On A Mother Level
124 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 66 ratingsWhen it comes to parenthood, we can relate.
Your kids have some disgusting habits. We’ll talk about them. Your husband served nachos for breakfast? That sounds good. You cried today? That’s gonna happen.
These are the ups and downs of motherhood, and we are here for them all.
Join WQAD News 8 anchor Denise Hnytka as she explores parenthood on a MOTHER level. She’s opening up about what makes being a mom the best/worst/most amazing/unexpected adventure in life.
You’ll meet unstoppable moms who handle the home life while launching their own businesses. And we’ll teach the men a thing or two about multi-tasking when we explore parenthood through their eyes.
Find the show @onamotherlevel on Instagram and it's host @denisewqad.
Join us every week for new content.
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Episodes
70: The AnchorMOMS
March 04, 2021 11:00 - 45 minutes - 42 MBThree women working in the same newsroom are all pregnant at the same time. A short time later, three babies and a podcast were born! They are the AnchorMOMS of WLOS-TV in Asheville, North Carolina. Kate, Ingrid and Karen are broadcasters working crazy schedules while managing their families at home, a pandemic pregnancy and bonding over their secret hatred of social media. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do...
69: BACHELOR BONUS: Matt James Week 8 (Hometowns)
February 26, 2021 01:20 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBThe families of the remaining women meet Matt and bring questions about his future with their daughters. One woman decides Matt "is not her person". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
69: End Preeclampsia
February 26, 2021 00:28 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBKara Boeldt gave birth to her daughter at 31 weeks. Her baby girl was 2.5 pounds, delivered early because of complications caused by preeclampsia. Kara took a traumatic birth experience and turned it into an online support group that now reaches 30K women in more than 115 countries. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
68: BACHELOR BONUS: Matt James Week 7
February 19, 2021 19:26 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBIt's the week before hometowns and all through the house... mean girls! Join Denise and guest recapper Sarah for a breakdown of who was the meanest, why Matt has no game and how he chose his Final 4. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
68: Modern Mom Probs
February 18, 2021 11:00 - 49 minutes - 45 MBShe's got 99 problems, but motherhood isn't one. Tara Clark built a mom empire based on the most relatable of all "mom probs". Her book combines them all. Modern Mom Probs: A Survival Guide for 21st Century Mothers is coming out in April, sharing Tara's take on everything from the best chicken nugget, to potty training in a weekend to parenting to parenting an LGBTQ child. Peppered throughout the book are funny illustrations and pop quizzes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/...
67: BACHELOR BONUS: Matt James Week 6
February 12, 2021 22:24 - 25 minutes - 23.4 MBA white minivan pulls up to the resort, with a new woman behind the wheel. Will Matt let Heather stick around? Katie gets sent home, while Abigail continues to fade into the background. Are you having trouble picking his top four? Because so are we. Denise is joined by guest recapper Mary S. from the Quad Cities to break down Week 6. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
67: Hudson Strong
February 11, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 75.8 MBJessica McKearney wanted to have an honest and authentic conversation about childhood cancer. Her 3-year-old son Hudson has been fighting leukemia since his diagnosis in March 2019. That was back when she also had a 10-week-old baby to care for, while navigating the complex and terrifying world of childhood cancer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
66: BACHELOR BONUS: Matt James Weeks 4-5
February 04, 2021 22:46 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBNow an easier way to find Denise's Bachelor recaps! This time Denise and guest recapper Elizabeth Wadas focus on how the girl drama is impacting enjoyment of the show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
66: Tough Transitions
February 04, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBDena Witte is a mom of 2 looking back on the "pivot points' in her life, She started as a news reporter in Iowa right out of college. Now she's a lawyer, with her own firm, living in her hometown in rural Texas. She talks about the gentle and sometimes not-so-gentle nudges that changed the direction of her life. That includes losing her father and the tough transition of adding her baby boy to the family. Reflecting on that struggle helped her make adjustments before welcoming her b...
