

Mother Up
Gianna DeMedio Simon and Kacie McDonnell Hosmer
We’re Kacie and Gianna: gal pals, champagne lovers, and two moms who think motherhood is the most rewarding job we’ve ever had. But, man, were we not prepared for some of the fine print in the job description. Specifically, balancing being a mom and being YOU. It seems society only allows women to be sexy OR covered in spit-up. But WE want to be both. We want a connection with our children and partner that doesn’t come at the cost of the relationship with our own selves. We want to feel confident, beautiful, strong, vulnerable, nurturing, and bold.
The connections we’ve made through our careers in media and our propensity to being social butterflies and collecting friends wherever we go means we’ll bring you a wide range of guests that will add value to your physical, mental, and emotional toolbox.
We’re so glad you’re here. Now let’s Mother Up!
The connections we’ve made through our careers in media and our propensity to being social butterflies and collecting friends wherever we go means we’ll bring you a wide range of guests that will add value to your physical, mental, and emotional toolbox.
We’re so glad you’re here. Now let’s Mother Up!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 11, 2024 • 55min
What's in a Name: Trends, Traditions, and Finding the Perfect Fit with Steph Coffield
Kacie and Gianna are joined by professional name consultant, content creator, and mom of three Steph Coffield. Steph has helped hundreds of families with name suggestions and is the author of the baby name book, Names Don't Have a Gender. They dive into the sometimes emotionally charged world of baby naming, complexities of selecting the perfect name, naming trends, traditional and classic names versus modern and unique names, cultural nuances of naming, and so much more.
Steph shares:
How she named her own children
Name influences and trends
How to find compromise with your partner when it comes to names
The sweet spot for picking a name and the best time to turn to a name consultant
Crafting sibling set names
Trending names and statistics in 2020s versus the 1980s
How she began as a content creator and name consultant and advice for other moms
Connect with Steph:
https://nameswithsteph.com/
https://www.tiktok.com/@nameswithsteph
https://www.instagram.com/nameswithsteph/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9HYmDiuHrTIwRSWM3mLJ2g
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppodView full show notes at www.motheruppod.com

Mar 4, 2024 • 54min
Communicating with Spirit Babies, Intuitive Parenting and Understanding Soul Connections with Emily the Medium
This week we’re joined by Emily Greene, known professionally as Emily the Medium. Emily is a highly acclaimed psychic medium, who specializes in supporting families connect to the energies of their children, or their ‘spirit babies’, at all phases of their journey: whether they’re struggling with fertility challenges, in the preconception phase, or while they’re pregnant. In addition, Emily also supports families in raising their sensitive children, and helping them to acclimate to Earth, as well as helping individuals understand and master their innate intuitive abilities.
We discuss:
The concept of spirit babies
Emily’s personal spiritual journey and how she began her career in mediumship
Conception and timing
How others can communicate with their own spirit babies if they’re in the process of or hoping to conceive
How to know if your spirit babies are close or coming soon
Family names and how they sometimes play into the personalities of our kids
Gender disappointment
How mothers who have experienced challenges in conception or have faced loss can connect with the energies of their spirit babies
Religion and spirituality/mediumship
And more
Connect with Emily:
https://www.emilythemedium.com/
https://www.instagram.com/emilythemedium/
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com

Feb 26, 2024 • 55min
The Hostess Handbook: Simplifying & Elevating the Art of Entertaining
This week Kacie and Gianna are talking all things hosting for the multitasking moms who love to throw a party. Together, they share their tried and true tips and tricks for being the hostess with the mostest and keeping gatherings simple and snag-free while still making a memorable night.
Kacie shares all the reasons why party planning and hosting is her love language and Gianna advises on how hosting has created a deeper connection with others in her community and encourages others to do the same.
They discuss:
Using hosting as a way to express love and build deeper connections within our communities
Organizing and Preparedness
Tips for setting the perfect ambiance for any gathering, including lighting, music, and decor choices to engage all five senses
How to simplify party planning while still elevating the experience for guests
Advice for efficiently cleaning up after a gathering to maintain a tidy space without feeling overwhelmed
Favorite practical hosting tips and the importance of adding personal touches to make guests feel welcomed and comfortable
Tips for hosting holiday celebrations; meal planning, decor ideas, and creating a festive atmosphere
Ways to prioritize guest comfort
Things you DON’T need to stress over when it comes to party planning
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com

