Shows
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksDebra Whitman: 5 Healthy Habits to Help Women Live 12-14 Years LongerThis week, I'm honored to be joined by Debra Whitman, expert on aging and longevity, AARP Chief Public Policy Officer, and author of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. Don't let AARP scare you! Whether you're in your 30s or your 60s, you're going to learn the 5 things proven to help women live up to 14 years longer, the steps you can take now to be sure you have a more satisfying life as you age, and the data-based reason we all need to embrace aging with more positivity. (It also has to...2024-11-0319 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksGabrielle Blair on the "long game " of parenting: Less stress and more funIf you've ever wondered whether best-selling author Gabrielle Blair -- A.K.A. Design Mom -- finds parenting fun and easy or just makes it look that way, you're going to love this conversation! We're talking about the new book she co-authored with her husband Ben, The Kids Are All Right: Parenting With Confidence in an Uncertain World, and wow does she have great ideas!She shares her tips for defining and creating a "family culture," reducing parenting stress, finding more joy and happiness in the process, and making sure you have your eye on "the long...2024-10-2434 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksMoms, career crossroads, and figuring out "what's next for me" with Katherine GoldsteinA lot of moms are hitting a phase where our kids get older and we're wondering what the next chapter looks like for us. If you know you can be more fulfilled with your life but don't know where to start, you'll get so many helpful tips from my guest, award-winning journalist Katherine GoldsteinShe's the founder of The Double Shift, a fellow at The Better Life Lab at New America, and a fierce advocate for moms, families, and gender equity.Tune in to hear us discuss Katherine's popular HuffPost op-ed There's a Life Coach...2024-10-1926 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksDr. Chris Willard on the "psychological first aid" of mindfulness for managing anxiety and stressTips for managing anxiety could not be a more timely topic, after the US Surgeon General's advisory about parents and mental health and the start of a new school year. You are going to LOVE my guest, Dr. Christopher Willard. He's an incredibly engaging and relatable author, clinical psychologist, and faculty member at Harvard Medical School. He's also one of the leading advocates for mindfulness as "psychological first aid" for parents and kids.He discusses the proven benefits of mindfulness including boosting positivity, regulating emotions, reducing anxiety and depression, and even changing our brains in ways that...2024-09-0938 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksBrad Montague on seeking out joy rebels and making hope a habit"Hope is bold," Brad Montague tells me. The New York Times best-selling author and illustrator explains how hope, in combination with play, togetherness, and joy, can be a force for change, and help spark kids' imaginations for what's possible. What a treat you’re in for this week! It’s a truly inspiring, happy-making conversation with the man you may know for his many children’s books (including the upcoming Fail-a-bration, already a #1 new release!). He also created the Kid President web series and the global social good movement Socktober. Or maybe you’re just a fan of his supe...2024-08-1431 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksKaren Walrond: How to Reclaim Aging as Something to CelebrateGuess what? We all age! So why is the world so tough on women who do just that? Can we reclaim aging as something to celebrate? You'll get some wonderful answers today from Karen Walrond, author of the award-winning Radiant Rebellion: Reclaim Aging, Practice Joy, and Raise a Little HellWe discuss how we all inadvertently promote ageism (ever said "senior moment" when you forget something?), how to "self-interrogate" to understand our choices a little better, Karen's nuanced view on women increasingly going grey, why in the world marketers are selling so many anti-aging serums to 14-year-olds...2024-07-3034 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom Picks5 Small Life Edits to Create Big, Positive Change in Your Life: Dr. Christine Koh"Life is hard. Adulting is hard. The political climate is hard," confesses Dr. Christine Koh, one of my favorite humans and the host of the Edit Your Life Show. So she's here to share 5 small (really!) life edits you can make right now, that have immediate and positive impact.One of my favorite: Identifying the kinds of people you should be spending time with, thanks to a 4-question litmus test. It's brilliant.You'll find Christine's tips to be actionable, specific, and above all, realistic! I know you'll get so much out of her wisdom and...2024-07-1535 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksSocial Media, Kids and Mental Health: Dr. Devorah Heitner on What We're Getting WrongThis episode is a must-listen for all parents of kids who have smartphones, especially if you're worried about the impact of social media on mental health. Dr. Devorah Heitner a renowned author and expert on kids and technology, joins me to provide thought-provoking insights that challenge a lot of the conventional wisdom, so get ready for a fresh take on parenting in the digital age. You'll get actionable advice for parents, compelling research that supports it, and the nuances of complex issues surrounding kids, tech, and well-being -- including where she agrees and disagrees with th...2024-06-2930 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksBrutally honest college admissions questions from teens: Asked and answeredSo here's a fun surprise: Today, my own daughter and rising high school senior, Sage, joins me on Spawned for the first time! She's asking fantastic questions about college admissions on behalf of teens who have shared them with us.In our third and final podcast in our Insider's Guide to College Admissions, with Alyse Levine of Premium Prep, you'll learn about weighted grades, class rank, tough math teachers, padding extracurriculars, arguing with parents about college preferences, and procrastinating on the personal essay. Plus, Sage's excellent hack for identifying colleges where you'll fit in.This...2024-06-2124 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksJonathan Van Ness: Creating a culture of acceptance for kids who are differentWhat a treat to have 30 minutes during Pride Month with the one and only Jonathan Van Ness, who's out with a brand new children's book, Gorgeously Me! We're talking about how to create a culture of acceptance for kids who are different, but we touch on so much more. Like the book that traumatized Jonathan as a kid (eek!), their strongest memory of Barney, the importance to them of faith and spiritual connection, unpacking the mantra "I am exactly who I'm meant to be," optimism for the future, and some compelling advice for parents who want to raise our...2024-06-0729 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksA grade-by-grade guide to college admissions with Alyse LevineI am so happy to continue our 3-Part Insider Guide to the College Admission Process with my guest, Alyse Levine, one of the country's most prominent college counseling experts. Today we're focusing on a grade-by-grade guide to supporting our kids on the path toward college applications. Some of the topics we cover:
Why middle school should be about focusing on healthy work habits
How and when to make the most of clubs and after-school experiences
Plotting out high school courses like a decision tree
Why Alyse calls 10th grade "a pivotal year"
