The Mom Room

Esther Hallam on Starting an Organic Baby Formula Company

Ep541. Renee sits down with Esther Hallam, founder of Nara Organics, to talk about what inspired her to launch a baby formula company from the ground up in a space usually dominated by big pharma. Esther shares the challenges she faced after her daughter was born, when breastfeeding became painful, and how that experience led her to create a cleaner, whole-milk–based formula. They also dive into the postpartum phase of new mom life — from the guilt that so often surrounds feeding decisions to the reality of balancing motherhood while starting a business (no small feat!). Find Esther:  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/estherhallam/ Website: https://nara.com Sponsors: Wayfair — Cozify your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. Find it all for way less at https://www.Wayfair.com.  Skims - Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. https://www.skims.com/momroom Name Bubbles - Visit namebubbles.com and use code MOMROOM15 for 15% off your first order. RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community  YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaining 15 lbs and Wanting to Lose Weight: An Honest Chat

EP540. In this vulnerable solo episode, I open up about my history with weight and body fluctuations, and how it’s showing up for me right now. After seeing a photo of myself recently and not even recognizing the person in it, I did something I’ve never done before: I bought a scale. I’ve gained about 15 pounds in the past year, and I’m sharing honestly about my decision to make some changes! I talk about how it feels almost taboo to admit that you want to lose weight these days (am I going to be cancelled?), and the mindset shifts I’m working through as I focus on my health and wanting to feel my best. I also break down the simple dietary changes I’m making and yes, I get specific with numbers, including how much I used to weigh, what I weight now, and what my goals are. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about your relationship with your body or guilty for wanting to make a change, this conversation is for you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephanie O’Dea on Slow Living, Family Life & Breaking Free from Hustle Culture

Ep539. This week, Renee chats with Stephanie O’Dea, bestselling cookbook author and host of The Slow Living Podcast, about what happens when you swap hustle culture for a slower, more intentional way of life. Stephanie shares how a New Year’s resolution to use her slow cooker every day for a year turned into viral fame, cookbook deals, and a career she never saw coming — all while raising three kids. They dig into why “fast” doesn’t always mean better, how to push back against hustle culture, and the simple systems that make everyday life calmer and more sustainable. Stephanie also opens up about parenting in the age of social media, money lessons she’s passed on to her kids, and the daily habits that keep her grounded. It’s part inspiration, part real talk — and encouragement to choose presence over perfection. Find Stephanie: Website: https://www.ayearofslowcooking.com/ Podcast: Slow Living Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieODea.author Sponsors: Wayfair — Cozify your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. Find it all for way less at https://www.Wayfair.com.  Skims - Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. https://www.skims.com/momroom Name Bubbles - Visit namebubbles.com and use code MOMROOM15 for 15% off your first order. RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Solo: Sinus Infections, Solo Parenting, and Surgery Gone Wrong

EP538. In this episode, I’m showing up real and raw to talk about the not-so-glamorous side of mom life. From navigating the chaos of solo parenting while sick, to my ongoing battle with chronic sinus infections, I’m sharing it all. I also open up about those moments when your child says something that stings... only to remind myself that their little prefrontal cortex isn’t fully developed yet. And for a wild twist, I tell the story of my sinus surgery in 2015 that went horribly wrong (yes, it’s as bad as it sounds). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carla Ondrasik on Music, Motherhood & Letting Go of Perfection

Ep 537. This week, Renee chats with Carla Ondrasik, former music publishing executive turned mentor and author, about success, identity, and why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop trying. Carla shares stories from her career developing chart-topping artists like Barbra Streisand, Mariah Carey, and Christina Aguilera — and what walking away from the industry taught her about worth, balance, and family. They dive into the pressure so many women feel to prove themselves, the danger of tying identity to achievement, and the freedom that comes from redefining success on your own terms. Carla’s upcoming book Stop Trying! is both her story and a guide for anyone ready to let go of constant striving and finally start living. Find Carla:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaondrasik Website: https://www.carlaondrasik.com/book Sponsors: Wayfair — Cozify your space with Wayfair’s curated collection of easy, affordable fall updates. Find it all for way less at https://www.Wayfair.com.  Skims - Shop SKIMS Fits Everybody collection at SKIMS.com. After you place your order, be sure to let them know we sent you! Select "podcast" in the survey and be sure to select our show in the dropdown menu that follows. https://www.skims.com/momroom Name Bubbles - Visit namebubbles.com and use code MOMROOM15 for 15% off your first order. RENEE REINA   Instagram: @themomroom | @thereneereina   TikTok: @thereneereina   Facebook Community - The Mom Room Community YouTube: Renee Reina - The Mom Room Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices