Mom Halo

Hosted by alana kayfetz

Business Kids Family Parenting

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100

Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

You are listening to the Mom Halo podcast. This sweet ear candy will serve up laughs & aha moments as we talk to best-in-class thought leaders-these folks are dropping gems of genius. I am Alana Kayfetz, a fun freckled fearless millennial mom of 3 kiddos. I love to introduce you to your ideas and people that will rock your world while laughing out loud because that is the only way to get through the daily grind of parenting. Plug in your earphones and let’s go get them!

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60 recent

October 15, 2026Episode 11036 min

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? Independence Skills That Matter, with Melissa Markus

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten? Independence Skills That Matter, with Melissa Markus Melissa Markus has taught kindergarten in the public school system for over 14 years. She is a mom of three, the creator of The Kindergarten Mom on social media, and the author of the new children's book Confidence in Kindergarten. In this episode she explains how to get kids ready for the big first day, and why self-help skills matter more than knowing letters and shapes. We talk about what parents struggle with most, from toileting to separation anxiety, how Melissa wrote her book in the notes app on her phone and found her illustrator on Fiverr, and what she learned teaching an integrated kindergarten program in a children's hospital. She also shares how she grew her account, why being silly is the best classroom management tool, and the backpacks, markers, and lunch containers she recommends. Key takeaways: - Independence and self-help skills come before academics: shoes, backpack, lunch containers, toileting, sitting through a story. - Practice these skills at home, at a calm time, not while rushing out the door. - Hype up kindergarten: visit the school, talk about friends and the playground, and let your excitement be catching. - Bring learning to life through play, drama, and silliness. That's what kids remember. - Pick gear your child can open and close alone, whatever the price. ────────────────────────────── TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────── 00:00 Introduction to Melissa Markus 01:58 From teacher to children's book author 04:13 What parents struggle with before kindergarten 06:08 Why independence and self-help skills matter 07:47 Inclusive classrooms and her hospital teaching years 09:55 Growing The Kindergarten Mom on social media 13:02 What's next 14:54 Favourite classroom activities and experiential learning 17:00 The power of silliness and play 18:51 Common parent questions and misconceptions about independence 21:06 Advice for first-time kindergarten parents 23:05 Tools and gear Melissa recommends 31:09 Confidence in Kindergarten and where to buy it 32:57 Closing thoughts ────────────────────────────── CONNECT WITH MELISSA MARKUS ────────────────────────────── Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thekindergartenmom/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thekindergartenmom ────────────────────────────── RESOURCES MENTIONED ────────────────────────────── Confidence in Kindergarten (book + skills checklist) → https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1067502033 Also available at Indigo.ca, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million Her gear picks: Pottery Barn backpack (largest size), Crayola washable markers, Sistema and Bee Box lunch containers, Thermos water bottles ────────────────────────────── ABOUT MOM HALO ────────────────────────────── Mom Halo is a podcast for real conversations about motherhood. The messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. #Kindergarten #KindergartenReadiness #ParentingTips #IndependenceSkills #ChildrensBooks #TeacherMom #MomHalo #MomPodcast #Motherhood

July 13, 2026Episode 10948 min

The Art of Decluttering: How to Simplify Your Home and Life

Professional home organizer Stephanie Haghani has seen inside more overflowing basements and toy closets than she can count — and her diagnosis is refreshingly simple: most of us don't lack systems, we just have too much stuff. In this episode, Stephanie shares practical strategies for decluttering, managing kids' belongings, and building a home where everything has a place. We talk about the consumer culture that keeps our homes overflowing, why minimalism is hard but worth it, how to teach kids organizational skills early, and the emotional work of letting go of sentimental items. Plus: the first small step to take if your house feels out of control (hint — grab a timer and one bag). ────────────────────────────── TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────── 00:00 — Introduction to Stephanie Haghani and Her Expertise 00:36 — Common Household Challenges Faced by Busy Families 02:15 — The Importance of Decluttering and Being Intentional 04:10 — The Cultural Influence of Consumerism and Overbuying 06:12 — The Challenges of Minimalism and How to Approach It 08:43 — Managing Kids' Belongings and Teaching Responsibility 14:00 — Transforming Problem Areas Like Basements 22:11 — The Future of the Home Organization Industry 35:42 — First Steps for Starting Your Decluttering Journey 43:52 — How to Find and Work with a Professional Organizer ────────────────────────────── CONNECT WITH STEPHANIE HAGHANI ────────────────────────────── Website → https://neatandtidywithstephanie.com Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/neatandtidywithstephanie/ Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/neatandtidywithstephanie ────────────────────────────── ABOUT MOM HALO ────────────────────────────── Mom Halo is a podcast for real conversations about motherhood — the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. Website → https://momhalo.com Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/momhalo/ #HomeOrganization #Decluttering #Minimalism #ProfessionalOrganizer #MomLife #HouseholdSystems #TidyHome #MomHalo #MomPodcast #Motherhood