What “demonstrated interest” is, and...2024-06-0149 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksBrad Meltzer: Empathy, Kindness, Magic, Transformation, and That One Guy in the Restroom That One TimeFresh off his viral commencement address at the University of Michigan, I'm joined by best-selling author Brad Meltzer. (Yes, that Brad Meltzer from the "I Am..." biographical children's books we all own!) He talks about his thoughts on kindness as a "naive ideal worth fighting for," the need for more empathy online, his love for the Harlem Globetrotters, and why he believes one person can change the world. Plus, he shares some deeply personal stories of kindness that changed his own life, including one in a random men's room. You are going to love what he has to say.2024-05-2425 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHow to help your chid identify and develop their passions, with Alyse Levine of Premium PrepAs parents of teens know, it's the college admission season. That's why I am thrilled to welcome back Alyse Levine, one of the most prominent college counseling experts, to help us out. You all loved my interview with her in January about de-stressing college admissions, which is why I invited her for a 3-Part Parent's Guide to the College Admission Process. To start things off, Alyse is sharing insider tips and insights on how parents can help their children identify and develop their passions. You'll find her perspective reasonable, encouraging, and helpful, even beyond the college process.2024-05-1030 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHave we been thinking about kindness all wrong? With guest Jaclyn Lindsey of Kindness.orgSpawned is back (whoo!) with host Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks and Mom-101. I'm excited to get back to what I love most-- helping us get through the ups and downs of parenting together. Each week I'll be joined by compelling experts, best-selling authors, entrepreneurs, comedians, therapists, and even some big celebrities.I'm thrilled to kick things off with Jaclyn Lindsey, the remarkable founder and CEO of kindness.org. We're talking about what the science of kindness can teach us about raising kind humans. Jaclyn shares what we're doing right, what we're getting wrong, and some...2024-05-0627 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksA college guidance expert and former admissions officer helps de-stress the application process. Phew! | Ep 301It is so tough to navigate the college search and admission process -- emotionally, practically, financially. (Eep!) It completely stressed me out, and I'm a pretty Type B mom. So learn from my mistakes! To kick off a new year of Spawned, we're lucky to be getting super helpful tips from Alyse Levine, one of the foremost college counseling experts in the country. She's not only worked with high school students at all levels, she's the former assistant director of undergrad admissions at Washington University in St. Louis. In other words, she's got an invaluable perspective you're going to...2024-01-1734 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHow moms can find some holiday joy for themselves: With Margaret Ables | Ep 300At the end of such a tough year, we're looking to find all the holiday joy where we can, and make fun for our kids -- but why do moms always seem to be the people behind the fun, and not part of the fun? Liz is joined by Margaret Ables, co-host of the fabulous What Fresh Hell parenting podcast to commiserate, and we're offering smart tips (eg stop trying to make things perfect!), sweet family stories, plenty of laughter, and a lot of compassion for moms feeling overwhelmed right now. Thanks to our sponsor Disney Villainous...2023-12-0825 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksParenting kids in a gender-nonconforming world: Kate Brookes of Transister | Ep 299We all say we want to raise kids who are happy, healthy, and can be their authentic selves. So what happens when your kid is becoming someone who's really different from what we had imagined? That's the story Kate Brookes tells in the wonderful Transister: Raising Twins in a Gender-Bending World. She's incredibly forthcoming, funny, reflective, and supportive, whether you're raising kids who defy traditional norms of gender and sexuality--or are just individuals in their own way.Really, this is a meaningful conversation for any parent whose kids are on a path to be their own selves...2023-07-1832 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksDr. Devorah Heitner on Keeping Kids Healthy on Social Media | Ep 298When the Surgeon General issued his recent advisory on social media and the health of our kids, I knew author, columnist, and adolescent digital media expert Dr. Devorah Heitner would be the perfect person to ask for guidance and reassurance. And wow does she come through! Here, she offers incredibly helpful, specific tips about what we can do as parents to keep our kids healthy on social media-- and what we should not do (no spying!) -- with Devorah's trademark non-judgmental, common sense, research-based wisdom to help us all navigate some tricky stuff we may not know a lot...2023-06-2031 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksLuvvie Ajayi Jones on raising "good troublemakers" | Ep 296I have wanted to talk with best-selling author, TED Talk phenom, and "professional troublemaker" Luvvie Ajayi Jones for so long! With the release of her wonderful new children's book, Little Troublemaker Makes a Mess, it's the perfect time. We discuss what it means to make good trouble, tips for talking to kids when they break the rules, and why to teach our children that it's not only possible to recover from big mistakes, it's important not to let those mistakes define us. Also, be sure to stay tuned for Luvvie's own story about good intentions gone very, very, very w...2023-05-0322 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksMelinda Wenner Moyer: Parenting strategies for raising good kids into great adults | Ep 293We all want to raise kind, generous, caring, empathetic kids -- who turn into great adults. So we turned to the perfect guide: Parenting author, science columnist and researcher Melinda Wenner Moyer. She shares so much science-backed data and turns it into parenting strategies, we can all put to use in our own families immediately. We think you'll love this episode! - Liz + KristenGraciously brought to you by Camp Tuku, a stunning sleep away camp for kids 6-14 in the Catskill Mountains of NY. It's a place where "nature meets joyful minds," combining all the fabulous...2023-03-1443 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksReaching your organizational goals: Sarah-Hart Unger on prioritizing, organizing, and managing time | Ep 292Prioritizing and organizing your life, your family schedule, and especially your time is something a lot of moms (like, uh me!) can use help with. Take a listen for some terrific tips from Sarah Hart-Unger, host of Best Laid Plans podcast and co-host of Best of Both Worlds. She shares her genius "nested goals" approach, offers advice for list-making, talks organization vs prioritization, gender imbalances in time management -- and even finding peace in the chaos. This is the interview I needed! Maybe you need it too right now. - LizFollow Spawned on Apple: bit.ly...2023-02-1520 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksThe Best of 2022 } Spawned 289We've talked to so many incredible guests in 2022 -- film directors, authors, journalists, political pundits, activists. So we thought we'd share some of our favorite quotes and thoughtful advice in this fun look back at what we've learned over the past year here. If there's one you want to hear more about, you're already on your podcast app! Just click through to the Spawned library, scroll down, and take a listen!Thanks so much for joining Kristen and me this year - as with parenting, we're all in this together and we couldn't do it without you...2022-12-2934 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksMoms need more fun over the holidays! | Ep 288Moms are so busy trying to make fun for everyone over the holidays, sometimes we forget that we're supposed to be having fun too! How do we do that without adding "have more fun" to our to-do lists? Margaret Ables, co-host of the fabulous What Fresh Hell parenting podcast is joining me to offer smart tips, sweet stories, a lot of laughter, and a lot of compassion for moms Going Through It right now. - LizThanks to our sponsor Mylio Photos for offering our listeners 20% off when you subscribe. It's the easiest way to curate, organize...2022-12-2024 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksAnya Kamenetz: The impact of Covid on kids - what we know and what we don't yet | Spawned Ep 285What's been the impact of Covid on kids? On mothers? How about on education? On class division? On our careers? On healthcare? Today I'm welcoming back author and NPR Education Reporter Anya Kamenetz who researched it all and put it into the must-read book The Stolen Year: How Covid Changed Kids' Lives....and Where We Go Now.Her fascinating point: The systems that failed our families, especially the most vulnerable, have been in the making for decades. Wow. But.. she