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Why do so many kids grow up believing they’re “just bad at math”?

In this fascinating episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Liora Schocken, creator of Vimi, an AI-powered adaptive math tutor designed to help kids learn in a way that actually works for their brains.

Together, they dive into the growing problem of math anxiety, post-pandemic learning gaps, ADHD and learning differences, school absenteeism, and the pressure families feel when kids struggle academically.

Liora explains how Vimi goes beyond simply giving easier or harder math problems. Instead, the platform adapts to how a child learns—whether they need visual guidance, step-by-step support, confidence-building, or a completely different approach altogether.

This conversation is especially powerful for parents who have ever sat at the kitchen table feeling helpless while trying to help their child with homework.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Why math confidence and self-esteem are deeply connected
• How the pandemic created lasting math learning gaps
• The rise in student absenteeism and learning struggles
• Why traditional classrooms often fail kids who learn differently
• The connection between ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, and math struggles
• How AI can personalize learning for each student
• Why short, consistent learning sessions work better than cramming
• The emotional toll math struggles can have on both kids and parents
• Why tutoring sessions sometimes increase frustration instead of confidence
• How Vimi acts as a “study buddy” instead of just giving answers

A Powerful Reminder:

✨ Struggling with math does not mean your child isn’t smart
✨ Kids don’t all learn the same way—and they shouldn’t be expected to
✨ Confidence grows when kids experience small, consistent wins

Key Takeaway:

The problem isn’t always that a child is “bad at math.”
Sometimes the problem is simply that they were taught in a way their brain doesn’t connect with.

And when learning adapts to the child instead of forcing the child to adapt to the system… everything changes.

Guest Information

Liora Schocken
Creator of Vimi

🌐 Website:
https://heyvimi.com

Show Information

Follow the show:
📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain

Support the podcast:
https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com

Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations?
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What happens when life completely falls apart… and you’re left trying to rebuild while raising children on your own?

In this deeply emotional and faith-filled episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with J. Rosemarie Francis, host of SoloMoms Talk and author of Courage to Believe, to talk about single motherhood, abandonment, healing trauma, faith during hard seasons, and rebuilding your identity in Christ.

J. Rosemarie shares the heartbreaking moment she came home to discover her husband had abandoned her and their two young sons—leaving her to navigate motherhood, survival, and healing completely alone.

From moving 900 miles with her children on faith alone to eventually creating a platform that supports solo moms around the world, her story is one of resilience, honesty, and spiritual growth.

This conversation is packed with powerful reminders for moms who feel overwhelmed, unseen, abandoned, or emotionally exhausted.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• The emotional reality of solo motherhood and abandonment
• Breaking the harmful stereotypes surrounding single moms
• Why many solo moms secretly believe they must “do it all alone”
• How to rebuild trust in God after heartbreak and disappointment
• Anchoring your identity in Christ instead of circumstances
• Why storytelling can become a powerful tool for healing
• Teaching children emotional intelligence through difficult seasons
• The role of therapy, journaling, prayer, and self-reflection in healing trauma
• How faith can carry you through overwhelming parenting seasons
• Why asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness

A Powerful Reminder:

✨ God is not surprised by your struggles
✨ You are not invisible or forgotten
✨ Healing doesn’t happen overnight—but you do not have to walk through it alone

Key Takeaway:

Sometimes healing starts with simply asking yourself:
“What’s really going on inside of me?”

And having the courage to bring those answers to God.

About J. Rosemarie Francis

J. Rosemarie Francis
Host of SoloMoms Talk

📘 Author of:

• Courage to Believe: A 21 Day Christian Devotional for Single Moms
• Healing Hem: The Minine Miller Story
• The Solo Mom Manifesto

🌐 Website:
https://jrosemarie.com

🎙️ Podcast:
SoloMoms Talk

Show Information

Follow the show:
📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain

Support the podcast:
https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com

Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations?
Send Kayla a message on PodMatch:
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Why do kids say they’re “starving”… even right after they just ate?

In this eye-opening episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Kamy Moussavi, founder of Step Together, to unpack what’s really behind emotional eating in kids, ADHD, and unhealthy food habits.

Drawing from his own personal journey of struggling with excess weight as a child, Kamy explains why traditional approaches to dieting and food control often fail—and why the real issue goes much deeper than just “what” kids are eating.

This conversation dives into the powerful connection between dopamine, emotional regulation, and food, helping parents understand why kids turn to food for comfort—and what to do instead.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• What emotional eating in children actually looks like
• Why kids feel “hungry” even when they’re not physically hungry
• The connection between ADHD, dopamine, and food cravings
• How boredom, anxiety, and stress show up as eating habits
• Why traditional diets fail 96% of kids long-term
• How to help kids find healthy sources of dopamine
• The role parents play in shaping their child’s relationship with food
• Why modeling behavior matters more than what we say
• How to reduce reliance on snacks, junk food, and convenience eating
• Simple ways to build a healthier home environment without shame

A Powerful Mindset Shift:

✨ Your child isn’t lacking discipline—they’re trying to solve a problem
✨ Food is often a symptom, not the root cause
✨ When we understand the “why,” we can finally create lasting change

Key Takeaway:

If we stop focusing only on food—and start focusing on what’s driving the behavior—we can help our kids build a healthier relationship with food for life.

