Rydel's Van Talk

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about embracing every season of life, even when it looks completely different from what you’re used to! 🚐💛We kick things off with some fun parenting conversations, including our favorite first activities to introduce little ones to and the story behind giving each of our kids their own special family color!Then we’re getting into something every mom can relate to: how do you keep showing up when you’re having a bad day? We talk about finding ways to stay positive, pushing through the harder moments, and navigating those days when you’re feeling burnt out.We also talk about how friendships naturally change throughout life. Sometimes your friends get new boyfriends, enter new seasons, or simply have different priorities. And sometimes becoming a mom means saying no to plans because your kids and family come first. It’s all about understanding that everyone is living a different chapter and doing what works best for you.Of course, we’re answering a BIG motherhood question: Which transition was the hardest, going from zero to one kid, one to two, two to three, or three to four?! We share what it was really like welcoming baby number four and which transitions surprised us the most.And finally, we’re talking about helping kids navigate bullies in the classroom, standing up for themselves, and building the confidence to handle difficult situations.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about something that can easily get pushed to the bottom of the list when you’re raising little kids: your marriage! 💛We share why prioritizing husband-and-wife time is so important, how being consistent with date nights makes such a difference, and why keeping that connection strong takes intentional effort.We’re also talking about getting your spark back! Whether it’s finding time to be creative again, rediscovering your passions, or simply doing things that make you feel like YOU.Then we’re diving into some tricky family situations. How do you handle a parent who lies to you? And what do you do when you’ve set a very clear boundary with your child, only for another adult to go behind your back and do exactly what you said no to?We also talk about raising independent kids while still being incredibly involved in their lives. How do you spend so much time together, create a close family, and still teach your children to stand on their own two feet without becoming a helicopter mom?

IT’S OUR 50TH EPISODE OF VAN TALK!!! 🎉🚐💛We’re celebrating 50 episodes with a very special rapid-fire Q&A, and absolutely nothing is off limits! 😂Do we ever hide in the bathroom just to get five minutes of peace? Are we secretly snoops? Who has BO? Who’s better at keeping up with laundry? And would we ever work at Disney?!We’re answering all kinds of hilarious, random, and surprisingly revealing questions about motherhood, family life, personal habits, and everything in between.Plus, we’re talking R5 reunion questions and taking a little trip down memory lane!50 episodes of laughs, parenting conversations, family stories, and plenty of opinions. Thank you for riding along with us every week and being part of our little Van Talk family!Here’s to 50 more! 🥂💛

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about family traditions, motherhood, and some of the big decisions that come with raising kids! 🚐💛First up, we recently started having the kids ASK for what they want instead of constantly whining, “I want! I need!” and how those little everyday habits can make such a difference.We also talk about the importance of weekly family traditions and why we LOVE our Sunday sports gatherings! 🏈 There’s just something about everyone coming together, cheering on their teams, and having a reason to spend time as a family every single week. We especially love how sports bring all the boys together!Then we’re getting into some interesting mom conversations, including navigating jealousy from other moms, what it’s like having a husband who works from home while you’re a stay-at-home mom, and why making a good old-fashioned pros and cons list can help when you’re figuring out what works best for your family.And of course, we’re answering a BIG question: How do you know when you’re done having kids?! Is there ever a moment when you just know your family is complete?Finally, we’re talking about why it’s so important to know who’s in your kids’ ears. The people surrounding your children can have a huge influence on their confidence.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re asking a big question: which generation has had it hardest when it comes to raising kids, especially now that technology, social media, and the internet are part of everyday life?

We talk about why we want to be a “living room family,” spending time together in the same space instead of everyone disappearing into separate rooms and separate screens. That means phones away at the dinner table, family meals filled with actual conversation, and intentionally creating opportunities to connect.

We also share why we LOVE being activity moms. Dance, cheer, hockey, parkour, swimming, diving, riding bikes… bring it on. 😂 We believe giving kids opportunities to try lots of different things, learn new skills, and discover what they love can help build confidence along the way.

And activities don’t have to cost a fortune. We talk about finding the free things happening around you, from libraries and community programs to churches and Mommy & Me activities, and surrounding your family with people who share the values that matter to you.

Most importantly, we talk about making home a safe place for your kids. No teasing them, degrading them, or making them the punchline of the joke. We want our kids to know that home is where they can completely be themselves and that the people closest to them are always in their corner.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about that feeling every mom knows: you clean one room, turn around, and somehow the rest of the house has exploded. 😂We share how we try to stay on top of the never-ending housework, why we teach kids to “pick up their trails” as they move through the house, and how little habits can keep the mess from becoming completely overwhelming.And we HAVE to talk about our phones. Doom scrolling can quietly eat up so much of the day, and sometimes the reason we feel like we don’t have enough time isn’t actually a lack of time… it’s the tiny screen in our hand stealing 10 minutes here and 20 minutes there. 📱👀We also get into the older-kid years and how to encourage teens to care about their appearance and basic hygiene, from showering and shaving to smelling good and learning how to present themselves, without making appearance their entire identity.And finally… Stormie and Rydel had their FIRST FIGHT?! 😂 Except calling it a “fight” might be extremely generous. We talk about why we almost never fight, what happened this time, and why the whole thing was basically over before it started.

This week on Van Talk, we’re going all the way back to the very beginning of R5. 🎸Before the tours, the albums, the screaming crowds, and the R5 Family, there were a bunch of kids learning instruments, practicing constantly, writing our first songs, and playing anywhere we could.We’re telling the story of our very first band, how each of us started playing our instruments, our earliest practices and shows, the first songs we wrote, and some of the funniest memories from those first few years.We also tell the story of Rocky having to practice guitar for an hour before he could play video games… until eventually he loved playing guitar so much that the video games basically disappeared. 😂But more than anything, this episode is about the part of the story people didn’t see. We practiced and worked at this EVERY DAY for years before anything big happened.This is essentially R5: Chapter One. Where it started, what those early years actually looked like, and all the little moments that eventually became something much bigger. 💛🎸

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the never-ending to-do list that comes with motherhood… because somehow you can accomplish 15 things and still have 37 more waiting for you. 😂We share some of the little habits that help us actually get things DONE, including why you should NOT open your phone when you’re trying to be productive, the “touch it once” rule for keeping the house under control, and why that task you’ve been avoiding for three weeks might only take you ten minutes once you finally do it.We also get into the emotional side of motherhood. How do you move through sadness, anger, or frustration when you still have little people counting on you? Sometimes talking it out helps, and sometimes you just need to get outside, move your body, and walk it off.And finally, we’re talking about comparison. Every family has different work schedules, different responsibilities, different support systems, and different seasons of life. What works perfectly for someone else might make absolutely no sense for your family.Figure out what works for YOU and stop looking sideways. 🚐💛

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re recapping Stormie’s 60th birthday in VEGAS! 🎰🥂 From celebrating a huge milestone to bringing the kids along for the adventure, we’re talking about what Vegas with kids actually looks like in our family.We also share some of our favorite hosting tips, plus two very special little guests make a surprise cameo in the van. 😂Then we get into the “terrible twos”… because why do we call them terrible?! Every age has its hard moments, but every age also has SO much to love. According to Stormie, everyone should just permanently have a three-year-old in their life. 😂

In this episode of Van Talk we get into co-parenting, step-parents, and what it means to have a true village of families and neighbors you can actually trust. Stormie shares what it was like raising us with amazing next-door neighbors and the kind of community where everyone looked out for each other’s kids.Then things get a little wild… literally. 😂 We’re talking house pets, backyard “pets,” Rydel’s pet squirrel Buster, ants infiltrating the house, mosquitoes everywhere, and accidentally ending up on toll roads when you have absolutely no idea you’re on a toll road.And of course, we have to discuss the “man flu.” Why is being sick as a mom VERY different from the boys being sick?! 😂We wrap it up with a conversation every tired mom can relate to: how do you keep going when you genuinely feel like you have nothing left in the tank?A little parenting, a little nostalgia, a lot of chaos, and another week of figuring out life together in the van. 🚐💛

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re embracing the fact that what we said last week might be completely different from what we’re saying this week. 😂 Motherhood changes, seasons change, and sometimes you can go a month without caffeine… and sometimes you’re surviving on it.We talk about giving yourself grace, dressing for YOU, and why putting a little effort into feeling your best can change your whole day. Plus, apparently Stormie’s favorite place to shop is Rydel’s giveaway pile. 😂Then it’s full mom talk: our stroller opinions for families with multiple kids, what we’d actually put on a baby registry, and some restaurant fiascos we’ve collected along the way.We also talk about taking the pressure off the oldest child while still encouraging them to be a leader. Instead of, “Everyone is copying you because you’re the oldest,” we love flipping it into, “Heck yeah, you’re being such a great leader and example!” And when it comes to affection, kids never have to hug or kiss someone just because an adult asks. A high five, a wave, or a happy goodbye works too.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re starting with some very important business: driving pet peeves, backseat drivers, and our attempts at simply living our best passenger-princess lives. 😂🚗Then we get into the mindset that helps us move through life without dwelling on everything that goes wrong. From starting the day with affirmations or a guided journal to asking yourself a surprisingly important question, “Am I fun to be around?”We talk about how traveling the world taught us patience and how to go with the flow, because when you travel enough, you learn that something WILL eventually go wrong. It’s how you respond that changes the experience.We also dive into the words we use with our kids and why we don’t want to accidentally teach them to see themselves as victims. Instead of “Poor you, you’re not in the band anymore,” what if it’s, “Heck yeah dude, you’re the manager now! You’re killing it!” Same situation, completely different story.And finally, we look back at the transition from being a “normal” family to suddenly being recognized everywhere, and why the goal was always to be successful, never to be famous.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about something that matters at every age: trust.Kids remember EVERYTHING, which is why keeping your word matters so much. We talk about not making empty promises to kids, holding the people around them accountable too, and teaching kids to listen to their own bodies and recognize when something doesn’t make them feel good.We also get into homeschooling, what it’s like raising kids close in age, and some of the choices we make as our families grow.Then we take a major trip down memory lane! We’re answering questions about our favorite R5 and The Driver Era songs, spilling some Austin & Ally lore, reminiscing about tour life, and talking about the R5 Family and what made that era so special.A little parenting, a LOT of nostalgia, and plenty of stories from the road. 🚐🎸