also talks about the negatives that are slowly turning out to be positives. Speaking of...2022-11-1627 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksThe Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care, with Rina Raphael | Spawned 183I will never think about yoga, supplements, activated charcoal or bath salts the same way after speaking with Rina Raphael, author of the utterly fascinating new book The Gospel of Wellness: Gyms, Gurus, Goop, and the False Promise of Self-Care.How did wellness go from a legitimate health need to a $4.4 trillion industry? What's the role of wellness influencers in all this? Why are we so desperate to find salvation in a fancy (probably pink) bottle -- and why it makes perfect sense that we fall for it? Rina breaks it all down wonderfully, with humor, well-researched i...2022-10-2428 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHow to raise media-savvy kids and BS-proof our brains: Dr Seema Yasmin | Ep 282We don't want our kids to fall for false news, rumors, or disinformation. But how do we teach our kids media literacy when we can't even keep up with all the social media apps? Journalist, professor, and UCLA/Stanford professor Dr. Seema Yasmin joins Liz to talk about her incredibly engaging, very important new YA Handbook, "What the Fact?!: Finding Truth in All the Noise."She not only discusses how we help our kids separate fact from fiction, but how to actually BS-proof our brains so that we'll be less susceptible to untruths, and more flexible when...2022-10-0434 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksKids and birthdays in the age of Covid | Ep 210This week, our oldest girls turned 15 and 16 (eep!) and we found some interesting ways to celebrate. So we really wanted to have an honest, helpful discussion about kids' birthday in the age of Covid, including party alternatives, finding joy in small gestures, acknowledging the loss and the FOMO, and above all, remembering that celebrating our kids' milestones should be about love...not Instagram. We think you'll come away with a lot to think about. Plus, you get to find out why a "ball-inator" is a big deal in Liz's home on birthdays. (Don't worry, it's safe for all ages...2020-07-1431 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksShould you consider homeschooling this fall because of COVID-19? Episode 209Over the last couple of weeks, many schools have been releasing their plans for fall, and not surprisingly, it's all the parents in our social media feed are talking about. We recently featured a post about things to consider if you're thinking about homeschooling this fall by our Editor Kate Etue that was so popular with our readers that we decided to talk about it on Spawned. On this episode, Liz interviews Kristen (a former homeschooler) to get her thoughts on making this difficult decision. And as always, we close out our show with our cool picks of the...2020-07-0737 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksThe new midlife crisis of GenX women | Ep 207Prolific author and writer Ada Calhoun is out with her latest book, Why We Can't Sleep: Women's New Midlife Crisis, an absolutely fascinating book for every GenX woman in her 40s and 50s (and thereabouts). She reminds us that everything we're going through right now, we're DEFINITELY not alone! Liz has a terrific talk with to help more of us see why so many of us still feel overwhelmed, dissatisfied to varying degrees, and like we somehow "failed" (ugh) by not "having it all." But hey, it's not you. Really. So she gives us reasons to stop blame ourselves...2020-06-2333 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksBig News: Presenting the Out-Tech Your Kids Podcast! | TrailerBig news, Spawned listeners: We're so excited to launch the new Out-Tech Your Kids Podcast, designed to help you become a smarter digital parent in just 15 minutes each week. No judgments, no jargon-y lesson about the the history of the CPU processor. Just tech-positive answers to parents' top questions, to help us all raise a generation of responsible digital citizens. Be sure to listen and subscribe at bit.ly/outtechyourkids on Apple Podcasts. And hey, want to ask a question we can answer on the show? Join our Out Tech Your Kids community on FB. it's a great place...2020-06-1501 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksMeena Harris on the importance of diversity in children's books and raising kids to care | Ep 204Liz speaks with the incredible activist, mom, and now author Meena Harris about her wonderful new children's book, "Kamala and Maya's Big Idea" based on a true story from the childhoods of her mom, Maya Harris, and her Aunt Kamala. We talk about representation and diversity in children's literature, the importance of reading about strong female characters (especially for boys!), how to to kids about racism and the world, some of Meena's best childhood memories, her civil rights activist grandma's terrific life advice...and the best roast chicken ever. \\ NOTE this episode was recorded 5/29, just before this week of...2020-06-0449 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksWhat we're keeping and what we're ditching, after this pandemic ends | Spawned Ep 203Both Liz and I found ourselves thinking about what we want to keep and what we to ditch when this pandemic ends. Whether it's taking more time to eat dinner with our families or taking more time for ourselves, there are so many experiences we've had with our families that we definitely want to keep up once things settle down (whenever that might be). And there are ones, like daily Starbucks trips or overscheduling ourselves, that we are definitely going to ditch. Thanks to our sponsor Breyers CarbSmart, delicious treats with just 3-5 net grams carbs per...2020-05-2632 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksFinding small joys in crazy times: Ways to make the most of quarantine time with the kids | Ep 197Real parenting talk: Emotions are up and down in the age of Covid, times are stressful, and we definitely are not trying to "win" quarantine with 800 millions Instagrammable family moments each day. (Oy.) What we are doing though is finding the small joys, and hopefully making a few special memories in spite of *all this*. This episode, Kristen and Liz are sharing some of our favorite things we're doing with our own kids right now, and we know they'll help give you some ideas of your own. // Thanks to our sponsor Gladskin for helping eczema sufferers more affordably when...2020-04-1439 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksBINGEWATCH NATION: Give yourself permission while we shelter at home! | Ep 195This week is a fun, Coronavirus-free episode about the joys of binge watching -- there's scientific reasons to give yourself permission to watch shows right now, and whether you are watching alone or with the family, we've got suggestions for what to watch...and what to skip. We also ask the question on everyone's mind right now: should you watch Tiger King? (Kristen has a good tip if you're on the fence.) Whether you like dark dystopian series, light sitcoms, or mindless reality shows, we've got recos we hope you'll love. Also, we laugh. A lot. Not just because...2020-03-3143 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksSpecial Coronavirus Episode: How to talk to our kids and teens with Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg | Spawned 193In light of the Coronavirus outbreak and the hour-by-hour changes and disruptions it's creating in our lives, we immediately called pediatrician and adolescent expert Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, one of all-time favorite Spawned Parenting Podcast guests, to help us out as parents. We hope you'll listen to this important conversation between Liz and Dr. Ginsburg. We discuss how Coronavirus/Covid-19 is impacting families, how we can best manage our own anxieties as parents to set good examples, exactly what to say -- and what not to say -- to our kids, how to know if our kids are in need...2020-03-1234 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksOur almost totally LIVE super fun Valentine's Day episode, with Robert Wilder | Episode 190On this very special Valentine's Day episode of Spawned, we're chatting live with author and Meet Cute lead writer Robert Wilder. Together, in our sound editor's recording studio, we chat about all things Valentine's Day - from gift ideas and celebrating with kids, to some racier topics (ahem). Plus, we learn more about Meet