Scrub Caps & Sippy Cups

Depression, Burnout, and Transformation with Morgan Beard

Today, so many people of all ages are dealing with burnout and mental health issues. Children are met with high expectations that are often too much to bear. Adults struggle to stay motivated in careers they are not passionate about. Learning how to find comfort and get through hard times is essential, especially amidst a global pandemic, but so is listening to your internal voice when it tells you it’s time to make a change.   In this episode, we speak with life coach and musician Morgan ...

Giving Sunshine with Jason Clawson

In this episode, we speak with Jason Clawson and get a dad’s perspective for the first time on this podcast. He shares how his family took a horrible tragedy and turned it into something good.   Four years ago, Jason felt like his life was going right and that he and his family were living the life they were meant to live. They were building their dream house, he was a clinical director at a recovery program, his young boys were thriving, and his 40-year old brother finally got married. Hi...

Figuring Out What You Want In Your Marriage With Michelle Purta

Michelle Purta is a marriage coach for moms and she is on the show discussing common issues moms face in marriage, figuring out what exactly you want in your marriage, gender roles, and more!  It's not always easy to figure out what you want in your marriage, or what you should expect from your spouse. And if things are going wrong, it can be tough to know where to turn for help. Michelle is here this week to help clear some things up. She knows how to help couples communicate better and fi...

To Prime or Not to Prime?

Moms, we are busy! Am I right? Between getting the kids to school on time, making dinner, and taking care of a million other things, it's hard to find the time to go to the store. Amazon Prime has made it a lot easier for us moms to get what we need without leaving the house. But is Amazon Prime worth it?  This week we are talking about the pros and cons of using Amazon Prime instead of going to the store. We are also talking about store pick-up and giving you the perspectives of Laci, Elle...

Kids Eat in Color with Jennifer Anderson

We have an awesome show for you this week! Jennifer Anderson from Kids Eat in Color is here. She is talking about all things feeding kids! Jennifer started out on Instagram wanting to connect with other moms who were struggling to feed their kids a well rounded diet. Her community grew and so did her knowledge, and before she knew it she had 1.6 million followers!  How did my kid become a picky eater despite my best effort with baby-led weaning? Jennifer drops a truth bomb on us…its a myth....

Breaking the Parenting Cycles with Bonnie Lenz

Hey moms and parents! Bonnie Lenz is here, coming to talk with you about something important. It's something that many of us struggle with, and it can be tough to break the cycles of bad parenting we may have grown up with. But it's definitely worth trying to do better for our kids. So let's get started! There is a lot of pressure on parents to do things "the right way." But what if the right way isn't actually working? In this episode, we'll be discussing how mainstream parenting technique...

The Art of Doing Nothing with Jessie Kanzer

Do you ever feel like you need a break from the constant go, go, go? We know we do. And what's better than taking a break to do nothing? It sounds counterproductive, but when was the last time you just sat around and let your mind wander? Probably not recently, if at all. We're so busy nowadays that taking a moment for ourselves is a rarity. But it's so important. So on this episode, we are joined by Jessie Kanzer to discuss her new book, The Art of Doing Nothing, what that actually entail...

The Cure for Overwhelm Bonus Episode

Moms, do you think there is a secret cure for your stress and overwhelm? Well, this week, Laci is here to discuss Brene Brown’s work on stress and overwhelm. Brene is a counselor, author and did a TedTalk in 2010 that is interesting and eye-opening for all moms.  Do you think there is a difference between stress and overwhelm? Laci reflects on these differences, and what you can do to separate these two issues we deal with as moms and how to combat them.  If you would like to listen to the...

Intimacy | Self Love | Motherhood with Dr. April Brown

Wow! This episode is jam packed with so many pearls of wisdom from the one and only Dr. April Brown. Dr. Brown (from her website www.draprilbrown.com) is a Licensed Mental Health Christian Counselor in Florida, Wisconsin, New York, and New Jersey. In addition, she is a Certified Relationship and Sex Therapist, Board Certified TeleMental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Qualified Clinical Supervisor. She has a thriving group practice called Cape Coral Therapists in Ca...

Brothers and Their Special Bond | A Down Syndrome Birth Diagnosis with Francie Todd

Francie Todd joins Crystal and Ellen to tell her family’s powerful story following the diagnosis of down syndrome for one of her sons. Fancie has fraternal twins, one typical and one with down syndrome. She is on the show this week to share her journey with IVF, duodenal atresia with baby A, and the struggles she and her family faced following delivery.    In this episode you will hear:   What it was like to have a baby in the NICU at the start of the pandemic. How to transition to home...