Feb 19, 2024 • 41min
Heart Health Essentials: Knowing Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies to Improve Cardiovascular Health
This week Gianna and Kacie explore the often-overlooked realm of women's heart health and cardiovascular wellbeing. Heart disease is notoriously dubbed a silent killer, particularly for women, and their conversation unpacks why it's crucial to be vigilant about heart health – from recognizing early warning signs to understanding the importance of self-advocacy in medical care. They also share some fun presidential facts in honor of Presidents Day, recap Valentines Day and more.
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com

Feb 12, 2024 • 1h 3min
Friendships in Motherhood: Finding and Building Supportive Circles for Parental Well-being
In this week's episode we are discussing all things friendships - specifically when it comes to motherhood. How our friendships evolve, the importance of mom friendships and how they contribute to our well being, challenges that arise when wanting to make mom friends, different types of mom friends, and navigating different parenting styles among mom friends are just a few topics we cover. We also take a friendship test to see what kind of friend we are (categorically speaking) before rounding out the episode by answering some listener questions on friendship!
Mentioned in this episode:
https://www.psychologies.co.uk/test/what-kind-of-friend-are-you/
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com

Feb 5, 2024 • 1h 3min
Beauty, Happiness, and the Science of Well-Being: Lindsay Peragallo’s 15-Second Ritual for Sparking and Spreading Joy
This week we’re joined by beauty writer and editor and happiness connoisseur, Lindsay Peragallo. Lindsay has over a decade of experience contributing to leading print and digital publications including Allure, InStyle, Byrdie, Real Simple, and more. Her published work marries her product expertise and deep understanding of the industry, to deliver honest, informative, and compelling content that helps readers better navigate the beauty aisle and their online shopping carts.
On top of being a beauty expert, Lindsay knows the ins and outs of happiness and has created a memory-filled notebook called Happy Notes to help others start an engaging gratitude practice. The idea was born when a close friend encouraged some positive thinking during a less happy time in her life. In an attempt to keep the notes inexcusably convenient, she flipped to the back of her work notebook and took 15-seconds to spark joy, which in turn started the 'happy notes' self-love ritual she’s sworn by ever since.
We discuss:
The Science of Well-Being: a course you will engage in a series of challenges designed to increase your own happiness and build more productive habits
How genetics and circumstances influence our happiness as humans
The impact of social media on mental health and happiness
Positive affirmations and journaling: the benefits to recording simple moments of joy
How to train our brains to think positively
Her experiences as a NICU mom
The why behind creating her "Happy Notes" practice
Best hair and beauty products for moms
Lindsay's hair journey with Harklinikken
More of Lindsay's beauty writing
Connect with Lindsay:
https://www.instagram.com/happynotesbook
https://happynotesbook.com/
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Great offers for you from our sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. We believe in the power of therapy!! Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by using the code MOTHERUP or signing up at this link: https://betterhelp.com/motherup.

Jan 29, 2024 • 59min
Connect Method Parenting: Effective Communication, Positive Parenting Hacks, and Building Lasting Relationships with Your Kids with Andee Martineau
We’re joined by mom of 6, a reformed yeller, a bestselling author, and the creator of Connect Method Parenting: a breakthrough parenting framework that leverages connection as the primary mechanism for influencing children, Andee Martineau. Andee’s approach helps parents discover why their kids don’t listen and shows them the step-by-step process of regaining influence and building relationships that will last a lifetime. With hands-on experience raising her own children (currently aged 14-23), intensive coursework in developmental psychology, and years of experience in parenting coaching, Andee has been able to help thousands of parents learn the parenting methodology that gets their kids to WANT to listen. Her goal is to help parents stay calm, confident, and connected no matter what their kids are doing, and build strong relationships through every phase and stage.
We discuss:
How to effectively communicate with our children (without yelling)
Parenting hacks to help improve kids listening skills and strengthen the parent-child relationship
How to have productive conversations with teens
Techniques for encouraging positive behavior in children
Why we should not be trying to fix our kids and instead fix ourselves
Why bribes and ultimates don’t work
The science behind Connect Method Parenting
Gentle parenting versus Connect Method Parenting
Dealing with bully behavior
And more
Connect with Andee:
www.ConnectMethodParenting.com
www.facebook.com/ConnectMethod
www.instagram.com/AndeeMartineau
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Great offers for you from our sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. We believe in the power of therapy!! Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by using the code MOTHERUP or signing up at this link: https://betterhelp.com/motherup.