65: Vaccines and Mental Health Check
January 27, 2021 23:46 - 43 minutes - 39.8 MBDoctors recommend pregnant women get the COVID-19 vaccine when it's available to them. Denise asks Dr. Clare Harney all the questions about why she's making the recommendations. Plus, Alma Brunson is back on the podcast to talk about mental health nearly a year into the pandemic. After losing her teen daughter Micaela to suicide, she's working to end the stigma about mental health problems and keep the conversation going. It's okay to not be okay." The Brunson family is hosting i...
64: Hype Girl
January 21, 2021 20:13 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBEvery woman needs a "hype girl". Meet Mariah Danielsen, the creative energy behind Wander Design Co. She's drawn to the dreamers and the doers, helping them find their "why" in business and in life. She's talking to Denise about how confidence has led her in the right direction, declaring herself a "hat person" and why her house looks like a Jurassic Park movie set. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel...
63: The Puppy and the Peloton
January 14, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 63 MBCasey Cox is joining Denise for a conversation that ranges from pandemic fitness to infertility and to finding better ways to connect with your spouse during a stressful time. Casey is a nurse practitioner, working for doctors who specialize in pediatric heart problems. She talks about getting the new COVID vaccine and why she understands people's hesitations. The conversation wraps up with how counseling has helped her relationship with her husband. See Privacy Policy at https://...
62: New Opportunities
January 07, 2021 21:52 - 1 hour - 81.1 MBJillian Mahen is making the most of new opportunities, as she introduces herself to a new community and workplace with new attitude. She joins Denise to talk about fleeing her downtown Chicago condo with her husband and daughter in the midst of the pandemic. They talk about meeting on a "blind mom date" and the unique competitive nature of the television news business and how it's evolved. Plus, they break down the first episode of Matt James' season of The Bachelor. See Privacy P...
61: Play Therapy
December 31, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBKim Feeney from Butterfly Beginning Counseling is talking about kids mental health as we go into 2021. She describes the warning signs that your child may need help dealing with their emotions, how parents can better interpret their kids' behavior, and the concept of "connection over correction". Plus, some very happy news to end the year! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
60: A Comedy Christmas
December 25, 2020 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.7 MBComedian Chris Schlichting is back to talk about new the gigs he's getting while he can't do in-person stand-up shows. Chris shares a sweet moment he had during a driving lesson with his teenage daughter. And Denise celebrates a true Christmas miracle on the side of the road. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
59: Mike Drop
December 19, 2020 00:30 - 57 minutes - 52.7 MBMike Curkov, morning news anchor for CBS 58 in Milwaukee, is featured today to talk about COVID dad life and the amount of time he spends wrestling with his 2 boys, Benjamin and Alexander. He also very reluctantly shares the story of how he met his wife and the grand gesture that should have inspired a Hallmark Movie. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
58: Convalescent Plasma
December 10, 2020 11:00 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBIf you've had COVID-19, you could help the next person get better too. Your donation of convalescent plasma costs nothing to give, but it will dramatically help a sick patient recover. In this episode, you'll hear from a man who spent 5 days in the hospital, briefly on a waiting list for a plasma treatment. He talks about the difference it made in his recovery and how his family rallied around him. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at htt...
