Diary Of A Reluctant Mother

We’d love to hear from you!In this episode, Hope and I unpack the mindset shifts that make fitness sustainable, not extreme, not punishing, and not rooted in shame,  but built to last.We talk about the daily practices that create lifelong health, the underestimated power of weightlifting (especially as we age), and why strength training is one of the greatest investments you can make for your future self.We also dive into the complicated relationship many of us have with body composition, shaped by the era we were raised in,  and how to gently but intentionally reframe those narratives. This is a conversation about building strength without obsession, pursuing health without punishment, and redefining what “fit” actually means in this season of life.If you’ve ever felt caught between old-school diet culture and a desire for sustainable wellness, this episode will meet you right there.

We’d love to hear from you!This episode is an honest conversation between sisters—reflecting on growth, self-awareness, and the lessons learned over the past year.Together, we talk about how life can take unexpected turns, how our choices shape us, and what it means to sit honestly with both responsibility and emotion. As part of that reflection, my sister shares—openly and vulnerably—her experience of the past year, not as the victim of an affair, but as the one who had the affair.What moved me most in this conversation was her willingness to speak about something so often wrapped in shame and silence. It takes courage to tell the truth about our own missteps, especially in a world that is quick to label and slow to listen. Her hope—and mine—is that by speaking honestly, someone else might feel less alone in their own complicated emotions, questions, or regrets.Our conversation also naturally touches on marriage—its pressures, expectations, and complexities—as well as the dynamics between the masculine and feminine, and how those forces can shape connection, conflict, and growth within a relationship.I often think of an ancient verse from the Bible that says, “Love covers a multitude of sins.” As her sister, I naturally view her through a lens of love. This conversation reminded me how easily judgment fills the space where love is absent—and how much we all benefit when we choose understanding instead.This episode isn’t about excusing choices or minimizing harm. It’s about humanizing a story that’s often reduced to a single moment, and making room for reflection, accountability, and growth.My hope is that you’ll listen through the lens of love—because love doesn’t excuse everything, but it does make room for understanding.

We’d love to hear from you!In this episode of Diary of a Reluctant Mother, I sit down with Vanessa Lebaron for a powerful and honest conversation about partnering with her husband as business owners and navigating the many interests they pursue together as a team. Vanessa is a mother of three, with two aspiring professional athletes, and her insight into family, ambition, and balance is both refreshing and real.This conversation will capture your attention. Vanessa brings a rare combination of strength, humility, and authenticity that immediately draws you in. She is a true powerhouse, yet so approachable and grounded. I’ll be honest, I felt a bit intimidated, but even more inspired by her confidence, wisdom, and transparency. I walked away energized, and I know you will too.This is an episode every woman who is thinking of partnering with her husband, needs to hear. Tune in, you won’t want to miss what Vanessa has to share.

We’d love to hear from you!Join me and my dear friend, Jessica Johnson, in this episode as she shares her practical tips and gentle strategies for maintaining a tidy home—while also teaching her children to do the same without disrupting the peace.Jessica offers valuable insight into the power of positive affirmations in parenting and highlights the importance of being mindful and intentional in the way we care for our living spaces. What I love most about Jessica is her gentle spirit, kind demeanor, and deep love for her family.

We’d love to hear from you!Join me and my guest, Tani Mata, as we discuss simple, practical ways to improve what we feed our children in a time when more attention is being brought to the harmful chemicals hidden in processed foods. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and even hopeless, but the best way forward is through small, intentional steps in the right direction.I love Tani’s approach to motherhood and cooking—whenever she speaks, I lean in. Her wisdom and dedication to feeding her children well without spending hours in the kitchen are truly inspiring. In this episode, she shares easy tips and tricks that make a big impact on her children’s nutrition while keeping mealtime stress-free.(Note: This episode was recorded remotely, and I later realized the sound quality was actually better without Tani’s headphones. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!)Check out the links mentioned in the episode below!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-diary-of-a-ceo-with-steven-bartlett/id1291423644?i=1000689548432

We’d love to hear from you!In this episode, I dive into some powerful and convicting quotes from Alex Hormozi that have challenged me to be brutally honest with myself. I share how these insights have pushed me to raise my standards, show up for myself in a new way, and put in the hard work—especially when it feels like I’m in the wilderness.We all experience seasons where our efforts seem to bear no fruit, but that’s exactly when we need to keep going. I hope this episode encourages every woman listening to push back against doubt, stay committed to her vision, and trust that persistence will lead to growth.If you’ve ever felt like giving up, this one’s for you! Let’s keep showing up for ourselves, no matter what. Even when we feel like nothing is happening.

