Meet Brittany Frye and Paris Tews - friends and hosts of the podcast “Kindred Conversations”, where they discuss all things motherhood. We asked them a few questions about their podcast, and how they find joy in parenting and motherhood.
How did you decide to start the Kindred Conversations podcast?
Britt: Paris had prepped me with the idea a few years ago and then invited me to partner with her. Paris is pure goodness and so easy to work with- I don’t know if I could have done this with anyone else! The (or my) motive behind starting Kindred Conversations was to provide a greater sense of community to other moms in similar stages of motherhood to Paris and myself. Having meaningful conversations with your best mom friends is therapeutic and getting to create and share those conversations with an amazing community of like minded women is a special opportunity.
Paris: When I became a mother I felt so lucky to have an amazing community of women around me that I really leaned on. I realized how easily I could not have that support and I was determined to share it! So the idea of Kindred Conversations was born and I talked Britt into being my co-host! Thank goodness she agreed because I truly can’t imagine doing it without her.
What are the best parts / hardest parts of hosting a podcast?
Britt: I would put almost everything under “best parts”- recording with Paris, connecting with other women, getting advice from our community through submissions on specific topics, meeting and interviewing guests, etc. Hardest parts? Figuring out the audio/technical elements can be tricky! And the constant desire to grow and create more content on multiple platforms while balancing every day life is definitely a struggle. You have to come to terms with what you can reasonably do on any given day and trust that intuitively you know your limits and priorities. It’s a balance of pushing yourself a little every day and also maintaining a sense of sustainability overall.
Paris: The best part of hosting a podcast is undoubtedly the connection that comes with it. We’ve gotten to meet so many wonderful people and been exposed to so many new and different ideas. The hardest part is getting out a new episode each week. There’s a reason not many moms in this phase of life with babies and young kids at home have podcasts… it’s hard!
We love that the focus of your podcast is finding joy in motherhood. How have you both been able to do this in your own lives?
Britt: I think a major part of finding joy in motherhood-and a big driver of the podcast-is a sense of community, friends, a support system, and knowing you’re not alone! As I’ve grown my family I’ve also come to find more and more joy in the small things. I’ve let go of a lot of “control” and become more present with my kids which has been such a huge game changer. I don’t think that was something I could have forced to happen sooner. It came with time, kids, and more life experience.
Paris: It feels like finding joy in motherhood should be the most natural thing in the world! And while loving my babies absolutely is, finding joy in my role as a mother is not a passive experience. I find I’m most able to experience the joy when I focus on gratitude, limit my expectations, and lean into connection — both with my kids and my friends!
What are some common themes or patterns you've seen in your conversations about finding joy in motherhood?
Britt: Motherhood is a wild journey because it’s ever evolving at such a fast pace! You’re never in the same stage long enough to get too comfortable before things get turned upside down and you have to figure out a new equilibrium all over again. I think one pattern I’ve noticed is taking each phase as it comes- knowing it won’t last long so savor the good and know that the “hard stuff” will soon pass. Another pattern I’ve recognized is setting boundaries for yourself while respecting that you are raising individuals who have their own thoughts, preferences, and opinions. You cannot (or should not) force them into every decision you want them to make. Accepting their decisions and emotions for what they are, while also holding firm on your personal boundaries frees you up from taking things personally or being disappointed when they, inevitably, make a decision different from what you would have made for them!
Paris: One theme that comes up in almost every episode is intuition. The world and its opinions feels LOUD, but ultimately the voice inside of you is so powerful. I am reminded again and again that I am meant to be my kids’ mother and I can trust myself.
How do you approach talking about both the highs and lows of motherhood?
Britt: Authenticity is one of my most beloved values and I hope that comes across on the pod! I never want to brush over something hard or make it seem like this parenting gig is easy- it’s not! But I also don’t want to make light of my children or being a mother- I think that can be some people’s schtick but it’s just not authentic to me. I think for a long time social media was just a highlight reel and then once that started to get old people went the opposite direction and used it as a tool to sort of bag on motherhood. Although both personalities have their place, neither felt true to me because they didn’t acknowledge the great truth of motherhood- it’s all true! It’s hard, it’s beautiful, it’s stretching, it’s happiness, it’s ugly, its wonderful… it’s all of it! That’s one reason I love the podcast as a platform- it allows you to really dive into the nuances and give the complexities of motherhood (both good and bad) their due credit.
Paris: We have always been so passionate about finding joy in motherhood through honest conversations! I don’t believe we gain anything by pretending motherhood is all sunshine and rainbows. But I believe we can hold space for the difficulties AND romanticize all of the good and wonderful things that come with raising babies! We strive to celebrate the wins and the goodness, and sit in the hard moments and acknowledge that they help us grow, too.
Any advice or resources you have for being a positive and joyful mother?
Britt: Appreciating the simple things! I think some of this comes through taking the pressure off of every moment- rather than controlling and actively molding every moment with my children, I’ve found a lot of joy in sitting back and taking them in… being an observer. And allowing yourself to experience it all. Acknowledging your emotions- both the happy and the sad- makes it easier to fully embrace each moment for what it brings. The joys in young motherhood are simple and beautiful in their simplicity so being present can help you to catch the full weight of the joy when it comes (and it will come in a hundred little moments throughout your day!) Also as far as resources…I hope our podcast, Kindred Conversations, serves as the resource it was created to be in helping mothers find joy in their role! And lastly, reading parenting books has proved to be really helpful for me in recognizing that everything is “normal” when you are raising children and you are not alone! Even if I’m not taking notes while I read (or more likely…listen) it’s a great reminder to me that the effort I put in is worth it. Ultimately any resource that allows me to feel seen, and encourages my best efforts in loving my children and myself is going to serve me in being a more joyful mother!
Paris: My best advice would be to find a community! Good friends are treasures and it’s worth the effort to find yours. And of course, come join our community at Kindred Conversations!
What are some of your favorite products from Copper Pearl?
Britt: We love Copper Pearl's pajamas! My favorite prints for my kids are Dottie, Bogey, and Briar. We also love their hooded towels to make for a seamless transition from bath time to bedtime.
Paris: Copper Pearl’s swaddles are some of our favorites! We are also big fans of Copper Pearl’s pajamas! We love Hunnie and Periwinkle.
Follow their podcast on Instagram @kindredconversations and start listening today!
Britt was born and raised just outside of Portland, Oregon- a place that will always hold a piece of her heart. She moved to Utah to attend BYU and graduated from the Marriott school of business. In 2015 she married her husband John and they currently live with their three children (5,3,1) in Highland, Utah. Britt had paused her long term career plans to focus on growing her family and raising her children when she met Paris. Kindred Conversations was born less than two years later. Britt loves to cook, bake, exercise, spend time in the sun, play almost any sport, and laugh a lot.
Paris is married to her sweetheart and raising her three children (5, 2, and 4 months) near the mountains in Utah. She craves sunshine, devours books, and loves spending quality time with friends. She started the podcast Kindred Conversations in 2020 and has never looked back.