Best Shelf Reflective Podcasts (2026)

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#60: Encore: Why I Don’t Set Goals in January (and What I Do Instead) 18:44

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7d ago18:44

18:44

Send Carlene a text RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE GOAL WORKSHOP WAITLIST MY 2025 WRAPPED GUIDE AND PODCAST EPISODE New year energy can feel exciting. And it can be overwhelming. I get it. That's why I'm re-sharing one of your all-time favorite episodes, where I talk about not starting the year with resolutions, rigid goals, or pressure to "get it rig…

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#59: Encore: You’re Never Too Old to Chase Your Dreams 21:01

14d ago21:01

21:01

Send Carlene a text Every year, I see the same cycle play out: New goals in January. Burnout by March. Back to self-doubt and people-pleasing by summer. Sound familiar? This time, let’s do it differently. In this encore episode, I walk you through why “I’m too old” is one of the most dangerous lies we tell ourselves—and how to finally let it go. Fr…

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Tracking a Rare Sefer: A Forensic Case Study Centered on the 1616 Chanukas HaBayis 1:14:56

16d ago1:14:56

1:14:56

In this episode, we trace the story of this sefer through bibliographic works and library collections, following the evidence used to piece together information about the work and its author. We look at who encountered the sefer, how it was cited, and what those references reveal about its circulation and use. We then explore why the Magen Avraham …

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Year End Reflection - Most Loved Episodes Of The Podcast 37:13

19d ago37:13

37:13

As we say goodbye to a challenging 2025, Erica & I talk about 2025's most popular podcast topics and why they've resonated so much and how they resonated with us personally as we reflect upon them. Rest. Identity & Values. We record weekly so have banked about 50 episodes in 2025, moving to launch from Substack at the end of 2024. Still finding our…

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Ep 82 | Reflecting On the Year, Hopeful for the Future & What's next at For The Mom 13:51

20d ago13:51

13:51

Hey friends! In this episode, join me and pause to reflect on your year. Let's slow down with your bible in hand. I’ll also be sharing what’s ahead for For The Mom Ministry in 2026! Next Steps, Let's Connect! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Instagram www.forthemomministry.com Email me: [email protected]…

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#58: My Top 3 Book Recs to Make Space for What You Really Want Next Year 23:42

20d ago23:42

23:42

Send Carlene a text Have you ever read a book and thought, “This was written for me”? You see yourself in every story, raising your hand and saying, “Yes, that’s me.” There’s nothing like picking up the right book at the right time — the kind that sticks. In this episode, I’m sharing my top 3 book recommendations from the past year. One changed how…

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Reframing Rest. Beyond the nap. Resting From. 28:37

25d ago28:37

28:37

How do we rest when we’re restless? In this week’s podcast chat, Erica and I discover that our relationship with Rest is at either ends of the rest spectrum. That relationship very much determines how we rest and when we do. With the ‘silly season’ and the mad rush to year’s end upon us, we felt Rest was something that might be helpful to talk abou…

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Ep 81 | Creative Low Cost Christmas Gift Ideas that Your Kids Can Make or Give 9:45

26d ago9:45

9:45

Hey Moms! On today's episode, invite your kids to listen with you! I will go through multiple low cost and creative gift ideas that they can give to loved ones this season! I'd love to connect! Please leave me a rating & review! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Instagram www.forthemomministry.com Email me: [email protected]…

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#57: Your 2025 Wrapped: A Simple, Fun Way to Reflect on Your Year 17:38

28d ago17:38

17:38

Send Carlene a text Download the guide: CREATE YOUR "MY 2025 WRAPPED here It’s that time of year… The time when Spotify and Apple Music tell you which songs you’ve played on repeat all year. But it got me thinking—what if we could create a wrap-up of everything we’ve lived this year? Not just the music and the podcasts, but the full picture. I’m ta…

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Books We're Reading. Consider Adding Them To Your Shelf. 25:45