We’d love to hear from you!https://youtu.be/eeU1fNZ2pZA?si=3-3eLyf0r2Y3y-rbIn this episode of Diary of a Reluctant Mother: Podcast Club, we dive into an inspiring conversation from the Modern Wisdom podcast, where host Chris Williamson interviews Tony Robbins. We break down the key takeaways from their discussion, exploring how our mindset, daily habits, and personal disciplines shape the lives we create. If you’re looking for motivation to take control of your life, this episode is a must-listen!For our next Podcast Club discussion, we’ll be listening to The Power of Divine Femininity with Dr. Bobby Price and guest April Mason. This episode explores the essence of feminine energy, its role in relationships, and how embracing it can lead to empowerment. We can’t wait to discuss it with you!Listen to the next episode here: https://youtu.be/AKCUI1XNRTQ?si=faocGRBvL_-UoI9_Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts!

We’d love to hear from you!In this episode of our podcast club edition, Hope and I discuss the ideas presented in a controversial podcast by host, Danny Morel. Click here to listen: https://youtu.be/8bD401bCXVIThis podcast explores the differences between the theology of Paul the Apostle and Jesus Christ in the New Testament. While we are not experts on the subject, we share our thoughts on what we learned, what resonated with us, and where we disagreed. The questions it brought up in us and the discomfort we felt.For our next discussion, we’ll be exploring a podcast called, Modern Wisdom: https://youtu.be/eeU1fNZ2pZA Listen to it and share your feedback within the next 10 days so we can include it in our next episode!”

We’d love to hear from you!Exciting News! Season 3 of Diary of a Reluctant Mother Is Here!We’re thrilled to kick off Season 3 of Diary of a Reluctant Mother with guest host Hope Manzano! This season, we’re introducing a brand-new format—a Podcast Club! Every other week, we’ll dive into a thought-provoking podcast episode and invite you to join the conversation.This week, we’re discussing a podcast episode featuring Joe Dispenza:🎧 Listen hereWe encourage you to listen in and share your feedback, comments, or even suggestions for future podcasts you’d like us to discuss. On every podcast platform, there’s a section that says “We’d love to hear from you.” Click there to send us a private message with your thoughts!⚠️ Content Warning: If you’re uncomfortable with information that challenges conventional thinking, this might not be for you. However, our goal is to explore content that helps us either shift our perspectives or strengthen the ones we already hold.We can’t wait to hear from you and have you join the conversation!Let’s grow and learn together!The following link will help you listen to the next podcast we will be discussing. https://youtu.be/8bD401bCXVI?si=cHWOmAfdb4ZFOLt2

We’d love to hear from you!In this inspiring episode, Hope Manzano shares her transformative journey of making peace with her body. Through a commitment to learning, Hope embraced science and research to better understand her body’s needs. By increasing her protein intake and incorporating strength training, she shifted her mindset to work with her body rather than against it. Tune in as she reflects on how these changes have helped her feel stronger, healthier, and more confident in her own skin, paving the way for a vibrant and empowered latter half of life.

We’d love to hear from you!In this special milestone episode, I celebrate turning 40 by handing the mic to my guest Kendra for a unique twist: She gets to ask me anything! Join us as I answer candid questions about life, growth, lessons learned, and what stepping into this new decade means to me. With sincere reflections and a touch of celebration, this episode is all about embracing this new chapter with gratitude and honesty. Whether you’re approaching a milestone birthday or just looking for inspiration, this conversation will remind you that whether or not we are ready to step into that next chapter, every new adventure is worth exploring. 

We’d love to hear from you!Join us as Faith shares her story, empowering parents to champion their children’s potential. a mother of four who fought tirelessly to prevent her child from being prematurely labeled due to a slower start in reading, this episode dives into real-life stories and practical strategies for working with the school system. Faith shares her journey of nurturing her child’s resilience and helping him thrive. Now a sixth-grader, her son not only excels academically but has also developed a strong work ethic, proving that early setbacks don’t have to define a child’s future. Join us as we explore ways to support our kids without limits and advocate for their growth, confidence, and success.