57: Inside Courtney's Studio
December 01, 2020 20:51 - 1 hour - 57 MBA brand new baby, a new business, and a passion for beautiful spaces. Courtney Lawrence Studio is one mom's way to nurture others and share joy. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
56: Garlic and Wine
November 26, 2020 19:27 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBJamie Schwind is here to convince you that stuffing is the best Thanksgiving side dish. She talks about starting her business, Garlic in my Wine, offering made to order family meals. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
55: ICU Nurse
November 24, 2020 15:34 - 48 minutes - 44 MBMichelle Gibson Lake works in the ICU, caring for COVID-19 patients. For her, wearing a mask is personal. It means you or your loved one won't end up in one of her beds, on a ventilator. She talks about the mental and emotional toll this pandemic is taking on healthcare workers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
54: Mask Up
November 19, 2020 11:00 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBDr. Naurin Ahmad and Dr. Briana Barclay are answering your questions about the new COVID-19 surge, masking up and how to plan for the holidays. Then, Lauren Jackson returns to talk about Clare's finale episode of the Bachelorette and her new obsession, Dancing with the Stars. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
53: American Murder
October 30, 2020 00:04 - 1 hour - 67.7 MBIt's Halloween week! Denise invited Angela Snyder back to discuss "American Murder: The Family Next Door". The documentary is out right now on Netflix about Chris Watts, the Colorado man who admitted to killing his pregnant wife and two young daughters. Angela breaks down the interview techniques that led to his confession, plus commentary about what may have been really going on in their marriage. Denise also includes her thoughts on weeks 2-3 of "The Bachelorette". Warning: Save t...
52: Send Noods
October 22, 2020 13:59 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBYou all adored Maryann's last conversation on the podcast. So she's back to catch us up on life as a pawn shop junkie, post quarantine. Maryann and Denise discover they both have the same quarantine vice. The conversation gets witchy as Denise breaks out the affirmation cards. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
51: Iowa Nice
October 15, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBKatie S. is a minister's wife living in rural Illinois with her two boys, Henry and George. When her hometown of Cedar Rapids was hit by a major storm, she loaded up the family van with diapers and headed there. What happened next became an opportunity to show her boys what it means to be selfless in a time of need. Plus... after night one of the Bachelorette, Denise and Liz talk about the concept of "love at first sight". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...
50: Little Brother, Big Hero
October 08, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBThe relationship between two brothers inspired their mom Kelly to write a book about them. "Little Brother, Big Hero" is the story of Brady and his little brother Patrick, who has autism. Kelly talks in this episode about her husband's role as a stay-at-home dad, facing the pandemic with a child who has special needs and how she got more TikTok followers than Brady. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel...
49: Timing is Everything
October 01, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 64 MBAngie Sharp is sharing her story of timing. As a little girl, she wrote in a music book that she wanted to be "a teacher and a mother" when she grew up. In this episode, she reflects on what it took to make that dream come true, and she's putting it all in perspective as she waits for her baby boy to be born in December. Check out her podcast "Wonder Women" on your favorite podcast platform. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://a...
48: Anchors and Authors
August 07, 2020 20:16 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBLeticia Ordaz is a mother of two boys living in California. Her passion project is writing bilingual books for children. Her first book is out now - "The Adventures of Mr. Macaw", and a second book is due for release this fall. She talks to Denise about the inspiration behind Mr. Macaw and her "hour a day" philosophy for meeting a goal. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
47: Mollie's Movement
July 18, 2020 14:21 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBMollie Tibbetts went for a run on a summer night in 2018. She never came home. A month later, her body was found not far from her running route in her hometown of Brooklyn, Iowa. Her disappearance sparked a massive search to find her that led to a campaign of kindness in her honor, known as Mollie's Movement. Two years later, that movement has expanded to include resources to help families with a missing loved one. In this episode, Denise talks to Joy VanLandschoot about the evoluti...
46: First Year
July 02, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 69.6 MBThe cutest, sweetest, baldest little babes are ONE year old! Katie Licht, Davenport triplet mom, is back to tell us all about the first year. (Get caught up on her full story first with Episode 13). We talk about how quarantine challenged roles in the home, developmental differences between the 2 boys and their sister, and the post-traumatic stress of a NICU stay. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel...
45: True Crime
June 25, 2020 14:03 - 1 hour - 58.2 MBDenise is joined by social worker Angela Snyder - mother of 2 studying for her masters in forensic psychology. Together they break down some true crime cases that have been in the headlines recently - new evidence in the Madeline McCann disappearance, when the Mollie Tibbetts case will go to trial, and a development in a Utah cold case involving the Susan Powell and the murders of her 2 little boys. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...
