🔗 Links & Resources 📚 Mentioned in this Episode 👉 Parenting With Love and Logic: Magic for Early Childhood 🎙️ Follow Momtroversial 👉 Linktree 👉 Instagram 🏷️ Hashtags #Momtroversial #MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments#ParentingStyles #DisciplineAndLove #RaisingResponsibleKids #ParentalControl #FamilyBoundaries #GentleParenting #GenerationalParenting#ParentingTips #MotherhoodJourney #MomLife #ParentingAdvice #FaithBasedParenting #ParentingPodcast

  5. Jul 26

    Cost-Conscious Crunchy Mom: Grocery Shopping Secrets

    Groceries are getting more expensive every year — but eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank. In this episode of Momtroversial, Alyssa sits down with Carol Ann Kates, a lifelong grocery industry insider turned cookbook author, to break down exactly how to shop smarter, eat healthier, and stop falling for grocery store marketing tricks. Carol Ann grew up in her family's corner market and later navigated a legal battle with a major supermarket chain before pivoting into cookbooks and social media — and she's bringing decades of behind-the-counter knowledge straight to budget-conscious, health-minded moms. In this episode, you'll learn: 🛒 How to meal plan and grocery shop with a real strategy🥦 Which frozen produce options are just as healthy (and way cheaper)🏷️ How to actually read organic labels and the "Dirty Dozen" list📦 Smart bulk-buying tips at Costco and Sam's Club❄️ How to freeze eggs, milk, and other perishables to cut food waste🍽️ Quick, budget-friendly recipes for busy moms💡 A controversial insider secret about how grocery stores price their productsWhether you're trying to eat "crunchy" on a real-world budget or just want to stop wasting money at the store, this episode is packed with practical, actionable tips you can use on your very next grocery run. 👉 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and drop a comment letting us know your best grocery-saving hack! Show Links Momtroversial Podcast LinktreeMomtroversial on InstagramConnect with Carol Ann Kates Grocery Shopping Secrets GuideCarol Ann Kates on InstagramCarol Ann's Book on AmazonChapters:00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Carol Ann Kates and her background01:08 🏪 Growing up in a corner market and family business journey02:02 ⚖️ Challenges faced with a large supermarket and legal battles04:15 📚 Transition from business to cookbook author and social media06:12 📈 Impact of inflation and food prices in 200207:16 📝 Importance of meal planning and grocery shopping strategies09:38 🥦 Tips for healthier grocery shopping and frozen produce12:54 🏷️ Understanding organic labels and the Dirty Dozen list16:27 📦 Buying in bulk and organic options at Costco and Sam's Club20:17 🍎 Maximizing produce freshness and quality23:17 ❄️ Freezing eggs, milk, and other perishable items27:24 🥫 Essential pantry staples for budget-friendly cooking30:39 🧊 Organizing your fridge and pantry for efficiency34:39 🍳 Quick, budget-friendly recipes for busy moms38:10 💬 A controversial insight about grocery store pricing strategies39:30 🤰 Personal stories about pregnancy and patience41:27 🔗 Where to find Carol Ann Kates and her resources #MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialMoments #CrunchyMom #MomBudgetTips #HealthyMomLife #BudgetFriendlyLiving #MomsOfInstagram #ParentingTips #MotherhoodJourney#CrunchyMomOnABudget #GroceryShoppingSecrets #BudgetGroceryShopping #OrganicOnABudget #MealPlanningTips #DirtyDozen #FoodWasteTips

  6. Jul 19

    Inside the Ultrasound: Lauren Kimber on Fetal Development, Safety & the Case for Life

    In this episode of Momtroversial, host Alyssa sits down with Lauren Kimber, a certified sonographer, to break down the science behind ultrasounds — how the technology actually works, what's safe, and what every expecting parent should understand before their next scan. Lauren walks through the physics of ultrasound and tissue heating, the ALARA principle that guides responsible scanning, and what the research really says about ultrasound safety, cavitation myths, and Doppler use — including at-home Doppler devices. The conversation then turns emotional: what it's like to see your baby on screen for the first time, how 2D, 3D, and 4D scans differ, why fetal heartbeat detection matters, and how ultrasound imaging has become one of the most powerful tools in pro-life advocacy. This is a science-grounded, faith-informed conversation for anyone who's ever stared at a sonogram and wondered what's actually happening on that screen — or why it hits so hard. Educational content only — not medical advice. Talk to your OB or a licensed sonographer about anything specific to your pregnancy. 🔗 Follow Momtroversial: Momtroversial LinktreeMomtroversial Instagram ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:00 🎙️ Intro to Sonography & Guest Lauren Kimber02:10 🔬 What Is a Sonogram? Ultrasound vs. Sonogram vs. Doppler05:31 ⚠️ Ultrasound Safety: Tissue Heating & the ALARA Principle08:54 📊 What the Research Says About Ultrasound Safety12:12 🩺 Doppler Ultrasound & Safety Considerations14:47 ❓ Cavitation: Separating Ultrasound Myths from Facts17:52 💗 The Emotional Impact of Seeing Your Baby in the Womb22:03 ✊ Ultrasound as a Tool for Pro-Life Advocacy25:55 📸 2D vs. 3D vs. 4D Ultrasound Explained29:52 💓 Fetal Heartbeat & the Power of Early Detection32:57 🏠 Using At-Home Doppler Devices Safely35:00 👶 Do Babies Have Personalities in the Womb?39:12 ✨ Final Thoughts: Ultrasound & Informed Consent#MomtroversialPodcast 🏷️ HASHTAGS #MomtroversialS2E5#LaurenKimber #Sonography #UltrasoundSafety #FetalDevelopment #ProLife#Pregnancy #PregnancyPodcast #MomPodcast #ExpectingMom #ModernMotherhood