We’d love to hear from you!In this heartwarming episode, we sit down with Brie Manzano, a remarkable mother of six children, all under the age of 10. Brie shares her journey of motherhood, where keeping peace as a priority is not just a choice, but a daily practice. She opens up about how she stays grounded by guarding the energy her children are raised in, ensuring that their home remains a place of love and calm amidst the busyness of life.Brie emphasizes the power of focusing on gratitude, even in the face of the inevitable struggles that come with raising a large family. Through her thoughtful approach, Brie inspires mothers everywhere to look beyond the chaos and embrace the beauty of motherhood, one grateful moment at a time.

We’d love to hear from you!Join us for an informative  conversation with Kattie Jones, a skilled midwife and advocate for women’s health. In this episode, Kattie shares her wisdom on the profound connection between our lives and birthing experiences, emphasizing the sacred relationship between mother and baby. We dive into the intuitive power of the body and explore how mindfulness can shape and enrich the birth journey. Whether you're a mother, expecting, or simply curious about the deeper aspects of childbirth, this episode offers valuable insights into embracing the beauty and power of this incredible life experience and the strength of the mother.

We’d love to hear from you!In this inspiring episode, Tani opens up about her journey growing up with PCOS, the challenges she faced from childhood into adulthood, and the emotional and physical toll it took on her. Tani shares how her experience with polycystic ovary syndrome impacted her self-image and her path to discovering self-love. Through the love and support of her husband, motherhood , and her deepening relationship with God, Tani learned to find meaning in her adversity, and a profound perspective of what makes us wonderful. Join us as she shares her story of resilience, healing, and the transformative power of love.

We’d love to hear from you!In this candid conversation, my beautiful friend Kendra, shares her background and the experiences over the last years that have led her to peace, and a place of true security. You will laugh, cry and see life through a new perspective, as she goes into the intimate details of her personal struggles. And the journey to overcome devastating insecurity and crippling anxiety. Through a path of self examination, hard work, honesty and self-discipline, leading to the unexpected understanding of what it truly means to love one’s self.

We’d love to hear from you!Join my sister, Hope, and I as we discuss the benefits and impact that community service has on our community and our country. 

We’d love to hear from you!Danielle LeBaron is a Wife, Mother, and a successful Homeschooler to her six children, with an extreme passion for learning. She is continuously educating herself and ever expanding her breadth of knowledge. Every time we have a conversation I learn something new. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of homeschooling. In a time when so many parents are facing the controversial information being presented to young children, we find ourselves delving into our own thoughts and opinions on the matter. Wether for the flexibility of remote learning, or the ability to teach our children according to our value system, this is a topic so many have found themselves contemplating more so than ever before. If you have considered homeschooling, but are not sure if it’s right for you. I hope you can find some answers in this episode.

We’d love to hear from you!Join us as Ashley, the creator of Ashley Marie Soap, shares her journey as an entrepreneur in the handmade soap industry.  You will be drawn in by her incredible life story, mesmerized by her ability to describe her experiences, and inspired by her determination to create the life she dreamed of.  A definite reminder that success is just the tip of the iceberg! You can find Ashley on Instagram at, https://www.instagram.com/ashleymariesoap?igsh=MTZ5bmliajN5dnc1Zw==

We’d love to hear from you!Team work is where most of the magic happens! Join me as I discuss the lessons I’ve  learned over the last three years, as a high school board member. 