Guest Information

Kamy Moussavi
Founder of Step Together

🌐 Website:
https://steptogether.us

Show Information

Follow the show:
📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain

Support the podcast:
https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com

Want to Be a Guest?

Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations?
Send Kayla a message on PodMatch:
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Why do so many moms feel like they’re constantly overwhelmed… even when life “looks good on paper”?

In this honest and relatable episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Kristin Cogan, licensed therapist, coach, and mom of five, to talk about the real struggles behind mom burnout, emotional overwhelm, and the pressure to do it all perfectly.

Kristin shares her own experience of raising four kids in four years and hitting a breaking point that forced her to rethink how she was showing up—not just as a mom, but as a person.

This conversation dives deep into the cycle so many moms know all too well: guilt, frustration, snapping, and then feeling like you’re failing. But the truth? You’re not failing—you’re overwhelmed.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Why moms feel overwhelmed and burned out (even when life looks “perfect”)
• The cycle of mom guilt, self-doubt, and frustration
• What’s actually happening in your brain during emotional overwhelm
• How to build emotional regulation skills in real life
• Simple ways to practice mindfulness without needing extra time
• The importance of self-care and emotional hygiene
• Why comparing yourself to other moms is hurting your mental health
• How to stay present with your kids—even in chaos
• The power of small wins and daily mindset shifts
• Why you don’t have to be a perfect mom to be a good one

A Powerful Reminder:

✨ You’re not failing—you’re overwhelmed
✨ Small changes can create big shifts
✨ Taking care of yourself helps you show up better for your kids

Key Takeaway:

You don’t need a complete life overhaul—
sometimes it starts with something as simple as one deep breath.

Connect with Kristin

Kristin Cogan
Licensed Therapist | Coach | Mom of 5

📱 Follow on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/imperfectlywonderfulmotherhood

Show Information

Follow the show:
📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain

Support the podcast:
https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com

Want to Be a Guest?

Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations?
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What if the biggest parenting struggles… aren’t about your child’s behavior—but about how we respond to it?

In this powerful episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Katherine Sellery, founder of the Conscious Parenting Revolution, to unpack what it really means to parent with awareness, connection, and intention.

With over 20 years of experience in conflict resolution and coaching families, Katherine shares why traditional parenting rooted in obedience and control often leads to power struggles—and what to do instead.

This conversation dives deep into emotional triggers, communication breakdowns, and how to shift from reacting to responding, even in the most challenging parenting moments.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• Why traditional parenting methods based on obedience and compliance often fail
• How to respond instead of react in stressful parenting moments
• Understanding emotional triggers and why we overreact as parents
• The difference between a reaction vs. an overreaction
• How to reduce power struggles with teens and kids
• Why children saying “no” is actually a healthy developmental skill
• Teaching kids to understand their inner world (feelings + needs)
• Moving from control-based discipline to connection-based parenting
• How to create a home where kids feel safe, heard, and respected
• Why curiosity is the key to better communication with your child

A Powerful Mindset Shift:

✨ The behavior you see is often just a surface-level expression of an unmet need
✨ Your child isn’t trying to make your life harder—they’re trying to communicate
✨ When we shift our perspective, we shift the entire relationship

Key Takeaway:

If you can move from “Why are they doing this?” to “What’s going on for them?”—everything changes.

Guest Information

Katherine Sellery
Founder of the Conscious Parenting Revolution

🌐 Website:
https://ConsciousParentingRevolution.com

📘 Free Book:
7 Strategies to Keep Your Relationship with Your Kids from Hitting the Boiling Point
https://consciousparentingrevolution.com/ebook/

Show Information

Follow the show:
📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain

Support the podcast:
https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com

Want to Be a Guest?

Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations? Send Kayla a message on PodMatch:
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What if one of the most powerful tools you have as a parent… is something you use every single day?

In this impactful episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with parenting expert and author Jody Hill to talk about the power of words in parenting and how the language we use shapes our children’s confidence, identity, and future.

Jody shares how her journey as a mom of four—especially navigating divorce—led her to discover what she calls the “Parent Secret Superpower”: the ability to build or break a child’s self-belief through everyday words.

