In this lively episode, the hosts celebrate making it through the week and dive into a variety of topics, including personal stories about a recent dance mom outing, unexpected illness, and humorous struggles with face washing routines. They also discuss the challenges and decisions in updating their business branding, website, and the importance of authenticity in their professional and personal lives. Additionally, they share light-hearted banter on books, skin care routines, and the joy of finding humor in everyday life. A warm and engaging conversation that offers relatable stories and insights!

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:12 Reflecting on the Week

01:09 Dance Mom Weekend Recap

05:50 Book Discussions and Recommendations

15:21 Dealing with Sickness

20:20 Identity Theft Incident

21:21 Unexpected Fashion Choices

22:19 Hair Hacks and Experiments

23:20 Funny Family Moments

26:00 Skincare Routines

31:19 Entrepreneurial Journey

36:35 Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism

44:19 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

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In this episode of Embracing the Messy Middle, Brooke and Kate navigate the chaotic, yet hilarious, world of motherhood. They kick off with Valentine's Day preparations, sharing how differently they've tackled the holiday for their kids. Kate goes all out with decorations and activities, while Brooke opts for a minimalist approach, sparking laughter as they compare their efforts. The conversation turns to Kate's new role as a 'Dance Mom,' detailing her preparations for her daughter Paige’s first dance competition and the unexpected challenges that come with it. They also touch on upcoming events and the continuous juggling act of balancing work, hobbies, and parenting. Join them for a candid, humorous look at the ups and downs of mom life.

00:00 Introduction to Embracing the Messy Middle

00:23 Catching Up and Valentine's Day Special

02:52 Dance Mom Adventures

08:15 Mother-Daughter Shopping Spree

10:56 The Art of Gathering and Intentional Meetings

15:52 School Closures and Winter Blues

21:47 Balancing Parenting and Personal Life

22:20 Valentine's Day Preparations

24:35 Morning Surprises and Reactions

26:47 Guilt and Comparisons

34:12 Dance Mom Duties

37:13 Upcoming Celebrations and Traditions

43:46 Concluding Thoughts and Farewells

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In this episode, the Brooke and Kate discuss their busy schedules and how they manage their overlapping responsibilities and personal projects. They talk about the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal time, especially after periods of absence due to vacations and retreats. The conversation touches on the struggles of January's longer-feeling month, seasonal depression, and the chaos caused by kids at home. They also explore the concept of 'creative constipation' and how it impacts productivity, relating it to their experiences of trying to juggle business projects and personal life. This episode emphasizes the importance of having a support system or 'village,' as well as the joys and trials of parenting and maintaining a household.

00:00 Welcome Back! Catching Up After a Break

01:11 The Never-Ending Month of January

05:03 Parenting Challenges and Sibling Rivalries

09:02 Balancing Work and Family Life

12:39 The Struggle with Self-Help and Personal Growth

19:16 Creative Constipation and Overwhelm

20:10 Balancing Work and Personal Life

21:51 Domestic Responsibilities and Joy

26:04 The Importance of a Support System

29:32 Upcoming Plans and Reflections

32:13 Podcast Shoutouts and Future Plans

37:29 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Links to products mentioned:

Start Finishing, by Charlie Gilkey

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