Endocrine Disruptors, Environmental Toxins and the Link to Infertility and Chronic Disease with Dr. Jenna Hua

Jenna Hua is the founder and CEO of Million Maker. A company dedicated to educating about and reducing, if not eliminating harmful toxins from our lives. Jenna is on the show today with Laci and Ellen to discuss the uses of toxins and plastics in our lives and healthcare and how it affects us, especially those trying to conceive. She is also giving us tools and resources that we can use today to reduce our toxin exposure. This is such an important topic because we all know someone with autis...

Loving the Last Kid in Line with Tina Kloepping

Laci and Ellen welcome Tina Kloepping to the show this week to discuss mental health needs in young children. A topic she knows all too well as her daughter attempted suicide at 8 years old. We are very passionate about this topic, and we want to reach as many parents as possible. The information in this episode is relevant and actionable to identify, seek help and provide ongoing support to children with mental health needs.  Tina is a nurse anesthetist and previously held positions as an ...

A Year In the Life With Crystal Alber

One year since Crystal started cancer treatment, she sits down with Laci and brings us up to date on what she has been experiencing and what’s to come. She has been undergoing radiation treatment and walks us through what it’s like. Unfortunately, during her treatment, she developed a complication related to the radiation that sent her to surgery again.  Crystal tells about what the future brings as far as cancer treatment. She feels getting cancer has changed her. Despite the hardships can...

Get Busy Living

Beth Wilmes was 35 years old with a successful career and in the midst of motherhood when she discovered a lump in her breast. She requested a mammogram and biopsy and found out she indeed had breast cancer. Beth shares her incredible story with Crystal, Ellen, and Laci on this week’s episode of the Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups podcast. Listen as Beth tells about her journey and the inspiration behind the nonprofit she created called Faith Through Fire. A nonprofit organization devoted to mento...

Life After Loss in the Black and Brown Community with Theresa Mitchell

Theresa Mitchell, a producer, mother, and survivor, is joined by Laci and Ellen this week discussing the black and brown community’s struggles regarding obstetric care in the United States. We want to bring awareness to infertility, infant loss, and miscarriages and that the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate globally. Theresa is bringing hope and a clear mind to women in this struggle through her documentary.  When you suffer the loss of a baby, there is no formula or checklist t...

The Nursing Journey | DNP | Nurse Entrepreneurship with Sandra Pagenta, DNP

Dr. Sandra Pagenta is a nurse practitioner, urologic proceduralist, and the host of the Doctor Nurse Podcast. Sandra found that her experiences in her professional career are beneficial to other nurses. She knew a platform needed to be developed to help other nurses on their journeys. She has precepted and mentored nurses who asked questions about how she got to where she is now. Sandra continues to inspire and encourage other nurses on her podcast. She wants to provide a platform for other ...

Finding Your Pelvic Floor with Greta Wyeth

Greta Wyeth from Still Point Movement joins the Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups on the show this week talking about the pelvic floor and how we can reeducate it. She discusses the fascia and finding the pelvic floor muscles. Greta runs a post-rehab pilates studio and for the past 10 years, she has worked with women on strengthening their pelvic floor. She also educates women on the importance of balance, stability, and movement.  Greta created a course to help women learn how to strengthen their ...

Love and Logic Re-Release

This episode was packed with so much goodness that we just had to share it again! The summer is upon us and maybe you need some parenting inspiration to tackle those tantrums or establish boundaries.  Chris Peterson, aka The Parenting Professor (http://theparentingprofessor.com), discusses the highly effective Love and Logic parenting technique and blows away the Smart Mommas with some easy to implement strategies! Don’t miss the discussions on how to stop a temper tantrum in its tracks and...

Marriage Counseling Re-Release

Mandy Hicks, a Licensed Professional Counselor, joins the ladies on this episode to discuss common issues couples face and actionable steps you can take today!   Do you think that putting your marriage first above anything else will benefit in the long term? Well, Mandy provides insight into why this will actually help your relationship and your kids.  Infidelity, married to a narcissist, co-parenting? Mandy Discusses her experiences as a therapist dealing with these issues. How would you ...

Making Your Period Work for You

Leisha is coming on the show this week to discuss hormones, cycles, and moods. Low energy does not have to be the norm with moms! As a functional medicine practitioner, she helps moms get back to feeling like themselves again. This episode is packed with so much information to get you back on track with your hormone health. Leisha lays out the foundation to get you started!    Leisha Drews is an RN with a background in critical care. She found her passion in holistic functional health and ...