From simple phrases we say without thinking to the long-term impact of how kids internalize those words, this episode is full of eye-opening moments and practical tools every parent can start using today.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• How everyday language impacts child confidence and self-worth
• The difference between speaking to a child’s behavior vs. identity
• Common phrases that may unintentionally harm kids’ self-esteem
• How to raise kids who believe: “I can do hard things”
• Why parents are the loudest and most important voice in their child’s life
• Helping kids regulate emotions during overwhelming moments
• The importance of repair after parenting mistakes
• Using words to guide—not shame—during discipline
• How to create a home where kids feel safe, loved, and accepted
• Teaching kids to problem-solve instead of labeling themselves

A Powerful Reminder:

✨ Your words become your child’s inner voice
✨ Repeated phrases turn into lifelong beliefs
✨ You don’t need perfection—just intention

Key Takeaway:

If you change your words… you can change your child’s life.

Resources from Jody:

Jody is offering listeners a Free Superpower Strategy + Top Confidence Boosters & Busters Guide to help you start using your words more intentionally today.

🎧 Access here:
https://podcast.itsjodyhill.com

📱 Connect on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/jodyhillparenting

📘 Get her book on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4bhpNNK

Show Information

Follow the show:
📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain

Support the podcast:
https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com

Want to Be a Guest

Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations?
Send Kayla a message on PodMatch:
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What if the secret to better parenting… was letting go of perfection?

In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Emily Beecher, certified life coach for women at life’s crossroads, to unpack the truth about motherhood, identity, burnout, and self-compassion.

From working with major brands like Disney and Warner Brothers to navigating single motherhood, neurodivergence, and burnout, Emily shares her journey of rediscovering what truly matters—and why “good enough parenting” may actually be the healthiest approach for both moms and kids.

This episode is an honest, vulnerable conversation about what happens when life doesn’t look the way you expected—and how to rebuild in a way that actually aligns with who you are.

In This Episode We Discuss:

• What “good enough parenting” really means (and why perfection can be harmful)
• Letting go of unrealistic expectations and mom guilt
• How burnout shows up in motherhood—and how to begin healing
• Navigating identity loss and reinvention as a mom
• Parenting neurodivergent children (ADHD, autism, dyslexia) with compassion
• Advocating for your child in systems that don’t always support them
• Why self-compassion is essential for moms
• The pressure of “having it all” and why it’s often a myth
• How to reconnect with yourself during overwhelming seasons of life
• The power of honest conversations in reducing mom isolation

Key Takeaways:

✨ You don’t have to be a perfect parent to raise happy, healthy kids
✨ Your value is not measured by productivity or perfection
✨ “Good enough” parenting creates space for connection, growth, and real life
✨ You are allowed to evolve, change, and redefine your identity

A Moment That Will Stick With You:

So many moms believe they’re failing… when in reality, they’re just exhausted, overwhelmed, and trying to meet impossible standards.

This episode is your reminder that:
👉 You are not alone
👉 You are not behind
👉 You are already enough

Guest Information

Emily Beecher
Certified Life Coach for Women at Life’s Crossroads

🌐 Website:
https://emilybeecher.com

Connect with the Show

Follow the show:
📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain

Support the podcast:
https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com

Want to Be a Guest?

Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations?

Apply here:
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What does it really take to go from surviving to thriving as a single parent?

In this powerful and practical episode of Mom’s Brain Is a Coffee Stain, Kayla sits down with Pat Hankin, author of The Field Guide for Single Parents, to break down the real-life strategies single parents need to manage time, finances, and emotional overwhelm.

Drawing from years of experience moderating a community of nearly 470,000 single parents, Pat shares what actually works—no fluff, no unrealistic advice—just practical, research-based tools that help parents regain control of their lives.

From redefining what “good enough parenting” looks like to building support systems in unexpected places, this episode is full of actionable takeaways for anyone navigating parenting alone (or feeling like they are).

In This Episode We Discuss:

• The biggest misconceptions about single parenting
• How to move from survival mode to thriving
• Creating time when you feel like you have none
• The power of the 15-minute parent connection
• Realistic time management strategies for busy parents
• Financial advice that actually works for single parent households
• Why traditional budgeting advice often fails single parents
• Building a support system beyond family and friends
• Letting go of mom guilt and perfectionism
• What “good enough parenting” really looks like

Key Takeaway:

You don’t have to do everything perfectly to be a great parent.
Progress, not perfection, is what creates stability—for you and your kids.

Guest Information

Pat Hankin
Author of The Field Guide for Single Parents: Practical Tips to Help You Gain Control of Your Life

🌐 Website:
https://pathankin.com/about-the-book/

📘 Get the Book on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Single-Parents-Practical/dp/B0FX3F1GTS

Show Information

Follow the show:
📱 @momsbrainisacoffeestain

Support the podcast:
https://Momsbrainisacoffeestain.Buzzsprout.com

Want to be a guest on Mom’s Brain Is A Coffee Stain | Parenting Teens, Mom Life & Real Conversations?
Send Kayla a message on PodMatch:
https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/momsbrainisacoffeestain