Rydel's Van Talk
Rydel's Van Talk is a mother-daughter podcast hosted by Stormie and Rydel. They talk from their original van about parenting, family life, and the beautifully chaotic moments in between. Episodes mix laughs, giggles, and honest conversations about raising kids and raising themselves. It's mom talk with the windows down, inviting listeners to ride shotgun.
Episodes
Are U Done Having Babies? Who's In Your Kids Ear? Sunday Sports Traditions | EP 49
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
Be A Living Room Family, Activities Moms, No TEASING | ep 48
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 pho
Our First Fight, Drowning In Housework, Put The Phone DOWN | EP 47
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
R5 Origin Story, Our First Show, Our First Songs | EP 46
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 a
How Moms Get It All Done, Don't Look Sideways, What Works For YOUR Family | EP 45
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
Stormie's 60th In Vegas, Hosting Tips, Everyone Needs A 3 Year Old | EP 44
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”… becau
Ants Took Over Our House, "Man Flu," Pet Squirrel | EP 43
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,” Ryde
Raising Leaders, Dress For You, Caffeine Survival Mode | EP 42
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 wh
ARE YOU FUN TO BE AROUND!? Backseat Drivers, Famous VS Successful | EP 41
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
Kids Remember Everything, Homeschooling, R5Family Forever | EP 40
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,
Push Through The Hard Parenting, Dream Big, Was I Sad About R5 Ending? | EP 39
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 diffic
Postpartum Bodies, Stop Judging Moms, Parenting Basics | EP 38
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 ab
Unshakeable Confidence, No One Can Tip You Over, Love The Life You Have | EP 37
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 sta
Navigating Relationships, Protecting Your Routine, Staying Present | EP 35
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 exac
Mom Guilt, Kids Don't Know What They Don't Know, Ex Girlfriends | EP 34
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 s
0-4 Kids, Lead By Example, Future Mother-In-Law | EP 33
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 t
Finding Your Style Postpartum, Get Ready Everyday, Stay True To Yourself | EP 32
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 b
Reading Spicy Comments, The Question Every Couple Should Ask, Building A Home They Love | EP 31
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re responding to some of the internet’s spicier comments and setting the record straight on a few topics just for funsies. We also talk about relationships, including one question we believe every couple should ask if the relationship feels like it’s standing still instead of moving forward.The conversation turns to family life, from bedtime routines and navigating
Secret Birth Story Revealed, Meeting My Brothers, Fathers Day Special | EP 30
In this special Father’s Day episode of Van Talk, we’re joined by my husband to talk about love, family, fatherhood, and some stories we’ve never shared before.We take it back to the beginning, from our first time meeting to the unforgettable experience of him meeting my brothers, cousins, and giant family. We also revisit our first date and some of the moments that made us realize this relationsh
The Two Times We Almost Died, Stories We'll Never Forget, Fathers Day Special | EP 29
In this special Father’s Day episode of Van Talk, Dad joins us along with the brothers for a walk down memory lane.We share some of our favorite memories growing up, the funniest one-on-one trips we’ve taken with him, and the stories that have become family legends over the years. Including a couple of moments where things got a little too close for comfort and somehow became even funnier with tim
Parenting Isn't One-Size-Fits-All, Trust Your Parenting, Every Kid Is Different | EP 28
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about flexibility in parenting and why it’s okay to change your mind as you learn and grow.We share why every child is different, how something that works beautifully for one kid might not work for another, and why being willing to try new things can make all the difference.We also talk potty training tips, including why a portable potty chair can be a li
Teaching Respect, No Tantrums In Public, Teen Sex Talk | EP 27
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about respect, boundaries, and raising kids who can confidently navigate the world around them. We share one of our favorite family tools, the interrupt rule in a car setting, and how it helps conversations flow while teaching kids patience and respect. We also talk about sharing, sibling dynamics, and making sure older kids have space to create, build, a
Helping Kids Do Hard Things, Swim Lessons, Passing Down Good Habits | EP 26
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the difference between coasting through life and being proactive about it.From swim lessons with babies and toddlers to everyday parenting moments, we share why we believe in helping kids move through things that feel uncomfortable instead of immediately pulling them out. Not forcing, not pushing, but gently encouraging them forward until confidence
"Can I Try Again?", No Victim Mentality, Prioritizing Marriage | EP 25
