The Busy Vibrant Mom - Strategic Time Management, Home Organization, Productivity, Christian Mom, Christian Parenting, Declutter

EP442//Empowered Single Parenting & Emotion Regulation (for You and Your Kids) with Guest Dr. Gila Reckess

Today, we have a special guest, the amazing Dr. Gila Reckess — a parenting coach who specializes in supporting single parents and those raising strong-willed or neurodivergent kids. Gila’s work centers on one of the most powerful but overlooked parenting skills: emotion regulation — for both you and your kids.  If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly on the edge of losing it, or you’re not sure how to help your child calm down without losing your own cool first… this conversation is for you.
In this episode, Gila shares:
Why emotion regulation is the foundation of calm, connected parenting
A super relatable "sink" metaphor to understand emotional overflow
A powerful 3-part strategy to support your child’s big emotions
And how to model self-compassion (especially when you don’t get it right)
This isn’t about perfection — it’s about progress, connection, and learning to regulate together. Grab your lukewarm coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into this empowering conversation.
 
Reminder: Quick Announcement 
I’ve got a special discount code to grab a personal 1:1 coaching call just for this month (January).  Use NEW2026 to book a discounted coaching call.  This is my gift to you to help you start off the year in a way that actually fits your life! To create personalized routines and systems to fit your family, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
Book a 1:1 coaching call: (use code: NEW2026) https://byrdmichelle.thrivecart.com/get-your-time-back-group-coaching/
 
INFO & BIO: 
Dr. Gila (she/her) is a Jai-certified parenting coach, a psychologist and neuropsychologist, a speaker and educator, and the host of the "Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)" podcast. But her most important role is as single mom to an incredibly awesome and beautifully strong-willed tween. She specializes in supporting single parents, and parents of strong-willed, spirited, or neurodivergent kids. Her motto is: Even if you're on your own, you don't have to do it alone!
 
CONTACT INFO:
Website: www.drgilaparenting.com
Email: info@drgilaparenting.com
IG: www.instagram.com/drgila_parenting
FB: www.facebook.com/drgilaparenting/
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@drgila_parenting
Podcast: Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection)
(https://www.drgilaparenting.com/podcast/)
Free Facebook group:
▶︎ Single-Parenting with Connection, not Perfection (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/154KRmy72k/)
Free downloads:
▶︎ PDF GUIDE: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_tantrum_signup)
▶︎ AUDIO: Guided Meditation for Single Parents (https://www.drgilaparenting.com/SP_meditation)
Free consult call:
▶︎ Schedule a free Zoom call with Dr. Gila to get a customized plan for your family (https://calendly.com/gzr/consult_call)
 
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP441// Top 10 Favorite Time Management & Productivity Episodes of 2025 for Busy Moms Who Want Calm, Control, and More Time

Happy New Year, and welcome to 2026. Before we jump in, I want to invite you to take a deep breath right where you are. Let your shoulders drop, unclench your jaw, and remember this: you don’t have to rush into this year already feeling behind.  A new year can come with so much pressure — new goals, new routines, new expectations — and yet what so many of us really want is something much simpler: to feel calm, clear, and supported in our real, everyday lives. This season is a fresh start, not because everything needs to change overnight (you don’t have to toss everything out and start from scratch), but because you get to choose what actually fits you and your family.
Today’s episode is a little special. I’m sharing the Top 10 Time Management & Productivity Episodes of 2025 — the episodes you loved most, shared most, and came back to when life felt full and overwhelming. These conversations are packed with simple tools, mindset shifts, and practical strategies to help you feel less scattered and more in control — without adding more to your plate.  So whether you’re listening in the carline, on a walk, or sipping your morning coffee, I hope this episode feels like a gentle reset and a reminder that you don’t have to do it all to have a really good year.   Definitely grab a warm drink and let’s get started. 
 
Quick Announcement 
I’ve got a special discount code to grab a personal 1:1 coaching call just for this month (January).  Use NEW2026 to book a discounted coaching call.
Coaching Call
This is my gift to you to help you start off the year in a way that actually fits your life! To create personalized routines and systems to fit your family, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! If you have any questions or just want to say hi, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
 
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
 
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP440// Feeling Behind Already? How Can Busy Moms Use Christmastide to Gently Plan 2026 Without Overwhelm?

