This week, Krista and Samantha bounce between summer parenting chaos and business growth lessons, proving once again that snack plates and strategic planning can (and do) coexist.
They dig into the reality of decision fatigue, the art of launching with intention, and why sometimes, a swipe of lipstick is the only prep you need for a big call. The conversation flows from kids and technology to the evolving world of birthday parties, with honest takes on social dynamics, gratitude, and whether loot bags are still a thing (spoiler: they are—just... better now).
This episode is equal parts practical and reflective, offering tips, commiseration, and a reminder that doing your best in the mess still counts.
Takeaways & Merit Badges Earned:
💄 Lipstick is a vibe reset—embrace it.
🌞 Parenting in summer requires flexibility, snacks, and grace.
🧃 Snack plates are the unsung hero of seasonal survival.
🧠 Decision fatigue is real—build systems that help you decide less.
🚀 Strategic support = better launches, better outcomes.
👩💻 Investing in the right help can change everything.
📱 Tech can connect and distract—boundaries matter.
🎉 Birthday parties have changed, and that’s not a bad thing.
🎁 Experiences > plastic junk (loot bags included).
🗣️ Communication between parents makes party planning way less painful.
----
Running on coffee, calendar reminders, and a kid’s leftover granola bar? You’re in the right place.
💌 Follow us on Instagram @MamaMeritBadge
⭐️ If you laughed, nodded, or felt seen, leave a review or share this episode with your crew.
----
💥 Exclusive Listener Bonus: Mama Merit Badge listeners get 20% off Samantha’s new FIXR Series — monthly workshops designed to offer a targeted fix for a specific business hurdle.
Use code YAPPERS20 at www.samanthamackinnon.com/fixr-series.
Popular Podcasts
New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Fudd Around And Find Out
UConn basketball star Azzi Fudd brings her championship swag to iHeart Women’s Sports with Fudd Around and Find Out, a weekly podcast that takes fans along for the ride as Azzi spends her final year of college trying to reclaim the National Championship and prepare to be a first round WNBA draft pick. Ever wonder what it’s like to be a world-class athlete in the public spotlight while still managing schoolwork, friendships and family time? It’s time to Fudd Around and Find Out!