Show notes are something a little different today. Almost as I write, both Sarabeth and Anne are decorating their Christmas trees with their families, holiday songs playing, and delicious smells wafting from their respective kitchens. Despite this picturesque scene, played out over both homes on a foggy Sunday morning, holiday magic doesn’t just “happen” — it doesn’t just “magic” itself.

This morning shows up for us today because a) our privileges. We are so very aware of the many privileges we walk through the world benefiting from, and how many people cannot and will not have a cozy Sunday morning like this. And b) we prioritized it. We’re not listening to our episode to prepare genuine show notes today (if we promised some links, I’m sure we’ll catch it on Monday and link in socials). The kitchen is a mess. The laundry isn’t done. Other parts of the house are a disaster. There may or may not still be a poorly patched, limb-sized hole in one bedroom ceiling and some years-old splatter paint courtesy of a smoothie-curious toddler (now FOUR) across another ceiling, just above those cozy little families making this morning a magical one.

It’s never going to be perfect. For some, reaching for magical moments is far easier than for others. As we wrap Season 2 — in the midst of the chaotic, stressful, magical, grief-inducing steam train of time between Thanksgiving and Christmas — let’s lean in on a recurring theme we dove into this season: release the shame. Release the moral hierarchy. Release the perfect pictures we hold in our minds, the old versions of ourselves and those we love, and lean into being present. Even in our grief. Even in the overstimulated chaos. Even as we knowingly dive into a much-needed moment of escapism on our phones, books, or TV screens. Give yourself grace — and know that we are giving it too.

Season 3 coming in 2026. Until then, know that these mamas are doing their best to soak up whatever magical moments we can between the mess, the tears, and the stark realities that our world demands we acknowledge.

Love to you all this holiday season — and grace and care to you in each and every life season.

Love, Anne & Sarabeth
The Mamas

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

Britney Dent (@theteenchoicecoach) is back in the studio for a cozy friend chat with Anne, Sarabeth, and Producer Tim to talk all things holidays—the magic and the stress. From navigating blended families to finding the balance between thoughtful and practical gifts, we swap stories about favorite traditions, memorable moments, and what it looks like to craft holidays that feel joyful on your own terms. In the end, we all agree: when we release expectations, care for ourselves, and focus on the people we love, the holidays become exactly what they’re meant to be.

Find Britney on socials

Britney’s website

Jolabokaflod

How to pronounce

Skout’s Honor (SB used the laundry booster)

The Thrifty Gifter

Trader Joe’s Taste Test of Caramels

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit

This week we’re thankful to welcome the incomparable Britney Dent to the studio! Britney is a powerhouse of wisdom, compassion, and community leadership — and honestly, we could’ve talked with her for hours.

Britney holds a B.A. from UNC Greensboro and is a certified Life Coach for parents and teens. She’s a Hands On Northwest & Wake Forest Women’s Emerging Leaders graduate, a City of Winston-Salem University alum, and a United Way Women United Transformational Leader. With a decade of experience in the public school system, years in the nonprofit sector, and features across multiple media outlets, Britney is a voice you want in your corner.

She currently serves on the board of Triad Restorative Justice and as Program Director at LEAD Girls of NC, volunteers with organizations across the community, and somehow still finds time to enjoy reading, watching Jeopardy, and beating her family at board games.

In this conversation, we dive into:

✨ Her experience as a mom — especially parenting teenagers (blink and we’ll be there, too)
✨ Grounded, practical advice for navigating the teen years with connection and grace
✨ Her “260 Movement” and how it encourages intentionality in spending time with our kids
✨ Digital safety and how to equip—not scare— our children
✨ Her published book and the many impactful paths her career has taken (this woman stays busy)
✨ And so much more wisdom we’re still unpacking

Britney brings truth, directness, and a refreshing sense of empowerment to every topic she touches. Whether you’re parenting teens, working with young people, or simply trying to be a more present adult in a child’s life, this episode is a gift.

🎧 Tune in for an episode full of heart, honesty, and hope — and walk away feeling like you can absolutely do this.

Links:
Parenting Redefined: Finding the Confidence to Parent Your Teen

Recorded in the Such-N-Such Media Studios at Liberty Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem, we are produced by Tim Beeman for Such-N-Such Media. Theme music is by Doug Davis.

Love what you hear? Donate in any amount to support our podcast or via LinkTree in bio coff.ee/mamasgonnamakeit