Light at the End of the Tunnel | Two SRNA Moms Have Success in CRNA School

Are you interested in going to nurse anesthesia school (CRNA) or currently a student registered nurse anesthetist (SRNA) with children and wondering how you will ever juggle it all? Well, this episode is for you! Morgan Fitterer and Cynthia Shen are two SRNA moms spilling all of the secrets and discussing common struggles SRNAs face while in school. They sit down and discuss mom guilt, finding balance, the motivation to pursue this profession, handling tough rotations, and more!  Both Cynth...

Campers and Dumpster Fires

Laci and Ellen sit down together to discuss the latest updates in their lives and Rachel Hollis’ three-part social media disaster. You are going to hear about what went wrong with Rachel’s posts and if there is an impact on society as a result of this.  Laci opens up the show talking to us about her experience buying a camper. She decided she needed a camper when the campground only offered a ten-foot bottomless pit of wonder for her kids to use for a toilet. She found herself not being abl...

Reimagining Grief with Lisa Keefauver, MSW

Lisa Keefauver joins the podcast this week sharing her experience with grief, both professional and personal. Lisa is a clinical social worker, owner of Reimagining Grief, and the host of the podcast, Grief is a Sneaky Bitch.” She takes her multiple years of grief experience to bring help to others and to change the grief culture in the US.  Lisa describes our struggles with grief as a culture. She states that control is an illusion because ultimately, we don’t know what will happen. COVID ...

Life Doesn't Follow a Plan with Alex Pudwill, CRNA

The ladies of the Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups podcast are joined by fellow CRNA mom, Alex Pudwill as she shares her son’s journey with congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Her son Sam was suspected to have been exposed to CMV in the third trimester of pregnancy. Alex explains the signs and symptoms of CMV at birth and how she and Sam’s medical providers came to realize he had congenital CMV. Alex shares her struggles with mom guilt and how their family focuses on Sam’s milestones to keep them goi...

Parenting with Personality Traits: Become a better parent by understanding personality traits with Sandra Etherington

Sandra Etherington brings Myers Briggs personality types to families in fun and unique ways. She used it in her own parenting and now helps others use it in their homes. Sandra started helping others for FREE. She discovered Myers Briggs when she was working in the corporate world and not loving her career. She started educating herself, helped others for free, and now runs a successful business helping families understand how to best work together utilizing Myers Briggs. Sandra gives an in-...

Reigniting the Fire in Marriage with Leona Carter

Leona Carter joins the smart mommas this week on the podcast to talk about reigniting your marriage through dating your husband! She discusses her coaching program designed to empower women to build intimacy with their husband through dating. She discusses the top 5 reasons women struggle with intimacy and proven steps to overcome these. You won’t think of date night the same way ever again!  Leona cites emotional disconnection as a common problem for couples. We lost the flow of dating, we...

Hope Wins with Caitlyn OBrock

Caitlyn O’Brock is interviewed this week, sharing her heartwarming story and journey from ICU nurse to Godmother. Following Caitlyn’s appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show, she sits down with the Scrub Caps and Sippy Cups Podcast ladies to tell all.  Caitlyn cared for a patient in the ICU named Monique Jones, who was 26 weeks pregnant and struggling with COVID. Monique delivered baby Zamyrah via emergency c-section when the decision was made that both mom and babies’ lives were at risk. Cai...

The Motherload | Managing All the Things in Motherhood and How To Include your Partner

This week Crystal will receive her last chemo treatment! Do you find yourself taking on the motherload and feel as if you’re drowning in the daily to-dos? This week, Laci, Ellen, and Crystal break down the issues surrounding the never-ending to-do list we have as mothers, partners, full-time employees, homemakers, basically all the things!  Does this sound like you? You’re drowning in your day to day life, taking on the “stuff” your partner will never do. You feel like you’re spinning a hu...

So Long 2020 | Make a New Year's Resolution that Sticks

Laci and Crystal open up this episode discussing the year's events, and Laci explores being what life will be like going back to "normal" after COVID.  The ladies have us questioning how the pandemic has affected our habits and if it will ever go back to normal. Crystal wants her daughter to remember the family time they have been able to share during COVID. Laci wants her son to know and recognize the historical event surrounding the COVID vaccine.  Do you make resolutions every year? Cry...

