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

EP14// Coffee & Tea with M&E: How to Tackle Your To-Do List When You're Overwhelmed and Unmotivated

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! 
 
Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up this summer.   
- Mom’s Summer Camp is coming up in a few weeks.  It officially starts on June 8th - 12th.  There will be an email going out with all the info, and Lori Oberbroeckling and I recorded a special bonus episode to give you the inside scoop, which will be released next week.  Here's a link if you want to check it out: https://secretsofsupermom.mykajabi.com/a/2148276522/pA6LZSvo
- I’m planning a fun virtual meet up to give you an inside look at my new website…more on that to come so 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.  
 
To Connect with Emily McDermott:  
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/
 
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
 
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom
Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
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/

EP460// The Loneliness Epidemic in Motherhood: How Busy Moms Can Build Meaningful Friendships With Guest Megan Thompson

Have you ever felt lonely in motherhood — even when your calendar is completely full? Like meaningful friendships are harder to build than they used to be, and somewhere in the middle of all the busyness you've quietly lost connection?  
Friend, today's conversation is going to resonate deeply.  I'm joined by Megan Thompson — lifestyle writer, mom of five, and host of the podcast I Can Do That, which helps moms past the early years reignite their spark and rediscover what lights them up. Her work has appeared in HuffPost, The Independent, and Business Insider — and she brings such an honest, thoughtful perspective to everything she does.
In this episode we're talking about:   Why making friends as a mom feels surprisingly hard right now.  How to find meaningful friendships that actually align with your values JOMO — the Joy of Missing Out — and why overscheduling is stealing your connection.  The importance of mentor moms in different seasons of life
This is such a refreshing conversation about slowing down, choosing what matters, and creating space for deeper connection.  So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's dive in
Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up this summer.   
Currently we are just wrapping up our spring round of group coaching.  If you are bummed that you missed your chace to jump into our amazing group grab your spot for our next round of group coaching in the fall.   Waitlist: https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist
Contact Megan Thompson:
Podcast: I Can Do That
Instagram: @mrsmeganthompson on IG
Website: https://mrsmeganthompson.com/
 
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom
Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
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/

EP459 // 10 Simple Things Saving My Life as a Busy Mom Right Now

Can I be real with you for a second? Life lately has felt like a lot. Between end of year activities, home projects, kids' schedules, and trying to keep everything running smoothly — some days it feels like I'm just holding on and hoping for the best. But here's what I've been noticing — there are these small, simple things that are quietly making my life so much better right now. And I thought — why am I not sharing these with you?
So today I'm doing something a little different and a whole lot fun. I'm pulling back the curtain on my real life and sharing the top 10 things that are literally saving my life right now as a busy mom.  We're talking about everything from easy tips for coaching gifts, to things I'm teaching my kids, to fun sprinkled into my week.
This is real life, behind the scenes, been-there-done-that kind of episode — and I think you're going to walk away with at least one thing you want to try this week.  So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let's dive in.
Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up this summer.   
Mom’s Summer Camp is coming up in a few weeks, June 8th -12th.  There will be an email going out with all the info, and Lori Oberbroeckling and I recorded a special bonus episode to give you the inside scoop, which will be released next week.  
I’m planning a fun virtual meet up to give you an inside look at my new website…more on that to come so 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 you can reach me there.   
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom
Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
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/

EP458// How to Overcome Overwhelm as a Christian Woman: Building Intentional Rhythms And Routines With Guest Alexandra Kaval

