Suburban Burnout

Tired, Anxious, Over It? Ask Yourself This

In this episode, Megan and Laura unpack the rising anxiety so many parents are feeling right now, but don’t worry, we’re not here to add to the noise. We’re here to help lighten the load.
From the invisible mental strain of parenting to financial stress and the endless digital overwhelm, we get honest about what’s really weighing us down. We share our own stories, validate the daily chaos you might be navigating, and offer some deeply reflective (and surprisingly satisfying) questions that can help bring clarity, calm, and a bit more control back into your life.
We’re diving into:
Why anxiety feels like the new baseline for parents
The emotional cost of doing it all (and doing it alone)
How modern life erodes community—and why rebuilding it matters
Letting go of pressure and reassessing your values
The questions you actually need to ask to move forward with more peace
This isn’t about bubble baths and deep breathing—this is about getting real, reclaiming your time, and remembering who you are underneath the mental load.
Find all these questions on our blog www.suburbanburnout.com 
Book Rec: Getting TO Neutral
 
 
 

Inside Today’s Public School System w/Leslie Oduwole

In this empowering episode of Suburban Burnout, we sit down with Leslie Oduwole—a two-time Collegiate All-American athlete turned educator and Assistant Principal at Pflugerville ISD. Leslie shares her personal journey from the tennis courts to school administration and dives deep into the realities of today’s public education system.
We discuss how parents can effectively support their children, whether they’re navigating academic pressures, school safety, bullying, special education needs, or the maze of college prep. Leslie also offers clear guidance on advocating for accommodations, understanding student rights during school investigations, and fostering student growth without getting lost in the college admissions race.
Whether your child is neurodivergent, anxious about school, or aiming for a top-tier university, this episode is packed with tools, insights, and encouragement for every stage of the journey.
www.suburbanburnout.com
Key Takeaways:
Leslie’s transition from student-athlete to school administrator
What real parental involvement looks like today
How to build better communication with teachers and school leaders
Understanding special education resources, both in and out of school systems
A breakdown of students’ rights during school investigations
Addressing bullying and digital peer pressure with empathy and clarity
How colleges evaluate applicants—and why balance matters more than burnout
Helpful Resources for Parents in Texas:
🌟 Special Education & Evaluation Resources:
Texas Project FIRST (Families, Information, Resources, Support, and Training) – A parent-friendly site created by parents, for parents of students receiving special education services.
Navigate Life Texas – Find diagnostic testing options and special needs support services outside of the school system.
Texas Education Agency – Special Education Parent Resources – Learn your rights and how to request an evaluation.
The Arc of Texas – Advocacy and education resources for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Cyber Safety, Vapes, and the Real Consequences w/Crime Stoppers, Cally Conklin

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by Cally Conklin, Statewide Education Specialist and lawyer with Crime Stoppers of Houston. Cally breaks down the real dangers kids are facing today, from cyberbullying and sextortion to the rising addiction to vaping. We talk about the difference between peer conflict and bullying, the impact of David’s Law, and how parents can start tough but necessary conversations about online safety, sexting, and substance use. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the digital world your kids are growing up in, this conversation is a must-listen.
A proud native of Dripping Springs, Texas, Cally earned her BA in English from the University of Texas at Austin before going on to graduate from Texas A&M University School of Law. Mother of three she knows first hand the difficult decisions and guidelines we as parents need to enforce to keep our kids safe.
https://crime-stoppers.org/
www.suburbanburnout.com
Takeaways
Cally Conklin transitioned from law to nonprofit work.
Cyber safety is a top concern for parents and educators.
Bullying is defined as intentional, repeated harm.
David's Law mandates schools to investigate cyberbullying.
Parents play a crucial role in empowering kids against bullying.
Open conversations about expectations are vital for families.
Monitoring tools can help parents keep kids safe online.
Private profiles limit strangers' access to children.
Traffickers often pose as peers to exploit minors.
It's never too late for victims to seek help. Parents should lean into uncomfortable conversations with their teens.
Discussing sexting is crucial for understanding its implications.
Legal consequences of sexting can affect minors significantly.
Vaping devices are often disguised to evade detection by parents.
Nicotine in vaping products is highly addictive and more concentrated than in cigarettes.
Open dialogue about vaping can empower teens to make informed choices.
Schools are implementing strict policies against vaping to deter usage.
Parents should be aware of the potential dangers of digital communication.
Encouraging teens to share their experiences can foster trust.
Parents are doing better than they think by seeking information and having conversations.
Chapters
00:00Cally Conklin's Journey to Crime Stoppers
02:58Understanding Cyber Safety Concerns
06:01Defining Bullying vs. Peer Conflict
12:00The Impact of David's Law
14:57Empowering Kids to Be Upstanders
19:56Navigating Online Safety and Privacy
27:57Understanding Human Trafficking and Sextortion
40:50Navigating Difficult Conversations with Teens
44:27Understanding Legal Implications of Sexting
51:39Addressing the Vaping Epidemic
01:01:43Empowering Parents in Digital Conversations