1M ago25:45

25:45

In this week’s podcast episode we are talking about the books we are currently reading or have read. Books we are enjoying and why. We also deep dive into one favourite so you can work out if it’s for you. We both read quite a few books at the same time. Maybe that’s a love of reading. Maybe that’s our ADHD speaking. :) Erica’s Fab 4 Books: are a m…

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Ep 80 | Slowing Down and Humbling Our Hearts 10:00

1M ago10:00

10:00

Hey Moms! Christmas can be chaos and we can feel overwhelmed by all the to-do lists. This episode let's pray together, and talk about ways that we can slow down our hearts and humble ourselves this Advent. I pray it encourages you! I'd love to connect! Please leave me a rating & review! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Instagram ww…

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#56: Becoming the Version of You Your Dream Requires 18:18

1M ago18:18

18:18

Send Carlene a text When we talk about dreams, we usually talk about action — what we need to do, fix, plan, or check off the list. But what if the most important part of dreaming… is becoming? In this episode, I’m flipping the script — and inviting you to stop obsessing over the to-dos and start focusing on who you need to be in order to actually …

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Ep 79 | A Christian Alternative to Elf on the Shelf! Let's talk about Shepherd on the Search 7:50

1M ago7:50

7:50

Are you looking for a Christian alternative to Elf on the Shelf? Our family has made a tradition of doing Shepherd on the Search! In this episode, I'll share what that is and why it's beneficial and a great alternative to elf on the shelf! Join me and let's kick off the Advent and Christmas season! Links: Shepherd On The Search The Shepherd on the …

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Taking My Dad's Ashes Back to Italy. A Surprisingly Complex Process & Emotional Toll 29:54

1M ago29:54

29:54

Perhaps a rather unusual topic to chat about but with such a large post WW2 migrant population in Australia and other countries, perhaps not so niche. Many are elderly now and many more have died, so the want to take them back home, is greater now than ever before. Have you taken a loved one’s ashes back to their home town, to a country outside of …

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#55: How to Manage Year-End Overwhelm and Reclaim Your Joy (Part 2) 27:53

1M ago27:53

27:53

Send Carlene a text You’ve done the inner work — now it’s time to manage everything swirling around you. In Part 2 of this two-part series, we’re shifting outward. From the ever-growing to-do list to tricky family dynamics, from outdated traditions to the pressure to say yes when you know it should be a no — this episode gives you the tools to hand…

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Ep 78 | How Do I Remain Faithful in Homeschooling? 12:45

1M ago12:45

12:45

How do I remain faithful in homeschooling my kids when I feel the weight of it all? If you've asked yourself this question, today's episode is for you! I'll share three things you can do to remain faithful in what God has called you too! Please leave me a rating & review! I'd love to connect! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Instag…

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#54: How to Manage Year-End Overwhelm and Reclaim Your Joy (Part 1) 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

Send Carlene a text This time of year can bring so much beauty… and so much pressure. So many of us are trying to hold it all together — deadlines, family dynamics, holiday expectations, and a to-do list that just won’t quit. You’re not imagining it — it’s a lot. In Part 1 of this two-part series, we’re turning inward — it’s all about calming the s…

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Ep 77 | Am I Making the Right Decision to Homeschool? 12:30

2M ago12:30

12:30

Have you worried that you're making the right decision to homeschool your kids? Do you wonder if you're making a mistake, or whether you should pull them from school? There is an answer to this question! Join me today on the podcast and walk away with confidence in your decision! Please leave me a rating & review! I'd love to connect! For The Mom H…

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What I learned selling my business and retiring. How she did it and how it's changed her life, with Tracey Bode. 46:20

2M ago46:20

46:20

“People like you don’t Retire!” In this episode of Midlife Unfiltered, we welcome special guest Tracey Bode. Tracey shares her journey of stepping back from her business after a 45-year career, and the fulfillment she has found in being present in her everyday life post-retirement. We talk about the importance of planning for retirement, what the b…