If you've ever felt like your days are full but not always aligned — like you're doing a lot but still craving deeper purpose, clarity, and peace — today's episode is for you.  I'm joined by Alexandra, founder of Grace Space Christian Coaching, who has served hundreds of women worldwide since 2017 through 1:1 and group coaching. She helps ambitious Christian women overcome limiting beliefs and anchor their work and lives in Christ — blending deep faith with professional strategy and over ten years of corporate experience.
Today we're talking about something really powerful — intentional rhythms. Not just routines that happen automatically, but rhythms that shape who you are becoming. We're diving into: The difference between rhythms and routines.  Keystone habits that bookend your day. Faith-based practices that keep you rooted in identity instead of comparison. How to build rhythms that are sustainable and aligned with how God wired you.  This is such a rich conversation about living intentionally — not just productively.  So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's dive in.
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up this summer.  To stay up to date make sure you are on our mailing list (www.byrdmichelle.com) or email me at contact@byrdmichelle.com.   
Currently we are just wrapping up our spring round of group coaching.  If you are bummed that you missed your chance to jump into our amazing group grab your spot for our next round of group coaching in the fall.  https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist
Connect with Alexandra Kaval:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-space-christian-coaching-building-a-faith/id1485905955
https://www.gracespacechristiancoaching.com/miniworkshop
Connect with Michelle Byrd: 
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom
Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
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/

EP457 //Maycember Survival Guide: 10 Ways to Lighten Your Mental Load Before Summer

Can I ask you something? Is it just me, or does May feel like it has approximately 47 days worth of things crammed into 31.  There's a reason we call it Maycember — because the end of the school year hits like a second holiday season. Finals, awards ceremonies, sports playoffs, graduation parties, teacher appreciation, summer camp registration… and somehow you're still supposed to show up at work and keep the house running too.  Everything is trying to wrap up before summer break. 
If you're feeling the pressure of it all right now — this episode is for you.  Today I'm walking you through the top 10 mental load tasks weighing down busy moms this time of year — and the practical solutions you can start using right now to make Maycember feel a little less chaotic and a whole lot more manageable.
This is real life, been-there-done-that advice — and I think it's going to give you exactly the clarity you need to finish this school year strong.  So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let's dive in.
Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up.  
- Congratulations to the winners of the Birthday contest.  I will be getting in touch with your girls via email. 
- The Mom’s Spring Break Bundle (26 resources for $27) is available for just a few more days, until April 30th. 
https://strideproductivity.thrivecart.com/moms-spring-break-bundle/?affiliate=renew_conference
Lastly, 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 you can reach me there.  
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
 
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom
Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
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/

EP13// Coffee & Tea with M&E: When Everything Feels Urgent: How to Decide What to Work On First as a Busy Mom

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. In this episode we talk about what to do when everything seems urgent.  So grab your coffee or tea, pull up a chair, and join us! 
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
 
Quick Announcement:
We have some fun things coming up.  
- The Mom’s Spring Break Bundle (26 resources for $27) Ending April 30th
https://strideproductivity.thrivecart.com/moms-spring-break-bundle/?affiliate=renew_conference 
- Free Summit 4/20-4/24- Calm Connected Parenting Summit  https://link.calmconnectionparent.com/ccp-2026/byrd
 
Contact Info for Michelle Byrd:
Grab a coaching call with me at: www.byrdmichelle.com
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom
Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
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/
Contact Info for Emily McDermott: 
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/

EP456 // Overwhelmed to Aligned: How Busy Moms Can Create a Productivity System That Works With Guest Jessie Kwak

Welcome back to The Busy Vibrant Mom podcast! I’m your host, Michelle Byrd — and I’m so glad you’re here.  If you’ve ever tried to follow a productivity system that worked beautifully for someone else… but completely fell apart in your real life, this episode is for you.
So many busy moms and working women are doing their best to balance work, family, and the things they care deeply about—yet still feel frustrated when the to-do list never ends and the time never feels like enough. We’re ambitious, creative, and capable… and often way too hard on ourselves when we don’t get it all done.
Today, I’m joined by a special guest, Jessie Kwak, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with you. Jessie is an author, storyteller, business book ghostwriter, and book coach living in Portland, Oregon. She’s written everything from thriller novels to sci-fi crime series, along with several productivity books—including From Chaos to Creativity and From Big Idea to Book. At her core, Jessie loves telling stories and helping others learn how to tell their own.
In this episode, Jessie and I talk about why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to productivity, how to stop being overly ambitious with your time, and why understanding your own energy and productivity style matters so much—especially in busy seasons. We also dig into practical ideas like outsourcing household tasks, shifting from “should” to “could,” saying no without guilt, and making consistent progress on meaningful work—even if you only have 30 minutes at a time.
This is a refreshing, honest conversation about doing less, choosing better, and creating space for what matters most—without burning yourself out.
So grab your coffee or tea, settle in, and let’s dive in.
 
