The Running Wine Mom

In today’s episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with legendary New York Times sports columnist and bestselling author Harvey Araton to celebrate the release of his new middle-grade novel, The Goal of the Game. Together, they explore youth sports culture, burnout, identity, pressure, and the pure joy behind why kids—and adults—play.Harvey shares personal stories from his decades covering the Olympics, Wimbledon, the NBA, and iconic athletes like Michael Jordan, while also reflecting on his own playing days, parenting, and how writing for middle-grade readers reshaped his creative process.If you’re raising a young athlete, navigating the youth sports world, or remembering why you fell in love with a game—this episode will hit home.What We CoverWhy Harvey shifted from journalism to middle-grade fictionThe real purpose of youth sports (and how far culture has drifted)Overtraining, pressure, and the staggering dropout rate in youth sportsHow elite athletes shaped his understanding of talent and identityThe moment Harvey shared live, on deadline, with his son during Michael Jordan’s final championshipHow adults can reclaim “play” in everyday lifeWhat he hopes kids (and parents) take from The Goal of the GameThis Week’s Sponsor: El Tule Restaurant — Lambertville, NJ Authentic Peruvian + Mexican cuisine with the best margaritas in Bucks County. Perfect for date night, girls night, or a post-sports-practice treat. 👉 https://eltulerestaurant.com/Harvey’s New Book📘 The Goal of the Game (Middle Grade Novel) A story about soccer, friendship, pressure, and finding joy again. 👉 https://a.co/d/2hDk8zcWhere to Find Harvey Araton: harveyaraton.comIf this episode resonated with you, share it with a parent, coach, or young athlete who might need the reminder: Play for the love of the game. Follow Samantha on Instagram: @therunningwinemom_

In this powerful episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha sits down with bestselling author, speaker, and personal development coach Andrea Owen for a deeply honest conversation about identity, motherhood, shame, sobriety, and what it truly means to live like you give a damn.Andrea opens up about the moment she stopped living on autopilot, the bold moves that changed her life, how to navigate the inner critic, and why so many moms lose themselves in the survival mode of everyday parenting. Together, Samantha and Andrea explore relatable stories, hard truths, and the surprising beauty of choosing yourself—even when it feels impossible.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected from your joy, burnt out, or quietly questioning your relationship with alcohol… this episode is a gentle but direct invitation to come home to yourself.⭐ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODEThe moment Andrea realized she was done living on autopilotWhy “knowing better” is different than “doing differently” (and how moms can bridge that gap)The boldest and hardest move from her book Live Like You Give a DamnHow shame and self-sabotage show up uniquely in motherhoodRelatable mom stories that reveal deeper emotional patternsHow to quiet the inner critic during chaotic mom momentsWhy so many moms can’t identify their joy anymore—and how to rediscover itThe culture of wine-mom humor vs. the reality of sober curiosityAndrea’s candid take on sobriety in motherhoodHow moms can model assertiveness, boundaries, and “making noise” for their kidsThe small daily shifts that create massive personal changeThe one thing Andrea hopes every listener will take from this episode⭐ LINKS & RESOURCESLearn more about Andrea Owen: 🔗 Website — https://andreaowen.com/ 🔗 Books — https://andreaowen.com/books/ 🔗 Live Like You Give a Damn — https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781649633668/livelikeyougiveadamn/ 🔗 How to Stop Feeling Like Sht* — https://andreaowen.com/htsfyls/ 🔗 52 Ways to Live a Kickass Life — https://andreaowen.com/books/ 🔗 Speaking & Events — https://www.a-speakers.com/speakers/andrea-owen/ 🔗 Habits Course — https://andreaowen.com/habits-course/Connect with Samantha: 🔗 Instagram — https://instagram.com/therunningwinemom 🔗 TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@therunningwinemom 🔗 Newsletter —https://substack.com/@therunningwinemom 🔗 Podcast Website — www.therunningwinemom.com⭐ QUOTABLE MOMENTS “You can’t live like you give a damn if you’re constantly apologizing for existing.” “Joy doesn’t disappear — we just stop recognizing what it looks like for us.” “Sobriety didn’t take something away from me. It handed my life back.” “Your kids don’t need a perfect mom. They need a mom who is awake to her own life.”If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might need a reminder that she’s allowed to take up space, set boundaries, and rediscover her joy.And don’t forget to follow the show and leave a review — it helps more moms find conversations like this one.