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about helping kids move through emotions without getting stuck in them. We share the idea of having a reset spot, whether that’s a high chair, the stairs, a crib, or another calm place where kids can regroup and come back ready to try again. One of our favorite phrases? “Mom, can I try again?” The conversation also explores emotional resilience, avoiding
Gold Stars For MOMS, Instilling Healthy Habits, The Interrupt Rule | EP 24
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the little moments in parenting that eventually turn into something big. Every milestone as a family, we share why we believe every win matters, big or small, individual or shared. And honestly? Moms deserve a gold star for the amount of invisible work they do every single day. We talk about the payoff moments in parenting, those days when you sudde
Love At First Sight, Skydiving The Pyramids, Never Raising His Voice | EP 23
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re joined by a very special guest: Rydel's dad/ Stormie's husband MarkLynch!!! From skydiving over the pyramids to getting a pilots license in college, he shares stories from a life built around adventure, discipline, optimism, and pushing past fear.We talk about the lessons he learned from his dad, how years of selling books door-to-door for 14 hours a day
Your Kids Absorb Everything, Respectful Teenagers, The Secret To Life | EP 22
Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about confidence, mindset, and the powerful influence parents have on the emotional environment of the home. We discuss why it’s so important not to let insecurities trickle down onto your kids and how children often absorb far more from what we model than what we say. If we want our kid
Favorite Memories With Mom, Lessons We'll Never Forget, Seeing Potential In Your Kids | EP 21
In this special Mother’s Day episode of Van Talk, my brothers join the conversation to reflect on the moments, lessons, and memories that shaped them growing up. We talk about favorite memories with mom, what a “perfect day” with her looks like, and the biggest things learned from her that still stick today. The conversation also turns to something deeper: the importance of seeing potential in you
Potty Training Chaos, Building Trust With Your Kids, Household Standards | EP 20
Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the everyday work of building trust and confidence with your kids. From breaking habits to consistently parenting through conflict, we share why encouragement and cheerleading never really stop, no matter how old your kids are.We also talk about intentionally practicing life skills
First Jobs, Mean Bosses, Slot Machine Luck | EP 19
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re diving into Stormie’s early hustle years. From first jobs and difficult bosses to working two jobs at once while going to school, we talk about what those years really looked like behind the scenes. There wasn’t much of a support system, just determination, resilience, and MarkLynch by her side.We also talk about getting taken advantage of, learning hard lessons
Training The Heart, Family Standards, Self Care For Mom | EP 18
Head to cozyearth.com and use code VANTALK for an exclusive 20% off! I this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about aligning on parenting and creating clear standards within the home. We share what it means to “train the heart” when raising kids, focusing not just on behavior, but on character, attitude, and intention. We also talk about avoiding guilt-based parenting. Our kids aren’t here to fil
Go With The Flow, Raising Close Kids, A Grateful Heart | EP 17
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about creating a positive, peaceful environment at home, both emotionally and physically. We share how we discipline while staying encouraging, how we teach our kids to go with the flow, and why “maybe next time” has become a constant phrase when things don’t go as planned. We also talk about raising siblings to be genuinely close, even with age gaps, and
Mark & Stormie's Love Story, Blind Dates, Eloping After A Hurricane | EP 16
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re sharing the full origin story of Stormie and MarkLynch! From being completely over dating to getting set up on a blind date that changed everything, this story has all the twists. Long distance, handwritten letters back and forth, and the kind of excitement that had her running to the mailbox every day. But it wasn’t all easy. Not everyone supported the relations
Do It 100% Or Don't Do It, Self Sufficient Kids, Living With Purpose | EP 15
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about raising self-sufficient kids and what that looks like in everyday life. From getting out the door calmly with multiple kids to setting expectations early, we share the routines and mindset that help create structure without chaos. We also talk about discipline, dating rules, and why we believe in feeling emotions fully instead of suppressing them, b
Organizing Memories, Homeschooling Our Kids, You Become Who You're Around | EP 14
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about how we organize our memories, from thousands of photos and videos a day, to the systems we use to keep everything meaningful and accessible over the years. We also share how we prepare for new seasons, from pregnancy to everyday routines, and some of our favorite supplements we use for the kids.The conversation shifts into something deeper: the impa
Why We Moved To LA, Our First Auditions, Scariest Thing That Happened In The Van | EP 13
