Episode Summary: LeeAnn Kreischer - HoneyLeeAnn

Podcast Information:

• Title: The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler
• Host: Ryan Sickler
• Episode: LeeAnn Kreischer - HoneyLeeAnn
• Release Date: November 11, 2024

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes back LeeAnn Kreischer to delve into her experiences as a single mother, co-parenting with comedian Bert Kreischer, and navigating the complexities of family life. Drawing from their unique journey, LeeAnn shares heartfelt stories, challenges, and insights that resonate with anyone juggling family and personal aspirations.

Early Parenting and Co-Parenting Dynamics ([09:31] - [19:02])

Managing Dual Roles

• Ryan: Opens the conversation by acknowledging LeeAnn's role in managing two young daughters while co-parenting with Bert ([09:31]).

• LeeAnn: Explains how Bert began touring when their daughter Georgia was just three days old, leading to a shared parenting arrangement that resembled single parenting periods ([09:37]).

  “When Bert was home, he was fully present from when I got out of the house until I came back. It was like being divorced in terms of parenting.” ([10:49])

Balancing Work and Family

• LeeAnn: Discusses managing an apartment building to maintain a flexible schedule for writing and parenting ([10:49]).

• Ryan: Highlights the challenges of balancing work and family, commending LeeAnn's ability to juggle both roles effectively.

  “What you need is a job that allows you to take care of your kids while still finding time for yourself.”

Building a Community and Managing Single Parenting ([21:54] - [28:41])

Creating a Support Network

• LeeAnn: Emphasizes the importance of building a community to support single parenting. She started a Girl Scout troop early on, providing both personal fulfillment and a structured environment for her daughters ([24:56]).

  “Starting the Girl Scout troop gave me a purpose bigger than myself. It allowed me to connect with other families and create a support system.” ([24:56])

Collaborative Parenting

• LeeAnn: Shares how coordinating with other single parents provided mutual support, making parenting less isolating and more manageable.

  “If any other single parent can find another single parent to support each other, it makes life so much fuller.”

Empty Nest and Relationship Adjustments ([32:19] - [55:52])

Transitioning to Empty Nest

• LeeAnn: Discusses the emotional and practical adjustments of becoming empty nesters as their daughters went to college ([32:19]).

  “Bert and I handle life changes differently. I face things head-on, while he tends to avoid them, which creates a unique dynamic.” ([32:19])

Coping Mechanisms

• LeeAnn: Describes Bert's struggles with the transition, illustrating his difficulty in managing emotions when their daughters left for college ([34:29]).

  “He’s been walking around in a daze, unable to process the change, while I try to keep things moving forward.” ([34:29])

Maintaining the Relationship

• LeeAnn: Talks about rekindling their relationship through planned date nights, emphasizing the importance of nurturing their bond ([40:00]).

  “Even though it’s with Bert, these date nights are really for me too. It’s about taking care of myself and our relationship.” ([40:00])

Supporting the Kids’ Independence ([55:52] - [65:17])

Encouraging Autonomy

• LeeAnn: Shares strategies for supporting their daughters' independence while ensuring their well-being during college transitions ([55:52]).

  “We allow our kids to establish their independence, giving them space while being there to support them when needed.”

Tailored Educational Paths

• LeeAnn: Discusses creating customized educational paths for each child based on their unique strengths and interests, such as supporting Isla’s interest in interior design without pushing for a traditional degree ([60:32]).

  “Isla wanted to intern with a friend’s interior design business, and we supported that without forcing her into a conventional path.” ([60:32])

Emphasizing Life Skills

• LeeAnn: Highlights the importance of life skills over formal education for some children, ensuring they are well-rounded and prepared for real-world challenges.

  “Teaching life skills and fostering independence is just as important as academic achievements.”

Self-Care and Personal Growth ([39:31] - [65:17])

Prioritizing Self-Care

• LeeAnn: Discusses her commitment to self-care through regular workouts and maintaining friendships, ensuring she remains balanced amidst family responsibilities ([39:31]).

  “I work out with a trainer three days a week, and it’s non-negotiable. Taking care of myself helps me take better care of my family.” ([39:31])

Rekindling the Marital Relationship

• LeeAnn: Explains how planned date nights with Bert have strengthened their relationship, providing mutual support and personal fulfillment ([40:00]).

  “These date nights are essential for maintaining our connection and ensuring we both feel valued and supported.”

Balancing Personal and Family Life

• LeeAnn: Shares the challenge of balancing personal passions with family obligations, emphasizing the need for time management and prioritization.

  “Finding time for personal growth while managing family life is exhausting but necessary for overall well-being.”

Notable Quotes

• LeeAnn ([06:34]): “Find whatever you can do in life that you genuinely love doing where you would do it if you didn't have a fucking dime.”
• LeeAnn ([24:56]): “Starting the Girl Scout troop gave me a purpose bigger than myself. It allowed me to connect with other families and create a support system.”
• LeeAnn ([34:29]): “He’s been walking around in a daze, unable to process the change, while I try to keep things moving forward.”
• LeeAnn ([39:31]): “I work out with a trainer three days a week, and it’s non-negotiable. Taking care of myself helps me take better care of my family.”
• LeeAnn ([40:00]): “These date nights are essential for maintaining our connection and ensuring we both feel valued and supported.”

Key Insights

1. Effective Co-Parenting: Sharing parenting responsibilities can mimic single parenting periods but requires strong communication and mutual understanding.
2. Community Support: Building a supportive community through activities like Girl Scouts can alleviate the pressures of single parenting.
3. Emotional Resilience: Navigating the empty nest phase demands emotional resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms for both partners.
4. Personal Fulfillment: Prioritizing self-care and personal growth is crucial for maintaining overall well-being amidst family obligations.
5. Encouraging Independence: Supporting children’s independence while providing a safety net fosters their growth and confidence in navigating the world.

Conclusion

In this episode, LeeAnn Kreischer offers a candid and inspiring look into the life of a single mother balancing family, personal passions, and a striving relationship. Through her stories, listeners gain valuable insights into co-parenting, community building, emotional resilience, and the importance of self-care. LeeAnn’s journey underscores the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in life's challenges, making this episode a profound and relatable listen for anyone navigating similar life paths.

Listen to the full episode on RyanSickler.com and follow Ryan on all social media platforms for more inspiring stories and laughter.