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Ep 76 | Reconnecting with God & Caring for Your Heart When Motherhood Leaves You Empty 9:45

2M ago9:45

9:45

Hey Moms! There's no shame or guilt in admitting that motherhood, at times, leaves us feeling empty. In this episode, I'll share two things you can do to care for your heart and reconnect with God. I'm glad you're here with me today. Let's Connect! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Instagram www.forthemomministry.com Email me: info@…

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How to dress in a way that feels true to who you are: with guest style expert, Fiona Keary of Style Liberation. 39:53

2M ago39:53

39:53

In the tumultuous change of midlife, it makes perfect sense that at times, we’ll feel lost. Often a loss of a sense of self - of who we are. And with that, the confidence to dress in a way that feels authentic. Erica has had times when she looks in the mirror and the image of the person looking back at her feels…well…rather alien. We talked about t…

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Learning Ramban Al HaTorah: Techeles Mordechai to Keren Pnei Moshe -Tools Across the Ages 1:30:46

2M ago1:30:46

1:30:46

For centuries, many have turned to the Ramban’s commentary to uncover Torah’s deepest layers. This episode traces how Ramban was learned through the ages — from early manuscripts to modern editions. Deep diving into Rav Mordechai Gimpel Jaffe’s Techeles Mordechai and the new edition of Keren Pnei Moshe.…

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#53: Don’t Wait for January: Start Dreaming About 2026 Now 13:14

2M ago13:14

13:14

Send Carlene a text This is the time of year when everyone’s telling you to plan your next big move. But you can’t imagine thinking about that now with the busy holiday season so near. What if 2026 didn’t start with a plan… but with a dream? What if you knew what you wanted for yourself next year? What if you could have the clarity in 15-30 minutes…

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Ep 75 | When Life Surprises You - Let's Talk Faith, Homeschooling and Surprises in Motherhood 14:30

2M ago14:30

14:30

Hey Moms, Surprises happen in life, and things don't always go as planned! Join me today on the podcast as I share a little surprise with you, and a story from last year when life took a turn I wasn't expecting! Let's Connect! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Instagram www.forthemomministry.com Email me: [email protected]…

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Alchemised: Capitalizing Fanfic 1:29:29

2M ago1:29:29

1:29:29

Fangirl Jeanne, fanfic elder, is back to revisit the fan fiction formerly known as “Manacled,” now traditionally published as “Alchemised” by SenLinYu. Three years after our initial discussion about Manacled in episodes 116 and 117, we delve into the transformation of this Harry Potter/”Dramione” (aka Draco-Hermione) + Handmaid’s Tale fanfic into a…

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#52: 7 Signs You’re Closer to Living Your Dream Than You Think 31:37

2M ago31:37

31:37

Send Carlene a text Ever wonder why some people seem to actually bring their dreams to life—while yours stays stuck in “someday”? Here’s the secret: it’s not about being the smartest, most disciplined, or most "together" person in the room. It’s about how you think, feel, and show up—especially when things get hard, boring, or uncertain. In this ep…

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You can't afford to miss this conversation if you are a women in midlife. For Future You too. 19:28

2M ago19:28

19:28

It’s not often that women’s health is given a mega spotlight. Not like this. It’s indeed rare to have 4 powerhouses of women’s health around the same table, sharing their knowledge, their wisdom with the goal of making us more aware of how our body works, what it needs to work well now, and for Future Us. Steven Bartlett on his podcast Diary Of A C…

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Ep 74 | Going Through A Spiritual Dry Season? - Encouragement for Faith in Motherhood 9:40

2M ago9:40

9:40

Hey Friends! In motherhood we sometimes go through seasons of spiritual dryness. We can't hear God's voice and we feel distant from Him. Join me today as we dive into His word. Let's pray together, I hope you find encouragement for your weary heart today. In Christ, Maryse Let's Connect! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Instagram w…