June 28, 2026Episode 10738 min

From Family Garage To Global Impact: A Leadership Journey with Jay Rosenzsweig

Jay Rosenzweig has built a life at the intersection of law, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and advocacy — and in this episode, he brings all of it to the table. From growing up inspired by his family's entrepreneurial spirit to leading a global executive search firm and championing women in leadership, Jay shares hard-won insights on risk, purpose, and what it really means to lead. We talk AI breakthroughs, health innovation, the art of balancing a dynamic career with fatherhood, and why — in Jay's words — the real wealth is learning to cherish life itself. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Introduction to Jay Rosenzweig 03:47 — Navigating Leadership in Uncertain Times 05:29 — The Intersection of Art and Business 08:56 — Entrepreneurial Journey and Influences 12:22 — Taking Risks in Entrepreneurship 17:06 — Supporting Women in Leadership 20:24 — The Evolution of Women's Representation 24:11 — The Role of AI in Business and Health 31:41 — Fatherhood and Parenting Insights 40:48 — Outro CONNECT WITH JAY ROSENZWEIG Website → https://www.jayrosenzweig.com Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/rosenzweig_company/ ABOUT MOM HALO Mom Halo is a podcast for real conversations about motherhood — the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #WomenInLeadership #AI #HealthInnovation #Philanthropy #Fatherhood #MomHalo #MomPodcast #Motherhood

June 6, 2026Episode 10829 min

How Hela Nutrition Created a Leading Functional Wellness Company

Amy and Regan built Hela Nutrition from the ground up — developing a clean, plant-based protein powder and collagen products that actually taste good and deliver results. In this episode, they share how they formulated their products with gut health in mind, navigated retail expansion, and built a brand rooted in trust and transparency. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a health-conscious mom, or just tired of supplements that taste like chalk, this conversation is packed with practical insight and inspiration. ────────────────────────────── TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────── 00:00 — Introduction and background 02:03 — Inspiration behind Hela Nutrition 05:19 — Formulation and ingredients 08:17 — Customer feedback and usage 11:22 — Collagen benefits and retail presence 14:22 — The importance of pure ingredients 15:29 — Expanding into the US market 17:33 — Navigating the entrepreneurial journey 20:13 — Building a supportive community 21:33 — The importance of gut health 25:08 — Creating trustworthy products 26:00 — Connecting with customers 30:18 — Outro ────────────────────────────── CONNECT WITH HELA NUTRITION ────────────────────────────── Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/hela_nutrition/ Website → https://helanutrition.com/ ────────────────────────────── ABOUT MOM HALO ────────────────────────────── Mom Halo is a podcast for real conversations about motherhood — the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. #PlantBasedProtein #MomHalo #Helanutrition #GutHealth #CleanLabel #FemaleFoungers #WomenInBusiness #HealthSupplements #MomPodcast #Motherhood

May 30, 2026Episode 10653 min

The Secrets Behind Six-Figure Bat Mitzvahs with Jessica Baker

Jessica Baker has planned more bar mitzvahs than she can count, and she's seen it all — from shoestring budgets to six-figure productions. In this episode, Jessica pulls back the curtain on what it actually costs to throw a memorable bar or bat mitzvah, why the industry has exploded, and how to make a celebration feel authentic instead of just expensive. Whether you're deep in mitzvah planning mode or just curious how these events got so elaborate, Jessica's insider perspective is candid, practical, and refreshingly honest. ────────────────────────────── TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────── 00:00 — Introduction to Event Planning and Jessica's Journey 07:16 — The Evolution of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs 13:25 — Understanding the Costs and Expectations 19:05 — The Special Nature of Events and Overcoming Anxiety 24:06 — Differences in Boys' and Girls' Parties 27:04 — Navigating Bar Mitzvahs: Boys vs. Girls 29:27 — The Evolution of Party Themes 32:05 — The Shift in Party Planning Dynamics 34:46 — Creative Freedom in Event Planning 38:08 — The Role of Trends in Modern Celebrations 42:23 — Cell Phones at Parties: A Double-Edged Sword 46:13 — The Importance of Ethical Planning 51:55 — Outro ────────────────────────────── CONNECT WITH JESSICA BAKER ────────────────────────────── Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/jessicabakercreative/ ────────────────────────────── ABOUT MOM HALO ────────────────────────────── Mom Halo is a podcast for real conversations about motherhood — the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. Website → https://momhalo.com Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/momhalo/ #BarMitzvah #EventPlanning #MomHalo #MitzvahPlanning #PartyBudgeting #BatMitzvah #JewishCelebrations #MomPodcast #Motherhood #PartyPlanning