Cute, the new Rom-Com scripted audio company that's shaking up the podcast world that just launched today. If you've ever wondered what it would be like to hear Kristen and Liz together in the same room live, along with a very funny guest (and some...2020-02-1553 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksIt's okay to say vagina!Oh, stop squirming! Most of our listeners have one right? And yet, why is it still so hard to talk about sex and sexuality with our kids? (And why do we have to mark this "explicit," ya know?) Well this week, Liz is chatting with family sex communication researcher and "Beyond Birds & Bees" educational workshop host Dr. Heidi Croatt, who has truly genius ideas to help you rethink everything -- like why we all need to raise sexually healthy kids; what to say by age; how to talk about some newer sexual health topics including consent and gender identity...2020-01-0743 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksThe best new cookbooks for families: Suzy Chase of Cookery by the Book | Ep 173Today, Liz is joined by Suzy Chase, host of the #1 cookbook podcast, Cookery by the Book. Each week she talks to a different cookbook author to open our minds up to different cultures, experiences and ideas through our shared love of food. So today, we're talking about the best cookbooks for families right now, the hot trends in cooking, and some truly excellent tips to make feeding your kids easier. And can't we all use that? // Find show notes and links on the Cool Mom Picks podcast page and come chat with us in our Recipe Rescue Facebook Group...2019-10-1535 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHow to prioritize the things we love | Ep 172This week on the Spawned Parenting podcast, we're talking about a topic we all struggle with: Priorities. How do we make time for the things we love when are all just so busy? How do we fit family, relationships, friends, hobbies, passion projects and our own health and well-being into our lives? (Phew!) Liz + Kristen check in 9 months after our interview with Jake Knapp on making time for things you love, for a candid discussion about where we're succeeding, where we're failing, and what's helping. Or...not. // Show notes and related links on the Cool Mom Picks podcast page // T...2019-10-0850 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksShould kids be banned from restaurants? Ep 171With the recent news that Japan Airlines will soon be letting customers know where babies and kids will be sitting on the plane, it got us thinking about kids in restaurants. Will there be a kids-only sections soon? With Kristen's husband and Liz's ex both in the food industry, we decided to tackle this classic parenting topic and share why we think it's so important, and how you manage it. And as always, we close our show with our cool picks of the week. This week's sponsors: Kristen is loving her Plant Package, a super cool gift...2019-10-0143 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksLet's stop freaking out about kids and social mediaThe new parenting panic du jour: Kids and social media. TERRIFYING! But...wait. What if social media isn't really the problem some experts will tell you it is? What if parents are essentially just handing car keys to kids and being shocked that they don't know how to drive? There's so much more we can do! We think you'll love this episode, full of helpful tips and advice that go way, way beyond "don't send nudes." (Which, duh. Don't send nudes!) Whether your kids have their own Snapchat accounts or seem years away from phones of their own, we...2019-09-2444 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksWho Can Be Called a Single Mom: Rachel Sklar | Ep 168This week, we're sharing a thoughtful, revealing and intimate chat between Liz and author/single mom advocate Rachel Sklar about the term "single mom" -- who gets to use it, why it's a loaded phrase, why there's a single mom heirarchy, and how race, age, and income are a factor in how single or solo parenting is perceived. Liz reveals some personal details she hasn't shared on the show before, and Rachel helps all of us rethink the complex and nuanced world of single parenthood. // We are grateful to the support of this week's sponsors, BiOBUDDi eco-friendly building blocks (20% o...2019-08-2042 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksSurviving and thriving as a new working mom | Ep 167Working motherhood has evolved since our kids were babies. How has it changed? How has it stayed the same? What can women do to make the transition back to work easier? We chat about all these questions and more with Amy Nelson, CEO of The Riveter and mom of 4 (including a newborn, who makes a cameo on our show). She shares her advice about asking for help, setting boundaries, and making time for yourself. And as always, we close out our show with our cool picks of the week. Our sponsors this week: Don't Wait Up, the...2019-08-1337 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHow to deal with sanctimommies (and tame your own) | Spawned Ep 166After Kristen spotted the pile-on that was Jessica Simpson's choice to let her oldest daughter dye her hair, we decided it was high time we chatted about sanctimommies. On this episode, we talk about how to deal with them, and how to quell your own inner beat. Hint: We all have one inside of us. And as always, we share our cool picks of the week. This week, we're thrilled to welcome back our sponsor Don't Wait Up, the new hilarious book by Liz Astrof, now available wherever you get books. Also, Ritual is back as a...2019-08-0653 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksCelebrating birthdays with older kids | Ep 165This week we're talking about birthdays with older kids -- the preschool party-every-weekend madness is over, but new challenges begin! Like, "Can I get tickets to Hamilton, Mom?" (Answer: probably not.) Join us as we laugh and share some helpful tips for parents of tweens and teens, about gifts, parties, birthday traditions, saving money, social media birthday FOMO, and Liz's nightmare lemon poundcake story. Shownotes: Cool Mom Picks podcast page. // Graciously brought to you by the hilarious Don't Wait Up by Liz Astrof, and by the Osmo learning toy, a Cool Mom Tech favorite. (This link gets you a f...2019-07-3147 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEvangeline Lilly is the coolest! | Ep 160Today we're joined by Evangeline Lilly! And she is not just an Orc-defeating Tolkien elf and quantum realm-traveling Marvel superhero. She is also a super cool parent, and author of the fabulous new young series, the Squickerwonkers. Join us as we talk parenting, privacy, work-life balance, Scottish accents (hers is better than ours), our favorite children's authors, and what it means when your own kid thinks you're a (real) supeherro. This is such a fun episode, we could have talked all day...and almost did. // See the show notes on our Cool Mom Picks podcast page // Questions/comments: Join t...2019-06-2545 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksFinding the Funny in Tough Times with Jill Twiss | Ep 159On this week's Spawned Parenting Podcast, we're talking with Emmy-winning staff writer for Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Jill Twiss, about finding humor when times are tough, and how humor can be a great tool for imparting important messages -- especially to kids. And that's what she did with her best-selling picture book, A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo and in her brand new book for kids, The Someone New. It's all about choosing kindness over fear when meeting people (or...snails) who are different from us -- and yes, it's funny! // An easy way to s...2019-06-2037 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksWorking mom guilt: It's not you, it's the system. With Katherine Goldstein | Ep 157This week's guest on the Spawned parenting podcast is Katherine Goldstein, award-winning journalist and host of the brilliant new podcast, The Double Shift. Ever since her viral New York Times article about anti-mom bias at work went viral, she's been investigating, writing about, and advocating for changes to make the workplace more mom-friendly. Because when parents get the support and resources we need -- at work and at home -- everyone wins. Whether you work out of home or not, this is a fantastic episode to help us all lose the mom guilt and help make change instead. Yes...2019-06-1136 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksPicky Eater Advice from a Reformed Picky Eater | Ep 149If you struggle with picky eaters at mealtime (Liz is raising her hand), we think you'll be fascinated -- and encouraged! -- by the advice from our guest Jacky Lamenzo. She's a reformed picky eater turned health coach, who specifically works with families to make mealtime more positive for everyone. Her kid-centered approach is really different than anything we've heard. || Find show notes on the Cool Mom Picks Podcast Page, and be sure to join our AWESOME (we're not biased, really) community of Spawned listeners on Facebook! Thanks so much for listening and subscribing and keep those great reviews c...2019-04-1534 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksWhen life coaching meets astrology: Mimi Truong | Ep 148Hold the skepticism for just a moment -- what if astrology wasn't "fortune telling" but could actually help you understand your strengths and weaknesses to give you more direction in life? Our guest Mimi Truong is a lawyer by background, a life coach and an expert astrologist, who combines all her insight and expertise to help clients -- and maybe you! -- better understand how we fit into the universe (and how the universe fits into us). Plus, she has a FASCINATING revelation about Kristen and Liz's relationship based on the alignment of their charts and...well, we kind...2019-04-0942 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksTreasuring our Teens: Incredible tips from Dr. Ken Ginsburg | Ep 145What if we lived in a society where the teen years weren't dreaded by parents -- but in fact, treasured as much as those baby years? Adolescent expert, pediatrician and author Dr. Ken Ginsburg joins Liz to share some seriously outstanding wisdom that blew us away. If you have a teen, have a future teen, or ever were a teen yourself, this episode is a must-listen. \\ Find the info you hear about today on our podcast page at coolmompicks.com and please join our new Spawned listeners Facebook community to share your thoughts on today's episode, show ideas...2019-03-1835 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHow to be a bare minimum parent | Ep 134If you're familiar with helicopter parenting, sorry, we're not talking about that. We're welcoming back the hilarious James Breakwell (aka Xploding Unicorn on Twitter) to talk about pretty much the opposite: bare minimum parenting. It also happens to be the title of his new book. He chats with Liz about school, social media, sanctimommies, and other things that don't start with the letter "s." We love hearing from you! Drop us an email at spawned@coolmompicks.com, tweet us @coolmompicks with #spawnedshow, and hit us up on Facebook. Learn more about your ad c...2018-12-0928 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksRepresentation FTW! Ep. 130We promised you an Election Day episode and well, we delivered. On this episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we're chatting about the November 6 election and the big news: over 100 women in Congress! So what's next? How do we keep the momentum going? How do we keep our kids excited about civil service? We talk about this, as well as share our Cool Picks of the Week, in this week's episode.We love hearing from you! Drop us an email at spawned@coolmompicks.com, tweet us with the hashtag #spawnedshow, or come say "hello" to us...2018-11-0931 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksWHOOOPPPPPERRRRS! | Ep 129In a much needed self-care break that includes laughing until we cry (for real), Liz and Kristen take on some of the greatest Halloween debates among parents -- like, the legal trick-or-treating maximum age, suburbs vs city Halloweens, the best candy-booze pairings and, well, Whoppers. We need you to break the tie, so take a listen now! || Questions? Comments? Hit us up at spawned@coolmompicks.com, find us on Insta, Facebook or Twitter @coolmompicks. Thanks for listening and subscribing! May you be blessed with all the Milky Way Darks this year. (Or, perhaps, Whoppers.) Learn m...2018-10-2727 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom Picks5 top time-management techniques and how they can work for parents | Ep 122This week, as Kristen and Liz try (desperately) to get organized for back-to-school, we take a look at 5 top time-management techniques from experts, compare them, and analyze how they can be helpful to parents. Because we're all busy, yo! And anything that gets our to-do list done more efficiently so we can get back to the things we really WANT to do is good by us! Plus as always, we've got some great cool picks of the week. || Find more information about the info you hear in today's episode on our podcast page on CoolMomPicks.com or at bit...2018-09-0236 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksThe future (of business) is female | Ep 110Where do you start if you have a career dream, a passion, or a business idea? Why is it important for all of us to have more women running businesses? How are women changing startup culture? And what's up with only 2% of VC money going to businesses with women at the top?! (GAH!) Join Liz and Heather Cabot, the former ABC News anchor, current investor, Forbes columnist, and author of Geek Girl Rising, for a really engaging, informative chat that could change the whole direction of your life. No exaggeration! | Thanks so much for listening and don't forget to...2018-05-2128 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksSiri Daly: Making feeding kids more fun | Ep 108Do you think preparing 21 nutritious meals a week is the joy of your existence? In that case, might want to skip this episode. Today we're keeping it real with the delightful, funny, and down-to-earth Siri Daly, who you might know from her TODAY Show cooking segments (often with her husband Carson Daly) and her bestselling cookbook, Siriously Delicious. We're chatting about how to make food "happy," tricks for getting kids to eat better without stress, meal-planning tips, plus totally random banter about Junior Mints and the joys of online friends. We've got some extra-cool cool picks of the week t...2018-05-0432 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHave youth sports gotten out of control? Ep 107With 13-year olds getting recruited by colleges, and a lawmaker in New Jersey warning parents not to get physical at kids' sports games for fear of jail time, we decided to tackle the complicated topic of kids sports on this week's episode of Spawned. Have youth athletics gotten out of control? Kristen and special guest Lisa Barnes (who filled in while Liz was away) share their own personal experiences with a combined seven kids in sports of some kind, and offer their own advice. You can find all the links we talk about on today's show over...2018-04-2338 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksWorking parents: What are your rights? | Spawned Ep 101Did you hear the one about the pregnant woman who wasn't allowed to drink a glass of water on the job? If only this were an isolated story. That's why, for all of us working moms, working dads, and working moms-to-be, Liz is so happy to sit down with working families advocate and A Better Balance founder Dina Bakst. This episode, they're talking about our legal rights as working parents, which protections are guaranteed to us, which states are leading the way, and where we really need to do better for moms and dads. If you have questions or...2018-02-0427 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksOur extra special, super awesome 100th episode | Ep 100Happy 2018! We're back with our extra special, super awesome 100th episode where we look back and share our most favorite Spawned with Kristen and Liz episodes. We share the funniest, the most helpful, and yes, the most controversial, plus some never before heard back stories. We'd love to hear from you about what you'd like to hear in 2018! Drop us an email at spawned@coolmompicks.com, tweet us with the hashtag #SpawnedShow, or head over to Facebook. Yes, we're there too. Thanks for listening, subscribing, and telling all your friends about us. Learn m...2018-01-1928 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksCan't we all just get along? The Thanksgiving episode | Ep 94Wondering how to tell the men to do the dishes for a change? Struggling to feed 12 people with 14 different food allergies? Freaking over a 10-hour road trip with perpetually bored tweens? And how do we handle those political conversations everyone is dreading? You gave us questions...we've got answers! Join us for a fun, honest, carb-free Thanksgiving romp. And thanks so much for listening and supporting Spawned with Kristen and Liz! Questions? Hit us up: spawned@coolmompicks.com or @coolmompicks on social media with hashtag #SpawnedShow. *NOTE: Got kids around: This is a clean show with one l...2017-11-1943 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksRock n roll parenting | Ep 93Kristen just got back from an Imagine Dragons show with all four of her kids, because she's not like a regular mom...she's a COOL MOM. (Also, whoa.) Join us for a lively discussion about kids and concerts, tips and concerns. And earplugs. Definitely earplugs. Plus, we confess our own first concerts in which Liz gains a little indie cred and Kristen makes a confession you may never have guessed. || Thanks for listening! Questions? Comments? Episode ideas? Hit us up: spawned@coolmompicks.com or @coolmompicks on social with #SpawnedShow. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!2017-11-0831 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksDiet trends: Smart or stupid? | Ep 92With the "eating holidays" around the corner, we're looking at ways to keep our jeans from killing us with tightness. On this episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we're having a conversation about 5 of the most popular current diet trends, and we decide which ones might work for us (and maybe you too). Intermittent fasting? Ketogenics? If you've ever wondered about the buzz words you might have heard or seen on social media, now's your chance to get the scoop! (And of course, a reminder that we are not doctors -- duh -- so do not take our...2017-11-0135 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksPlaying with kids without losing your mind | Ep 88Not every parent has the time (or patience or uh, interest) to play racecars for hours on end. GUILTY! So we're chatting with Meredith Sinclair, TODAY Show play expert and author of Well Played to get some much-needed tips. We discuss how to make play more fun (for parents too), why we all need more play right now, the great tech toy debate, and score lots of toy and game recos that parents should add to our arsenals. | Questions? Comments? Compliments? Find Kristen + Liz @coolmompicks #SpawnedShow on social media, or hit us up at spawned@coolmompicks.com. Thanks for l...2017-10-0938 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksTHERE WILL BE BLOOD | Ep 87Are we comfortable saying vagina? YES! Having frank conversations with our daughters -- and sons -- about menstruation? YES! Telling our most embarrassing period stories? Well...at least Liz did. (And there's more than one, oh no!) Join us for a funny, frank talk about "the talk" you know you'll be having with your daughters one day if you haven't already. Plus, get lots of helpful advice from Naama Bloom, founder of Hello Flo and author of the upcoming Period Book. | By the way we shouldn't have to mark a podcast as EXPLICIT for the word "vagina" but we...2017-10-0234 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksSurviving the Zombie Apocalypse with Kids | Ep 86Parents, if you listen to any episode it should be this one. Because we've got civilization=saving strategies here from James Breakwell (aka @xplodingunicorn), comedy writer and author of the new book, Only Dead on the Inside: A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse. Wait, are you laughing? This is DEADLY SERIOUS STUFF, PARENTS. Discover tips for how to break the news to your kids in age-appropriate ways, how to turning toys and umbrella strollers into deadly weapons, and why parents have some surprising. advantages for post-apocalyptic survival over "smug, outdoorsy millennials" with no kids. ...2017-09-2331 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom Picks"That's inappropriate, Mom!" | Ep 85When can your kids start watching more "adult" movies and shows? Do you care more about f-bombs or violence and gore? What about sex? What about themes like suicide or sexuality or war? And how come the ratings system seems so totally ridiculous sometimes? A fun, candid, and (ahem) somewhat NSFW discussion to help you decide when to let which kids watch what. | Questions, comments, show ideas or copious praise: email us any time at spawned@coolmompicks.com or find Liz and Kristen on social at @coolmompicks with hashtag #spawned show. Thanks for listening! Learn m...2017-09-1543 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksYou can do it, parents! Back to school organization tips | Ep 83Professional organizer and mom Laurie Palau of Simply B Organized saves us all with down-to-earth tips, tricks, and common sense advice to get us on track for the school year, manage the kids (mostly), and keep us organized and productive. So smart! We've also got some truly amazing cool picks of the week. Questions? Comments? Knock-knock jokes? Email Kristen and Liz at spawned@coolmompicks.com, or find us on Twitter or FB at @coolmompicks using #spawnedshow. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...2017-09-0339 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksHiding in the Bathroom | Ep 82Morra Aarons-Mele discusses her new book, Hiding in the Bathroom and shares incredibly helpful tactics and tips for overcoming introversion, battling social anxiety and FOMO, and living your best life when you feel like more like "leaning out" most days. (Also, turns out Liz and Kristen may be more introverted than we had realized!) || Questions? Comments? Follow us at twitter.com/coolmompicks or @coolmompicks on Facebook with hashtag #spawnedshow or email any time: spawned@coolmompicks.com. || Thanks for subscribing to our podcast and for those generous five-star ratings! We give YOU five stars right back! ...2017-08-2836 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksWHY? WHY? WHY? On Raising Curious Kids | Ep 80How do we keep our kids curious and interested in all kinds of topics? What do we do when we don't know how to answer their questions? What are some cool educational websites for them? Why is it so important to let kids know that we (sadly) don't know every single thing in the world? And WHY WHY WHY are kids all so obsessed with farts? We have answers! Join a fun chat with Kristen, Liz, and Molly Bloom, the host of the super popular Brains On podcast from MN Public Radio. And be sure to stick around for...2017-07-0729 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksSurviving sleepaway camp: Ep 79Liz is joined by Cool Mom Eats editor Stacie Billis -- and a special, surprise child guest -- to take on all your questions about that big parenting milestone (cue scary music)... sending your kids off to sleepaway camp! How do you know when they're ready? How do pick the right camp? What are the secret BTDT camp tricks for packing? How do you get your kids to actually write you letters? What about picky eaters or kids with food allergies? All will be answered! Plus, we've got some fantastic cool picks of the week. Questions, comments, episode ideas...2017-06-2537 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksMan V Child: Surviving the toddler years with comedian Doug Moe | ep 78Comedian, actor (Inside Amy Schumer, 30 Rock), author of Man V Child, and dad Doug Moe joins us to answer parents' most common questions about babies and toddlers. Do babies belong in bars? What do you do when you hate your kids' friends? Find out the answers - and laugh a lot - on this week's episode of Spawned with Kristen + Liz. Questions? spawned@coolmompicks.com, @coolmompicks on Twitter and Facebook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2017-06-0935 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksWork after baby: Lauren Smith Brody on surviving with style | Ep 75Today, Liz is joined by Lauren Smith Brody, the fabulous author of The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom's Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby. Join us for a fun, revealing, extremely honest chat about getting over mommy guilt (argh!), how to look and and feel human again, how to carve out me-time, and why single moms are our role models. | Comments/Questions? Find us on social @coolmompicks using hashtag #spawnedshow or drop us an email at spawned@coolmompicks.com | And fear not...Kristen will be returning next week! Learn more about your...2017-05-1349 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp. 74 The worst Mother's Day gift in the history of the worldThis week, we're sharing the Mother's Day PR pitches in our inboxes that are so hilariously bad we couldn't help but laugh about them. And uh....save them. To share with you. Because we love you. Want to say hi to Kristen + Liz? Share the best or worst gifts you've ever gotten? Hit us up on Twitter or Facebook or IG @CoolMomPicks and use the hashtag #SpawnedShow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2017-05-0831 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 73: Not ready for Blurred Lines: A chat with Laurie BerknerThis week, Liz and Kristen sit down with the one and only queen of kids music, Laurie Berkner! Tune in for a fun talk about what to do when your kids outgrow the kid stuff, learn tips for connecting over the music they do like, and behold: our own first teenage concert confessions! Some of which are more embarrassing than others. (Ahem, Kristen.