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#51: Here’s Why Celebrating Yourself Isn’t Selfish — It’s Necessary 18:25

2M ago18:25

18:25

Send Carlene a text When’s the last time you really gave yourself credit, really celebrated yourself? Not just for what you did, but for what you overcame — or how much you’ve grown. I used to think that celebrating myself would come after I did something “big enough.” But what if celebration isn’t a reward for results — what if it’s actually fuel …

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Beyond the Shortlist: The 2025 Booker Longlist titles worth your time • #181 1:03:49

2M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

In which Kate is joined by pod regular, journalist Phil Chaffee and Professor Elizabeth Eva Leach. Both read over 200 books a year, and their reading stacks this year have included the Booker longlist. And so who better to consider the books that didn't make the final cut – but which are, notwithstanding, the 'best' books selected from over 150 sub…

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The Misconceptions of Mediocrity. 31:28

3M ago31:28

31:28

Just last week Erica declared something that was NOT very Erica to me. That with so much on her plate, she wasn’t striving for an A in her assignment, she was going for a pass. WHAAAT? And then there was Jennifer at Midlife Anticrisis - ‘Being Mediocre’, post we both read (and loved). We felt the universe was sending a message and that we simply ha…

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#50: Midlife, Menopause, and the New Brain You Didn’t Expect 28:40

3M ago28:40

28:40

Send Carlene a text I’ve been flooded with messages from you since last week’s episode — so many of you said, “This is me. This is what I’ve been feeling. And I had no idea what to call it.” You’re not alone. If you’re in your 40s or 50s, and your brain suddenly feels foggy, unmotivated, or like it’s just… off — this episode is for you. We’re talki…

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Ep 73 | What Legacy Are You Leaving Your Children - Motherhood and The Hard Questions 6:30

3M ago6:30

6:30

Hey Moms! Today on the podcast we’re talking about a mother’s legacy. Big words I know, but what legacy are you leaving your children? What will they remember about their childhood? Their education? You won’t want to miss this one! If you’re new to For the Mom podcast, I’d love to hear from you, please leave me a rating and review. For The Mom Home…

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Autumn bookshelf, with Kate & Laura • Episode #180 48:07

3M ago48:07

48:07

In this episode: Kate and Laura are catching up on their pre-Booker season reading. Did You Are Here by David Nicholls make Laura want to lace up her walking boots? How did Kate get on with A Waiter in Paris by Edward Chisholm, a page-turning account that explores a side of the city that tourists never see. We're also reporting back on book club re…

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Ep 72 | When Your Week Doesn't Go As Planned - A Reminder to Slow Down 9:35

3M ago9:35

9:35

Hey Moms! Sometimes no matter how hard we plan or try, our weeks doesn't go as planned. Maybe this is your gentle reminder that you need to slow down! Join me this week o the podcast, and you can hear how God used a speeding ticket to really slow me down. I'd love to hear from you and connect! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Insta…

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Rewriting the Wallflowers: Revisionist History 1:39:07

3M ago1:39:07

1:39:07

Have you read Lisa Kleypas's neogothic duology: Devil in Winter and It Happened One Autumn? Tehyah Carver shares her provocative claims about Kleypas’s Wallflower series, including how St. Vincent is a gothic heroine. We also discuss the revisions the author made to the texts around 2021, theories on why the changes were made, and how we feel about…

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This doesn't feel like me. When your style mojo goes AWOL in midlife, what's going on? 27:51

3M ago27:51

27:51

“When I feel ‘styled’ I don’t feel like me”. A recent trip to the hairdressers left Erica feeling like her new hair cut doesn’t really feel like her. Even questioning does that even matter? It may seem frivalous at first, but thinking about why and talking it through…well…turns out it’s faaar from frivalous. Join us as we talk it through on the pod…

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#49: Is It ADHD… or Menopause? (And What It Means for Breast Cancer Survivors) 25:44