The Social Dilemma

Ellen and Laci are on the podcast this week discussing the Social Dilemma documentary on Netflix, pregnancy during COVID, and prepping for Christmas. The ladies missed Crystal this week and are sending her some love!  Does pregnancy have you feeling in the dumps? Laci and Ellen talk about their experiences working in healthcare and being pregnant during this pandemic.   Those of us in healthcare sometimes wonder what it would be like to work at a desk, have the freedom to drink water at th...

Christmas Trees and Toddler Tantrums

They’re back! The ladies are opening up this episode with an update on life. Crystal and Ellen discuss owning their esthetics business and the ins and outs of starting up. Shout out to Kelly Hermans of Beautiphi Aesthetics & Wellness. Kelly has been a friend and mentor during this journey! Ellen has some BIG news she is sharing with us this week. Don’t miss it! Laci got a new puppy, and as exciting as this is, she tells us about how this puppy came to be. Listen to her discussion surroundin...

October Recap | Election 2020, CRNA Conference and Halloween

This week on the podcast, the ladies sit down and reflect on the election, the CRNA conference in Nashville, and Halloween.  The ladies weigh in on the never-ending election cycle, the country's climate during election time, and how difficult it is to discuss your political views with others. Do you think it is inappropriate to ask someone whom they voted for? Crystal discusses her take on marijuana use in cancer patients. Find out what Ellen, Laci, and Crystal think about this and so much ...

Marriage Counseling

Mandy Hicks, a Licensed Professional Counselor, joins the ladies on this episode to discuss common issues couples face and actionable steps you can take today!   Do you think that putting your marriage first above anything else will benefit in the long term? Well, Mandy provides insight into why this will actually help your relationship and your kids.  Infidelity, married to a narcissist, co-parenting? Mandy Discusses her experiences as a therapist dealing with these issues. How would you ...

High Low Horizon

Happy one year anniversary to the podcast! Ellen, Crystal, and Laci cannot believe how fast the last year flew by and are excited to see where this podcast takes them in the future! The LifeView Family Dashboard is a single window to the most important information to manage your busy family. The dashboard is a customizable digital screen that can show family photos or artwork, the time and weather, your to-do or shopping lists, your calendars and so much more!  Each screen is set up based o...

The Hard Truths Series Part 2: Continued

The hard truths conversation continues this week as the ladies sit down with Kaia Finney and Myra McGhee to discuss their views and first-hand stories regarding racism. Kaia is a CRNA, originally from Jamaica. She is an accomplished mom and wife. She tells the story of how she left home at 17 for a new life as a collegiate athlete and 4.0 student. She tells of her childhood and what colorism is. Kaia describes an incident where she was told by a patient that they did not want her to care for...

COVID Crazy Communists

Have you ever read a post on Facebook and just thought, what the what? Let me read that again. The ladies discuss their organically grown Facebook group that has reached 7K members! Laci tells us how her attempt at a group member's anonymous post didn't delete and how her husband started getting phone calls questioning "infidelity." They were bound to have some crazy stories to share about their group with all of those people. Don't miss the latest crazy; you can't make this stuff up, bizarr...

You Can Do Hard Things

You are not going to want to miss this episode. The ladies have so much to share with all of you! Crystal opens up the episode with some news that is weighing heavy on her heart. News that no one wants to get...ever. She takes us on an emotional rollercoaster from tears to laughter. Crystal has also been working on a new business and shares all about it. Are you for botox and fillers? The ladies are divided on this topic. Listen to the hilarious stories of their experiences and telling abou...

Give Yourself Some Grace

Smart Mama, this episode is for you! Ellen and Laci dive deep into the issues of being a mom today. Laci discusses the recent birth of her daughter and the unique way she decided on her name. You are going to want to try this out when deciding the name of your next baby! Laci also opens up about her birth experience, losing 2 liters of blood, and calling in her own case to the OR.  Is going from 1 to 2 kids worse or easier than 2 to 3? The ladies weigh in on their experiences and give us so...

Who Cheated?

In this episode, the ladies compare their lives now to what it was like before having kids. Laci realized her life changed when the waterproof mascara residue that resembles dark circles, one day, wouldn't come off. Those dark circles were there to stay. All too often we put our children first and forget to take care of ourselves. Before we know it we no longer think about our wants or needs. Motherhood can come at as full speed and we have no choice but to hang on for the ride! Crystal shar...

