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Can you believe this is Season 2, Episode 20, which means FORTY episodes of Mom Fuel & Mindset? 🎉

This week it's just Jess and Chrissy, and we're doing two things: celebrating everything this podcast has become (the guests, the growth, the messages that say "I felt like you were talking directly to me"), and practicing what we preach. September and October are chaos for both of us, and we could grin and bear it but you wouldn't be getting our best. So we're taking a short fall break to reset, do some listening, and come back before the holidays with fresh perspective, fresh guests, and fresh ideas.

We are not going anywhere. It's not goodbye, it's see you soon. 💛

In this episode:

Looking back on 40 episodes (and the day Chrissy uploaded episodes 1 and 2 at the same time)
Reading your testimonials — the reason this show exists
The "I'm crawling" text, and why awareness means nothing if you don't act on it
Why we're pausing, and what "knowing when to pause" actually looks like
What we want to hear from YOU: guests or just us? Weekly episodes? New topics? Something fun once a month?
Where to find us during the break and 40 Days of Chrissy & Jess!

🤍 We want to hear from you
Don't worry about hurting our feelings, we want all of it. Tell us what you love, what you want more of, and what we're missing. Comment below, DM us, or email: hello@momfuelandmindset.com

🎧 40 Days of Chrissy & Jess
Haven't heard every episode? This is your chance. Starting soon on our Instagram, we're sharing one episode a day, from #1 to #40, so you're fully caught up when Season 3 drops. Follow along: @momfuelandmindsetpodcast

🔗 Connect with us
Instagram: @momfuelandmindsetpodcast
Join the Inner Circle (private Facebook group): https://www.facebook.com/share/g/19FEm5Lhjm/
Merch: https://momfuelmindset.printify.me/
Email: hello@momfuelandmindset
Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts

If this episode spoke to you, take it as your reminder that happy moms don't come from doing more. They come from choosing themselves and owning their growth.

The best way to support us? Share this episode with another mom who needs a little fuel and a mindset shift today. Subscribe, leave a review, and we'll see you soon. 💛

#MomFuelAndMindset #MomPodcast #KnowingWhenToPause #MomsMentalHealth

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If you're struggling right now, you are not alone and you don't have to wait until it gets worse to ask for help. Call or text 988 any time. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773 (call or text "HELP" to 800-944-4773).

Moms are not okay, and we need to talk about it.

It's everywhere online right now, and the conversation keeps landing in the same place: shock, judgment, and then silence. What almost nobody is saying out loud is how many moms are quietly struggling every single day and hiding it well, because that's what we've been taught to do.

In this episode, Chrissy and Jess get honest about the mental load, the isolation, the exhaustion that doesn't go away with sleep, and the gap between how a mom looks on the outside and what's happening inside.

This isn't about one story in the news. It's about the mom next door, the mom in your group chat, and maybe the mom reading this right now.

If this is you: you're not broken, you're not failing, and you're not the only one. Please reach out to someone today.

RESOURCES
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 (US)
Postpartum Support International — postpartum.net, 1-800-944-4773
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) — nami.org

CONNECT WITH US
Instagram: @momfuelandmindsetpodcast
Inner Circle Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1MXxb37kjY/
New episodes every Thursday!

Was there something in this episode that felt true for you? Tell us in the comments. We read every one.

MomFuel & Mindset is a podcast for moms who are ready to stop surviving and start thriving, hosted by Chrissy and Jess: two moms, coaches, and real-life friends. Not your average mom chat.

#momlife #maternalmentalhealth #momburnout

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What does it look like to honor the person you lost while still giving yourself permission to build a life beyond the loss?

In this deeply personal episode of MomFuel & Mindset, we sit down with Sara Steffen, surviving spouse of a veteran, boy mom, and the heart behind the Steffen Family Foundation.

Sara shares her experience of navigating grief, raising her boys, and learning how to move forward when life looks nothing like the future you once imagined. We talk about the complicated reality of creating and building a new life after profound loss—not by leaving the people we love behind, but by finding ways to carry their memory with us as we continue living.

