18. Personal ramblings + reflections of 2025.

• How obedience leads to intimacy in your relationship with God
• A personal journal entry mid marriage-fight
• Permission to pause & gain clarity
• A benediction for 2026

Thank you for listening friends. See you in Season 3 in a few weeks!

17. Real, honest advice from a HR professional of 10+years. Including:

• Is it a bad look to ask about a company’s parental leave or maternity leave in the job interview process?
• How to systematize your job application processes if you need a job ASAP
• Linkedin tips like training the algorithm, DM’ing guidelines, and turning on job notifications to be an early applicant
• How detrimental is the SAHM resume gap?
• Handling grief as an employee after a 16 week miscarriage
• What women need after a miscarriage in the workplace from their team leads

You can follow or message Mel @SweatingAtNaptime on Instagram or TikTok

16. Here are my 9 FAVORITE products of the year!

1) Souper Cubes

2) Sorel Waterproof Caribou Clogs

3) CityMouse classic crossbody

4) Extra Large Utility Tote (Example)

5) Sharpie Wet Erase White Chalk Marker

6) Skims Fit Everybody Underwear

7) Chicco Fit360 Car Seat (⚠️Get it with the LeverLock door cover for rear facing toddlers, as there have been complaints of toddlers unlocking and releasing the base with their feet⚠️)

8) Apple Watch

9) EASE MOOSE Modular Waterproof Faux Leather Sectional

15. Selena Schorken, Social Media Editor for Entertainment Weekly shares the story of her career path from:

• Having Beth Moore as her mentor in her early career at Living Proof Ministries
• Her time pivoting and learning as a social media coordinator for Elle Magazine
• Now interviewing stars at red carpet events as the Social Media Editor for Entertainment Weekly
• Spending the month on set at Dancing with the Stars interviewing the cast

Key Takeaways:

• Why depth isn’t always cringey and can lead to incredible moments of connection
• The importance of trying, creating your own opportunities, and being a life-long learner
• How seasons of rejection can be used to create opportunities for your dream job

You can find Selena on Instagram @SelenaSchorken

14. Stop restricting and start honing in on your body’s satisfaction cues!

Megan Koistinen, lead registered dietitian and gastrointestinal (GI) nutrition expert breaks down the importance of the satisfaction factor in meals.

Key Takeaways:

• Why yoyo dieting and restricting doesn’t work long-term
• Why Gestational Diabetes is not your fault
• How to incorporating balanced meals with your entire lifestyle in mind
• The importance of enjoying food during the holidays

Resources mentioned:

• Myplate tool for balancing meals.
• Eatright.org
• Intuitive Eating by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole

Contact Megan by emailing her at megan.koistinen@gmail.com

13. Want more intention and less chaos during the holidays?

In this episode you'll get ideas for:

• Meaningful decor that doesn't waste your money
• Traditions for gratitude, advent, gift giving
• How to serve your community authentically and relationally
• Conversation topics with your kids that point to Jesus

Kim Muhich is an active member of her community - serving within the church, local government, and on board with local organizations.

Links mentioned:

• Bats halloween decor idea
• Thankfulness tree example from Target
• The Jesus Storybook Bible by Sally Lloyd Jones

12. Esther Casey, mom of 12 (My MIL!), answers all of my burning parents questions like:

• What did you worry about that turned out to not matter?
• What is was like changing so many cloth (!!!) diapers??
• How do I honor unique giftings and personalities?
• How do I prevent my daughters from comparing themselves to each other?
• What was your lowest point (ages of kids) as a mom? What got you through?

This episode will feel like a big hug and such an encouragement.

11. Kaitlyn Thibodeaux, Licensed Professional Counselor, shares her personal journey with infertility and post-adoption depression. This conversation is honest and hope-filled. (and fun!)

We also discuss:

• What mental toughness really is
• The illusion of control as it relates to fertility
• Unique struggles moms face post-adoption
• How to support friends in the adoption process
• Hope, purpose, and identity in God.

You can follow Kaitlyn on Instagram @kaitlyn.moreau or at @counselorkaitlynt.

SNAP Assistance:

If you are a teacher feeling the strain of SNAP benefits ending, please message me @ldf.pod and Long Distance Friends will sponsor snacks for your classroom until snap benefits are restored.