In this jam-packed, practical, and surprisingly fun episode, Samantha sits down with functional nutritionist and inflammation specialist Christa Biegler for a deep—yet totally doable—conversation on staying healthy through the chaos of the holiday season.Christa breaks down how stress really impacts the immune system, why digestion and cortisol can tank this time of year, and the small five-minutes-or-less habits that actually make a difference.They dive into mouth taping, immunoglobulins, circadian rhythm disruption, seasonal foods, digestion hacks, electrolyte balance, PCOS inflammation links, and the realities of parenting in high-stress seasons.By the end, you’ll walk away with realistic strategies, grounded science, and permission to simplify your health goals during the busiest time of year.🔗 Links Mentioned in the EpisodeChrista Biegler • Website: https://www.christabiegler.com • About Christa: https://www.christabiegler.com/about • Book – The Eczema Relief Diet & Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B085DKC7Y6 • Podcast – The Less Stressed Life: https://www.lessstressedlife.comBrands, Tools & Resources Discussed • Ladder Fitness App: https://www.joinladder.com • Davidson’s Organics Tea (Christmas Tea): https://www.davidsonstea.com • Good Earth “Sweet & Spicy” Tea: https://www.goodearth.com • Immunoglobulin supplement info (ImmunoLin®): https://www.enteranutritionals.com/immunolin • Full-spectrum light therapy lamps: search “10,000 lux light” on Amazon • Dead Sea / Epsom salts for recovery • Mouth taping (first-aid/transport tape): typical medical-grade tapes on Amazon or pharmacy • Electrolytes (high sodium + potassium options): LMNT, Redmond Re-Lyte, etc.🧠 What We Cover (Timestamps)Highlights include:Stress + immune function during the holidaysImmunoglobulins and why support matters in cold/flu seasonMouth taping for deeper sleep (and why it works)Supporting digestion when eating differently during the holidaysBitters, fennel, enzymes & after-dinner teaCortisol spikes, exercise timing & helpful hacksThe role of light exposure on hormone balanceReducing blue light + red light mode on your phoneEating seasonally for microbiome diversityParenting overwhelm, reactivity, and energy drainsFive-minute practices to regulate your nervous systemSeasonal rhythms + giving yourself permission to restPiggy Paint Nail Polish 1924 Wine

In this episode of The Running Wine Mom, Samantha Cieslinski sits down with legendary footwear innovator Stuart Jenkins, founder and CEO of Blumaka and creator of Flex Footwear. From running the Boston Marathon before there were mile markers to helping brands like HOKA, UGG, and Reebok transform the way we move, Stuart’s story is equal parts grit, vision, and innovation.Samantha and Stuart swap stories about running, motherhood, and mindset—exploring what it takes to believe in an idea when no one else does. They dive deep into:How 94 companies said no before Reebok said yesThe invention of air-cushioned soles before Nike AirWhy sustainability and performance must coexistHow Blumaka turns 85 percent recycled foam waste into insoles that outperform the originalsWhat it meant for Oprah Winfrey to name Flex Footwear one of her Favorite Things of 2024And why every marathon—and every dream—starts with one brave step forwardIt’s an inspiring, soulful, and surprisingly funny conversation about perseverance, purpose, and the simple joy of lacing up and moving forward.Guest Links🌍 Blumaka Website → https://blumaka.com CODE: TRWM👟 Flex Footwear → https://fleksfootwear.com📸 Follow Stuart Jenkins → @blumakaofficialHost Links🎙 The Running Wine Mom Podcast → Apple Podcasts | Spotify🍷 Follow Samantha Cieslinski → Instagram @therunningwinemom_💌 Join the Community → therunningwinemom.substack.comTimestamps00:00 Intro – Meet Stuart Jenkins 02:00 Wine, Whine & Win of the Week 08:30 Oprah’s Favorite Things Feature & the Power of Vision Boards 14:00 From Cattle Ranch to Olympic Trials Runner 25:00 Blumaka’s Mission: Turning Foam Waste into Performance Innovation 35:00 Why Ins oles Matter More Than You Think 41:00 What It Takes to Keep Going After 94 Rejections 52:00 Stuart’s Final Advice for Dreamers and Creators 54:30 Outro – “There Is No Finish Line.”Pull Quote for Promotion“Seek to solve a big problem, and solve it fiercely and collaboratively. Don’t do it to get rich—do it because the world needs it.” — Stuart Jenkins

Host: Samantha Cieslinski Guest: Brittany Gallagher, LCSW | Founder of The Mom Chat Therapy & WellnessMotherhood changes everything — your schedule, your identity, your emotions, and sometimes, your sanity. Samantha sits down with Brittany Gallagher, licensed clinical social worker and founder of The Mom Chat Therapy & Wellness, to talk about the invisible load moms carry, the myth of “bouncing back,” and how to actually care for yourself while caring for everyone else.They share stories about marathon running, messy mornings, mom guilt, boundaries, and how mindfulness can make even the smallest rituals — like your $8 latte — a form of therapy.If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes, questioning your patience, or trying to find you again, this episode is a gentle reminder: you are not alone, and you are enough. 💛🧠 Episode Highlights🥂 Wine, Whine & Win of the Week — Dirty martinis, toddler repetition, and small wins that matter🧩 The Invisible Load — How to name and share the unseen mental work of motherhood💪 Fitness & Mental Health — Running, Peloton, and the power of group energy💬 Parenting with Boundaries & Kindness — Why gentle ≠ permissive💧 Micro Moments of Calm — Regulating your nervous system with small daily rituals🧍‍♀️ Identity After Kids — Why it’s not about “bouncing back,” but transforming forward📱 Social Media Boundaries — Protecting your feed, your family, and your peace🌈 Hope & Healing — Why therapy for moms matters more than ever🔗 Links & Resources🌐 The Mom Chat Therapy & Wellness📖 About Brittany Gallagher📸 Follow Brittany on Instagram: @the.momchat🎧 Follow Samantha on Instagram: @therunningwinemom_📰 Join The Running Wine Mom Newsletter: Subscribe on Substack💬 Memorable Quotes“You don’t have to be perfect to be an incredible mom — you just have to be you.” — Brittany Gallagher“Your kids won’t remember your 4:45 a.m. alarm — they’ll remember the energy you brought to the day.” — Samantha CieslinskiIf this episode made you breathe a little deeper, share it with a mom who needs the reminder that she’s not alone. Leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and tag @therunningwinemom_ and @the.momchat in your biggest mom win of the week! 💪🍷