HERself

What if the missing ingredient in your marriage, friendships, and parenting isn’t more fixing, but more fun? In this episode, we explore a powerful shift inspired by a viral quote: instead of always focusing on what’s wrong, what happens when we intentionally prioritize joy and play in our relationships?
We reflect on how fun often comes naturally in dating but slowly fades as responsibilities, exhaustion, and parenthood take over. Through our honest stories, we unpack why fun is essential, how to bring it back in small, realistic ways, and how it can transform not just your marriage, but your friendships and your experience of parenting.
In this episode, we cover:
Why having more fun can be just as important as therapy for long-term relationships.
How marriage dynamics shift after kids and why fun is often the first thing to disappear.
Simple questions to help you take inventory of what actually feels fun and energizing right now.
The difference between fun that happens away from your kids and fun you can create with them.
Why shared experiences are key to deeper adult friendships and the power of being the one who sends the invite.
A simple question to ask your kids to uncover when they feel most connected to you.
Realistic, everyday ideas for adding more fun into parenting, even in busy seasons.
Fun isn’t optional. It’s often the thing that restores energy, strengthens connection, and makes this season of life feel lighter and more sustainable.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Friendship doesn’t stay the same as we move through different seasons of life. Many of us grow up with built-in friends from childhood or college, but as we move, build careers, get married, and have kids, our relationships naturally shift. In this episode, we’re not talking about casual friendships or surface-level connections. We’re diving into the deeper, dependable friendships that truly support us, especially as we near 40.
We share four key elements that define meaningful adult friendships. First, we talk about the importance of genuinely being proud of the people closest to us. True closeness often goes hand in hand with how someone makes us feel in our body and nervous system. The friends who help us feel calm, safe, and comfortable tend to be the ones who take relationships to the next level.
We also explore the value of friends who celebrate our wins. Everyone deserves people they can run to with exciting news, knowing it will be met with genuine joy. If a relationship consistently feels one-sided or competitive, it may be a sign that it’s not meant to be a deeply close friendship.
Life inevitably brings hard seasons, and we reflect on how powerful it is to have friends who show up when things get tough. We discuss how small acts, like following up when someone is going through something important, can leave a lasting impact and strengthen trust over time.
We also remind listeners that no friendship is perfect. A single comment or moment doesn’t have to define an entire relationship. When something doesn’t sit right, honest conversations can create deeper understanding and connection, especially when the friendship is built on mutual respect.
Finally, we talk about staying open to new friendships. You may not have met your future best friend yet. So many people are looking for meaningful connection, but it often takes courage, vulnerability, and someone willing to take the first step to make it happen.

Molly Millwood’s Book: https://amzlink.to/az0iWvIxqfuUD 

Listen to HERself episode #10 with Molly Millwood: https://www.herselfpodcast.com/listen/10-herself-expert-molly-millwood-on-motherhood-marriage-and-the-modern-dilemma 

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF 

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

Decision making doesn’t get easier as life gets fuller and for many women, the constant stream of choices can feel exhausting. In this episode we unpack what decision fatigue really looks like, how it shows up in work and family life, and why trusting yourself is often the most important part of the process.
Abby kicks things off by breaking down what actually makes a “good” decision, drawing from her coaching background and education at UW–Madison. She reminds us that we’re always making the best decision we can with the information we have at the time, and explains how the nervous system and personal values play a bigger role in decision making than we often realize.
Amy shares behind-the-scenes insight into a recent work decision and reflects on how she gives herself more grace than most women do when it comes to the decision making process. Together, Abby and Amy walk through real-life examples; from building a home, to managing family logistics, and highlight how two people can arrive at the same decision through very different paths.
They also explore confidence, indecision, and when it’s helpful (or not) to bring other people’s opinions into the mix. The episode wraps with a few simple, practical ways they’ve each reduced daily decision fatigue - small shifts that have made a big difference.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, second-guessed yourself, or wished decisions felt a little lighter, this episode is your reminder that you already have what you need. Trust yourself.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

FORAGE KITCHEN: Check out your nearest location

MEDICUBE: https://www.amazon.com/shop/abbyrosegreen/list/R54GS6HT4LUG?ccs_id=3b5d46d5-2823-4297-b696-293066dbfa20
Code: HERSELF20X  for 20% off until 1/18

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.

