60 Comments
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Sam R's avatar

I would love it if you recorded them and turned them into a podcast! I personally prefer to listen to conversations in my own time but I’m interested in those topics you suggested - romantic relationships, age gaps, chores. Another tricky thing I’ve had to navigate is step parenting and navigating a complicated relationship with my partners ex who is unpleasant but pretends to be otherwise. There’s not a lot online on how to manage that sort of relationship when you don’t want to foster one. Thanks anyway love your articles! I haven’t subscribed yet but I read what I can! X

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Emily Sternberg's avatar

I second that! Podcast format when we can listen at a convenient time would be great. I work all day so a zoom meet up is tough, but lough walking w a podcast!

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Lareysa Smith's avatar

Hey Courtney,

I’ve always loved the idea of the zoom meetups but I have young kids and the timing of them is always terrible for me. I’m in EST and the 3 time suggested above are all crunch time for me (on my end the times are—7pm bedtime/bath, 6am little ones waking up and start to our day, 4pm kids just one fm school needing mama, snack etc).

I think it’s a great concept and often enjoy watching or listening to them after the fact, however, they are certainly more interesting when more of us fm the community participate. I’d love to be one of those people! Unfortunately your available times to hold them in Australia just really don’t align with times I can participate with my EST time zone.

Womp womp. Bummer.

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Hi Lareysa,

Thanks for sharing this. Gosh, that's so annoying about the three times being so inconvenient for those in EST. It's especially hard this time of year when the time difference is bigger because of daylight savings. So hopefully when we switch again, there will be a better time. Or maybe I need to come up with a new time? Someone else suggested 12noon my time, but I think that's quite late (10pm) for you?

x

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Lareysa Smith's avatar

I mean… 10pm is late when one is exhausted but as a one-off it could work. At least no little children are awake needing me for very important things! lol

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Lucy's avatar

I looked for a podcast from you but didn’t find one, so definitely would listen to a podcast! Agree that timings for zooms are difficult unless it’s for my job at the moment!

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Lucy's avatar

Having said that if it did work the chance to join a live zoom chat would be great still! Collaborative conversation is another kind of insightful as a solitary podcast listen

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Rebecca's avatar

Yessss please to podcasts!!

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Kelsie Thayne's avatar

I like the podcast idea.

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Thanks for this, Sam. I appreciate the feedback. I love the idea of a podcast too -- but the Zoom chats were really meant to be a collaborative conversation where people can share their experience and ask questions and offer tips, etc. When they work, they are GREAT.

I am working on a podcast with my best friend, Aimee, so hopefully we can share that soon!

(And I'm sorry about the ex partner - that's a tricky situation for sure.) xx

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Gaia Grossi's avatar

Hi Courtney,

I've been meaning to send you a note for a while now, so thank you for the reminder by including us in your creative process.

First of all, I want to say how much I appreciate your commitment to this community and the variety of topics you cover. The motherhood content you share really resonates with me, and I agree that a podcast sounds like a great idea—especially since I also find it difficult to join the Zoom meetings.

I do remember, though, that the original goal of the Zoom meetings was to help community members engage, connect, and share with one another. I think these days, it’s easy to get a bit lazy about real communication, so I agree it's important to make the effort toward more meaningful interaction. Maybe, in addition to the Zoom meetings, you could also open up discussions on Substack Chat so we can participate and share our thoughts in our own time?

As for content, I’d love to see more interior design ideas—you're so talented at creating and appreciating good design. I'd also enjoy more videos and visual content in general.

Sending a big hug!

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Hi Gaia,

Yes, exactly! The whole point of the meetups is to encourage conversation and sharing. It's a space where we can be vulnerable with each other and share our experiences. I do like the idea of opening up discussions on the Substack Chat - I need to look into this to learn more about how this works. I definitely think it's an easier way for people to share and comment.

Thanks also for the suggestion for more video content. I've actually got lots of video content planned for the launch of our book, which will be fun and I can't wait to share that.

Thanks again for your comment and sending a big hug back. xx

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Colleen Dockerty's avatar

I’d also prefer just to listen to a podcast or recorded conversation with you and 1-3 friends! I’d love it if it was less “interview with an expert”, and more of a back and forth informal chat with a few rotating friends from a variety of backgrounds on various topics - parenting, life changes, decisions, being unstuck (loved that), relationships (especially maintaining long term 20 years+), careers, etc

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Love this suggestion. That would be so fun! I'm working on a podcast with my best friend and some of our episodes have been like this - just a really honest, vulnerable chat between friends and those episodes have been my favourite. xx

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Molly Muñoz's avatar

Makes me sad that you're questioning and have had low turnout because I love following you and I love listening to your videos! Being a busy mom of a 2.5yo, I find myself having less time to sit and read and more time to move and listen. I love to listen to a Zoom recording or other video of yours while I'm walking or doing chores. I basically treat it like a podcast. I am in CST (midwest, USA) and the best time for me is probably later in the evening, like 8pm CST, which I think is midday for you. While I'm genuinely interested in all of your topics, including teen and menopause things which don't pertain to me at this time in my life now, I feel like I can personally contribute to a smaller selection of topics. So I definitely am a fan of your Zooms and desire to join, even though I haven't been able to join one yet.