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re taking it all the way back to the beginning and sharing the story of how we ended up in Los Angeles. We talk about moving for my older brother Riker at a young age, what those early days looked like, and the reality of jumping into auditions, dance jobs, and acting opportunities for the first time. Of course, it wouldn’t be our story without a little chaos. From
Kids Become What They're Told, Blending Families, You're Not Responsible For Everyone's Happiness | EP 12
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re diving into chapters one and two of my parents’ parenting book, Raising 5. We talk about the powerful idea that kids often become what they’re told, and how the words we use as parents can shape their confidence, identity, and future. We also get into marriage and what it really looks like when two people come together with completely different upbringings. Blend
Keeping A Busy Mind, First Jobs & Independence, Strong Family Bonds
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the importance of staying busy, having purpose, and how that can help keep anxiety from taking over. We reflect on our first jobs, what it taught us as teenagers, and why learning to work, earn, and even buy your own first car builds a level of confidence that carries into adulthood. We also talk about relationships, finding the right person, and wh
Cheerleading Your Kids, No Sibling Jealousy, Look Good Feel Good | ep 10
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the kind of environment we want to create at home. We want our kids to act the same in our house as they would out in the world. We talk about parenting out of conflict, why positive parenting matters, and how being your kids’ biggest cheerleader can shape their confidence for life. The conversation also turns to sibling relationships and why theres
Kids Dance Competitions, Protecting Their Spark, Staying Above The Drama
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about the world of kids activities. From dance competitions to sports and everything competitive in between. We share what it actually looks like behind the scenes, the costs that come with activities, and the ways we try to be intentional about saving money while still giving kids opportunities to pursue what they love. The conversation also turns to som
Traveling With 4 Kids, Cabin Memories, Raising Self-Sufficient Kids
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re talking about what it really looks like to travel with four kids. The endless trips up and down the stairs. Loading and unloading the car. The mental checklist that never turns off. The mom things no one sees. And yet, once we arrive at our family cabin, a place filled with over 25 years of memories, it’s always worth it. We reflect on the traditions that shaped
Intermittent Fasting, Family Habits, Self-Control
In this episode of Van Talk, we’re sharing our personal experience with intermittent fasting and why it’s become a rhythm in our home.We talk about the structure that works for us, how habits modeled by parents often become habits our kids absorb, and why self-control and intentional routines matter to us as a family. We also touch on how fasting has played a role in our personal health journeys,
Handling Conflict, We Don't Hold Grudges, Raising Emotionally Strong Kids
We’re talking about what it actually looks like when we’re upset and how we handle conflict in our homes. Why we don’t tiptoe around hard conversations just to “keep the peace,” and why being clear and direct can actually create more stability, not less.We talk about feeling emotions fully without sulking in them, not holding grudges, and why carrying resentment isn’t healthy physically or mentall
Love Languages, Baby Name Backlash, Are We Losing Real Connection?
In this episode of Van Talk, we dive into love languages, opposites attracting, and the idea that we often marry someone who reflects traits of our mom or dad.The conversation shifts to naming children, why we chose the names we did, why we love having the same starting letter, and the surprising amount of commentary that can come from baby name decisions.They also talk about something deeper: con
No Ipads At Restaurants, Family Dinners, Take It Back To The Kitchen Table
This week on Van Talk, we're sharing why we don't use iPads at restaurants, how we prepare our kids before dinner, and why family meals matter more than ever. Stormie's motto says it best: take it back to the kitchen table. Because connection starts there.
Content Babies, Strong Opinions, Doing What's Right For Our Families
Our newborn feeding schedule that we both swear by and what's worked best for our families. Conversation turns bigger and more personal, with our specific parenting choices and ultimately decide what feels right for our own family. This episode is about autonomy, strong motherhood instincts, and standing confidently in your decisions, even when they're not the popular opinion. These are ou
Why we don't let them quit, Raising confident kids, They can do hard things
We talk all things kids and activities. From dance recitals, to pageants, to hockey. We're diving into why sticking with activities matters. Kids can do hard things. It's our job to help them navigate challenges instead of rescuing from every tough season. Because confidence isn't built in comfort, it's built on the stage, the rink, the field. If you've ever questioned whether
Family Secrets, Rydel's First Boyfriend, 1-800-Stormie
Welcome to the very first episode of Van Talk! My mom and I sit down to start spilling alllll the tea in our OG van. How our simple, everyday van turned into a place for memories, conversations, and now... a podcast.