HERself is officially six years old, and we can hardly believe it. In some ways the time has flown by, and in others, it feels like every lesson, challenge, and conversation has been earned. Podcasting is not easy, and most shows don’t make it this far, which makes this milestone incredibly meaningful to both of us. This podcast has been such a special part of our lives, and we’re just getting started.
To celebrate six years, we’re recreating one of our very first episodes by revisiting the questions we answered back then and sharing how we would respond today. Over the past six years, we’ve grown in our marriages, in motherhood, and as individuals, and this episode is an honest reflection of that evolution.
We begin by revisiting the question: What is your biggest struggle in marriage? Abby shares that six years ago her answer was score-keeping, but today her biggest challenge is around apologizing. Amy reflects on how her biggest struggle used to be the constant time crunch while juggling a nursing job, multiple businesses, and motherhood to three young kids. While that season has eased, her current challenge is navigating moments when both she and Drew are low on patience.
Next, we revisit guilt in motherhood. Amy shares that her guilt once came from always feeling mentally pulled in different directions, while Abby reflects on how bedtime routines were once her hardest moment. Today, Abby’s guilt shows up during their busy nighttime family routines, as packed schedules often leave her wishing for more quality time with her kids.
We then dive into the realities of being a working mom. Both of us share how difficult it is to find boundaries between work and family, especially when so much of our work overlaps with our personal lives. The struggle to protect time, avoid burnout, and not feel like we could always be working is still very real.
We also open up about finances, reflecting on the debt we carried six years ago and the progress we’ve made since then. From there, we discuss body image and insecurities. Amy shares how she reached a place of true body confidence and developed a healthy relationship with food, while Abby reflects on navigating body dysmorphia during the early years of the podcast.
Finally, we revisit the question of our proudest moments. Amy shares how her definition has shifted toward raising kind, thoughtful kids, while Abby laughs at her former answer and reflects on how much her perspective has changed.
If we’re lucky enough, we’ll sit down and record this episode again when we’re 46. Thank you for being part of this journey with us—for growing, reflecting, and evolving alongside HERself. Here’s to the next six years.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

BETTERHELP: 10% off first month at: http://betterhelp.com/herself

LMNT: Free Sample Pack with purchase:  drinkLMNT.com/HERSELF 

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

As the year winds down, it’s easy to jump straight into planning what’s next. But before you rush ahead, this episode of HERself is your reminder to pause, look back, and reflect on what this past year has held for you. Reflection isn’t about judgment, it’s about recognizing growth so you can move forward with clarity and excitement.
Abby and Amy kick things off by sharing a simple reflection exercise they encourage every listener to try. As millennial women who work hard and tend to be hard on themselves, they know how easy it is to overlook what’s actually going well. To help spark that awareness, they each share three things they feel proud of and are doing well right now.
Abby opens up about how much her morning routine impacts her entire day. Amy shares her growth around financial transparency with her husband, Drew. Abby also talks about the role supplements play in her health, particularly in managing her autoimmune disease. Amy shares her deep commitment to protecting her sleep, even if it means excusing herself from social situations. The conversation continues with Abby’s concept of “tomorrow prep” — thinking beyond meals to identify small things you can do today to make tomorrow smoother and less stressful.
Later in the episode, Abby and Amy reflect honestly on areas where they want to improve. Amy notices herself slipping back into the habit of rushing through breakfast, while both hosts explore their relationship with food in a candid, unplanned conversation. It’s a reminder that growth isn’t linear and self-awareness is an ongoing process.
This episode is an encouraging reminder that you can reset at any time. Reflection doesn’t mean dwelling on what didn’t go well, it means honoring what did, learning from what didn’t, and giving yourself permission to move forward with confidence.

LINKS AND RESOURCES:

HERSELF PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/herselfpodcast

FORAGE KITCHEN: Check out your nearest location

Let’s connect!

HERSELF INSTAGRAM: http://instagram.com/herselfpodcast

MEET AMY: http://instagram.com/ameskiefer

MEET ABBY: http://instagram.com/abbyrosegreen

This episode was brought to you by the Pivot Ball Change Network.