Hope & Humor Video Podcast

Superwoman Syndrome 21.07.2026 41min

Do you ever feel like you’re expected to do it all, be it all, and somehow make it look effortless? In this episode, Kristina and her producer dive into the reality of Superwoman Syndrome. They explore the pressures and societal expectations that women face, how these messages often teach us to put our own needs last, and what it takes to break free from the cycle of self-neglect and create a life that feels more fulfilling and sustainable.

From a Teen Advocate with over 15 years of experience: What Parents Need to Know 14.07.2026 48min

Kristina is joined once again by Jacy Patt, founder of Mentionable Means Manageable Youth Advocacy and a dedicated advocate with more than 15 years of experience working with at-risk youth and their families. Through years of building trust with young people, Jacy has heard firsthand from kids who are struggling but don’t feel comfortable opening up to their parents. She shares powerful insights and practical guidance for parents who want to strengthen their connection with their children. Learn more about Jacy’s non-profit organization and its work supporting adolescents and families: mmmya.org

Recovering Pessimist 07.07.2026 42min

Kristina gets real about something she’s been working on for most of her life: overcoming chronic negativity. Calling herself a “recovering pessimist,” Kristina shares practical strategies that have helped her shift her mindset, and answers listener questions about dealing with negativity. Whether you’re a lifelong pessimist, an occasional overthinker, or simply someone trying to see the glass as half full more often, this episode offers encouragement and practical tools to help you along the way.

Sexual Harassment: Why are we still excusing it? 30.06.2026 50min

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and child sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. In this deeply personal and important episode, Kristina tackles the ongoing issue of sexual harassment and sexual assault, with a particular focus on the rise of online sexual harassment and the troubling ways it continues to be excused, normalized, and dismissed (even by some women). Kristina also shares her own experiences of being sexually assaulted, both as a child and as an adult, and encourages those who have gone through similar experiences to speak up. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Your dignity matters.

From Trauma to Purpose: The Woman who Helped Save My Son 16.06.2026 16min

In this powerful episode, Kristina sits down with Jacy, the remarkable woman she credits with helping save her son’s life during one of the darkest periods of his mental health struggles. Through a raw and inspiring conversation, she shares her own journey from a childhood marked by severe trauma and abuse to dedicating her life to helping young people find hope and a path forward. Her story is a moving reminder that no matter how difficult your past, healing, hope, and transformation are possible. (Jacy now runs a non-profit organization that helps adolescents who are struggling: https://mmmya.org/

Choosing and Building a Great Relationship 09.06.2026 46min

This episode explores what it takes to create healthy, thriving relationships at every stage of life. How do we set ourselves up to be healthy partners and choose the right partner for a thriving relationship? Whether you’re single, have been with your partner for decades, or simply want guidance on what to teach your kids before they start dating, this episode offers practical insights.

Healing and Rebuilding After Divorce 02.06.2026 48min

Kristina opens up about one of the hardest and most life-changing experiences of her life: divorce. She shares what helped her heal, rebuild herself, and slowly find peace and joy again. Kristina also answers two voicemails from listeners currently struggling through divorce, offering encouragement, insight, and hope for the road ahead.

Co-parenting after divorce 26.05.2026 50min

Kristina talks about navigating co-parenting after divorce and what helped her create the healthiest possible environment for her kids. She shares the “formula” she came up with to keep herself accountable and not allow her ego to take over, lessons she learned about dating after divorce, and what it was like getting remarried as a single mom. Most importantly, she reminds single parents that loneliness is never a good reason to settle.

Parenting tips that actually help 12.05.2026 38min

Kristina shares some of the parenting tips, mindset shifts, creative tricks, and practical habits she’s learned over more than 20 years of raising kids, the kinds of tips that helped keep her (somewhat) sane and made parenting feel a little easier at times. From sibling rivalry to empowering kids to navigating various challenges, this episode is filled with ways to help reduce stress and strengthen connection with your children.

When Life Throws Crap Our Way 28.04.2026 45min

Life can surprise us in the worst ways: health scares, financial stress, grief and loss, relationship struggles, parenting challenges, mental health dips, and those seasons where everything feels uncertain all at once. How do we keep it from taking over everything? In this episode, Kristina shares what has helped her navigate unexpected chaos and hardships and reminds us not to allow the few things that are completely out of our control to control us completely.