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Thank you, Molly. That's helpful. I hadn't actually thought about a midday (for me) time -- but that makes sense for those in the US to chat in their evening. I think I'll try that time for one of the next ones. xx

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Rachel's avatar

I absolutely loved the two live meet ups I was able to join a while ago now. Do you still have to have monthly membership to join? I would have definitely joined the last one but it was at midnight in London and I just can’t stay awake that late anymore! I’ve voted for 6am but I can see that’s not so popular. The 8pm one would work too (I think it’s 11am here). I find motherhood the most interesting topic and I love the way you talk about it, (I find the things you’re thinking about are the things running through my mind too) so don’t stop! I guess you have to think of what’s valuable for you too.

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Hi Rachel,

Thanks for your comment and lovely feedback. I've moved the membership offering completely over to Substack because I found it a much easier platform to use (both on my side and on the reader's side). At least once a month I will share the details for the Zoom meetups on my Substack with a Zoom link to join. The next one I host will definitely be available to those in Europe (I'm sorry the last few haven't been convenient times for you.) xx

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Kim's avatar

Hi Courtney,

Your letters on Substack are a quiet comfort. I treasure the way you write about motherhood, family rhythms, and the art of living simply in your home, with intention. Your words often feel like a deep breath in the middle of the day (as a full time working mum of a 13 and 20 yr old).

I also find myself getting lost in your photographs. They don’t just complement your words—they carry their own quiet poetry, telling a story that lingers long after the last line is read. Together, your images and writing create a world that feels both tender and true.

I’d love to read more about how you gather up and treasure the small, fleeting everyday moments —and how you hold them close as you watch time slip by so quickly. That bittersweet ache is something I carry too, and your writing helps me feel less alone in it.

Thank you for sharing your heart so beautifully with us.

Kim xx

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Thanks so much, Kim. What a lovely comment to read - so encouraging!

Hugs to you. xx

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Georgie Parr's avatar

Also love Annie’s idea of discussing friendship!

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Georgie Parr's avatar

I don’t know why but my inbox moved your messages to a different folder so have missed all of these! I would love to join a 8 AEST meet up. I have listened to several after but with a family with kids who go to bed early (and others who stay up late!) the previous times never worked even when I had penciled them in. My husband is away all week so it’s always just me.

I have just sold my business and my kids are moving into a new phase of life (the eldest just going to secondary school) and would love to talk about transitions. I have considered if we had one more baby, a change of direction career wise or even just a window of time of not working… interested to hear how people have handled transitions and crossroads!

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Thanks Georgie! I like the suggestion of talking about transitions and crossroads.

And thanks for the feedback about the timings, etc. x

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Raquel MM's avatar

Hi Courtney, I find your content inspiring. I have enjoyed a lot your recipes. Some of them are now our favourites. In general I enjoy your content. I like that it is varied. Regarding the meet ups, I managed to attend two or three of them but couldn't do that in the latests due to time difference and bad timing with bed time, etc. Otherwise I would have joined more. Some of the topics could be: friendship, work-life balance, traveling, sustainable life... I think the idea of a book club is great but given our busy lives, it is sometimes difficult to keep the pace and read at the same rythm, that is why I have joined the book club chat only once. Maybe we can comment like this, by posting. The same can be done with podcasts, series.... As for suggestions, I like those posts in which you ask and people suggest books, series, presents, places to visit... Back to the interviews, it would be great if we could send you one question in advance if we now who is going to be interview.

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

I love the idea of gathering questions from readers for my interviews. Thank you for that suggestion. And thanks also for sharing all of this with me. I really appreciate it. xx

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Annie from Brimful's avatar

You know how much I love supporting you in all your endeavors…and the live meetups are incredible! But the timing is always a bit of an issue for me, as it usually hits in the middle of the afternoon here in the US. Even when I’ve written it down and plan to attend, something usually comes up because my kids are typically just home from school.

The podcast format would definitely be easier to listen to in terms of timing, but it loses that communal feeling.

Perhaps a live-meetup up once a quarter would be better? I would definitely be sad if you did away with it completely! Love you 😘

Conversation topics:

Marriage and helpful communication tips with your partner/spouse

Integrating one’s spiritual beliefs/values into family culture

Perimenopause

The highs and lows of friendship with other women

Kids and screentime (this one always seems relevant as technology is constantly changing!)