Ways to Build Your Kid’s Work Ethic (Starting with You)

Raising hardworking kids isn’t just about chores and grades, it starts with the example you set. Megan and Laura break down five key parenting strategies to foster a strong work ethic while avoiding burnout. From modeling healthy habits to balancing grit with rest, this episode explores how your approach to work shapes your child’s mindset, resilience, and future success. Tune in for real talk on parenting, boundaries, and raising kids who thrive.
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Takeaways
Instilling a strong work ethic is crucial for children's future success.
Parents often make life too easy for their children, hindering their coping skills.
Parental burnout can negatively affect children's development and academic achievement.
Children learn work ethics from observing their parents' behaviors and attitudes.
It's important to balance passion and practicality in career choices.
Workaholism can lead to neglect of personal health and relationships.
Communication about work and its challenges is essential in parenting.
Children should be taught the value of hard work without tying their self-worth to it.
Setting boundaries around work is important for family dynamics.
The next generation may prioritize life over work more than previous generations. Adulting can be overwhelming and challenging.
Encouraging autonomy helps children develop resilience.
Promoting a growth mindset is essential for overcoming challenges.
Modeling positive character traits influences children's behavior.
Balanced parenting provides children with security and independence.
Encouraging new experiences fosters adaptability and growth.
Children should learn to navigate challenges independently.
Failure should be viewed as an opportunity for growth.
Open communication is vital in parent-child relationships.
Adjusting parenting styles based on circumstances is important.

Less Effort, More Glow: Minimalist Beauty & A Courageous Business Pivot w/Stephanie Garcia-Malcom

Quick makeup and skincare tips for a refreshed look—and the bold decision to walk away from a successful life chapter in pursuit of creativity, balance, motherhood, and meaning.
Ever feel overwhelmed by the endless beauty trends and skin products promising miracles? This episode will flip the script on everything you thought you knew about skincare, makeup, and aging. Stephanie Garcia-Malcom, a celebrity and fashion makeup artist with 20+ years of global experience, joins us to share the real secrets to glowing skin, aging gracefully, and simplifying your beauty routine.
Stephanie started her career in London, spent years traveling the world, worked Fashion Weeks in London and New York, lived and worked in LA for seven years, and now calls the Texas Hill Country home. She’s worked with clients like Nina Dobrev, Alexa Chung, Benedict Cumberbatch, Cara Delevingne, Elle Macpherson, Suki Waterhouse, Jane Seymour, Madelaine Petsch, and more. The consistent reason they call her? Her “less is more” approach to makeup and skin that enhances natural beauty—not hides it.
With a Fine Art degree guiding her expert eye for symmetry and color, Stephanie brings a unique artistry to beauty. Her editorial work has graced the pages of Grazia, Glamour, Marie Claire, Vogue UK and Russia, Wonderland, and Harper’s Hong Kong.
Instagram @stephanieminimalistmakeup
In this episode, we dive into:
Why simplified skincare is more powerful than a 12-step routine
How gut health, face mapping, and collagen connect to skin concerns
What aging skin really needs (hint: it’s not just more water)
Practical beauty routines and makeup tips for busy women
Her courageous decision to walk away from a thriving beauty brand
The power of mentorship, community, and rediscovering your purpose
Holistic tools like gua sha and cupping for glowing, healthy skin
Download Stephanie effortless morning routine. LINK

Part Two: Nurse Mercy’s Real Talk on Peptides, Protein & Health Over 30

In this one of two conversations with Nurse Mercy co-founder of Connect Mobile Health, we delve into the world of peptides, discussing their benefits, the importance of proper medical supervision, and the individualization of treatment. They explore the role of peptides in muscle building, the significance of protein intake, and the impact of gut health on overall wellness. The discussion also touches on the importance of tracking bone density and muscle mass, as well as the role of creatine in maintaining muscle health, especially as one ages. At the very end Nurse Mercy leaves us with the most vital wisdom for creating the best ecosystem for your health and wellness that will exceed fad diets or supplements. For part one listen HERE
www.suburbanburnout.com
If you missed Part One, Mercy left hospital nursing behind and built a thriving mobile wellness practice in Austin—bringing IV therapy, NAD+, and personalized care straight to people's homes. She’s worked with everyone from busy moms to big names like Joe Rogan and Baker Mayfield—and her passion for helping people optimize their health is next level.
Takeaways
Having a good provider is crucial for peptide therapy.
Peptides can have significant effects on health optimization.
Individual screening is necessary to determine peptide candidacy.
Not all peptides stimulate human growth hormone.
Protein intake should be prioritized, especially in the morning.
Muscle building is essential as we age.
Gut health can improve with mindful eating and peptide use.
Regular lab work helps track health progress.
Creatine is beneficial for muscle health, especially in aging individuals.
Peptides are not a magic solution; they require effort and lifestyle changes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Peptides and Their Importance05:04 Understanding Candidate Suitability for Peptides10:34 The Role of Peptides in Muscle Building15:15 Protein Intake and Its Impact on Health21:05 Bone Density and Muscle Mass Tracking26:31 Gut Health and Its Connection to Peptides31:21 The Importance of Creatine in Muscle Health32:02 Understanding Creatine and Its Benefits35:05 Creatine for Women: Myths and Realities41:31 The Importance of Recovery in Fitness49:12 Nutrition and Growth: Fueling Young Athletes56:00 The Power of Community and Mindset
  