Contact Info for Jessie Kwak:
Website: https://www.story-rebel.com
IG: @story_rebel
 
Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up.  
-The Mom’s Spring Break Bundle (26 resources for $27) Ending April 30th
https://strideproductivity.thrivecart.com/moms-spring-break-bundle/?affiliate=renew_conference
- Free Summit 4/20-4/24- Calm Connected Parenting Summit: https://link.calmconnectionparent.com/ccp-2026/byrd
- Other things: lots of new podcast guests to keep the episodes interesting, introduce you to some amazing new people, and learn something new along the way.  New website almost done - planning some fun ways to celebrate! 
 
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
 
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom
Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
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/

EP455 // The One Thing I Started Doing to Conquer My Never-Ending To-Do List (and Finally Get Clarity)

Welcome back to The Busy Vibrant Mom podcast! I'm so glad you're here.  Have you ever opened your email, your calendar, or your planner and instantly felt overwhelmed?  Lately, I've been on a mission to get a better handle on my email — and I'll be honest, I had almost 200 unread messages just sitting there. The system I had in place wasn't working. I felt like I was constantly in reaction mode trying to keep up with tasks, get back to people, remember appointments, manage my kids' schedules and somehow still figure out what I was actually supposed to be focusing on.  And more often than not, I'd start in my inbox and never even make it to the things that actually mattered.  Does any of that sound familiar?  That feeling of a never-ending to-do list.  Trying to keep up with everything, but never quite feeling caught up?
Recently, I attended a workshop by Lori Oberbroeckling on decluttering your calendar — and it was a game changer. I discovered there was one small thing I was doing wrong that was throwing everything off.  In today's episode, we're going to walk through how to declutter that overwhelming to-do list and the one simple shift that brought me so much more clarity. And honestly? It might just be the missing piece for you too.  So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let's dive in. 
 
Reminder: Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up.  
- Bundle: 3/30-4/30 The Mom’s Spring Break Bundle (26 resources for $27) 
https://strideproductivity.thrivecart.com/moms-spring-break-bundle/?affiliate=renew_conference 
- Summit: Free Summit 4/20-4/24- Calm Connected Parenting Summit My Link To Share: (I'm speaking on 4/23) https://link.calmconnectionparent.com/ccp-2026/byrd
- Other things: In the next few episodes we have some new amazing guests, that you will really enjoy.  The new website for The Busy Vibrant Mom is almost done and I'm planning some fun ways to celebrate! 
 
I pray this episode today blesses you!
Michelle
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
Email: contact@byrdmichelle.com
website: www.byrdmichelle.com
Facebook: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
Instagram: @thebusyvibrantmom
Linkedin: The Busy Vibrant Mom 
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/

EP454 // Time Blocking for Busy Moms: How to Pursue Big Dreams (Like Writing a Book) Without Burnout With Guest Susan Marie Almquist

