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Storms, Sleep Masks & Setting the Record Straight
Summer may be on the calendar, but someone forgot to tell the weather in Pittsburgh! This week, Jill, Melissa, and Kelly catch up on everything from gloomy skies to summer travel plans—and plenty in between.
Melissa shares why she's obsessed with her new Oura Ring and all the health insights it's been giving her, while the moms have a conversation about how stress and trauma can affect your health, inspired by Christina Applegate's new book. Kelly also gives an update on her ongoing battle with her sleep apnea mask, and let's just say...it's not exactly helping her get more sleep.
Jill recaps her Father's Day trip to a farm with the family—including the "divas" she raised, who managed to show up in Chanel. Father's Day has the moms reflecting on the family traditions they still cherish. They also swap their best summer travel tips and explain why they've officially become carry-on-only travelers.
To wrap things up, Melissa answers a question Dance Moms fans have been asking: after she and the girls left the show, did they ever return to ALDC? She's setting the record straight.
Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!
For exclusive video and even more Dance Moms content, join us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/deardancemom
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Grandma Duty & Pittsburgh Everywhere
56:38|Jill is fully embracing grandma life and wouldn't have it any other way! She shares stories from her latest trip to spend time with baby Chance, why she's always happy to volunteer for babysitting duty, and how much she loves making special memories with her grandson. Riley is settling back into work, and like many new moms, the adjustment hasn't been easy.Kelly catches everyone up on the latest happenings at her dad's house, where the list of animals keeps growing...and now there's even a panther roaming the area! The moms also dive into the age-old debate: aging gracefully or going under the knife? They share their thoughts on cosmetic procedures and why so many people seem to be getting incredible results these days.Plus, Kelly has the most Pittsburgh story ever after running into someone in Seattle who somehow knew Erno through pickleball, proving once again that Pittsburgh connections are everywhere. They also marvel at the incredible replacement of the Parkway East bridge and how quickly the massive project came together.Melissa has a proud puppy update as Winnie officially tips the scales at a whopping five pounds! And of course, the conversation takes another unexpected turn when they discuss the internet's latest health craze: is sourdough bread basically nature's version of a GLP-1 because of the fermentation? Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!For exclusive video and even more Dance Moms content, join us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/deardancemom
Vacation Bliss...Then Total Mayhem
01:00:32|Jill is back from vacation and can't stop gushing about her grandson! The moms talk about how quickly little ones learn and why becoming a grandparent brings back so many memories of raising your own kids. But Jill's post-vacation bliss didn't last long...she came home to what can only be described as a dog-sitter disaster. From ruined white rugs to unbelievable messes throughout the house, she seriously wondered if she was being punked.Kelly shares some much-needed good news after a stressful few weeks, revealing that her doctors determined her pain was caused by two broken ribs—not something far more serious. It's a diagnosis she never thought she'd be relieved to hear.Plus, Jill introduces the moms to the term "Zillennials" and they debate which of their kids fit this in-between generation, while Melissa admits she's a full-fledged helicopter dog mom when it comes to Winnie Pearl. Why does Winnie insist on eating absolutely everything she finds? Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!For exclusive video and even more Dance Moms content, join us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/deardancemom
Is Kendall Joining the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders?!
01:12:25|The internet has everyone convinced Kendall is headed to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader...but is there any truth to it? Jill weighs in on the rumor, whether she'd be on board, and if Kendall could handle saying "Yes ma'am" all day long.That conversation sparks a debate about dance auditions: Do parents always think their child is the best, even when they're clearly not? The moms discuss the difference between being a technically strong dancer and being a true performer.Meanwhile, Kelly gives an update on her latest battle with the dreaded sleep apnea mask (spoiler: it's not going well), Jill's swollen wrist has everyone wondering if she's becoming allergic to bee stings after last year's lip fiasco, and the moms reflect on just how many incredible opportunities their kids have experienced—and continue to experience because of Dance Moms. They also admit they've been completely fooled by AI-generated posts online and talk about how scary convincing the technology has become. Plus, they answer a listener question from someone whose family has three weddings happening in one year, sending Jill into full-on stress mode. How would you survive that wedding season?Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!
Down & Out, Quality Control & Carry-Ons
01:12:19|This week, the moms are covering everything from paper calendars to plane etiquette! Melissa admits she is still loyal to a good old-fashioned physical calendar, proving some habits really are a generational thing.After Jill shares that she's had three appliances break in what feels like no time, the conversation turns into a nostalgic debate about whether anything is made to last anymore—from household appliances to the quality of clothes. That naturally leads to the struggle of shopping for swimsuits these days, with Jill searching for one that doesn't leave her boobs "down and out," while Kelly swears by tummy control and reveals why she's no longer interested in plastic surgery after hearing her kids insist that small boobs are in.The summer vacation talk continues with packing, travel outfits and one very important question: do you chat with the person sitting next to you on a flight? Kelly would rather keep to herself, while Melissa is more than happy to break the ice by showing off photos of her dogs.Plus, the moms also reflect on how much reality TV has changed since their Dance Moms days, discussing both the good and the bad of today's reality television.Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!