45: Worst Cooks
June 19, 2020 14:42 - 40 minutes - 37 MBA Davenport realtor is trying out reality TV on the new season of "Worst Cooks in America". Johannes “Yo” Phelps is getting married soon and will live in a home with seven children between him and his new wife, and he is now realizing just how bad he is in the kitchen. Growing up a military brat, he lived all over the world but never gained any cooking skills. Capable of boiling a hot dog until it literally catches fire, this 6’4” goofball has a lot to learn in boot camp. “Worst Co...
43: HOT TAKES 3
June 12, 2020 14:01 - 45 minutes - 41.7 MBLauren Jackson bids farewell to the Quad Cities with a final (for now) podcast appearance. Denise and Lauren break down the latest Bachelor developments, debate how productive people are working from home, and why a celebrity dress giveaway may have been a total sham. Thanks for sticking with On A Mother Level during the ups and downs of the quarantine! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. ...
42: Quarantine Baby
May 22, 2020 13:38 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBKatrina Keuning is in the "any day now" phase of her pregnancy with her first, a baby boy. Pregnancy is a whole new world in itself, but when you throw a gobal pandemic into the mix, things get a lot more uncertain. In this episode, Katrina talks to Denise about going from worried about going to the grocery to working from home to a socially distant baby shower. Plus, they debate what this generation of kids should be called - Quaranteenies? So pour yourself a Quarantini and listen ...
41: Mental Game
May 07, 2020 16:04 - 1 hour - 61 MBTime for a pep talk from Jon at 8one8 Fitness. In the middle of this pandemic, maybe you've eaten your feelings one too many times. Maybe you're gotten away from your fitness goals now that you're trapped in the house. Are you struggling to find motivation right now? I chat with Jon Hunt, personal trainer, about how to keep your mental game strong when everything seems so chaotic. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...
40: COVID19 Survivor
April 23, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBBev Coulter describes what it's like to be alone in the ICU fighting a strange virus, how close she came to losing her life, and the gift from her nurses the day she finally left the hospital. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
39: Comfort Nuggets
April 10, 2020 01:32 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBMatt Randazzo is surviving on chicken nuggets to get through this pandemic with his 4 boys. WARNING: We discuss the magic of the Easter Bunny in a way that may ruin things for your kids. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
38: HOT TAKES 2
April 02, 2020 20:38 - 1 hour - 72.7 MBWe need to lighten things up. Lauren Jackson is joining Denise for a very random hot takes conversation about anything and everything OTHER than coronavirus. Okay, fine, it snuck in there a bit. But enjoy this chat about Lauren's very real concerns about a candle shortage, the importance of "jean disclosure", and Governor Cuomo's nipples. Please forgive the audio, as we are recording from a makeshift at home situation. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi...
37: Strong Moms
March 26, 2020 18:08 - 1 hour - 56.3 MBFit4Mom Quad Cities is all about promoting "Strength in Motherhood". Sure, that means physical strength. But more important to this group of women is strength in community. Chelsea Schroeder is bringing women together through this fitness and motherhood group in the Quad Cities. And despite current challenges, she's keeping her members together virtually. It's Denise's first record from home podcast, so forgive the lower quality audio! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privac...
36: Social Distance
March 19, 2020 12:00 - 1 hour - 69.3 MBAll the questions you're asking about the coronavirus outbreak, answered. Dr. Naurin Ahmad is the mother of 2, trying to navigate this unprecedented situation just like the rest of us. But her background in medicine and epidemiology is going to help you better understand WHY it's happening, what our government is doing to contain and how to stay sane through the process. But if you need a break from virus talk, Dr. Ahmad is sharing her favorite skincare products, what's a waste of m...