NCA Profit over Protection? The Stampede, Safety Failures, & Conspiracy Theories

UPDATE: Listen at the end for a Varsity NCA update presented after the initial episode was recorded (added 3/11/2025)
In this episode of Suburban Burnout, Laura and Megan discuss the chaos that unfolded during the NCAA National Cheerleading Association's national competition in Dallas, where an active scare led to mass panic. They explore the events leading up to the incident, the reactions from parents and attendees, and the subsequent media coverage. The conversation delves into the implications of security measures at large events and the conflicting narratives surrounding the incident, ultimately questioning the adequacy of safety protocols in place. In this conversation, Laura and Megan discuss the recent safety concerns surrounding cheerleading competitions, particularly focusing on the lack of security measures and the prioritization of profit over safety. They reflect on the emotional impact of a chaotic event, the resilience of the cheer community, and the financial burdens placed on parents. The discussion also touches on the economic implications of such events and the need for better safety protocols in the future, ultimately highlighting the strength and support found within the cheer community.
Have thoughts or information on this topic or any youth sports association? Contact us: www.suburbanburnout.com
Takeaways
The NCAA competition is a major event for cheerleading.
An active shooter scare caused panic among attendees.
Fear and anxiety are heightened in today's society.
Media coverage can shape public perception of events.
Security measures at large events are often inadequate.
Conflicting accounts can lead to confusion and misinformation.
Public reactions can vary widely based on personal experiences.
The importance of clear communication during crises is crucial.
Alcohol can exacerbate tensions at public events.
The need for better safety protocols at large gatherings is evident. Profit margins are prioritized over safety in events.
The response from Varsity after the incident was inadequate.
The emotional impact of the event was significant for attendees.
Community support was evident in the aftermath of the chaos.
Parents face substantial financial burdens in competitive cheer.
The economic impact of cheer competitions is substantial for cities.
There is a need for improved security measures at events.
Trauma from such events can manifest in various ways.
The cheer community showed resilience and kindness during the crisis.
Conversations about safety and financial expectations are crucial for parents.
 
 

Raising Boys: Puberty, Communication, and Healthy Development

In this insightful episode of the Suburban Burnout podcast, hosts Laura and Megan draw inspiration from Dr. Cara Natterson's book, Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons, to explore the multifaceted journey of parenting boys through adolescence. They delve into the unique challenges mothers face during their sons' tween and teen years, emphasizing the critical role of open communication in fostering trust and understanding. The discussion sheds light on the physical and emotional changes boys experience during puberty, highlighting the importance of addressing topics such as sexual development, consent, and body image. Laura and Megan also examine the impact of nutrition, sleep, and technology on boys' well-being, offering practical strategies to establish boundaries and guide healthy habits. By confronting the influence of media and pornography on young men's perceptions of sex, they underscore the necessity of early and ongoing conversations about healthy sexuality. This episode equips parents with the knowledge and tools to support their sons' development into confident, respectful, and well-adjusted individuals.
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Takeaways
Raising boys can be particularly challenging and stressful for mothers.
Open communication is crucial during the tween and teen years.
Understanding puberty in boys is essential for effective parenting.
Nutrition and sleep play a significant role in adolescent development.
Technology and screen time can impact sleep and emotional health.
Teens often make poor decisions due to underdeveloped brains.
Building connections with teens requires understanding their interests.
Coping mechanisms are important for managing emotions during adolescence.
Establishing trust and safe spaces for dialogue is vital.
Sexual development and media influence are critical topics to address with boys.
Pornography can create unrealistic sexual expectations for young men.
Healthy sexual relationships should be the ultimate goal for parents.
Parental controls on devices are essential for protecting children.
Conversations about consent should be ongoing and age-appropriate.
Boys face body image issues similar to girls, often influenced by societal standards.
Parents should frame discussions around health rather than weight.
Open communication about sexuality can prevent misinformation from peers.
Consent can be withdrawn at any time during sexual interactions.
Boys need to learn about respecting boundaries in all aspects of life.
Parents should not assume their children are too young to discuss sexual topics.
Purchase Book for yourself LINK
 