If you’ve ever felt torn between wanting to live a meaningful, purpose-filled life and the very real demands of work, family, and responsibility, today’s episode is for you. So many women I talk to aren’t lacking motivation or vision—they’re just stretched thin, trying to figure out how to pursue the things God has placed on their hearts without burning out or feeling like they’re constantly behind.
Today, I’m joined by a truly inspiring guest, Susan Marie Almquist, and I’m so excited to share this conversation with you. Susan Marie is a former attorney turned entrepreneur, a mom, and the author of the beautiful book Make Life Matter More. After years in law and leadership, she now serves as the Chief Growth Officer at MyCORE, a company built around people-first values—and she brings that same heart into her writing and everyday life.
In this episode, we talk honestly about what it looks like to pursue meaningful dreams—like writing a book—in the cracks of real life. We dive into time blocking, intentional living, and how to make space for what matters most without adding more pressure to your plate. Susan Marie shares her journey through motherhood, leadership, seasons of transition, and how small, faithful choices can lead to a life that feels aligned, grounded, and full.
This is a thoughtful, encouraging conversation about slowing down, paying attention, and choosing purpose over autopilot—especially in busy seasons.  So grab your coffee or tea, settle in, and let’s dive in.
Quick Announcement 
We have some fun things coming up.  
-Bundle: 3/30-4/17 The Mom’s Spring Break Bundle (26 resources for $27) 
https://strideproductivity.thrivecart.com/moms-spring-break-bundle/?affiliate=renew_conference (emailed info about this last week 4/3/26)
- Summit: Free Summit 4/20-4/24- Calm Connected Parenting Summit My Link To Share: https://link.calmconnectionparent.com/ccp-2026/byrd
- Currently we are more than halfway through our spring round of group coaching.  Our next round of group coaching in the fall.  The link for the waitlist will be on the website (www.byrdmichelle.com). 
If you need some help between now and the fall grab the Productivity Planner, or you can always reach out to me at contact@byrdmichelle.com if you have any questions or just want to say hi. 
To Contact: Susan Marie Almquist
Our advisory firm's podcast is: The MyCORE Podcast
Social:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmariealmquist/
https://www.instagram.com/susanmariealmquist/
Website:
mycore.ai
Freebie: If you message me, I'll send you a complimentary copy of my book, Make Life Matter More: former attorney turned entrepreneur shares 101 examples of amplifying what you "do" in business, sales, and life.
 
I pray this podcast episode blesses you!
Michelle
 
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
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/

EP453 //Why Traditional Productivity Doesn’t Work for Moms With ADHD (And What Actually Does) With Guest Theresa Harp

Welcome back to The Busy Vibrant Mom podcast! I’m your host, Michelle Byrd and I’m so glad you’re here.  Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the things—managing your home, your work, your kids—and yet it still feels hard to stay focused or follow through?  Maybe simple tasks feel bigger than they should, or your brain feels like it has a hundred tabs open at once. And you’ve probably wondered… why do typical productivity strategies feel so hard to stick to?
Today’s episode is such an important one, because we’re talking about time management and productivity for women with ADHD—and honestly, so much of this will resonate even if you’ve never been diagnosed.  I’m joined by Theresa Harp, a certified productivity coach for women with ADHD, a mom of four, and a business owner who truly understands the challenges of balancing work and motherhood.
We’re diving into why traditional productivity systems often don’t work, how to better understand your brain, and simple, sustainable strategies you can use right away—without burnout.  So whether you have ADHD or you’re just a busy mom trying to manage it all, this conversation is going to give you clarity, encouragement, and practical tools.  Alright, friend… let’s dive in. 
Quick Announcement
We have some fun things coming up this spring.   
Just a quick note: if you did register for the Pot of Gold you can still download gifts until 4/18, but the registration is closed.  
Currently we just started our spring round of group coaching.  If you are bummed that you missed your chance to jump into our amazing group grab your spot for our next round of group coaching in the fall.  Waitlist: https://michellebyrd.myflodesk.com/waitlist
If between now and then you need some help.  Grab the Productivity Planner on the website: www.byrdmichelle.com.  You can also book a coaching call with me where we can look at your schedule, your responsibilities, and your goals, and create simple, realistic strategic rhythms that actually work for your family and this season—without burnout or overwhelm.
Make sure you’re on our email list, so you don’t miss out.  I have some fun things coming up this spring.  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 you can reach me there.  
 
To Connect with Theresa Harp: 
Work-Life Balance for Speech Pathologists
FB Group: Work-Life Balance for Speech Pathologists www.facebook.com/groups/worklifebalanceforspeechpathologists/
Website: www.theresaharp.com
Email: theresa@theresaharp.com
Free Consult: https://cutt.ly/KtwII93a
Podcast: Work Life Balance For Speech Pathologists https://theresaharp.buzzsprout.com
Listen Here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/work-life-balance-for-speech-pathologists-mindful-time/id1590921247 
 
I pray this episode blesses you!
Michelle
 
Grab a coaching call with me at:  www.byrdmichelle.com
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/