Before Springfield heats up again, do these 7 things
Spring got a second wind this week after that historic hail storm, and it won’t last long.
In this episode, I’m sharing 7 things I want to do with my family before the heat takes over in Springfield, Missouri.
Nothing extravagant or expensive! Just a little inspiration to fully sink into spring, whether that's outside, in your neighborhood, or around your table.
18 Apr 2026
Return of family movie night
In this episode, I unpack how streaming, short-form video, and the modern content economy have created a world where family movie nights have lost their luster.
We’ll talk about attention, abundance, and why limiting your options to Springfield's brick-and-mortar alternatives might bring something back to your family's movie nights.
9 Apr 2026
Parks are in a coma. It's time to reclaim them.
For the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time in Springfield’s parks, walking them, writing about them, bringing my son along and wondering about their emptiness.
The more I’ve learned, the harder it’s been to ignore the difference between what these spaces are now… and what they used to be.
There was a time when our parks were full of life. There were bandstands, skating rinks, carnivals - places designed for gathering.
True third places.
In this episode, I share some of that history, but also some modern ideas, both here and in other cities, and what it might look like to bring some of that life back.
This is part reflection, part invitation to do something about it!
13 Mar 2026
Episode 1: Why I started Dear Springfield Mama: From San Diego newsrooms to Ozarks mom life
Why start a local parenting newsletter in Springfield, Missouri?
In this first episode of the Dear Springfield Mama podcast, I share the story behind the project. A decade ago, I was a journalist in San Diego. Today, I’m a stay-at-home mom raising a little boy in the Ozarks, a life I never quite expected.
Leaving journalism left a surprising void. I missed feeling connected to a place. I missed knowing what was happening around me. And like many parents with a young child, I struggled to figure out what to do with my days... and where to go!
That search eventually led to long walks, local parks, coffee shops, trails, and a late-in-life love of the outdoors. It also sparked the idea for Dear Springfield Mama.
In this episode, I share:
the career twists that led me here
how living in Springfield is different from San Diego
why I started exploring the Ozarks with a toddler in tow
the survey that helped launch Dear Springfield Mama
and the bigger vision I hope it becomes one day
If you’re a Springfield parent looking for outdoor adventures, local discoveries, and ways to connect with other families in real life, this podcast is for you.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Contact Dear Springfield Mama
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Dear Springfield Mama?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