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2017-04-2934 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 72: You spent $72 on WHAT?Upon popular request, it's an entire Cool Picks of the Week episode, filled with beauty saves and splurges right from our own make-up bags. Did Liz really spend $72 on a mascara? Is that $5 lipstick as good as the $30 one? We'll give you the inside scoop on our favorites that we hope you love just as much as we do. You can find links from our show over on our podcast page. And feel free to send us an email at spawned@coolmompicks.com or tweet us @coolmompicks #spawnedshow. Learn more about your ad c...2017-04-2039 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 70: Expert time organization tips (that really work!)Who doesn't want more time in their day? On this episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we take a close look at 5 popular time organization techniques from the experts and talk about how they could work (or not) for parents. We bet you'll appreciate these smart ideas that could really help make your life as a busy parent easier. And, as always, we share our cool picks of the week. You can find everything we mentioned on the show over on our Cool Mom Picks podcast page. And feel free to drop us a line and...2017-03-2933 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 64: F*ck yeah, Meryl Streep!Considering pretty much everyone had something to say about Meryl Streep's Golden Globes speech, we figured we'd jump on the bandwagon too. On today's episode, we're sharing our first reactions, our controversial tweet that got us a couple unfollows, and why Liz played it for her kids. Oh yes she did. Plus, as always, our cool picks of the week. You can find all the links we talk about on our show over on our Cool Mom Picks podcast page. Feel free to drop us an email at spawned@coolmompicks.com, tweet us @coolmompicks with #Spawnedshow or...2017-01-1131 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 59: Thanksgiving Survival TipsAs much as we love Thanksgiving, it is a notoriously stressful time for lots of families. Especially this year. So, on this episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we're sharing our tips for how to survive the holiday. Whether it's coming prepared with games and activities to distract the kids, to even opting out of the celebration if you don't think your mental health can hack it, we're sharing what we've done (and plan on doing) to help us get through this often times difficult season. Plus, we've got two fantastic family games for our Cool Picks of...2016-11-1727 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 55: What is with all these sexy Halloween costumes?In this episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we answer burning questions about Halloween, like how much is too much to spend on a Halloween costume? What the heck is a switch witch? Is it okay to invoke the mommy candy tax? And, we rank the worst "sexy" Halloween costumes we've ever seen. Let's just say they are quite...creative. You can find all the links featured in this episode on our Cool Mom Picks podcast page. Got a show idea? Want to say hello? Find us on Twitter, Facebook, or email us spawned@coolmompicks.com ...2016-10-1432 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 47: What the hell is a backpack fairy? The back to school episodeIt's back to school time which is both good and...well, argh. Liz + Kristen trade grievances about getting kids out of the house on time in the morning, offer tips to help make things easier, and share fun back to school shopping finds. Plus Liz finds the world's craziest first day of school traditions on Pinterest (brace yourselves) and we share our cool picks of the week.We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at spawned@coolmompicks.com, or find us @coolmompicks on Twitter and Facebook using hashtag #spawnedshow. Learn more about y...2016-08-1935 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 41: Young moms vs. Old moms - The new mommy war?Hooray! We're back with a brand new episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, or now, the award-winning Spawned with Kristen and Liz! Yes, we won an Iris Award for Best Parenting Podcast at the Mom 2.0 Summit and we couldn't be more thrilled. On this episode, we catch you up on everything we've been up to over the last couple of months when your podcast app was quiet, including Kristen's 40th birthday which had us thinking about the whole young moms vs. old moms war. Is it easier being a younger mom? Are later-in-life moms more prepared? Why can't...2016-05-2031 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 27: The good, the bad and the brokenWelcome to our last episode of 2015! Kristen and Liz are closing out the year with a discussion about New Year's Resolutions: Why those three words, when all together, completely suck. We've got some better ways to think about them so you might actually keep them this year -- we're rooting for you! Plus, family why family resolutions can be a very cool idea. We're also laughing about the "Christmas 15" and all the absurd weight loss tips we've seen in magazines lately. Plus, our cool picks of the week, which gets Liz a little emotional this time around.
If you...2015-12-3028 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 26 Talking about Santa with kids: Magical story or big honkin' lie?Today, Kristen and Liz take on the Santa debate: Is it all about childhood magic and the spirit of giving? Is it a great big lie that will destroy the trust with your kids for all of eternity? And what do you say when kids ask the big question? Wow, do people have strong opinions about this and we cover them all. Including what to tell kids when they ask how he gets into a NYC apartment building. (Hint: Liz did not a do a good job with this one.) We're also talking about holiday cards and whether they've...2015-12-1829 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 20 Thank you for the lovely brass knucklesKristen and Liz talk thank you note etiquette because wow, our Facebook fans have strong feelings about this one! Are we all doing it wrong? Will a text message thank you or an email blacklist you from parties forever? And what's with those weird thank you notes for baby gifts "from the baby?" We're also confessing all our Halloween candy sins that we hope our kids never discover. And as always, we've got our cool picks of the week, including one of the funniest yet. Especially if you like seventh grade humor. Which we absolutely do.
We sure to...2015-10-2128 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 19: Death To Reply:All!After one of you awesome iTunes subscribers mentioned you'd have Liz and Kristen at your famous person dinner (aw!), Liz and Kristen discuss who would be at their own famous person dinner... well, beyond Kristen's request for a table of hot guys.
Then we tackle getting your kids started on email. Wow, so many things you might not have thought about that we bet you'll appreciate hearing, whether your kids are email-age or not.
And hey, if you've got a question for Liz and Kristen, a funny story, or you just want to say hello, we love getting your...2015-10-1530 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 17: What manners do kids need to know?Here's hoping Emily Post doesn't roll over in her grave after hearing Liz and Kristen's discussion about kids and manners. What should kids know? How do you decide what to teach your kids? Also, Kristen and Liz talk about Halloween costumes for kids and why they seem to have gotten so sexy, or as Liz's daughters call them, sassy. And as always, we share our cool picks of the week.