Kids and helping them with emotional regulation

What to do when life just feels overwhelming

Books (another topic that never gets old! 😉)

Favorite Things

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

I love all of these ideas, Annie. Thank you so much for taking the time to write them down for me. I was talking with a good friend the other day about how sometimes it's easier to see what someone else should do in business, but hard sometimes to know when it's your own.

I am always SO grateful to see you on the live meetups -- you bring so much thought and joy (and a real depth of experiences) to the conversations, so thank you!

xx

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Lay's avatar

Hi Courtney,

I enjoy the mixture of topics that you cover, the lighthearted and heavier motherhood topics, interior tips and videos, reading recommendations, identity talks, motherhood musings.

Regarding the Zoom calls: I always really really enjoy them and I totally agree that they are very valuable even if I never managed to participate (work schedules never really fit). Keep them!!

One question: is it just me or does the recording of the lates book discussion Zoom not have a sound?

And: do you have the tour of your beach house already on Substack? I couldn't find it and wanted to look at it again for taking notes and planning of my own :)

I'm not really a fan of the chat function, as it only adds more noise to all the input we already get and you have to actively choose weather to participate or not. (

I'm looking forward to the podcast with Aimee and future Zoom meetings. I enjoy the newsletters as a little check-in. And the videos in connection to the book launch! Someone mentioned identity and work. It would be interesting to know how you structure your workflow, ideas and your days in general and how it changed over the years as your career evolved.

Thanks for inviting us to join with comments! Hope the sun comes out soon and you feel a bit lighter!

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Hi Lay,

Thanks for your comment and all of this feedback.

I just checked, and that video recording has sound -- can you check again? It should work for you!

And I think I forgot to transfer over that video tour of our beach house from the membership site. I've just done that now, so you can watch it here: https://courtneyadamo.substack.com/p/heres-a-video-tour-of-our-beach-house

Hope that helps! xx

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Ashleigh Casey's avatar

Hi Courtney,

After reading your newsletter i have just subscribed and would love to talk about implementing chores, table manners and other family rules. I am also very interested in discussing age gaps with siblings as well. I have a 6 and 7 year old and my husband and I have unsuccessfully been trying for a 3rd for just over 3 years now but have decided to stop as amongst the difficulties of trying we are also conscious of a large age gap, especially as our boys are so close.

If it hasn't already been discussed (sorry i haven't had a chance to look through the website yet) I would also love a conversation around outside influence / friendships and techniques on how to manage (for lack of a better word) that as a parent with your kids.

Do you record the live zoom chats so you're able to watch back if you miss them? Thanks, Ash

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Hi Ash,

Thanks for this comment, and for sharing so openly. And thanks for subscribing too!

I love the suggestion of talking bout outside influence and friendships, as it's actually so important in shaping our children. (I've seen firsthand how important a good peer group is for kids.)

The zoom chats are recorded so people can watch them later. (I have recently moved platforms from Kajabi to Substack, and I didn't move over all the old recordings of the previous live meetups, but there are a few here on Substack from recent ones.)

I hope to connect with you soon!

xx

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Stefani D's avatar

I love podcasts and reading your email newsletters (I don't subscribe to anything on Substack). I love hearing about your life on IG and am a long time follower. Even a solo podcast about the process of examining your work and how you're sharing is interesting to me (and I'm sure many other people), because so many of us are also reflecting on our offerings and/or identity etc. Topics: growth as an individual, partner, mother, writer, business owner and creator over the different seasons of your life, how you approach and maintain your female friendships, how you're moving through the different chapters in your life and approaching the unknown - I would listen to it all!

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Thanks for taking the time to share this with me, Stefani. I love that suggestion about reflecting on our work, identity and offerings, and sharing more insights into the creative process. Thank you! xx

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Rosalie's avatar

Hi Courtney,

I personally love your newsletters and the encouragement you share in making motherhood wonderful.

The about topics you mentioned would be so great. A question I have, What age was your youngest child when the spark returned in your marriage? When did you have the energy to invest in your marriage again, once the brain fog and exhaustion lifted?

As a mum of 6 myself, you really are an Inspiration.

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Hi Rosalie,

Thanks for your comment. I love the topic of relationships and reigniting the spark. It really happened for us a few years ago - so Wilkie (our youngest) was around 5. It feels so nice to feel so connected to Michael again after living for so long in baby land (and for it to feel sexy again too!).

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Rebecca's avatar

I have loved the meet-ups that ive joined. Really really loved them! Always such an interesting group and topic. Strangers feeling like allies. I missed the last few because I forgot you had moved to Substack and haven’t been paying attention on dates! I’m UK but am happy to join a call as late as it needs to be for the Aussie crew!

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Courtney Adamo's avatar

Thanks Rebecca! x

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Nicola's avatar

I’m in England (originally from Perth, Western Australia!) so 8pm AEST would work for me. I would love to join, I just couldn’t with the timing of the last one.

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