Around here, we like a deep dive. We like to discuss topics that are meaningful and valuable. But, good girlfriend chatter often lands on the lighter side, which is where we're showing with this series. We're pulling out the Studio 5 Hot Seat and cueing up some just-for-fun conversation with women you know, love, and admire.

Mayor Michelle Kaufusi is a Provo girl through and through, who made history as the city's first female mayor. She's a wife, mom, and grandma too. She's a "yes" girl, and always up for a good talk and a good time.

What we discussed:

• Our current obsessions
• Things we “get to do”
• Our best habits of 2024
• How to cope with regret

Emotional heart-to-hearts with a good girlfriend can be exactly what the doctor ordered, but so can some light chitchat. Those conversations that are just talky, fun, and interesting, where the topics range from really anything and everything. That’s the inspiration behind our newest series, The Studio 5 Hot Seat. We’re asking women you admire to share their take on the kind of topics that are buzzy, current, and trendy.

The first woman to take the hot seat is definitely “in the know.” She’s a voice for good in our community, a mom of six, and she’s got some great girlfriend vibes: Kristin Andrus.

Topics we discussed:

• How to navigate the “Medium Friend”
• The surprising results to a poll on Kristin’s Instagram
• Does our culture not allow people to TRY?

The worldwide gathering of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as General Conference, is October 5-6. If you intend to watch with your family, there are things you can do to make the experience more meaningful.

Friend of the show Maria Eckersley shared ways you can capture your kid’s attention during the sessions. She also shared things you can do to help your family engage in higher learning all year round. Whether that’s teaching a religious principle, morals, or manners, Maria’s ideas are relatable and impactful for both the little and big kids.

To see how to pull of these activities in your home, visit Maria’s YouTube page.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/build-general-conference-fort-creative-ways-fun/

Are you feeling it, too? People say they're experiencing an Olympics withdrawal. For two weeks, the world was united through sport. We cried together, laughed together, and cheered together... but it doesn't have to end there.

Psychologist Dr. Tom Golightly called out five ways we can carry the Olympic spirit into our daily lives. These are values and principles we learned through the screen that can make us better - better parents, better friends, better community members, and more.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/after-olympic-high-lessons-carry-everyday-life/

This time of year can seem crazy and chaotic, it can be a powerful and productive time of year, too. A time to harness your inner strength and really make things happen.

Professional organizer Jenny Layton calls mid-August through October a woman’s power season. Whether you’ve been wanting to tackle a new house project or start maybe on your own health journey right now, she says now is the perfect opportunity to set goals that took a backseat during the summer break and be more productive.

Find more advice from Jenny on Instagram, @jlthehappygal.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/chaotic-months-more-productive-get-stuff-done/

When we’re overwhelmed, we may overlook the simple things we can do to lighten the load. The start of the school year can definitely feel overwhelming with things to do and places to be.

Lisa Andersen shared how to take a step back and start small to start the year smart.

You can follow Lisa on Instagram at @justlisaandersen for more inspiration.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/kids-choose-bedtime-start-the-school-year-smart/

This back-to-school week can feel like one giant heart squeeze. They say we get 18 summers with our children, and another one has already come and gone. It’s enough to make us moms weep. From first to second grade or high school to college, it can be sad to see the time move so quickly.

Studio 5 Parenting Contributor Heather Johnson helped us find our footing. She shared how we can feel emotionally steady during this time of transition.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/back-to-school-blues-stay-emotionally-steady/

Maybe you have the back-to-school blues, or maybe you’re thrilled for a fresh start. Either way, we’re here to ensure your family starts the semester strong.

Educational Consultant Michelle Love-Day shared three ways to do it.

Read more here: https://studio5.ksl.com/get-involved-with-school-start-the-semester-strong/