35: Arm Goals
March 12, 2020 03:52 - 1 hour - 90.8 MBJon Hunt, personal trainer from 8 ONE 8 Fitness is talking with Denise about the postpartum snapback. It's been 3 months since she joined his fat loss program. They're talking protein, progress and "Love is Blind". Plus Lauren Jackson is here to wrap up the dumpster fire season of The Bachelor featuring the highly indecisive Pilot Pete. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
34: Ada & Brayden
February 20, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 88.6 MBThis episode remembers and celebrates Ada and Brayden, two angels born sleeping. They are so loved that they are inspiring their mothers and families to "do better" for other families through an important project for the Quad Cities. Lyndsey Day and Jess Buntemeyer join Denise to talk about raising money and support for the No Foot Too Small Birthing + Bereavement Suite at Genesis East Hospital in Davenport. From NFTS: "NFTS envisions a world where families experiencing infant loss...
33: Bamboo Baby
February 13, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 64.7 MBSara Sampson, owner of Bamboo Baby Boutique, is pregnant with Baby #3. She's anxious to find out the gender, while living that boy mom life as a local business owner. But pregnancy after loss comes with complex emotions. Sara had what's called a "molar pregnancy", and she's sharing her experiences with miscarriage, the health complications that followed and the emotions that came with what should have been her "due date". See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californ...
32: Micaela's Hope
February 06, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBAlma Brunson lost her 16-year-old daughter Micaela to suicide back in 2016. Through her grief, Alma's mission now is to change the way families talk about suicide, depression and anxiety. She and her husband have been working to honor Micaela's life through scholarships, organ donation awareness, blood drives and programs to offer more resources for those facing mental health problems. Micaela Brunson Memorial Blood Drive Visit any Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center Monday,...
31: She Listened
January 30, 2020 13:00 - 57 minutes - 52.4 MBKaren Johnson never expected the feelings she experienced after having her second son - guilt, shame and fear she would never bond with her new baby. Those feelings were a dark cloud over those early days of mothering two little boys. Today she's sharing what brought her through it and helping Denise continue the conversation about postpartum depression. The ladies talk about the most important thing you can say to a mom friend in need. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva...
30: Lady Doctor
January 23, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 78.5 MBDr. Ashley Kaiser, OB/GYN joins Denise to help celebrate her little boy's first birthday with a conversation about strength, growth, and the challenges of the first year of motherhood. Denise opens up about her own experiences with repeat c-sections and post-partum depression, plus the Facebook post that led to an important diagnosis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
29: Pawn Shops
January 16, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 75.6 MBMaryann Tyler confesses her deep dark secret - a love for pawn shops. This hilarious conversation starts with a strange love affair for a good jewelry bargain. Then, she tells Denise about raising teenagers, the anxiety that seems prevalent in today's teens and how she's trying to establish relationships with them that are built on trust. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
28: Tough Love
January 09, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 89.1 MBYour sleep questions answered! Greta Zude from "My Baby Can Sleep" (an Amazon best seller!) is in studio to tackle the challenges that are keeping you, your baby, and toddler from getting a good night's sleep. She's offering some tough love to moms who are sometimes afraid to just say NO! Quiet nights are ahead if you heed her advice. Plus, Denise gives an update on the freeway frenzy toy debacle and News 8's Elizabeth Wadas helps break down the first episode of a brand new season o...
27: New Year
December 31, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 58 MBWe are ending the decade with Sara Kershaw, mom of 3 girls and high school English teacher. She tells Denise why 9 is her favorite "kid age" so far, the big transition coming in her house in 2020, and the best way you can help your child succeed in school that has everything to do with attitude. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
26: HOT TAKES
December 25, 2019 04:42 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBMy gift to you - a round of holiday hot takes with Denise and return guest Lauren Jackson. We break down the Kardashian family Christmas, Denise's heartbreak involving a rock tumbler, and Lauren's least favorite holiday trend this year. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
25: On Pointe
December 19, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 77.8 MBIn the spirit of Christmas, Denise is sharing her fascination with the art of ballet through a conversation with Claire Cordano and Domingo Rubio - professional dancers with Ballet Quad Cities. Ahead of their performances of The Nutcracker, they talk about what it takes to go pro, on-stage mishaps and how they've overcome injuries in their careers. Claire shares the magical moment she had on stage and the most important people to have in the audience. Plus, WQAD reporter Lauren Jack...