May 14, 2026Episode 10534 min

The Power of Multi-Sport Athletes: Why Kids Should Play More Than One Sport

Gabe Diamond is the co-founder of True North Sports Camp, and he's spent years watching sports shape kids into confident, resilient, well-rounded people. In this episode, Gabe breaks down why specializing too early can actually hold kids back, how team sports build life skills no classroom can replicate, and what's driving the surprising resurgence of baseball in Canada. Whether you're a sports parent trying to figure out how much is too much, or just someone who believes in the power of play, this conversation is grounded, practical, and full of heart. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Introduction to True North Sports Camp 02:29 — The importance of sports in child development 05:27 — Parental commitment to sports 07:45 — The case for multi-sport participation 11:12 — Concerns about physical education in schools 14:39 — Encouraging well-rounded athleticism 16:55 — The resurgence of baseball in Canada 21:54 — Cultural differences in youth sports 26:11 — The role of parents in sports participation 28:54 — Closing thoughts on sports and youth development 33:39 — Outro ────────────────────────────── CONNECT WITH GABE DIAMOND ────────────────────────────── Website → https://www.truenorthcamps.com Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gdiamond87/ ────────────────────────────── ABOUT MOM HALO ────────────────────────────── Mom Halo is a podcast for real conversations about motherhood — the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. #YouthSports #MultiSport #MomHalo #ChildDevelopment #SportsParenting #PhysicalLiteracy #Baseball #TeamSports #KidsHealth #Motherhood

May 7, 2026Episode 10448 min

Revolutionizing Family Health with VR and AI: A Conversation with Geoff Eisfeld

Geoff Eisfeld went from tinkering in his basement to building immersive XR experiences that blend virtual reality, movement, and education. In this episode, Geoff shares how VR can help kids conquer fears, develop life skills, and transform how families approach health and learning together. Whether you're a parent curious about screen time done right, an educator looking for new tools, or simply wondering how AI and immersive tech fit into family life, this conversation is practical, forward-thinking, and full of possibility. ────────────────────────────── TIMESTAMPS ────────────────────────────── 00:00 — Introduction to Geoff Eisfeld and XR Fit 06:31 — The immersive experience of virtual reality 11:40 — Exploring the benefits of VR for children 15:47 — Conquering fears through virtual reality 19:28 — Life skills and job training in VR 22:19 — Challenges and misconceptions of VR adoption 26:15 — VR as a learning tool 28:16 — Rediscovering childlike play through VR 31:20 — Empowering children with sports and VR 34:16 — The role of AI in personalized learning 37:15 — Safety and personalization in AI for families 42:13 — Embracing technology for future generations 44:07 — Exploring XR Fit and its offerings 49:17 — Outro ────────────────────────────── CONNECT WITH GEOFF EISFELD ────────────────────────────── Website → https://xrfit.ca Instagram (XR Fit VR) → https://instagram.com/xrfit.vr ────────────────────────────── RESOURCES MENTIONED ────────────────────────────── XR Fit → https://xrfit.ca MetaHus → https://metahus.ca ────────────────────────────── ABOUT MOM HALO ────────────────────────────── Mom Halo is a podcast for real conversations about motherhood — the messy, the meaningful, and everything in between. 🎙️ New episodes every week. Subscribe so you never miss one. #VirtualReality #MomHalo #XRFit #FamilyHealth #VRForKids #AI #ImmersiveLearning #EdTech #MomPodcast #Motherhood

