Des Moines Moms Movers and Shakers: Erin Kiernan

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Erin Kiernan DMMB movers shakers

We are thrilled to continue our series on Des Moines Moms Movers and Shakers with Erin Kiernan, news anchor for Channel 13 news and mom to Michael Francis. Erin is an infertility survivor, adoption supporter, and celebrator of real-life moms.

She recently started One Brain Wellness with her friend Sonya Heitshusen. Their goal is to encourage and empower you to live your best life through a holistic approach to physical fitness, proper nutrition and a positive mental attitude.

Tell us about yourself and your family

My husband Michael and I will celebrate our sixteenth wedding anniversary in October. That’s also when our little boy, Michael Francis will turn two! We live in Des Moines in a historic home with which we have a love/hate relationship. Fellow owners of old houses will understand.

Erin Kiernan and sonWhat do you consider the biggest challenge of motherhood? Biggest joy? 

Am I only allowed to list one challenge? I’m sure every stage will bring new ones…for so many months I was so tired I thought I was going to die. I really found myself wondering, “Has anyone ever died from sleep deprivation?”

Now we’re getting sleep, and I feel like time is my biggest challenge. I never feel like I get to spend as much time with my son and husband as I would like.

Being a mom IS my greatest joy. It took Michael and me so long to have a child that many days we just look at each other and grin and say, “Can you believe it?!? He’s here! He’s amazing!”

I love watching Michael Francis learn new things – I feel like I can see his brain growing and it’s fascinating. His laugh makes my heart feel like it might explode with joy. His stubbornness drives me nuts, but also makes me proud. I think he’s the greatest thing ever.

How did you get into TV news? 

I am old. I started working at Channel 13 as a part-time reporter when I was a senior at Drake University (1995 – 1996). I started as an intern and was promoted when a reporter quit. I was terrified, and terrible. The job has changed a lot. Back then, the only way people could get local news was by watching television or reading the newspaper. Now there are so many outlets and platforms, it’s mind boggling. Our work is no longer just during the 5, 6, and 10 o’clock newscasts – it’s 24/7.

What’s the best part of your job and the worst?

The best part about my job is the people. The people I work with (my friends) and all of the incredible people I’ve met through reporting. I’m very lucky.

The hardest part of my job is constantly delivering horrible news to people. That’s why Sonya Heitshusen and I are starting a “Good News!” segment on the Channel 13 News at 5. Send us your good news!

What have you learned in your job?  

I feel like I’m still learning new things every day, which is part of the reason I love my job. I wish I would’ve known a lot of things back when I started…how to stand up for myself, how to not let my job take over my life, how to deal with cruel, mean-spirited people…the list is long.

What’s the last thing you watched, listened to, or read?

We don’t have a lot of time to watch TV but we catch some binge-worthy things like “The Walking Dead”, and “Game of Thrones”. The last movie we saw was “Wonder Woman”. We’re excited for “Game of Thrones” to start! The last thing I listened to was a podcast by ACE Fitness because I’m studying to get my Behavior Change Specialist certification. That’s also the last thing I read, but I also have several books on my nightstand and my Kindle.

Why do you call Des Moines home?

I call Des Moines home because it’s just right. Not too big, not too small, just right. We love it here.

Des Moines Favorites

Favorite place for date night: Ha! I work nights so this question is hilarious to me. If I could choose without money being a factor, 801 Steak & Chop.

Best place to take kids: Any park. Michael Francis LOVES being outside and the more there is to climb, the better.

Favorite summer activity: Again…the park. I could live at the pool. Grilling. Eating. Specifically, eating the food my husband has grilled and/or smoked.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be? Near water

Favorite Instagram accounts? My friend Annie Brees is hilarious. So is Celeste Barber. Brian Abeling posts stunning photos. And Des Moines Moms Blog, of course!

How or where do I relax: At home or at the lake. Reading and writing are relaxing to me. So is walking and doing yoga.


Check out other Des Moines Moms Movers & Shakers: 

Becky Pospisal, The Knotty Nail

Colleen Kelly, Star 102.5 morning show

Know a Des Moines mom we should feature? Let us know! Email [email protected] with details and we will be in touch.

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