In this episode of Van Talk we share why preparing kids for transitions instead of surprising them can make everyday routines so much smoother, and reflect on the unforgettable moment a newborn is placed on your chest for the first time. The pain fades, the love takes over, and suddenly you understand why so many parents say it’s all worth it.We also open up about mom doubt, pushing through difficult seasons of parenting, and why we believe consistency often matters more than taking the easy route in the moment.The conversation shifts to working with family as we share what it was like building a business with my brothers while protecting our relationships. From keeping business off the dinner table to staying close even after disagreements on tour. We also answer questions about the transition from R5 to The Driver Era, whether there were hard feelings, and how we navigated that season together.To wrap things up, we encourage everyone to make a bucket list and keep dreaming, because life is meant to be lived with intention, adventure, and gratitude.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about why every family deserves a little more grace.From kids who are taller than their peers and get mistaken for being older, to toddlers who still have a pacifier, we discuss how quickly people can judge without knowing the full story.We also have an honest conversation about postpartum bodies, shapewear, weight fluctuations, and navigating comments about appearance online. Bodies change through different seasons of life, and learning to extend ourselves the same kindness we’d offer a friend can make all the difference.The conversation also covers simple parenting ideas for two-year-olds, setting expectations with guests before they arrive, respecting family routines like bedtime, and why supporting your mom friends sometimes means going with the flow instead of expecting life to work the way it did before kids.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about building the kind of confidence that isn’t based on appearance, achievements, or other people’s opinions. It’s about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and staying grounded no matter what life throws your way.We share why bullies don’t disappear after childhood, how to stand strong on your own two feet, and why teaching our kids confidence starts with modeling it ourselves.We also talk about the power of speaking life into others through genuine compliments, appreciating the body you’ve been given, and learning to love the life you’re living instead of always looking ahead.We discuss taking ownership after losing your patience, asking yourself, “What could I do better next time?” and choosing growth over guilt.And because it’s Van Talk, we couldn’t resist ending with a fun conversation about potential baby names that start with the letter E.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about navigating relationships when two people come from completely different backgrounds and learning how to build a life together with grace, patience, and understanding.We discuss what happens when one person tends to shut down or sulk, why staying positive through every season of life matters, and how to remain present even when life doesn’t look exactly the way you imagined it would.We also share why protecting your daily routines can bring so much peace to your family. From bedtime with velcro kids to continuing the flow you’ve worked hard to create, we talk about the importance of keeping healthy habits consistent, even when schedules change or other people enter the picture.The conversation also touches on making time for yourself through girls’ nights, game nights, and adult friendships, because taking care of your relationships outside of parenting matters too.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the traditions, routines, and relationships that help build a strong family for generations to come.We share why starting family traditions when kids are young creates memories they’ll carry into adulthood, and why making time for family meals and bedtime together has always been important to us.We also dive into some of parenting’s more emotional seasons: helping kids navigate grief and loss, supporting children through separation anxiety, encouraging healthy self-soothing, and understanding why kids often save their biggest emotions for mom.The conversation also explores respect across generations, including grandparents’ roles, family boundaries, teaching kids to respect their elders, and how to handle discipline when extended family is involved.We also talk honestly about working mom guilt, why kids don’t always know what they need yet, and how being intentional with our words, expectations, and daily routines helps create a home where children feel safe, loved, and secure.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re catching up on everything from family life to exciting career updates.We talk about what it’s really like going from zero kids to one, then one to two, and beyond, and how each season of parenting brings its own challenges and joys. We also share updates on the R5 reunion tour, Van Talk meet-and-greets, and will Rydel have a country album?The conversation turns to the future as we talk about what kind of mother-in-law Stormie hopes to be and how she envisions balancing time with all of her growing family one day.We also share our experiences transitioning toddlers away from bottles and pacifiers, including what worked, what we’d do differently, and a fun Build-A-Bear idea that made the process more memorable.Throughout the episode, we discuss the importance of explaining the “why” behind family rules instead of simply saying “because I said so,” modeling good manners, teaching kids to respond when spoken to, and creating a home where positive, respectful communication is the standard.

In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about finding your style after having kids and why taking just a few minutes to get ready each morning can completely change the way you feel about your day.

We share our favorite everyday styles, why dressing for yourself matters, and how staying true to who you are doesn’t stop when you become a mom.

The conversation also dives into the power of leading by example. The habits we hope our children develop often start with us. Whether it’s getting dressed for the day, limiting phone use, moving our bodies, or choosing healthy routines, kids learn far more from what we consistently do than what we simply tell them.

We also talk about self-control, making lasting lifestyle changes instead of chasing quick fixes, and giving yourself grace along the way. It’s not about perfection. It’s about building habits that last a lifetime.

And finally, we share why having a supportive spouse who cheers you on and loves you through every season makes all the difference.