Advertise on podcast: Eat Your Seasons

Today’s episode is a replay from 2023—and it’s just as relevant now as it was then. If months of gray skies leave you feeling “fine, but blah,” this episode is for you. In this replay, I’m sharing my honest experience with what I call bad weather burnout—that drained, restless feeling that isn’t quite depression, but still weighs on you after long stretches of gloomy weather. I also share the simple mindset shift that helps me every year: finding or creating something pretty, even when the weather isn’t. In this episode, we cover: The difference between seasonal depression and bad weather burnoutWhy seeing sunlight matters just as much as getting vitamin DFive practical coping skill categories you can build on good days to survive the gloomy onesGentle, realistic ways to self-soothe, reframe, and regulate as a busy momHow creativity, beauty, and making something with your hands can shift your moodIf you’re craving more lightness, creativity, and emotional breathing room during long stretches of gray days, this episode will feel like a warm, validating reminder that you’re not alone—and that small shifts really do matter. 💛 Screenshot and share this episode with a friend who could use a little encouragement, and don’t forget to leave a quick review to help more moms find the show. Enjoy this season and all the cozy moments it has to offer.

Food waste feels personal.  It’s money in the trash, guilt in your chest, and the quiet frustration of trying to do better. In this episode of Eat Your Seasons, I’m sharing a real-life look at food waste—from forgotten pantry snacks and browning produce to a surprising homeschool field trip at a local apple orchard that completely shifted how I think about using what we buy. We’re breaking down three simple principles farmers use to waste less—and how we can apply them at home without rigid meal plans, perfection, or overwhelm. You’ll walk away with: A gentler way to plan for the food you already haveSimple strategies to stop “losing” ingredients in your fridgeA fresh mindset around sharing, storing, and actually using your groceriesIf you’ve ever opened your fridge and thought, How did this go bad already? — this episode is for you. LINKS: Show notes for today's episode: http://ashtincopeseasonal.com/?p=28 SEASONAL PRODUCE GUIDE: https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/whats-in-season  ULTIMATE SEASONAL MEAL PLANNING GUIDE: https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/meal-planning-guide  JOIN MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER: https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/mealspiration-newsletter  JOIN MY PINTEREST SEASONAL MEAL BOARD: https://pin.it/7y9aDhtR5

Picky eaters aren’t just toddlers. They can be spouses, big kids, and sometimes even us. In this episode of Eat Your Seasons, I’m sharing my number one rule for introducing new foods without turning dinner into a battle. We’re talking about how to help kids try unfamiliar ingredients, especially seasonal produce, while still keeping meals comforting and realistic for busy families. I walk through how I approach picky eating in my own home, why pairing new foods with familiar favorites actually works, and how seasonal eating can be a tool for connection instead of pressure. This episode is for any mom who wants to expand her family’s menu without guilt, force, or food fights. If you’ve ever felt discouraged by eye rolls at the dinner table or stuck cooking the same meals on repeat, this one’s for you. Check the show notes for links, resources, and ways to get extra support with seasonal meal planning. JOIN MY EMAIL LIST: https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/mealspiration-newsletter  SNAG MY SEASONAL MEAL PLANNING GUIDE: https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/meal-planning-guide  GRAB MY SEASONAL PRODUCE GUIDE:  https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/whats-in-season  CUSTOM MEAL PLANNING SERVICE: https://forms.gle/GJh7n67b7ZQM16qM7 

What marrying an Englishman taught me about seasonal eating. In this episode, I’m sharing how British food culture, yes even beans on toast, completely reshaped the way I approach fall and winter cooking. From growing up on Midwest comfort food to learning how to actually cook root vegetables, winter squash, and hearty greens, this is a story about expanding our food horizons, honoring seasonal produce, and building confidence in the kitchen. We talk cozy UK food traditions, why some “weird” foods make more sense than we think, and how learning to cook unfamiliar ingredients helped me connect more deeply to food, culture, and family life. I also walk through a list of lesser-loved fall produce and share simple, realistic ways to work them into your weekly meals without a culinary degree required. If you’ve ever felt stuck cooking the same things on repeat or unsure how to use seasonal produce, this episode is for you. It’s an invitation to try something new, let food be a source of connection, and enjoy this season one meal at a time. PINTEREST SEARCH TERMS: ("x vegetable" dinners) aka, "Beets Dinners", "Leeks Dinners", "Winter Squash Dinners", and so forth. You can also search "Winter Produce Meal Ideas" and be less specific, but I believe that specificity yields better, more targeted results while leaving you space to get creative.  -------------------- JOIN MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER! https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/mealspiration-newsletter SNAG MY (FREE) SEASONAL PRODUCE GUIDE! https://ashtin-cope-seasonal.myflodesk.com/whats-in-season CUSTOM MEAL PLANNING SERICE: https://forms.gle/GJh7n67b7ZQM16qM7 SHOW NOTES: http://ashtincopeseasonal.com/?p=18