We’d love to hear from you!Kisha Johnson is an amazing wife, mother, running coach, race organizer and so much more. Join us as the woman behind, Strong is Beautiful shares her passion for running. This episode is full of great advice for anyone looking to start their running journey.You can find Kisha on Instagram👇🏼 https://www.instagram.com/strongisbeautifulkeisha?igsh=MWE5c3pscGEwNmNsaQ==

We’d love to hear from you!🛑 listener discretion advised!I am so excited for you all to meet my guest, Lou Bluth! If you haven’t already, go check her out! https://www.instagram.com/loubluth?igsh=aG84b3l6NzExdjd4 To be 💯 % honest, I was so nervous at the beginning of this episode! But my anxiety soon subsided as I was drawn in by Lou’s magnetic energy, and her beautiful way of articulating complicated issues in such an approachable manner. Join us as we discuss everything from, sexual addiction to honoring masculinity. There is so much life experience squeezed into this one hour. Full of new perspectives and genuine reflection. An open box of treasures, free for the taking! Here is the link 🔗 to the podcast reference in this episode. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ramble-with-rianne/id1703112975?i=1000651042347

We’d love to hear from you!Listener discretion advised ✋🏻🛑

We’d love to hear from you!Sometimes progress happens in slow increments. And suddenly when we look  back, we’ve come so far.

We’d love to hear from you!Ask, and be ready to receive.

We’d love to hear from you! Going through old journals can bring up so many memories and feelings, you thought were unforgettable.

We’d love to hear from you!The most beautiful thing about truth is, it’s timeless. 

We’d love to hear from you!Never underestimate the power of kindness. 

We’d love to hear from you!New chapters are not always exciting. Sometimes we don’t feel so ready to go onto whatever is next. If you are struggling in this area, know you are not alone. We must move forward even when we feel reluctant or sorrowful. Change can feel overwhelming and scary. Change is not the end, it’s just the beginning of something new. XOXO you got this!

We’d love to hear from you!Becoming aware of how we are using social media to check out from the hard things, that actually grow us.

We’d love to hear from you!Feeling so grateful this season, for all the lessons we can learn from nature.

We’d love to hear from you!I know this subject is so controversial, especially because of the suffering caused by so many men over the span of humanity. I hope that the main point is not lost in all the arguments that could be made against masculinity. There are so many points in this episode that can be debated. And so much more that needs to be explored and said. I hope to revisit this thought  with a guest some day, and hear other perspectives. In my life experience at this time, from my perspective, I can only take responsibility for me and my contribution to masculinity… when it comes to the males in my life, I hope to hold them to the highest standards, and raise honorable men who wheeled such an incredible power responsibly. Men who contribute to humanity in a positive way. Leaving society better than they found it. 

We’d love to hear from you!Our true convictions are revealed through our actions. 

We’d love to hear from you!Are we being diligent in having the awareness of what’s going through our minds? We can not afford to underestimate the power of our thoughts!  

We’d love to hear from you!Ways to create the things we need to care for ourselves as mothers.

We’d love to hear from you!Learning to embrace what is, in difficult circumstances. Sinking into right now, and trusting the process.

We’d love to hear from you!Reflections of self doubt.

We’d love to hear from you!Have you ever felt so insecure in a relationship, and the more you needed the other person to validate you the more they pushed you away?Sometimes it can feel like you’re hanging off a cliff, and the more you try to get your grip the further you slip.I hope this episode will come as a helping hand, lifting you up and offering a secure footing once again! 

We’d love to hear from you!Growth, such a short word for such a long journey. 

We’d love to hear from you!What exactly is identity awareness, and what does it have to do with motherhood? Hope and I discussed a little bit about our childhood and how it has affected our lifes and the identities we have assumed. Hope offers a simple analogy that takes this complex aspect of our human experience, and turns it into an understandable concept that can be life changing.You can find Hope on Instagram @ hope.endures https://instagram.com/hope.endures?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== I would love to hear from you!💕 you can find on Instagram as well. https://instagram.com/diary_of_a_reluctant_mother?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

We’d love to hear from you!Toddler meltdowns can be rough, and sometimes there is nothing we can do to stop them from happening. In these moments it might feel like we have no control of the situation, but these tantrums are perfect opportunities for our growth. 

We’d love to hear from you!Discussing my journey as a young mother. From dealing with depression, to finding, understanding and taking my power.Thank you for listening!I’d love to hear from you.You can find me on Instagram tabitha_johnson_8

We’d love to hear from you!The Reluctant Mother is a bi-weekly Podcast geared towards moms who struggle to find contentment in motherhood. As a mother of 6 who has struggled myself, I hope to encourage and empower women who are feeling discontented in their role as a mother. It’s not always a beautiful day in the motherhood, but it’s always a day to grow!