Parenting Specialist

This episode, the ladies get to pick the mind of an actual parenting specialist! That is right. There is someone that is good at this parenting thing, and her name is Rachel Bailey.   Rachel has helped hundreds of parents bring out the best in their children for over a decade. In addition to her Master’s degree in clinical psychology, she has been an in-home ADHD coach and mentor, therapist, and teacher of positive parenting techniques. Rachel’s goal is to improve family dynamics, and she ...

Fitness with BalancingFit

Jamie B & Jamie C join the smart mamas to talk about how their bond as moms and CRNAs developed into a fitness partnership and led them to a following of over 50 thousand on social media. They talk strength training, cardio, nutrition, and offer advice on developing and sticking to new routines. Make sure you do not miss when they share their favorite protein bars (they share their discount codes!) and how old their kids are! You will be blown away! www.G2Gbar.com code at checkout: JBJC ww...

The Hard Truths Series Part 1: Starting the Conversation

Hey smart mama! The year 2020 has given ALL of us the opportunity to see the hate that exists in this world and the racism that is systemic in our institutions. We are 100% anti-racism and anti-hate in general.  We do not support any kind of verbal or physical confrontations on social media or in-person that are aimed at singling out any person or group of people based on their race, gender, religion, or political affiliations.  We welcome you here, as you are and we will continue to fight ...

Laura McLain-Dave Ramsey Success Story

Laura, from the CRNA Moms Facebook Group, chats with the Smart Mommas about how she followed Dave Ramsey’s debt snowball method and paid off nearly $300,000 of debt in TWO years! Laura also shares her budgeting tips and ways to find free family activities. Dave Ramsey’s Baby Steps (https://www.daveramsey.com/dave-ramsey-7-baby-steps) 1) Save $1,000 for your starter emergency fund 2) Pay off all debt (except your mortgage) 3) Save 3-6 months expenses for your emergency fund 4) Invest 15% of ...

Gosia Mt. Everest

The smart mamas talk to Gosia, a CRNA originally from Poland, who has set a goal to ascend all Seven Summits. These are comprised of the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Gosia describes everything from her training to just how much it costs to take on one mission like this. When you hear how long it takes to climb each one, you will be shaken. Make sure you listen for what she had to do after losing a game of hearts. Leave no trace. Check out the link to her Mt. Everest cli...

Surviving Quarantine

In this episode, Crystal, Ellen, and Laci discuss how this quarantine has affected them and their families in their very different lives. You will find it easy to connect to at least one of these viewpoints, for sure! Topics covered include home-schooling, arts and crafts shame, pandemic projects, and what we all think of Melissa & Doug. Connect with us! Email: [email protected] Or you can leave us an audio message that could air on a future podcast episode https://www.speakpi...

Infertility and Triplets with Sara Franco

The ladies sit down with smart momma, Sara Franco, and discuss infertility. Sara shares her personal journey and struggles with in-vitro fertilization. She had TRIPLETS on Christmas Eve and describes her road to achieving these miracles as not an easy one. She candidly discusses pregnancy loss and how to move forward after true devastation. The ladies laugh, cry and wrap up this episode with the craziest twist that you will never see coming! Sara Franco is the CRNA owner and operator of Ste...

Fortune Tellers, Gender Reveals and Creepy Kid Ghost Stories

This episode Laci opens up about baby #3 expected to arrive in the Spring of 2020. She shares a chance encounter with a fortune-teller who made big predictions about her children. The mommas also chat about where they stand on the gender reveal debate. When do the ladies think it is a good time to share news of a pregnancy with coworkers, friends, and family? Do you have a creepy kid ghost story? Share your stories with us!!! Email: [email protected] Or you can leave us an au...

Bonus Episode: COVID-19

Intermittent Fasting with Amanda Nighbert, RD

Hey, Mama!  So excited to have you back!  In this episode, we chat with Amanda Nighbert, RD, who has educated so many people with her LEAN system to help them live sustainably healthy lifestyles.  We talk to Amanda about the two pillars of her program: intermittent fasting, or time-restricted eating, and macros. Rather than counting calories in vs. calories out, she focuses on what your body needs in terms of protein, carbs, and fats! Not all of us are equal!  She talks to us about the S...

Love and Logic

Chris Peterson, aka The Parenting Professor (http://theparentingprofessor.com), discusses the highly effective Love and Logic parenting technique and blows away the Smart Mommas with some easy to implement strategies! Don’t miss the discussions on how to stop a temper tantrum in its tracks and ending the “how long can we drag out bedtime” game. You’ll be able to implement these strategies as soon as the episode ends! Uh-Oh Song for Toddlers: Dr. Charles Fay of the Love and Logic Institute s...