How was your Christmas?  Christmas Day is always so magical, but once the presents are opened and life starts to settle back into normal, I sometimes feel that quiet post-holiday letdown. Do you feel that too?  That’s why I love this in-between time after Christmas. The days between December 25th and early January are actually called Christmastide — that cozy stretch where you don’t quite know what day it is, and everything feels a little slower.  In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to use this season intentionally, from reflecting on what matters most, to gently starting to plan for 2026 in a way that doesn’t feel overwhelming.  If planning ahead ever feels heavy, especially as a busy mom, we’re going to keep this simple, light, and doable. Grab a warm drink, take a deep breath, and let’s ease into it together. Alright — let’s get started.
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
Reminder:
I’ve got some exciting things coming in January that will help you design the right routines, rhythms, and systems for the year ahead, so let’s stay connected via email, connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  
 
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/
 

EP9// Coffee & Tea, With M&E: Christmas Planning and Gift Ideas for Overwhelmed Moms, Plus Goals for a Stress-Free New Year

You are in for a special treat! This is another episode of Coffee & Tea (with M&E) Real Moms Talking About Real Things.  Join Emily McDermott, the host of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm and I as we talk about what didn’t work this week, how we pivoted, what things we are excited about, and things that made us laugh! We wanted to provide moms with real life examples of time management, organization, and pivoting when life throws you curveballs. So grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us! 
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
Topics In This Episode
Holiday Gift Guide: Top 10 Gifts Ideas 
Magazine subscriptions 
Arts & crafts (consumable goods) 
Experience gifts - zoo membership, aquarium, amusement parks 
Books 
Sports equipment  
Gift cards 
Compassion, Samaritan's Purse, IJM, etc. 
Food - snacks
Room - calendar, pictures, bedding 
 Clothing 
Bio: 
Emily McDermott is an Air Force wife and mom to two energetic boys living in Fairfax, Virginia. She is also the host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast Moms Overcoming Overwhelm where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. As a virtual and in-person decluttering coach, she works with moms one-on-one to define what matters, eliminate what doesn’t and automate the rest. Emily enjoys writing custom poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar.
 
Contact Info For Emily: 
Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast: https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/
Simple by Emmy: http://www.simplebyemmy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1OzHKsGziu5IbkaHBQXGIw
Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm
Contact E-mail: info@simplebyemmy.com
Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
 
- Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
- Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
- website: www.byrdmichelle.com
- Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
- Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/
 

EP439// The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Meaningful Christmas Eve: Traditions, Stillness, and the Story of Jesus’ Birth

Happy December! Wow! The days leading up to Christmas always seem to fly by faster than the Polar Express. But it’s here - tomorrow is Christmas Eve!  How do you like to celebrate Christmas Eve?  What family traditions did you have growing up? What traditions did you start with your kids? Have they changed as your kids have gotten older? In today's episode I wanted to offer you a chance to reflect and be reminded of the Christmas story, just in case you (like me) and so many other moms have been running around and been too busy, too overwhelmed, too tired, to stop and reflect on the real reason for the season.  Grab a warm beverage, turn on the car seat warmer, or bundle up as you take a walk and listen in to this episode.
Reminder: 
I’ve got some exciting things coming in January to help you design routines, rhythms, and systems that truly support your day-to-day life. And the best way to get started? Let’s chat.  You can book a free Discovery Call with me over at www.byrdmichelle.com 
And while you're there, be sure to join the email list so you don’t miss a thing. You can also reach out any time at contact@byrdmichelle.com — especially if you just want to say hi or share your favorite Christmas Eve tradition!
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP438// Overwhelmed in December? Practical Ways Moms Can Cut Holiday Stress Fast

As moms, December can be incredibly overwhelming.  It’s like life is now tossed into a blender and put on high, or we are driving a race car instead of our normal Honda Odyssey.  In the last episode we talked about 10 things I stopped doing in December and why I think you should too. Following the theme of decreasing the stuff on our plate, today's episode is more of a practical episode giving you actual steps to decrease your to-do items and the things on your plate this season.  We will start by talking about why our normal rhythms and routines fail, how to actually take to-do items off your plate, and why it’s so important that we slow down.  Definitely grab a warm drink and let’s get started.  
 
