The Real Family Eats: Dishing on real parenting struggles and favorite recipes
We are getting raw and unfiltered about all things parenting. No more "perfect parent" facade. We are pulling back the curtain and talking about the real-life struggles of parenting and how to survive it - with your sanity intact. Starting with helping you with the age-old question of "what are we going to eat today?" Join our host and parenting expert, Reesa Morala, as she talks with parents and tries new recipes.
Make sure to subscribe, like, and follow for more recipes and parenting tips.
Episodes
27 episodes
Healing Generational Trauma Through Honesty Bubba Startz on Family, Failure, and Growth
In this episode of The Real Family Eats, host Reesa sits down with Bubba Startz to talk about his powerful life journey, unique parenting challenges, and his tried-and-true chili recipe. This candid conversation digs into real stories, tough ch...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 4
•
51:48
From Surviving to Thriving: Krissy Bold’s Journey Through Motherhood and Finding Herself
Join Reesa as she chats with Krissy Bold about motherhood, identity, and easy meals that save time and sanity. This episode delivers practical tips, honest storytelling, and encouragement for moms who crave real talk and relatable solutions.
•
Season 2
•
Episode 3
•
52:02
The Perfect Mom Myth, Business Coaching + Baking Banana Bread with Julie Seal-Gaustad
In this episode, Julie Seal-Gaustad joins Reesa to talk business, parenting, and her family's famous banana bread. Get ready for practical insights, real-life challenges, and a recipe that's sure to become a household favorite.Julie...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 2
•
49:16
Embracing the Mess: Blaize Reveals What Shaped Her Parenting Journey + Special Sauce Recipe
Single parent Blaize joins Reesa to share a heartfelt conversation about parenting challenges, healing, and practical strategies for staying grounded. Tune in to hear an honest take on real-life struggles, personal growth, and a special family ...
•
Season 2
•
Episode 1
•
54:20
Break Free from Toxic Relationship Patterns: Find Healthy Love with Julie + Mexican Rice
Are we doomed to repeat the relationship patterns we grew up with? Julie Cobos Hernández, mom of three and nurse, opens up about her journey of breaking free from chaotic relationship cycles and learning to build healthi...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 23
•
52:18
Trust Your Parent Gut: Megan Cordaro on Letting Go of the Life You Planned + Harvest Grain Bowl
What happens when the life you thought you’d have collides with the reality of motherhood?In this powerful episode, Megan Cordaro, mom of five and Certified Birth Doula, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share her raw a...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 22
•
49:15
Heal After Pregnancy Loss: Jillian Cajigas on Grief, Sobriety + Comforting Korean Beef Recipe
In this deeply moving episode, Jillian Cajigas, mom of one, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share her emotional journey through pregnancy loss, high-risk pregnancy, and early sobriety. Jillian opens up about her struggles with...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 21
•
56:17
Redefine Being a Good Mom: Jennifer Lebrick on Career Pressure & Finding Balance + Lemon Bars
In this candid episode, Jennifer Lebrick, mom of two, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to dive into the challenges of being a full-time breadwinner while raising a family. Jennifer shares her journey of balancing career demands, societal expect...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 20
•
42:52
.png)
Reparent While Parenting: John Bacon Gilbert’s Redemption Tour + Gram Gram’s Banana Bread Recipe
two and Marriage and Family Therapist, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share his inspiring story. John opens up about:Parenting while deployedHis journey of recovery from alcohol abuse
•
Season 1
•
Episode 19
•
52:53
.png)
Quiet Critical Self-Talk: Kate Anderson on Breaking Cycles + Big Mac Casserole
In this candid episode, Kate Anderson, mom of three and owner of Kate Anderson Fitness, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to explore the challenges of raising children with vastly different personalities. Kate opens up about the struggle of recognizing...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 18
•
42:06
.png)
Decide to be a Parent: Rachel Sorensen on Societal Pressure + Pesto Polenta Brunch Recipe
In this introspective episode, Rachel Sorensen, LMFT, mom of one, and co-founder of Sorensen and Schiller Family Services, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to discuss the deeply personal journey of deciding whether or not to have children. Rachel open...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 17
•
53:23
.png)
Heal Racism in Children: Sara Hall on Parenting + Flavorful Martabak Recipe
In this compelling episode, Sara Hall—Spanish teacher, mom of two, and author/podcaster—joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to discuss the complexities of raising mixed-race children. Drawing from her own experiences growing up in a mixed-race household,...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 16
•
57:53