Out of that experience grew a powerful mission. The Steffen Family Foundation supports surviving spouses and children of deceased veterans, military members, and first responders, helping families navigate grief while also facing the very real, everyday challenges that come after losing a loved one.

Through in-person and online support groups, events, fundraising assistance, and practical resources, the Foundation helps families with everything from grief and connection to finances, budgeting, cleaning, organizing, and other needs that can feel overwhelming after a loss.

Sara shares the story behind the Foundation, why this work matters so deeply to her, and how honoring those we've lost can coexist with finding purpose, joy, and hope in the life ahead.

Together, we talk about grief, motherhood, resilience, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to begin building again.

Because moving forward doesn't mean forgetting. It means learning how to carry the love forward while creating space for the life that is still yours to live.

Learn more about the Steffen Family Foundation:
Www.steffenfamilyfoundation.org

Contact:
Info@steffenfamilyfoundation.org

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This episode is an extra special one for Chrissy as she sits down with one of her very best friends of nearly 30 years, Sarah!

From high school shenanigans to marriages, raising children, careers, heartbreak, struggles, successes, and everything in between, Chrissy and Sarah have walked through almost every season of adulthood together. Now, they find themselves entering yet another chapter, with Sarah thriving in Florida alongside her husband, Mike, and preparing to watch their adult son get married in just a few short months.

Sarah began her career in real estate more than 20 years ago in New Hampshire before taking her business to Maine and eventually making the move to Florida. Starting over in a new state meant stepping outside of her comfort zone, intentionally meeting new people, building connections, and creating a new community. Those efforts not only helped her grow her real estate business but also led to meaningful new friendships and a life that she and Mike truly love.
And they’re having some fun along the way! Sarah has discovered a love for line dancing, while Mike has found a new sense of freedom on his Harley-Davidson.
In this conversation, Sarah shares the parts of her story that weren’t always easy, the importance of continuing to work hard even when life doesn’t go according to plan, and what can happen when you’re willing to push yourself beyond what feels comfortable.

Of course, Chrissy couldn’t let the episode go by without admitting that while she is incredibly happy and proud of Sarah, there’s a little jealousy mixed in too. Watching your best friend build a whole new life over a thousand miles away is bittersweet but Chrissy remains convinced that one day she’ll get her own husband on board with joining them in Florida!

Whether you’re navigating a new season of life, considering a big move, rebuilding your community, growing a career, or simply reminding yourself that it’s never too late to create a life that feels good to you, Sarah’s story is a reminder to keep showing up, keep taking chances, and keep going.

And if Florida living—or becoming a snowbird—is somewhere in your future, Sarah just might be the person you want to know! You can connect with her here http://HarborAndHomeSWFL.com

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In this episode of MomFuel & Mindset, we sit down with Demika, a mom, entrepreneur, counselor, advocate, and the kind of person who leaves people and places better simply by being herself. Known for her infectious energy, quick wit, and ability to connect with just about anyone, Demika brings both wisdom and humor to every conversation.

Together, we talk about facing obstacles head on, pushing through fear, and learning to take action even when you're scared. Demika shares powerful insights on resilience, personal growth, and why waiting until you're "ready" often means missing out on opportunities that can change your life.

We also talk about Demika’s entrepreneurial side and her passion for travel through **Pack Your Bags. Today**, her travel business dedicated to helping people stop putting off the experiences they’ve been dreaming about and start making memories.

If you've ever felt held back by fear, self doubt, or uncertainty, or caught yourself waiting for the “right time” to do something you really want to do, this conversation is your reminder that sometimes you just have to take the leap.

💛 Ready to be inspired? Press play and take the next brave step.

✈️ Connect with Demika and Pack Your Bags. Today https://linktr.ee/packyourbags.today

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What if getting healthier didn't require spending hours in the gym, cutting out dessert, or buying every supplement on the market?

This week on Mom Fuel & Mindset, we're joined by Dr. Kate Nagel, PT, DPT—Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified menopause coach, personal trainer, avid runner, and busy mom of two boys. Kate is on a mission to help women in their 30s and 40s stop chasing perfection and start building strength, energy, and confidence with realistic, science-backed strategies.

