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If you're like me, you wanted a big family when you were younger but either the realities of giving birth or raising kids or birth trauma or some other factor played a role in your decision to keep things small. Today's all new guest on the denmother podcast, however, did not keep things small. Not only does Jennifer Turnquist-Linn have a big family (she's raising eight kids), but she's kicking butt at it and raising good people. Jenn has been married more than 20 years and together with her husband, they have eight kids ranging in age from the oldest who is out of college at age 24 and the youngest who is just six months old.  How does she do it and not lose steam? Listen in to find out!

Whether you're on your first kid or your third, you can probably agree that there is so much to prepare for with a new baby that often we don't prepare enough to actually feed said baby! Maybe that is one reason why nearly 50% of moms give up on exclusive breastfeeding by three months.  But have no fear, Holly Hill is here! Holly Hill is a registered nurse of 20 years and a certified IBCLC lactation consultant of 10 years with both hospital and private practice experience. She works to shine a light on lactation, teaching the basics, and helping to advocate, support, and help moms reach their feeding goals. She’s also a mom of two! Today, Holly joins us on the denmother podcast to offer some practical, innovative and easy tips for breastfeeding, whether you're a beginner or working to have a different breastfeeding story with your second, third or fourth+ baby.  You can find more resources on Holly's Website.  Also, check out Holly's Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube. And Holly was also just nominated as a Woman of Impact in UT! Consider supporting her in her efforts to raise money for the American Heart Association. 

As moms, we are always pivoting, and some more than most.  Today's guest, Surae Chinn, not only has had to adjust to the unexpected when she got divorced, but then becoming a single mom when her ex left. Then, adjusting to an ADHD diagnosis, and again to the news that her ex was arrested for domestic violence. With one unexpected turn after another, Surae has had to put in the work and be intentional about who she wants to be, how she shows up in the world, and how she parents her two kids.  Surae Chinn is an award-winning journalist who has worked as a News Anchor and Reporter across the country and in the Nation’s Capitol. During her time on-air in Virgina, she received an Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage and 30-minute special on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and an Associated Press award for ‘Best Documentary.’ Now you can watch her everyday on ABC4’s Lifestyle Show, Good Things Utah! When she’s not on air, Surae enjoys discovering new restaurants and spending quality time with her two children. She also works to raise awareness about neurodiversity and its impact, sharing her own journey to inspire others and foster understanding. Surae is also the author of the children's book, When the Clouds Come Out to Play. Watch Surae on Good Things Utah. Follow her on Instagram.  And get a copy of her book on Amazon. 

How cool would it have been to see yourself in a book when you were a kid? For Sarah Tubert, not only did she not see anyone like her in print or on screen, but she didn't see anyone like her in real life either.  At the age of three, a surgeon's error left Sarah with facial paralysis and hearing loss, but Sarah's indomitable spirit led her to overcome these obstacles. Today, not only is she is a series regular on Disney's "Primos," making history as the first Deaf Latina Voice Over actress in an animated series, she also captains the USA Deaf Women's National Volleyball Team and is a motivational speaker and now champions others' differences through a new book about her life called, The Girl with the Crooked Smile.  Co-Author of the new book, and Sarah's best friend is Katelyn Brooke. Katelyn has spent nearly two decades in the entertainment industry, starting as a songwriter before transitioning into stunt performance. With over ten years as a professional stuntwoman, she has always embraced creativity and storytelling in many forms. Now, she is embarking on an exciting new journey as a children’s book author. Her debut book, The Girl with the Crooked Smile, is a heartfelt project, inspired by Sarah and the belief that dreams have no limits and kindness is always in style.  You can learn more about the book on their website. And follow Sarah and Katelyn on Instagram. 

Doesn't it feel like we're always waiting for something? For a new job, for a friend to call, for inspiration, for purpose... But what if we didn't have to wait? And what if we could model for our kids what it means to create real momentum and really go for it in life and in work? Today's guest, Screenwriter and Author Meredith Lavender, knows first-hand what it means to create your own path. From transitioning from acting to screenwriting and then screenwriting to being an author, Meredith is not afraid to pivot whenever the need arises. Here's to starting off the New Year with some inspiration and motivation to go after what we want and create our own paths! You can find Meredith and her writing partner on Instagram.  And don't forget to get your copy of their new book, Happy Wife!