IV Therapy, Peptides & the Wellness Trends Everyone’s Talking About with Nurse Mercy

In this conversation, Nurse Mercy shares her journey from a traditional nursing role to founding Connect Mobile Health, highlighting the challenges faced in the healthcare system, especially during the pandemic. She discusses the importance of preventative care, insights gained from home visits with mothers, and practical health protocols. The conversation also delves into the benefits of NAD treatments and the differences between IV and supplement forms, emphasizing the need for individualized health solutions. In this conversation, Laura and Mercy delve into the world of peptides, discussing their applications, benefits, and potential risks. They explore the nuances of human growth hormone, the role of peptides in weight loss, and the importance of proper guidance when using these substances. The discussion also touches on personal health routines and the significance of maintaining a balanced approach to wellness. Look for PART II soon to go over everything we couldn't fit into an hour long podcast. This information will have you wanting more!
https://connectmobilehealth.com/
Monthly Suburban Burnout Newsletter
BIO: After years as a hospital nurse, Mercy Henderson saw firsthand the gaps in traditional healthcare and knew there had to be a better way. Enter Connect Mobile Health—co-founded by Mercy during the pandemic with a mission to keep people out of hospitals and bring high-quality, concierge-level care directly to them. From IV therapy and peptide treatments to the cutting-edge benefits of NAD+, Mercy has become the go-to expert for those looking to optimize their health on their terms. With a client list that includes high performers like Joe Rogan and Baker Mayfield, her work is redefining what accessible, personalized wellness looks like. 
Takeaways
Nursing can be overwhelming and unprepared for real hospital challenges.
Burnout in healthcare is a common experience, especially post-pandemic.
Connect Mobile Health was born from a need for better patient care.
Preventative care is essential for maintaining health and wellness.
Moms are proactive and intentional about their health and recovery.
Basic health protocols include hydration, sleep, and protein intake.
NAD is a powerful treatment for recovery and energy.
IV treatments offer immediate benefits compared to supplements.
Health solutions should be individualized based on personal needs.
It's important to see tangible results from health investments. Peptides are a broad category with various applications.
BPC 157 can aid in tissue repair when injected.
Human growth hormone has benefits but can pose risks if misused.
Proper guidance from a healthcare provider is crucial when using peptides.
Weight loss peptides can lead to loss of lean muscle mass if not managed correctly.
Protein intake is essential when using weight loss peptides.
Regular exercise should accompany peptide use for optimal results.
Monitoring body composition is important when using weight loss peptides.
Mental health plays a significant role in overall wellness.
Investing in quality healthcare and wellness practices is key. 
 
 
 
 

The Corporate Mom Dilemma: Career, Motherhood & Asking for more w/Katie LaFranchi

In this episode, Laura sits down with Katie LaFranchi, a seasoned People Operations leader with 20 years of experience, to dive into the realities of corporate motherhood. As a fractional CHRO and Partner at Ampleo, Katie brings her expertise in workplace culture, leadership dynamics, and career advocacy to the conversation. Together, they explore how women can ask for and receive what they deserve—from salary negotiations to workplace flexibility and leadership opportunities.
The discussion covers generational shifts in corporate America, including how Gen Z is reshaping expectations, the persistent biases women face in leadership, and the critical need for women to support, mentor, and advocate for one another. Katie shares her insights on navigating maternity leave, career progression, and the power of networking, offering actionable strategies for corporate moms looking to own their worth and push for change.
Beyond the boardroom, Katie also reflects on her personal journey balancing an executive career with raising three kids in Austin, TX—proving that while the juggle is real, so is the power of advocating for yourself.
www.suburbanburnout.com 
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Takeaways
Balancing work and family is a significant challenge for corporate moms.
Effective communication with partners is crucial for shared responsibilities.
Choosing the right partner can significantly impact work-life balance.
Gen Z prioritizes purpose-driven work and flexibility over traditional job loyalty.
Employers must adapt to the changing expectations of younger generations.
Women often face bias in leadership roles, being perceived as aggressive.
Internalized misogyny can lead to women undermining each other in the workplace.
Negotiating salary and job titles is essential for career advancement.
Workplace flexibility is increasingly important for employee satisfaction.
Measuring outcomes rather than hours worked can lead to better productivity.
There's a queen bee mentality among women in leadership.
Collaboration and sharing credit are vital for success.
Progress in gender equality is slow but noticeable.
Maternity leave can significantly impact career advancement.
Women should embrace their feminine qualities in the workplace.
Advocating for oneself is crucial for career growth.
Mentorship can provide valuable support and guidance.
Networking is essential for building professional relationships.
Feedback is a gift that can help in career development.
Women need to support each other to thrive in their careers.