I recorded this episode from my front porch with a hot cup of coffee and a baby on my hip—because there was no better time or place to talk about a concept that’s been so fascinating to me lately: cottage season. Not in the “I own a vacation home” kind of way (because that is a very different tax bracket than I am in)—but in the mindset of slower mornings, simpler meals, softer joy. In this episode, I’m sharing what “cottage season” means to me, and how you can start leaning into the cozy, nourishing, down-to-earth rhythms of this summer season without changing your whole life or buying anything new. I talk about: Why summer doesn’t feel like it used to—and how I’m making peace with thatNostalgic childhood memories to recreate for my girlsWhat’s actually behind all that dreamy cottagecore content onlineA few tiny-but-powerful ways you can bring more beauty and intention into your home this weekI want this episode to feel equal parts comforting and grounding. If you’re craving slower days, more connection, and a summer that feels good, sans perfection, this one’s for you.

After a long break (and a lot of life), I’m back—and this time, things are getting a little cozier. In this honest reintroduction, I’m sharing where I’ve been, why I stepped away, and the new direction I feel called to take this podcast. We’re keeping it simple, heartfelt, and a little less polished—more like coffee with a friend than a lecture. If you’re craving slower rhythms, real-life stories, and a deeper connection to food and family, you’re in the right place. Let’s start fresh—together.

Motherhood is full of changing seasons—just like nature. From the sleepless newborn stage to the whirlwind of the toddler years, and all the way to watching your teens grow into young adults, every season has something to savor. But in a world that constantly rushes us, how can we slow down and truly embrace each stage? In this episode, we’ll explore 10 simple ways to be more present and soak up the season of motherhood you’re in right now. We’ll talk about: ✔️ How motherhood mirrors the natural seasons (and why that’s a good thing!) ✔️ The pressure to “slow down” vs. the reality of modern motherhood ✔️ Practical ways to be present, celebrate growth, and embrace change ✔️ Why letting go of perfection makes the journey more meaningful If you’ve ever felt torn between “cherishing every moment” and just trying to make it through the day, this one’s for you. Let’s shift our focus from pressure to presence—and find the beauty in every messy, magical season of motherhood. 👉 If this episode resonates, share it with a fellow mom who needs the reminder! And as always, enjoy this season and all the eats it has to offer.

Tired of dinnertime stress? In this episode, we take a cue from Gordon Ramsay—focusing on doing one thing really wellinstead of overcomplicating meals. I’m sharing my tried-and-true approach to simple, seasonal meals that nourish your family, reduce overwhelm, and create more connection at the table. We’ll talk about the power of go-to meals, how seasonal eating keeps things fresh without decision fatigue, and how slow cookers, sheet pans, and one-pot meals can bring more ease to your evenings. Plus, practical tips to make meal prep easier—so you can actually enjoy dinnertime with your family. Tune in for all the cozy, stress-free meal inspiration!

Are you tired of setting New Year’s resolutions that fizzle out by February? In this episode, we’re flipping the script and focusing on how we want to feel this year instead of what we want to accomplish. For me, it’s about feeling calm, connected, energized, and confident—and eating in-season food plays a huge role in that. Join me as I break down how embracing seasonal eating can save you money, reduce burnout, and improve your physical and mental health. We’ll explore the rhythms of nature, the benefits of local and fresh produce, and how small, simple changes can lead to big results. I’ll also share actionable tips to help you get started, from meal planning with seasonal ingredients to involving your family in the process. Let’s make this year about sustainable habits and feeling good inside and out. Tune in for inspiration, practical advice, and a fresh perspective on seasonal living!

Winter isn’t a season to just survive—it’s a season to savor. In today’s episode, we’re chatting about three simple, cozy ways to embrace all that winter has to offer. From fun indoor and outdoor activities to small family traditions that bring warmth and connection with some easy tips for incorporating winter produce into your meals thrown in. This episode is packed with ideas to help you start to truly enjoy this colder, slower season. Let’s slow down, find joy in the little things, and make the most of these shorter, chillier days together. Don’t forget to come say “hi!” on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/ashtincope/. 

