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

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/
 

EP452 // When Your Day Gets Hijacked: Time Management Tips for Busy Moms to Stay Productive When Schedules Fall Apart

Have you ever started your day with a solid plan only to have it completely unravel before 9am?  Maybe it’s a last-minute dentist appointment, a sick kid at home, a forgotten lunch that needs to be dropped off, or just trying to get everyone out the door on time and something goes sideways. Suddenly, your carefully planned schedule is thrown off, your timeline shifts, and you feel like you’re playing catch-up for the rest of the day.  And if you’re anything like most busy moms, it’s not just one thing—it’s multiple interruptions, back-to-back, all pulling you away from what you thought your day was going to look like.
You had a plan.You had good intentions.And now… everything feels a little hijacked.
So what do you do when your day gets taken over by other people’s needs, unexpected moments, and things you simply can’t control?
In today’s episode, we’re going to talk through exactly that. We’ll walk through how to shift your expectations so you’re not constantly frustrated when things don’t go as planned, how to focus on your top priorities even when your time is limited, and what to do in those unplanned moments—like when your kids forget something or your whole morning runs behind.
I’m also going to share what I call the “secret solution” that can make a huge difference in how your day feels (even when it’s messy), plus a simple way to get yourself back on track so you’re not writing the whole day off.  Because here’s the truth—you don’t need a perfect day to be a productive one.  Let’s make this work for your real life.
 
Reminder:  
We have some fun things coming up this spring.   
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, or a coaching call with me. 
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 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
PS If you’d love a little help creating rhythms that actually work for your real life, I’d love to support you. In a coaching call we’ll simplify your schedule and build a strategic plan that feels calm, clear, and doable. 
 
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/

EP451 // Why Strength Training Matters for Moms Over 30 (And How to Fit It Into a Busy Schedule) With Guest Rachel DeSonier

Have you ever looked at your calendar, your to-do list, and your energy level and thought, “There is absolutely no way I can fit a workout into this season of life”? Between work, kids, meals, laundry, and everything else, taking care of yourself can start to feel optional. And if you’re being honest, exercise and nutrition are usually the first things to fall off the list.
That’s why I’m so excited about today’s conversation. I’m joined by Rachel DeSonier—registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and mom of five—who gets what real-life motherhood actually looks like. Rachel helps overwhelmed moms stop treating themselves as optional and teaches simple, realistic ways to build strength, fuel their bodies with protein, and create consistency that actually sticks.
In this episode, we’re talking about how busy moms can fit in efficient workouts, why strength training matters so much in this season of life, and easy ways to get more protein throughout the day—without cooking separate meals or spending hours in the gym. This is a practical, encouraging conversation that meets you right where you are.  So grab your coffee, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in.
Rachel DeSonier's Contact Info: 
Podcast: Effective Weight Loss for Moms
Protein Cheat Sheet: https://www.effectivefitnessforwomen.com/free-resources
Rachel@effectivefitnessforwomen.com
effectivefitnessforwomen.com
Reminder: Quick Announcement
We have some fun things coming up this spring. This week, March 13-19th I’m part of a super fun, outta-the-box kind of bundle, The Online Business Owners Pot of Gold.  This is hosted by one of my favorite people Linda Sidhu.  She handhand-picked group of online business owners to share their top resources to help you grow this year.  Not only can you snag my From Chaos to Calm eBook, but it also comes with a 30min Mini Strategy call (usually $114…but you can snag it for free). 
Check out all the goodies here: https://lindasidhu.com/pot-of-gold
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:
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/