Reminder:
Are you ready for a fresh start?  As the Christmas season winds down and that New Year energy starts to pick up, you might already be thinking about what projects you want to tackle over the break — or how you want things to feel different in 2026.
If you’re tired of duct-taping your week together and craving a rhythm that actually works for your real life — for your family — now’s the time to get support.  
I’ve got some exciting things coming in January to help you design routines, rhythms, and systems that truly support your day-to-day life. And the best way to get started? Let’s chat ...just check out the links below. 
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP437//10 Things I Stopped Doing In December: Why I Think You Should Too

Happy December! This month comes with its own unique energy - it’s busy, magical, fun and overwhelming.  You might feel this way too as your calendar starts to fill up with social events, your to-do list grows in leaps and bounds, and the amount of things you need to remember to bring or buy or be somewhere is absurd! So as this month jumps into full swing I was thinking, what can I take off my plate? What can I say no to, or make it easier, or delay? In today’s episode we are going to talk through the ten things I stopped doing in December.  It is my hope that this might give you permission to say no to things, or stop doing certain things too.  Sometimes we just do things out of obligation or tradition without stopping to think if we should or need to.  As you are listening to this episode it might spark some thoughts about things you can take off your plate or push off to make this season a bit more magical and fun. Definitely grab a warm drink and let’s get started.  
Reminder:
If you grabbed the Rest & Reclaim Bundle during Black Friday - first of all amazing! I can’t wait to work together to create the right rhythm for your family.  This is a perfect time to get the right personalized routines and systems in place, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! 
If you missed the bundle - don’t worry, friend.  This is your fresh start too.  I’ve got some exciting things coming in January that will help you design the right routines, rhythms, and systems for the year ahead, so let’s stay connected via email.  Make sure you’re on our email list, so you don’t miss out.  You can go to the website www.byrdmichelle.com or connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  If you have any questions or just want to say hi and share your favorite Christmas movie (mine is Klaus) you can reach me there.  
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP436// How To Start Planning for 2026 Without The Overwhelm

Happy December! Welcome we made it through the gauntlet that was Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and probably a few awkward family moments and conversations over the dinner table. We just got back from our first family trip out to DC for Thanksgiving, and we are so glad to be back home in warm, sunny CA.  So first - take a deep breath.  You did it! Now there’s just Christmas and New Year’s to get through, no big deal.  December can sometimes feel like this weird in-between - part celebration, part exhaustion, part busy, part vacation.  It’s a crazy fun time!  But it’s also the perfect time to slow down, reflect, look ahead and start dreaming about the new year - without the pressure, guilt, or unrealistic resolutions that seem to pop onto our to-do list come January 1st.  Today we’re talking about how to start planning for 2026 without the overwhelm, how to create a rhythm and vision for your new year that actually fits your real life and gets you excited about the new year ahead.  Let’s get started. 
 
Reminder:
If you grabbed the Rest & Reclaim Bundle during Black Friday - first of all amazing! I can’t wait to work together to create the right rhythm for your family.  This is a perfect time to get the right personalized routines and systems in place, so they can support you in 2026 and you can have the best year ever! 
If you missed the bundle - don’t worry, friend.  This is your fresh start too.  I’ve got some exciting things coming in January that will help you design the right routines, rhythms, and systems for the year ahead, so let’s stay connected via email.  Make sure you’re on our email list, so you don’t miss out.  You can go to the website www.byrdmichelle.com or connect with me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.  If you have any questions or just want to say hi and share your favorite Christmas movie (mine is Klause) you can reach me there.  
Links Mentioned: 
- Horacio Printing Planners https://www.horacioprinting.com/
Coupon: michelle20 for 20% off
- The Next Right Thing Guided Journal by Emily P Freeman
https://emilypfreeman.com/books/
 
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
 
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/
 

EP8// Coffee & Tea, With M&E: Holiday Planning Without the Overwhelm: Gift Ideas, Traditions & Time-Saving Tips for Busy Moms

You are in for a special treat! This is another episode of Coffee & Tea (with M&E) Real Moms Talking About Real Things.  Join Emily McDermott, the host of Moms Overcoming Overwhelm and I as we talk about what didn’t work this week, how we pivoted, what things we are excited about, and things that made us laugh! In today's episode we talk about holiday planning, including strategies for managing time, gift-giving, and traditions while balancing work and family commitments. We also exchanged ideas about holiday activities, decorations, and traditions, with a particular emphasis on making the season more meaningful and less overwhelming for families.  So grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us! 
 