How can we teach our kids to be true to themselves when we are all constantly putting our best selves forward on social media and in the real world?  Actress Charlotte Hemmings joins us on the denmother podcast today to talk about what it means to not only be authentic in our own lives, but also how to model authenticity for our kids.  *Note: we had some audio issues on this record, but the episode is so worth it, so please bear with us. :)  Charlotte's Bio:  Charlotte Hemmings is an actress with a long history in the film industry. She grew up on set with her father, the late British actor, David Hemmings and then spent her formative years working behind the scenes in LA as both a Production and Art Assistant. She has performed on stage in San Francisco and New York City and can be seen on screen in Great American Family's Destined at Christmas 1 & 2, and on Prime Video’s Beauty & the Billionaire: Bali, among others and of course, she’s also a mom to a sweet daughter.  You can follow Charlotte on Instagram and check out here art here. 

Have you ever considered entering a beauty pageant? Or, like me, is pageant life simply the furthest thing from your current experience? Today's guest, Chelsi Rasmussen, knows exactly what it's like to feel like an outsider in the pageant space... until she won her first ever pageant and was crowned Mrs. Utah America 2024! Not only that, but Chelsi shares other surprising outcomes from her pageant experience including, but not limited to: a refresh for her marriage, new body confidence, a legacy for her children, inner healing and so much more. You won't want to miss her story! Chelsi's Bio:  Mrs. Utah America 2024, Chelsi Rasmussen, is a dedicated certified life coach with a profound background in social work. As an abuse survivor, she channels her personal experiences into a powerful advocacy for victims of abuse, demonstrating that the journey from surviving to thriving is not only possible but also transformative. Through her work, Chelsi spreads awareness by providing prevention education and serving as a beacon of hope for those in need. She is also proud mom of four and wife. Find Chelsi on Instagram at @ChatWithChelsi and @ChelsiRasmussen And Check out her Etsy shop, CrownHerCollective.

The topics of consent and body safety can feel daunting... but not the way Rosalia Rivera teaches it! Rosalia teaches parents how to talk to their kids about body safety in a way that feels easy, conversational and accessible. She also shares tips on how to talk to other adults and caregivers about body safety in non-scary, non-confrontational ways. Best of all? Rosalia says up to 90% of child sexual abuse cases can be totally prevented through education, information and communication. This is an episode every parent needs to hear. Rosalia Rivera is a consent educator, abuse prevention expert, child rights advocate, two time TEDx speaker, founder of CONSENTparenting and host of the AboutCONSENT Podcast. She is also a child sexual abuse survivor turned thriver. Rosalia’s work focuses on helping parents learn how to educate their children on body safety, boundaries and consent so that they can empower their children to prevent abuse.  You can watch Rosalia's latest TEDx talk here Find more information about consent at ConsentParenting.com Listen to the About Consent Podcast  Or connect with Rosalia on LinkedIn and Instagram. 

What does it take to run from the man you love in order to keep your kids safe from life in a cult? Or to show up as an NFL wife when you feel that you don't look the part or fit in? The answer is hope.  Today's guest, Eileen Noyes, knows exactly the type of hope it takes to putt yourself out of a difficult situation. Eileen is an Ex-NFL wife who escaped with her children from life in a cult and then went from being a single mom to eight kids to getting remarried, finding hope and now helping other women find hope through the Lady Bellator movement she founded. In her books Sidelined No More, Broken Chapters (a multi-author project), and her newest release, Rise Up, Lady Bellator, Eileen shares her passion and life lessons to bring a message of hope and redemption to women and moms. Eileen is a wife, mom, author and speaker. She lives in California with her husband, Michael, and 8 of their combined 15 sons and daughters.  Listen to The Unsidelined Life Podcast Or find her books and devotional on her website And follow Eileen on Instagram to get connected!

Thanks to the internet and smart devices, our kids have access to information like never before. At the same time, media has become more and more bias and divisive than ever before.  On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, we are talking to an authority on media to learn more about how and why media is changing and how to talk to our kids about what they're seeing.  Soledad O’Brien is an award-winning documentarian, journalist, speaker, author, philanthropist, and founder of Soledad O’Brien Productions, a multi-platform media production company dedicated to telling empowering and authentic stories on a range of social issues. Up until recently, she anchored and produced the Hearst TV political magazine program "Matter of Fact with Soledad O'Brien" and is a correspondent for HBO Real Sports. She has also anchored shows on CNN, MSNBC and NBC and her long list of awards includes four Emmys, two George Foster Peabody Awards, three Gracie Awards, which honors women in media, and many others. But on top of all of it, she’s also a mom to FOUR kids. Find Soledad on Instagram.  Visit the Soledad O'Brien Productions website to learn more about Soledad's documentary work.  Watch The Perfect Neighbor on Netflix and on The Devil is Busy on HBO.  