No Kitchen, No Power, No Problem
51:25|Kelly's home saga continues as her newly repaired ceiling leaks yet again, leaving her still without a kitchen. Meanwhile, Jill is recording through a hot spot after losing power, proving that the show must go on! The moms catch up on everything from Kelly's first experience with cupping therapy to Melissa's Invisalign journey, and share why they believe it's never too late to invest in yourself and make positive changes.They also chat about Kelly's ongoing house hunt, Melissa's much-debated "conversation couches" that her husband has never been a fan of, and how all three of them somehow stay incredibly busy despite not having traditional jobs. Plus, a listener shares a heartwarming story about meeting Paige, sparking a conversation about why the Dance Moms kids have always stayed grounded and humble despite growing up in the spotlight.And of course, the moms celebrate their Pittsburgh roots, sharing how no matter where they travel—even overseas—someone always seems to have a connection to Pittsburgh or the Steelers. Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!For exclusive video and even more Dance Moms content, join us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/deardancemom
Kelly's Kitchen Is Underwater + Thoughts On New Era
59:20|Kelly joins the podcast fresh out of the shower after a pipe bursts in her kitchen, leaving water everywhere and turning her morning upside down. The unexpected disaster sparks a conversation about homeownership headaches and why executive living—where someone else handles the repairs - is starting to sound pretty appealing.Meanwhile, Jill shares that her husband surprised her with flowers for the yard... but there's just one problem: she can't stand marigolds! The moms agree that even if the flowers aren't your favorite, it's the thought that counts.The conversation then turns to Dance Moms: New Era and the comments they've seen after recapping the series on Pillow Talk. Jill, Kelly, and Melissa explain that any emotions they express have nothing to do with the incredibly talented dancers or families involved. Instead, revisiting the show brings back difficult memories from their own experiences and reminds them that they were, in many ways, the experiment for everything that has since changed. They also reflect on how much they miss watching their own kids perform, with Kelly sharing that she even misses sitting in the stands watching Josh play hockey because there's nothing quite like seeing your child do something they love.To wrap things up, the moms tackle an interesting listener question about how two dads with a child in dance might navigate dressing rooms while still helping their child feel included and comfortable as part of the team.Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!For exclusive video and even more Dance Moms content, join us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/deardancemom
Sunburns, Scams & Staying Strong
59:25|The moms are soaking up the start of summer…maybe a little too much! ☀️ Kelly shares how she ended up with a sunburn, sparking a conversation about enjoying the warmer weather and making the most of the season.They also dive into the growing role of AI in everyday life and the ways it can actually be a helpful tool before shifting gears to a much scarier topic: scams and fraud. After Jill discovers an unexpected monthly charge on her account that she never authorized, the moms discuss how difficult it can be to keep track of finances, along with the credit card rewards and shopping apps they swear by to make the most of their spending.Plus, after a listener praises Kelly for staying so positive throughout her health journey, she opens up about the toughest moments she’s faced—including the hard experience of telling her kids she was sick.And after spending weeks recapping Dance Moms: A New Era, the conversation turns reflective as Melissa, Jill, and Kelly compare today’s reality TV landscape to their own experience and discuss just how much the genre has changed over the years.Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!For exclusive video and even more Dance Moms content, join us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/deardancemom
The One About Cookie Tables and Cookie’s House
01:00:09|This week, Melissa, Jill, and Kelly are catching up on everything from weddings to grandbabies to summer fun! Melissa is back from a wedding and shares all about the Pittsburgh tradition of the famous cookie table. Jill is counting down the days until Riley and baby Chance come to visit "Cookie's House" and talks about wanting to create special grandma memories her grandkids will cherish for years to come.The moms also chat about Jill's ever-growing animal kingdom (5 dogs and 2 cats!), the recent conversation surrounding Khloé Kardashian's regret over declawing her cats, and how excited they are that the weather is finally warming up in Pittsburgh. With pool season officially here, summer is in full swing—and so is fruit season! Jill explains why watermelon is more trouble than it's worth, while Kelly proudly shares that she successfully grew a pineapple. Have a question for the moms? Leave a voice message at https://www.speakpipe.com/deardancemom and you might be part of a future show!For exclusive video and even more Dance Moms content, join us on Patreon! https://patreon.com/deardancemom