3M ago25:44

25:44

Send Carlene a text Brain fog? No motivation? Can’t remember anything? You might be wondering — is it ADHD… or menopause? And what does either one have to do with chasing a dream? In today’s solo episode, I’m unpacking what happens when estrogen drops, dopamine crashes, and your once-focused brain suddenly can’t finish a sentence — much less a crea…

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Book Club: Universality and Sparks of Bright Matter • Episode #179 52:32

3M ago52:32

52:32

Book Club: Universality by Natasha Brown & Sparks of Bright Matter by Leeanne O'Donnell Welcome to The Book Club Review! In this episode, Laura joins Kate to dive into two book club picks: Natasha Brown's much-anticipated second novel, Universality, and the debut Sparks of Bright Matter by Leeanne O'Donnell. In this episode: Kate and Laura catch up…

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Ep 71 | Life Skills and Homeschooling - Why They Matter 13:07

3M ago13:07

13:07

Hey Moms! Life skills matter: cooking, cleaning, laundry, budgeting, chores....the list goes on. Join me today as we talk about some important life skills, why they matter and how you can incorporate them into your homeschool. Let's Connect! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group For The Mom Instagram www.forthemomministry.com Email me: info@forthem…

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#48: The Science of Recovery: How Your Nervous System Fuels Your Dreams 29:38

3M ago29:38

29:38

Send Carlene a text I used to think recovery meant sleep, a long walk, or a girls’ weekend — but even after all that, I still felt drained. It didn’t make sense… until I learned what was actually happening in my nervous system. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real science of recovery — how your body toggles between go mode and rest mode, and…

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Has your life been touched by Dementia? 22:57

3M ago22:57

22:57

“Thank goodness you said I have dementia and not Alzeheimer’s.” These were words I heard on a Hammondcare’s Dementia podcast when Prof Cunningham was relaying a story. Having been on a dementia journey with my family and Dad, I am rather familiar with this misconception about dementia. It’s why we need to have many, many, many conversations about i…

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Ep 70 | Balancing Structure & Flexibility in Homeschooling 13:07

3M ago13:07

13:07

Hey Moms! Today, I'm taking you into a lesson from The ADHD Homeschool Course. If you’ve been feeling like your current routine isn’t working, it’s probably because it’s either too rigid or too chaotic. The ideal homeschooling routine needs to have both structure and flexibility. Join me today! Let's Connect! For The Mom Homeschool Facebook Group F…

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Morbid Curiosity Meets Romance with Dr. Coltan Scrivner 1:02:01

3M ago1:02:01

1:02:01

Are readers of dark romance or bodice rippers more morbidly curious than those who read sweet romcoms? Is the allure of horror and scary romance similar. Dr. Coltan Scrivner joins Shelf Love to discuss his new book, “Morbidly Curious,” and its insights on why people are drawn to scary media. The conversation delves into how understanding morbid cur…

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#47: Steal My 7-Step Focus Routine and Make Real Progress on Your Dreams 22:52

3M ago22:52

22:52

Send Carlene a text Your dreams deserve more than scattered energy and half-finished to-do lists. They need your focus. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact 7-step focus routine I use behind the scenes to move my dream work forward — even when life gets full, messy, or distracting (which, let’s be honest… is most of the time). This isn’t about be…

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Remembering R’ Dovid Kamenetsky: His generosity, Legacy, & Seforim 1:15:12

3M ago1:15:12

1:15:12

In this episode, I share a hesped for R’ Dovid Kamenetsky זצ״ל, a talmid chacham & prolific author. I reflect on my personal connection with him and the lessons we can learn from his life—especially his generosity and devotion to helping others. I also trace his legacy, highlighting his many significant works on the Vilna Gaon and his Beis Medrash,…

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Dominate Your Desire 1:11:31

3M ago1:11:31

1:11:31

Listen...or don't. Shelf Love: NEW! Substack for original writing and stuff | Website | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Email: [email protected] Jodie Slaughter