In this episode, we dive into:
-Strength training vs. cardio—which one actually deserves your time?
-How perimenopause changes your body (and what to do about it)
-Simple nutrition hacks that fit real life (yes... dessert stays!)
-Why walking may be the most underrated workout—and it's completely FREE
-The powerful role sleep and stress play in your overall health

Plus, Kate shares her Five Hot Takes that might challenge everything you've heard:
1) You're probably not drinking enough water.
2) Weighted vests are overrated.
3) Walking deserves way more credit.
4) Most supplements aren't necessary (they mostly just create really expensive urine! 😂).
5) Sleep and stress management are just as important as exercise and nutrition.
We also chat about balancing motherhood, fitness, and career, why you don't need to live in the gym to see results, and how to create healthy habits that actually stick.

About Dr. Kate
Dr. Kate Nagel is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, certified menopause coach, personal trainer, and online coach who helps busy women feel stronger, healthier, and more confident through every stage of life. She's been married to her husband, Andrew, for nearly 16 years, is a proud boy mom of two, trains for Hyrox competitions, believes peanut butter and chocolate belong together, drinks only decaf coffee, reads every murder mystery she can get her hands on, and will proudly defend pumpkin spice as a year-round flavor. (She's also officially Team Backstreet Boys after seeing them at The Sphere! 😉)

🎁 Special Offer: Mention you heard Dr. Kate on Mom Fuel & Mindset and receive ONE FREE MONTH of personal training when you purchase four months or more of coaching.

📋 Interested in working with Kate? Complete her interest form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8BZcwDvg2txh8KKJDD4pdis5xTTtWMQx3KdhLDxY2fm_DZQ/viewform?usp=header

📲 Follow Dr. Kate on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/drkatenagel/
If you're tired of the all-or-nothing approach to health and want practical advice that actually fits your busy life, this episode is one you won't want to miss. 🎧

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Tiani Perkins, also known as the Wild Hypno Lady, is a Licensed Hypnotherapist, co-author of Quantum Journeys, and founder of the Energy Economics Leadership Framework. She is the go-to hypnotherapist for women entrepreneurs ready to bust through their money ceilings and make the leap into consistent $20K months.

Her background includes working on staff with a multi-million-dollar business coaching company, where she helped hundreds of ambitious businesswomen break through old patterns so they could confidently scale to their next level.

As a wife and homeschooling mother of six, she brings deep, lived experience to what it actually takes to grow a business without sacrificing everything else that matters.

Please give a huge round of applause for Tiani Perkins - The Wild Hypno Lady!

Are you interested in working with Tiani?

The $20K Energy Code:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TSlL-zWF_97-tkqnuSRYxhrCjYJdTTxG/view?usp=sharing

FREE Money Ceiling Breakthrough Call: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/money-ceiling-breakthroughcall

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Julie Davis is a Pediatric Physician Assistant, Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer, and mom who is passionate about helping families make healthy eating realistic—not perfect. In this episode, Julie shares practical, evidence-based strategies for raising healthy eaters, reducing mealtime stress, and creating balanced habits that fit into busy family life.

In this episode, we'll discuss:

How to raise healthy eaters without pressure or food battles
Practical meal and snack ideas for busy families
Tips for introducing new foods to picky eaters
What a balanced plate looks like for kids
Healthy eating on a budget and realistic grocery shopping strategies
How to model a positive relationship with food for your children
Common nutrition myths parents should stop worrying about
Making healthy habits sustainable instead of striving for perfection

Resources & Freebies:
Visit www.juliedavispa.com for family nutrition tips, healthy recipes, lunchbox inspiration, and practical wellness resources.

Connect with Julie:

Website: www.juliedavispa.com
Instagram: @juliedavispa
TikTok: @juliedavispa

A Message for Listeners:
Healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. Small, consistent choices add up over time, and every meal is a new opportunity, not a test. Focus on building positive habits, enjoying food together as a family, and giving yourself grace. Progress always matters more than perfection.

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