What does abundance look like and how do you attract it into your life? According to today's guest, it's a lot easier - and funner - than you think.  Cathy Heller is a renowned teacher, podcaster and author. She hosts one of the top spiritual podcasts, which has been downloaded more than 45-million times. She's a practitioner of the law of reception, and has a deep understanding of the universal principles of manifestation. Cathy guides individuals on a transformative journey toward unlocking their highest potential.  You can find Cathy on Instagram. And buy her new book, Abundant Ever After TODAY! And listen to her podcast, The Cathy Heller Podcast. 

Our kids are being inundated with "current events" of the worst kind - shootings, devisive politics, natural disasters and so much more on the news. Even if we try to shield them from a lot of it or create open dialogue around it, negativity still seeps in.  But those things aren't the only things happening in the world.  On today's brand new episode of the denmother podcast, Travel Expert, Author and Mom Salisha Shears talks about the importance of traveling with your kids, why being uncomfortable is a good thing and she even shares tips and tricks to make travel affordable and easy! You won't want to miss this one.  Salisha's Bio: After traveling to over fifteen countries together, Salisha Shears and her daughter Remy have mastered the art of having fun while on the go.  From history lessons to architecture, they both have learned the beauty of experiencing culture in every destination. Now Salisha works to inspire other families to travel and explore together. With a background in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention as well as three Master’s degrees in education, and a business degree in Organizational Leadership, Salisha blends her educational expertise with a passion for storytelling. Salisha is the author of the adorable children’s books: Remy Takes Flight and Playdates with Remy. Follow Salisha on Instagram.  For all things travel, check out Consider it Scheduled. And you can find Salisha's books on her website or on Amazon, Walmart and many other online book retailers. 

According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have some sort of disability, but less than 1% of characters on TV have a disability. Today's guest, Shea Fontana, shares with us the intention, care and attention to detail that goes into some of our kids favorite shows, why representation matters and what we can expect for the future of animation.  Shea Fontana is the award-winning writer behind some of your kids’ favorite cartoons including: Nickelodeon's Monster High, Netflix's Polly Pocket and Action Pack, the DC Super Hero Girls, Doc McStuffins and so many more. Her first non-fiction book is called DC: Women of Action, published by Chronicle. Shea was named one of Variety’s Top 10 Animators to Watch in 2022 and her graphic novels have been New York Times Best Sellers.  You can find Shea on Instagram.  Or find her on Blue Sky.  You can find any of her books wherever you buy books.  And you can watch Monster High on Paramount Plus, Polly Pocket and Action Pack on Netflix, Mermicorno: Starfall on HBO and so many others!

Like me, and many other moms, today's guest knows first hand the struggles that can come with trying to breastfeed your baby.  Mia Funt is a mom of three. Her difficulty with breastfeeding led to the need for formula with her first baby, but her search was daunting, confusing and left her frustrated with the only options available and the lack of progress and innovation in the formula space. So, she and her brother, Ron, started a company called ByHeart and created their own formula, always asking “why?” and searching for a better way to feed our babies. Join us as we break down the stigma surrounding formula feeding, the options available and what it takes to have confidence in your decision on how to feed your baby.  DISCOUNT: ByHeart is offering denmother listeners an exclusive offer - use code Denmother30 for 30% off your first subscription order! You can also find ByHeart at most major retailers, including Walmart, Target, WholeFoods, Kroger and Amazon among others and on their website, ByHeart.com.

What is your plan for aging? Do you have one or (like most of us) are you just dreading/avoiding the topic altogether? Today's has the unique experience of aging in front of the camera. After graduating from Brigham Young University, Nicea DeGering became a Crime Reporter at the age of 23. Over the next several years, she covered security at the 2002 Winter Olympics, Elizabeth Smart’s disappearance and produced several special reports, including taking viewers inside the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. She later became one of the original hosts of the Emmy-Award winning Lifestyle Show, Good Things Utah, where she continues to work to this day. Nicea gets real with denmother listeners about AGING MAINTANENCE, mindset, strength and exercise and the long list of exciting pros of aging, as well as one or two cons. This will be the most life giving and affirming conversation you have ever heard on aging - guaranteed.  You can watch Nicea on Good Things Utah. And follow her on Instagram.