Break Generational Trauma: Jessica Good on Reparenting + Spicy Goat Cheese Dip
In this insightful episode, Jessica Good, LPC, EMDR Certified Therapist™, and mom of one, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to explore the journey of reparenting while raising a child. Jessica opens up about her recovery from an emotionally immature up...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 15
•
41:49
.png)
Cope With Body Fails: Kelly Parker’s Pre-Eclampsia Journey + 7 Layer Bars
In this heartfelt episode, Kelly Parker, mom of one and Marriage and Family Therapist, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share her emotional journey through pre-eclampsia and having a NICU baby. Kelly opens up about the fear, frustration, and challe...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 14
•
56:55
.png)
Discipline Not Punish: Celeste Hamilton on Stumbling Without a Manual + Zesty Salsa Recipe
In this episode, Celeste Hamilton, mom of two and Co-Owner of Hamilton Homes and Loans, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to discuss the complexities of disciplining children and navigating parenting without a handbook. Celeste shares how she and her p...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 13
•
45:28
.png)
Survive Type I Diabetes: Rachel’s Story + Comforting Steak & Potatoes Recipe
In this episode, Rachel, mom of two, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share her journey of navigating life as a single parent to a child diagnosed with Type I diabetes. Rachel discusses the fear and challenges that come with managing serious medica...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 12
•
48:43
.png)
Support Your 2nd Child: Melissa on Navigating Challenges + Spinach Artichoke Dip
In this episode, Melissa Donald, doula and mom of two, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to explore the challenges of parenting when reality doesn’t match expectations. Melissa shares how the birth of her second child, with a completely different tempe...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 11
•
50:18
.png)
Discover Your Voice: Reesa's Life-Saving Advocacy + Filipino Spaghetti
Join Reesa Morala, LMFT, mom of two and owner of Embrace Renewal Therapy & Wellness Collective, as she shares parenting struggles, tips, and insights alongside guest host Amanda. In this episode, Reesa opens up about the challenges of paren...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 10
•
50:58
.png)
Rewrite Gender Roles: Ignacio Commitment to Change + Shrimp Ceviche
In this episode, Ignacio Corona, dad of two and Director of Merchandising at Adobe Maison, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share his parenting journey and lessons learned. Ignacio opens up about modeling flexibility in gender roles for his daughte...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 9
•
47:40
.png)
Grieve Empty Nest: Dommie's Journey Through + Mac n Cheese
In this episode, Dommie Shaun, mom of two and owner of Dommie Shaun Health and Wellness Coach, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to discuss the challenges and emotions of parenting adult children as they transition into independence. Dommie shares her ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 8
•
38:41
.png)
Squash Parent Guilt: Amanda's Identity Rediscovered + Fluffy Pancakes
In this episode, Doctora Amanda Corona, mom of two and Director of Corporate Partners at UCSD, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to discuss the challenges of balancing a full-time career and full-time parenting. Amanda shares her experience navigating ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 7
•
44:15
.png)
Support New Parents: Sarina's Covid Newborn Lockdown + Fried Rice
In this episode, Sarina Chan, LMFT (she/her), and mom of one, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to discuss the challenges of navigating early parenthood during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sarina shares her experience of facing unexpected changes to her birt...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 6
•
51:58
.png)
Speak Your Needs: Tanya's Reawakening + Schmarn
In this episode, Tanya Reinhofer, teacher and mom of three adult children, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share her journey of navigating single motherhood. Tanya opens up about her experience going through a divorce while raising young children,...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 5
•
56:13
.png)
Overcome a Father's Heartbreak: Andy's Rejection Sensitivity + Tortellini Soup
In this episode, Andy Pollock, dad of one and Culinary Marketing Chef at Mezzetta, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share his journey of parenting through the challenges of rejection. Andy opens up about his struggles with Rejection Sensitive Dysph...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 4
•
49:55
Parent with Cancer: Jamie's Breast Cancer Journey + Grandpa's Mac
In this episode, Jamie Lauren, mom of two and middle school teacher, joins Reesa Morala, LMFT, to share her powerful story of resilience as a parent. Jamie opens up about receiving a breast cancer diagnosis while raising young children, navigat...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 3
•
1:00:53
.png)