April 29, 2026Episode 1031 hr 2 min

Surrogacy, Advocacy, and Parenthood: A Conversation with Baden Colt

When Baden Colt was told she might never be a mom, she didn't accept it — she built a movement. In this episode, Baden shares her surrogacy journey, how a single social media post turned into a community of 500+ women, and her ongoing fight to reform parental leave policies in Canada. Whether you're navigating infertility, considering surrogacy, or simply want to understand the legal and emotional landscape of alternative family-building, this conversation is full of heart, practical insight, and hard-won wisdom. In this episode: • Baden's experience being told she might never be a mom — and how she defied expectations • The legal and emotional behind-the-scenes of her surrogacy journey • How a viral social media post led to a support community of 500+ women • The legislative fight for extended parental leave for surrogacy and adoption in Canada • Practical tips for finding a surrogate independently through social media • The importance of empathy, community, and open conversation around infertility Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:26 Baden's diagnosis of epilepsy and societal perceptions 01:10 Overcoming limitations and managing her health 02:29 Meeting her husband and choosing surrogacy 03:25 Navigating the legal and community landscape of surrogacy in Canada 05:38 The viral social media campaign and community building 09:52 Online support groups for intended parents 12:13 Advocacy for parental leave reform 15:07 Finding surrogates independently through social media 20:47 The surrogacy process: IVF, embryo creation, and legal steps 30:23 The emotional experience of miscarriage and community support 33:10 Gestational vs. traditional surrogacy 35:26 Parentage and legal registration in surrogacy 39:09 Legislative progress on parental leave policies 45:27 Normalizing conversations about infertility and surrogacy 49:15 Talking to children about their conception story 52:36 The cost of surrogacy in Canada and financial supports 56:17 How her journey shapes her parenting and community work 59:03 Connect with Baden and support her initiatives Resources & Links: NotMyTummy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/notmytummy NotMyTummy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@notmytummy NotMyTummy Website: https://www.notmytummy.com ⚠️ Warning — this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones. Disclaimer: All opinions of our guests are their own and in no way represent those of Alana Kayfetz.

April 24, 2026Episode 10256 min

The Power of Resilience: Negin Chelehmalzadeh's Journey and Innovation

In this episode, Negin Chelehmalzadeh shares her powerful journey through trauma, resilience, and her innovative platform PathPal that addresses mental health and grief. This episode explores systemic trauma, personal healing, and the creation of a community for those experiencing loss. Key Topics: Personal style and self-expression Trauma and resilience PathPal platform for mental health and grief Systemic abuse and cultural trauma Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Negin and PathPal 00:54 - Negin's Early Life and Cultural Struggles 02:59 - Trauma and Survival: Negin's Story 06:00 - Navigating Relationships and Identity 12:03 - Escaping a Toxic Environment 18:14 - Confronting Family and Cultural Expectations 20:04 - Life After Trauma: Finding a Path Forward 25:52 - Surviving the Unthinkable 29:48 - The Journey Through Trauma 36:39 - Finding Strength in Community 40:43 - Building a Supportive Platform 51:00 - The Privilege of Freedom Resources & Links: PathPal Grief Summit – https://pathpalgriefsummit.com Peloton – https://www.onepeloton.com Connect with Negin: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/neg_in_wonderland/ Website – https://mypathpal.com ⚠️ Warning — this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones. Disclaimer: All opinions of our guests are their own and in no way represent those of Alana Kayfetz.

April 17, 2026Episode 10146 min

Lisa Shaw, Transformational Stylist

In this episode, transformational stylist and personal style expert Lisa Shaw shares her expertise on dressing with intention, embracing body positivity, and navigating the ever-changing fashion landscape. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by trends or ready to rediscover your personal style, Lisa's insights will help you show up as your most confident self. Key Topics: Personal style and self-expression The role of body positivity in fashion Vintage and resale fashion trends The evolution of denim and silhouettes The importance of accessories in elevating outfits Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Transformational Styling 03:02 - Understanding Fashion Overwhelm 05:48 - The Accessibility of Fashion 09:01 - Marrying Old with New in Fashion 12:06 - The Importance of Personal Style 15:00 - Styling for Men vs. Women 17:52 - Current Fashion Trends and Vintage Resale 21:10 - Denim Trends and Silhouettes 23:53 - Fashion for Moms and Comfort in Style 25:08 - Elevating Comfort: The Art of Monochromatic Styling 27:17 - The No Rules Rule: Embracing Personal Style 29:10 - The Shift Towards Individuality in Fashion 31:57 - Body Positivity: Dressing for Your Current Self 36:48 - Cultural Inspirations: Infusing Diversity into Fashion 37:49 - The Online Shopping Dilemma: Balancing Convenience and Experience 45:03 - Final Thoughts: Embracing Your Worth and Intentional Dressing Resources & Links: Lifestyle by Lisa – Connect with Lisa: Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lifestyledbylisa ⚠️ Warning — this podcast is completely unfiltered. If you are around young children, we suggest headphones. Disclaimer: All opinions of our guests are their own and in no way represent those of Alana Kayfetz.