Fun Family Traditions and the Importance of Creating Joy 21.04.2026 41min

Life can be hard, which is why the little things matter. In this episode, Kristina and her producer share fun family traditions that help create connection, bring laughter, and give the family something to look forward to. Kristina also shares creative traditions sent in by listeners, reminding us that joy can be found right in the middle of ordinary life.

Parenting Guilt 14.04.2026 44min

In this episode, Kristina talks about one of the heaviest things so many parents, especially moms, carry: guilt. The constant feeling that you’re not doing enough, not being enough, or completely screwing up. She unpacks how to tell the difference between guilt that can guide us and guilt that just drains us, why prioritizing ourselves is actually healthy for our kids, and how to start letting go of that suffocating guilt feeling. This is the conversation every ”guilty” parent needs.

Supporting a Child with Mental Health Struggles 13.04.2026 40min

Supporting a child who is struggling with mental health can feel overwhelming, confusing, and at times, heartbreaking. In this episode, Kristina shares simple, everyday actions that helped her support her own son through depression, anxiety, and ADHD. From building trust to communicating in ways that help a child open up, this conversation offers practical, usable guidance. She also explores how to navigate high-stress moments without escalating, communicate in ways that empower your child, and what it truly means to be a steady, safe presence when they need it most. If you’ve ever felt unsure what to say or do, this episode will help you feel more grounded, confident, and less alone.

Cougar Puberty! (a.k.a. Perimenopause/Menopause) 31.03.2026 44min

Kristina sits down with her friend Amy for an honest, unfiltered conversation about the things no one warns women about when it comes to perimenopause and menopause. From lesser-known (and rarely discussed) symptoms to the emotional and mental shifts that can feel confusing or isolating, they shine a light on what so many women experience but few openly talk about. With humor, candor, and compassion, they explore the importance of advocating for yourself, nand finding the right kind of support. This episode is about feeling seen, less alone, and more empowered to navigate this stage of life on your own terms.

Answering your questions! 24.03.2026 44min

Kristina answers questions listeners have sent in. Should teenagers earn or be gifted a car? Should we be taking our child’s phone away as a consequence? How to help a child who worries a lot? How to best support a friend whose teen is struggling? Creative ideas for bonding with your teen, and more.

I'm Struggling With My Mental Health 10.03.2026 39min

Kristina opens up about something many of us are feeling but don’t always say out loud: life has been heavy lately. She shares honestly about her recent mental health struggles with depression and anxiety, what it’s looked like behind the scenes, and the small ways she’s been working through it. This conversation is a reminder that you’re not alone and you deserve all the help you can get.

Relationships and Marriage Are Hard! 03.03.2026 42min

In this episode, we talk honestly about marriage - why many single women are losing interest in it, how the mental load in relationships often goes unshared, and what it takes to have a truly healthy partnership. Kristina also opens up about a season that nearly broke her marriage and what she and her husband did to heal their relationship. This episode is filled with practical, real-life tips for anyone who wants a healthier, more supportive romantic partnership.

Parenting After Kids Turn 18: Navigating the Transition 24.02.2026 35min

In this episode, we talk about the difficult transition from raising children to parenting adult kids. How do we support them while respecting their independence? How do we respond when our adult children bring up ways we hurt them or mistakes we made while raising them? And how can we build the healthiest relationship possible with them? This conversation explores letting go of control, staying connected, and growing alongside our adult children.

Why are we so cruel to ourselves? 17.02.2026 37min

In this episode, we discuss how we’re our own worst bullies, why putting ourselves down feels more natural than complimenting ourselves, and how to shift our self-talk out of self-hatred mode in order to become more confident and thrive.

Recognizing Mental Health Struggles in Your Child 10.02.2026 42min

In this episode, we discuss what we as parents need to do to recognize mental health struggles in our kids and how to approach them in ways that don’t cause them to shut down. We talk about how some kids are often mislabeled as “bad” or rebellious, when in reality they’re kids who are in pain. We also explore how creating an environment rooted in genuine curiosity helps our children feel safe opening up and accepting our support.