Naperville Moms Network launching motherhood talk show
An online forum that has been connecting Naperville area mothers for the past eight years is about to get its own presence on TV.
"Naperville Moms Network," a talk show, will premiere at 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, on NCTV-17 and the Naperville Community Television website.
The monthly show will be hosted by Cathy Subber, the same woman behind the online community Naperville Moms Network.
"Naperville Moms Network has grown over the years," Subber said. It now includes nearly 16,000 members on its Facebook page, 70 percent from Naperville and the rest from adjacent communities. "Seeing all of the awesome conversations online, it's fun to be able to bring those conversations to life."
During each half-hour episode, Subber will be joined by three other Naperville mothers with various amounts of on-the-job experience. They will share stories about two mothering topics each month with humor and honesty, said Jane Wernette, community development director for Naperville Community Television.
The station created the show to deliver reassurance and real-life tips to the broad swath of women who make Naperville such a "mom-oriented community."
"It's nice to be able to feel as a mom that you're not alone in your journey," Wernette said.
Making sure Subber won't be alone on set are fellow Naperville moms Saritha Arellano, Erica Lopez and Patti Minglin. Minglin is the most experienced mother, with two kids in college and a third in high school. Arellano and Subber have children of about the same age: Subber's are 14 and 15, and Arellano has one in middle school and one in high school. Lopez's kids are 3 and 5.
"They really represent a broad spectrum," Wernette said. "We're excited about that."
Subber, a chiropractor, also chose the women for their variety of work experiences. Minglin owns a content marketing company and Arellano runs a consulting company. Lopez has a background in education and is now a stay-at-home mom.
In her years facilitating Naperville Moms Network luncheons, socials and networking events, Subber said she's learned nearly all moms are doing the best they can, yet they worry they're not doing enough or they're messing up.
"Part of the mission of the show is letting moms know they're doing great," she said.
Filming the first episode, which features discussions about the role of motherhood and how to carve out time for yourself as a mom, Wernette said NCTV staffers were surprised how much they had to contain their laughter.
"We're trying to bring that reality of motherhood in funny conversations about everyday life," Subber said. "Bringing some humor to motherhood and a little bit of relief of, 'Oh my goodness, I'm going through this too,' is going to be one of the greatest benefits."