Catch up on all the links from our show over at coolmompicks.com, and don't forget to subscribe to Spawned on iTunes so you never miss an episode. Thanks...2015-09-3027 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 16: Fighting your kids' battlesHas intervening in your children's issues become the new parenting pastime? Kristen and Liz discuss when to step in, when not to, and why it's important for kids to fail. But first, we're laughing about our own family members who might possibly be bringing their own condiments to restaurants. (Sometimes it's like we're living in a Seinfeld episode!) Have you ever brought your own coffee or, you know...an entire kids' meal? Is there any time it's okay? Plus, we're sharing our cool picks of the week.
If you have a question or comment for Liz and Kristen, we...2015-09-2433 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 15: Why can't kids walk to school alone?Today Kristen and Liz weigh in on Kim Cattrall's recent statement that you don't have to have children to be a mother. Which....uh. Well, we have a few thoughts about that. Then, we take on "the last parenting taboo": Admitting you let your kids walk to school alone. Are kids really unsafe these days? Or is it really the parents who are unsafe from all the people out there calling 911 for no reason? We also share the world's most hilarious WARNING sign from a children's playground. And as always, we've got our cool picks of the week.
If y...2015-09-1732 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEP 14: Should you pay for chores?Today we're trying to navigate one of the many parenting mysteries: Kids and chores. Because, really, who doesn't love free labor. Though, if you're paying for them, is it really free after all? But first, we have a good laugh over Liz's address book, which is apparently full of names like "Sally GymasticsMom." We're not the only ones who can't remember anyone's name anymore, are we? And as always, we share our cool picks of the week.
If you have a question for Kristen and Liz, or just want to say hello (and we can say hello back, which we...2015-09-0924 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 13: Competitive CrochetToday Kristen and Liz are laughing -- hard -- about the most embarrassing Google searches by state, and we share some of the (seriously, seriously weird) queries that have lead people to our own sites. Then we're talking after-school activities, clubs and teams: Are our kids overscheduled? Underscheduled? When do you let kids quit and when do you push? And who the heck are the saintly parents out there letting their kids play drums, so we can give you a medal? Plus, as always, we've got each of our cool picks of the week.
If you've got questions, comments, a...2015-09-0231 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEP 12: Should every kid get a trophy?This week, we answer a listener's question about how not to screw up your kids. We may or may not have given her the advice she was hoping for but hey, it's the truth! We also talk about NFL player James Harrison's controversial move to make his son give back a participation trophy he didn't think was "earned." Should he have done it? Should there even be participation trophies? And guess which trophy Liz really wants for her mantle? Plus be sure to stick around for our cool picks of the week.
If you have a question for Kristen...2015-08-2626 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 10 ESCAPE FROM CAILLOUIf you need a break from all things children, lie back and get comfortable with this very special R-rated episode of Spawned. Today we discuss the Lenny Kravitz wardrobe malfunction, Kristen's Netflix (and Lenny Kravitz gif) addiction, and Liz plays the Binge Watching Matchmaker, to help fix Kristen up with the perfect series to binge watch after the kids are in bed. Also stick around for the funniest cool picks of the week yet. Well, Liz thinks so; Kristen is still a little embarrassed.
If you have a question for Kristen and Liz, or just want to say hi (a...2015-08-1226 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 08 “You let us watch death, Mom.”You picked a fun day to join us! Today on SPAWNED, we’re talking about kids and media — when do you let your kids watch certain movies? Are you more concerned about sex or violence? Which classic kids' musical actually terrified us more than the Hunger Games? And who else thinks the Dark Crystal was totally creepy?
Also, Kristen regales us with online dating stories, and her list of Instant No’s. Some of which Liz definitely disagrees with. (Although we both agree that misuse of apostrophes is unforgivable, and Liz even had to Twitter-breakup with her celebrity crush over his...2015-07-2932 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp 07: Kale, no.Thanks for joining us! In this episode, Liz shares sordid tales from her high school reunion, and some of the surprising benefits of turning 40. Then we take on the delicate topic of picky eaters, and break down 10 top tips that we've found from experts. (Some of which are like...what? We're not supposed to do that with our kids? Oops.) We debate whether we supposed to hide healthy foods in other foods, and whether serving your kid "Jedi Broccoli" lying or just necessary parental spin. Plus, we share each of our cool picks of the week that we think...2015-07-2233 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp. 05 Girls Toys vs. Boys ToysOnce again we get an explicit language warning, probably because we make a tampon joke. (Or four.) Today we're talking about summer birthdays, and how to get away with a total Type B Mom, non-Pinterest-y birthday. Then we're onto one of our biggest hot-button topics: Girl toys and boy toys. What's with the labels? Do "girl toys" require ovaries to make them work? Are maxi-pads involved? Why is Liz defending LEGO Friends? And does Kristen really carry around an inflatable soapbox? All will be revealed! Plus, we've got our cool picks of the week.
This episode of Spawned is s...2015-07-0827 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp. 03: BOOBAGEToday Kristen and Liz discuss the beginning of bathing suit season, and the egregious lack of skinny mirrors in the world. We also talk about family size (without a single Duggar reference, promise) and Kristen describes some of the most outrageous things that total strangers have said to her as a mom of four. Liz is actually still stunned about it. Plus, we share our favorite cool picks of the week that we think you’ll love too.
This episode of Spawned is sponsored by Little Passports. You can save 40% on their first month today with promo code SPAWN. Lea...2015-06-2433 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp. 02: There Will Be BloodWe're glad you found us! In this episode, we talk about parents trying to keep up with TV and movies, and Liz springs a pop culture pop quiz on Kristen, who is the best sport about it ever. We also discuss the new hot sport in America: Public shaming of parents on cell phones in the playground. (So fun!) Is there legitimacy to the complaints or is it overblown? Maybe a little of both? Plus we share each of our favorite Cool Picks of the Week that we hope you like too. Oh, and keep an ear out for...2015-06-1728 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksEp. 01: The Dawn of SpawnedKristen and Liz welcome you to the premier episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz. (What are the chances that we are hosting a show with our own names in it? That worked out so well!) In this episode we talk about how we came up with the name Spawned, and why we decided not to go with The Cereal Podcast. We also discuss tips for managing your kids’ screen time—and maybe your own — and our idea for a 5 Judgy Things List that every parent is allowed to have. Plus we share each of our favorite Cool Picks of the...2015-06-1022 min
Spawned Parenting Podcast with Liz of Cool Mom PicksPromo for Spawned with Kristen and LizHi, we're Liz Gumbinner and Kristen Chase of CoolMomPicks.com. We've got a microphone and more than the two minutes the Today Show gives us, and we're not afraid to use them. Join us for parenting culture discussions, non-judgy (mostly) tips, and humor, if we've had enough coffee.
"Spawned is the best podcast ever! I love Kristen and Liz. I even schedule my shoot days around the new episodes." - What Jennifer Garner might say if she ever listened to it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2015-06-0501 min