This week kicks off my brand-new series all about being a "fun mom".  In today's episode, I'm diving deep into a challenge many of us face: finding our own sense of enjoyment after becoming parents. I'll be sharing personal stories and insights into how we tend to lose touch with our interests while prioritizing our little ones' happiness. Drawing from my experiences, I'll explore the delicate balance between caring for our children and rediscovering ourselves. Plus, I have a secret antidote up my sleeve for reigniting joy, even in those moments when you feel like you've lost who you used to be. We'll tackle the concept of redefining fun, considering life's shifts and your own preferences.  You'll also hear about four distinct categories of family activities, each designed to cater to different needs, from your kids' enjoyment to precious moments just for you. I'll provide practical tips that underscore the importance of embracing low-effort activities for self-care. Stay tuned for the next episode, where I'll be delving into the world of mom hobbies. Remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow moms navigating the path to fun after kids. Wishing you a season filled with both enjoyment and growth!

Mom guilt is the absolute WORST, we can all agree on that. But what about self-guilt? Like the feeling that you’re not reaching the potential or the goals you set for yourself, or you keep falling off the wagon every time you get on a healthy path and self-sabotaging? How can we get rid of these feelings of guilt and come up with a better conversation to have with ourselves?  In this episode, I dive into exactly WHY we tend to hyper-fixate on the negative (as well as why negative memories, thoughts, and emotions are so much louder in our minds than positive ones) and how to flip the script in our brains. I'm sharing my exact process for refusing to let mom guilt or shame take over the narrative in my brain lately and how you can do the same with examples to boot!  So whether you're struggling with sticking to goals regarding a healthier lifestyle, your marriage and relationships, your parenting methods, or your self-care routine- this episode is the virtual hug and pep talk you've been waiting for.  New York Times article "Why People Remember Negative Events More Than Positive Ones” >> https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/24/your-money/why-people-remember-negative-events-more-than-positive-ones.html EAT YOUR SEASONS CHILDREN'S BOOK WAITLIST >> https://ashtincope.com/waitlist/

I know exactly how it feels to get trapped in the time suck that is running a household and trying to do all the things only to get to the end of the day and feel like you didn’t accomplish a single thing but somehow your brain is fried and your body is exhausted. Then the mom guilt starts, you know there were parts of your day you could have spent more efficiently so you start beating yourself up over what you “should” have done and how you “could have spent your time” and now you’ll never be able to fall asleep because you're in the vicious cycle of self-loathing and regret.  In this episode, we are going to be breaking down the  3 steps needed to simplify our time for good. We are tackling how to create a plan that you're sure to follow through on, how to cut distractions and avoid hiccups to your productivity, and the science of neurotransmitters, sensorimotor functions, and the topic of "leisurephobia".  GRAB YOUR FREE WORKBOOK TO SIMPLIFY YOUR TIME:  https://www.ashtincope.com/simplifythoughts EAT YOUR SEASONS CHILDREN'S BOOK WAITLIST: https://www.ashtincope.com/waitlist

As I’m sure you’ve experienced- our thoughts are incredibly powerful. When we’re good they can allow us to dream, to set goals, and to be thoughtful, sincere, and brilliant. When we’re not doing so great our thoughts can be destructive, tearing us down and making us feel small and hopeless, they can spiral out of control and burn bridges. The energy spent in negative thought spirals can zap us of our energy and motivation and make us irritable and angry. In this episode we are going through the exact process to spring clean our thoughts so we can be kinder to ourselves and remove overwhelm for good; and as we head into warmer weather and nicer days, this is excellent timing so that we can truly enjoy our spring and summer with our families without all of the mental clutter.  EAT YOUR SEASONS CHILDREN'S BOOK WAITLIST: ashtincope.com/waitlist

In this episode we are going to deep dive into exactly how I plan our meals, so you can ditch dinner time dread and put my simple process into practice.  I am dishing my ENTIRE step-by-step process for planning our weeknight meals in the simplest way possible so we can eat seasonal, healthy meals every night without burning me out.  Feeding a family is tricky. It feels like you need to be a mathematician in order to juggle everyone's preferences and tastes. Not to mention ensuring that everything is healthy, easy to make, and affordable.  If you are struggling with feeling overwhelmed and burnt out over "what to make for dinner", or you have a hard time following through on the meals that you plan- this episode is for you!  INVITATION TO MY FREE TRAINING: "How I ditched overwhelm for good" --> www.ashtincope.com/sswebinar