  7. Jul 12

    Leaving Mormonism, Finding Herself: Audra Phelps' Story of Faith & Freedom | Season 2 Ep. 4

    In this episode of Momtroversial, host Alyssa sits down with Audra Phelps — founder of Mama Audra — to talk about leaving the Mormon church, rebuilding her identity from the ground up, and helping other women do the same. Audra opens up about the moment she began questioning long-held beliefs, the loneliness and grief that came with stepping away from a faith that shaped her entire identity, and how she rebuilt trust in herself after years of conditioning. The conversation moves through mom guilt and parenting with autonomy. This is an honest, vulnerable conversation about faith, motherhood, and the process of becoming who you actually are underneath what you were taught. Whether you've walked a similar path or are just curious what a faith transition really looks like from the inside, this episode offers real, unfiltered insight. 🎙️ Connect with Audra: Mama Audra WebsiteInstagram: @mamaaudraofficialYouTube: @Mama-Audra📖 Scripture Referenced: John 1 (NIV)James 2 (ESV)🔗 Follow Momtroversial: Momtroversial LinktreeMomtroversial Instagram00:00 🎙️ Introduction to Audra Phelps & Her Background 01:59 🛤️ Audra's Journey from Mormon to Coach 06:55 💔 Leaving the Church & the Demand for Support 10:09 👶 Mom Guilt & Beliefs About Children 15:00 🧠 Trusting Yourself & Overcoming Conditioning 20:10 🌱 Parenting with Autonomy & Boundary Setting 25:04 🙏 Faith, Grace & Unconditional Love 29:57 🔍 The Impact of Religious Doctrine on Identity 34:52 😨 Overcoming Fear of Damnation 40:00 ✨ Exploring Different Spiritual Beliefs 44:57 🧭 Building a New Moral Compass for Your Family 50:08 📚 Resources for Ex-Mormon Women 55:00 💬 Closing Thoughts & Momtroversial Moments#MomtroversialPodcast #MomtroversialS2E4 #AudraPhelps#LeavingMormonism #ExMormon #FaithTransition#RebuildingIdentity #MomGuilt #ChristianMotherhood#FaithJourney #ModernMotherhood #MomPodcast#ParentingPodcast #TrustYourself #SpiritualGrowth

  8. Jul 5

    Vaccine Ingredients, Safety & Parental Rights: What Every Mom Should Know | Season 2 Ep. 3

    ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This episode reflects personal opinions and research only. We are not medical professionals or licensed healthcare providers. This content is not medical advice — please consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions for your family. In this episode of Momtroversial, hosts Alyssa and guest co-host Rachel dive into the controversial and often taboo topic of childhood vaccines. They walk through vaccine ingredients, safety concerns, and the evolving vaccine schedule — from flu and COVID shots to MMR, chicken pox, Hepatitis A, HPV, and the new RSV vaccine. This isn't about telling you what to do — it's about equipping parents with information so they can make informed, confident decisions for their families. Alyssa and Rachel share their own research, questions, and concerns in a real, unfiltered conversation about a topic most people are afraid to talk about openly. Whether you vaccinate on schedule, delay, selectively vaccinate, or opt out entirely — this episode is for moms who want to understand the "why" behind the choice, not just follow a schedule blindly. 📚 Resources Mentioned: The Vaccine-Friendly PlanJust the InsertsFull Vaccine Research GuideWell Considered Podcast Episode🔗 Follow Momtroversial: Momtroversial LinktreeMomtroversial Instagram⚠️ REMINDER: This content is for informational purposes only and reflects personal opinions, not medical advice. Always consult your child's pediatrician or a licensed healthcare provider before making vaccination decisions. #InformedConsent #ParentalRights #MomtroversialPodcast #Momtroversial #VaccineIngredients #VaccineFreedom #InformedParenting #MomLife #MotherhoodUnfiltered #ParentingPodcast #RealTalkMoms #ModernMotherhood

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Momtroversial—the unfiltered podcast where three military wives and moms get real about the chaos of motherhood. Join Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori as they spill the tea on tantrums, tough choices, and the stuff no one warns you about. From crunchy to scrunchy, we’ve got the laughs, the truths, and your back. Let's get Momtroversial!