Jan 22, 2024 • 1h 2min
Routines and the Reality of Motherhood: Creating Sustainable Habits Amidst Daily Demands
Kacie and Gianna explore the intricacies of establishing and maintaining routines, from morning rituals to nighttime habits. Join our hosts as they candidly discuss the struggle of sticking to a set routine, navigating the challenges of self-care (and faith), and the importance of balance in motherhood. We also tackle trending topics, from combating online misinformation with Taylor Swift to the latest in sleep tech and how it plays into wellness in everyday life!
Topics discussed:
The challenges of balancing sleep, early mornings, and general life responsibilities
Ideal sleep windows and how to use them to your ad
How location and physical space plays a role in productivity
The struggle in setting and maintaining new, positive routines as moms
New habits K & G are committing to
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
https://www.motheruppod.com
https://www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Great offers for you from our sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. We believe in the power of therapy!! Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by using the code MOTHERUP or signing up at this link: https://betterhelp.com/motherup.

Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 11min
Everyone’s Talkin’ Money: Getting Mindful With Personal Finances, Breaking Taboos and Navigating Money Trauma With Shannah Game
We’re talking all things money with Shannah Game! Shannah is an award-winning Transformational Money Expert, host of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money podcast, Certified Financial Planner with an MBA, entrepreneur, educator, and Certified Trauma of Money Expert. Shannah waved goodbye to the old traditional financial planning model and turned her focus on helping everyone “unf*ck their relationship with money” through her podcast, Everyone’s Talkin’ Money (Formerly Millennial Money podcast) which was named a Top 4 Money podcast by the NY Times and has been downloaded 25 million+ times in over 167 countries. The show is personal finance meets money therapy - a healthy place for both your wallet and your mental health.
Topics Discussed:
The taboo around talking money and why it’s important to remove that taboo and hold conversations about it
Generational money trauma
The intersection of mental health and money
Flipping the narrative on some of our own money beliefs (being a SAHM, not having a “career”, etc.)
Best High Yield Savings Accounts
Allowance for kids and when to introduce it
Bringing kids into the conversation around money and how to help teach healthy money boundaries and awareness
The saver versus the spender: navigating conversations & differing opinions around money with your partner
Budgeting versus mindfully spending
Mentioned in this episode:
Ally Bank (HYSA)
Marcus by Goldman Sachs (HYSA)
Discover (HYSA)
American Express (HYSA)
Connect with Shannah:
www.everyonestalkinmoney.com
www.instagram.com/shannahgame
Everyone's Talkin' Money Podcast
Gianna is currently loving LIKE AIR puffcorn snacks for her and the whole fam. Tune in to Shark Tank Friday, January 19th to see a fellow mom and founder of this healthy snack company pitch to the pros. Try Like Air snacks here.
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
www.motheruppod.com
www.instagram.com/motheruppod
www.instagram.com/sosorrywithgianna
www.instagram.com/kaciehosmer

Jan 8, 2024 • 54min
Mama’s Back: Holiday Reflections, Traveling With (And Without) Kids, and the Balancing Act of Motherhood
The girls are back and it’s a new season (and new year!) of Mother Up! In this episode, Kacie and Gianna reflect on the holiday season and the emotional toll that can come along with traveling, group gatherings, and the realization that you are likely the one in charge of creating your child’s holiday memories now. They also discuss recent adventures and events - how Kacie got spontaneous by taking a last minute trip to Cabo, and how Gianna thrives under pressure when it comes to outfit planning. As they share heartwarming moments and open up about the challenges of motherhood, their conversation touches on the importance of vulnerability in relationships, self-care practices (why they’re more important now than ever), the fair play method, and what you can expect in upcoming episodes!
Mentioned in this episode:
Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live) by Eve Rodsky
Connect with Kacie & Gianna:
www.motheruppod.com
www.instagram.com/motheruppod
https://www.youtube.com/@motheruppod
View full show notes at www.motheruppod.com
Great offers for you from our sponsors:This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. We believe in the power of therapy!! Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by using the code MOTHERUP or signing up at this link: https://betterhelp.com/motherup.