Reminder - My Special Black Friday Gift To You! 
Here’s what’s inside: The Rest & Reclaim Bundle 
Check it out: https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/blackfriday
📘 The eBook — your step-by-step guide to move from overwhelmed to organized. It’s not about perfection — it’s about peace, clarity, and creating routines that fit your real life.
💬 A 60-Minute 1:1 Coaching Call — where we’ll dive into your unique schedule, pinpoint what’s not working, and design a weekly rhythm that finally fits you.
📱 1 Week of Voxer Accountability (8–5 daily) — this is the secret sauce. You’ll get check-ins, encouragement, and real-time troubleshooting when things go off plan. I’ll be right there in your pocket, helping you make it work.
*Ends Midnight on Cyber Monday, December 1st 2025
Bio: 
Emily McDermott is an Air Force wife and mom to two energetic boys living in Fairfax, Virginia. She is also the host of the top 1% globally ranked podcast Moms Overcoming Overwhelm where she helps moms declutter their homes, heads, and hearts. As a virtual and in-person decluttering coach, she works with moms one-on-one to define what matters, eliminate what doesn’t and automate the rest. Emily enjoys writing custom poetry, dancing, and eating peanut butter out of the jar.
 
Contact Info: 
Moms Overcoming Overwhelm Podcast: https://momsovercomingoverwhelm.podbean.com/
Simple by Emmy: http://www.simplebyemmy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplebyemmy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/simplebyemmy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1OzHKsGziu5IbkaHBQXGIw
Facebook Group - Decluttering Tips and Support for Overwhelmed Moms: tinyurl.com/momsovercomingoverwhelm
Contact E-mail: info@simplebyemmy.com
Freebie: 5 Mindset Shifts To Help you Let Go of Clutter: https://simplebyemmy.com/mindset/
 
Links Mentioned In Show Notes: 
Khrystyne Jaspers - Consumable gift guide: https://buy.stripe.com/aFa5kD0AQ2sC0ccdkZ1RC01 Experience gift guide: https://spring-bonus-491.myflodesk.com/budd330d2z 
Brio Magazine - https://store.focusonthefamily.com/brio-magazine-1-year-6-issues/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22710637371&gbraid=0AAAAADoLrVC7QbICyvtaiaKzbuXi-GpvH&gclid=CjwKCAiA_orJBhBNEiwABkdmjNTRu0eZXnVouyQSYtnaPSUQOT-Y7rTEsFD3dDvIxD5VnJw6OdgBwBoChfgQAvD_BwE
Girls Like You Magazine - https://forgirlslikeyou.com/
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
 
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/

EP435// Thankful for You: A Little Encouragement To Remind You You’re Not Alone, Mama

I hope you are enjoying Thanksgiving week and looking forward to spending time with family and eating yummy food.  Thanksgiving is such a special time to gather and remember things we are grateful for, and I just wanted to say that I am so very grateful for YOU! The Busy Vibrant Mom podcast is almost five years old! As I look back I am so thankful that you took time out of your busy day to listen.  It's not easy as moms to find a moment in the day, so thank you!  In the spirit of giving I wanted to give you something too - that’s why I created The Rest & Reclaim Bundle as a special gift for this week.  I’ve never offered anything like this, but I am really excited because I know it’s just perfect for you. If you missed it, yesterday’s bonus episode talked all about the bundle, so go back and listen to that episode if you missed it.  Just a heads up the Rest & Reclaim Bundle is available until midnight on Cyber Monday to give you a full week to think about if it’s a good fit for you. Today I just wanted to tell you thanks, to offer some encouragement, and to let you know that you’re not alone on this mom journey.  
 
Here’s what’s inside: The Rest & Reclaim Bundle 
Check it out: https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/blackfriday
📘 The eBook — your step-by-step guide to move from overwhelmed to organized. It’s not about perfection — it’s about peace, clarity, and creating routines that fit your real life.
💬 A 60-Minute 1:1 Coaching Call — where we’ll dive into your unique schedule, pinpoint what’s not working, and design a weekly rhythm that finally fits you.
📱 1 Week of Voxer Accountability (8–5 daily) — this is the secret sauce. You’ll get check-ins, encouragement, and real-time troubleshooting when things go off plan. I’ll be right there in your pocket, helping you make it work.
 
I pray this blesses you!
Michelle
PS If you need some extra accountability or help with productivity hacks, time management tools, mapping out a more efficient daily or weekly schedule, time blocking and so much more. We will break down what isn’t working in your schedule, create new personalized goals for you, and determine the next new steps you need to take to have more freedom and live with more joy and laughter!  
 
Grab a coaching call with me at:
https://calendly.com/byrd-michelle/bonus-one-time-un-stuck-time-management-coachin-clone
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Free Productivity Planner - my gift to you! www.byrdmichelle.com 
Come join our Facebook Group: The Busy Vibrant Mom
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2315591962144641/