When it comes to navigating the complex world of vehicle purchasing, Jana Askeland has emerged as a trusted and relatable voice, particularly for women and mothers. As the founder of Real Mom Car Reviews, Askeland has carved out a unique niche by offering candid, unbiased assessments of new vehicles through the lens of a woman, a mother, and a lifelong automotive enthusiast. Her platform focuses on the practical considerations that are paramount to female consumers, such as safety features, interior space, comfort, and functionality, thereby demystifying a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Askeland’s initiative comes at a pivotal moment in the automotive market. Data consistently shows that women are significant decision-makers in car purchases, influencing upwards of 85 percent of all car buying decisions. Despite this considerable market power, marketing efforts and industry discourse have historically catered predominantly to male consumers. Askeland’s work directly addresses this imbalance, providing valuable insights that resonate with a demographic often overlooked by traditional automotive marketing. Her approach combines informative reviews with authentic "mom life" content, creating a trustworthy and accessible resource.

This insightful perspective was recently highlighted in an episode of The Motherly Podcast, where Askeland sat down with host Liz Tenety to discuss her journey, the challenges of her industry, and her unique approach to car reviews. The conversation delved into topics ranging from the practicalities of car seats and family vehicle needs to the broader implications of women’s influence in the automotive sector and how she navigates the often-harsh landscape of online commentary.

From Car Auctions to Content Creation: Askeland’s Automotive Roots

Jana Askeland’s deep connection to the automotive world is rooted in her childhood. She grew up with a father who was involved in the car business. During her visits, she was often brought along to used car lots and auto auctions, where she assisted with tasks like detailing vehicles. While this early exposure might have felt less glamorous than the professions of her peers’ parents, it provided her with an intimate understanding of the industry from a young age. This foundation proved instrumental in shaping her future career path.

Her early career in broadcasting led her to the advertising sector, specifically working with car dealerships. She found a natural affinity for this challenging industry, and her perceived expertise in the automotive realm led to frequent inquiries from women seeking advice on purchasing a car. "100 percent of the time from women, like, ‘What should I buy?’" Askeland recalled, highlighting a recurring need she identified. This consistent stream of questions sparked the idea to broaden her reach and share her knowledge on a larger scale, ultimately leading to the creation of her platform.

Real Mom Car Reviews: Filling a Crucial Gap in the Market

Founded in 2022, Real Mom Car Reviews has rapidly gained traction across various social media platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Askeland’s content is distinguished by its focus on the "female lens," meticulously examining vehicles for features that are paramount to mothers and families. This includes an in-depth look at safety technologies, cargo space versatility, ease of access for children and car seats, and the overall practicality of a vehicle for the demands of family life, from infancy through the teenage years.

Her honest reviews aim to connect mothers with the most suitable vehicles for their evolving family needs. This approach is particularly impactful given that women are primary drivers of household transportation decisions. The automotive industry’s historical focus on a male-dominated consumer base has often meant that features and marketing campaigns do not adequately address the needs and priorities of female buyers. Askeland’s platform actively combats this by centering these often-underrepresented perspectives.

Navigating the Digital Arena: Resilience Against Online Criticism

The rise of online content creation often comes with the challenge of navigating public feedback, which can range from supportive to intensely critical. Askeland shared her strategies for managing the inevitable internet bullying that accompanies a public platform. She acknowledged that while some comments, particularly those targeting appearance, can be hurtful, she has developed a resilience by focusing on the overwhelming positivity of her audience.

"You take it all with a grain of salt," she stated, emphasizing her approach to dealing with negativity. Askeland chooses not to delete critical comments, believing that doing so would give them undue energy. Instead, she focuses on the fact that approximately 90 percent of the feedback she receives is positive, allowing her to maintain perspective and continue her work without being derailed by the vocal minority. This disciplined approach is crucial for sustaining a career in the public eye, especially when advocating for a less-represented demographic.

Key Considerations for Mothers Buying a Car

Askeland offered valuable advice for mothers navigating the car-buying process, highlighting specific features and considerations.

Safety First: Beyond the Basics

"I like to make sure that you have the latest safety features," Askeland emphasized. She specifically pointed out the importance of looking beyond general safety ratings to more nuanced aspects like side-impact safety. This is particularly critical for families with young children, as a side collision could impact the side of the vehicle where a car seat is installed. Her advice encourages a comprehensive review of safety protocols, considering the specific vulnerabilities and needs of child passengers at different ages and stages.

Car Seat Placement and Vehicle Configuration

The practicalities of car seat installation and placement are a significant concern for parents. Askeland discussed her preferences, noting that the center of a bench seat or the passenger seat behind the driver were often good initial options. She highlighted the evolution of her own needs as her children grew. "When my kids were little, I loved a bench seat. Now that they’re older, I love the captain’s chairs in the back, because we need a little bit of separation."

She also elaborated on the functional benefits of different seating arrangements for families with multiple children or those who frequently carpool. The ability for children to easily access a third row by walking between captain’s chairs, for instance, can be a significant convenience. This detailed consideration of interior layout underscores her understanding of how vehicles function within the context of active family life.

The Minivan Dilemma and Large SUV Options

For families experiencing growth and outgrowing their current vehicles, the question of what to drive next often arises. Askeland acknowledged the common parental resistance to minivans, despite their undeniable practicality for families. "That’s so tough because the answer usually is get a minivan but so many people are resistant to the minivan." She advises potential buyers to test drive a wide range of vehicles, including minivans and large SUVs, to find the best fit for their specific needs and driving preferences, as each model offers a distinct driving experience.

Teen Drivers: Technology and Training

As families navigate the transition to having teenage drivers, safety remains a paramount concern. Askeland pointed to advancements in automotive technology that can aid in supervising young drivers. "Some manufacturers are way ahead of the curve," she noted, mentioning features like geofencing that can set geographic boundaries, speed alerts, and even speed governors. Beyond technology, she also stressed the importance of supplemental driver training, recommending defensive driving courses as a valuable investment in a teen’s safety.

Askeland’s Personal Journey: Motherhood and Identity

The conversation also touched upon Askeland’s personal journey into motherhood, revealing an unexpected path. She admitted that she never initially envisioned herself as a mother and never wanted children. However, a profound shift occurred when she spent time helping a friend with her baby. "I nuzzled into that little downy head, and my womb burst into flames," she described, illustrating the powerful, life-altering experience that led her to want a child.

This experience prompted a significant reevaluation of her identity and future. "I think I saw it as giving up my identity, giving up my freedom, giving up my opportunities," she confessed, reflecting on her prior perception of motherhood. She has since learned to embrace a more fluid approach to parenting, recognizing that her way of mothering doesn’t need to conform to a single model. "We stay in our lane, and we do what works for our family," she stated, underscoring the importance of individual family dynamics.

Balancing Freedom and Structure: A Day in the Life

Askeland currently raises two sons, aged 9 and 11. She describes her parenting style as offering "freedom within a framework," providing her children with autonomy while ensuring their safety and well-being within the structure of everyday life. Her approach emphasizes flexibility and a willingness to adapt, allowing for the unexpected and the desires of her children, which she finds ultimately reduces stress.

Her current day-to-day life is a dynamic blend of reviewing cars for her full-time gig and managing family responsibilities. She often incorporates her children into her content creation process, allowing them to be passively present in videos or even giving them small lines to deliver. This integration of her professional life with her family’s reality adds an authentic layer to her content.

Motherhood’s Superpowers: Flexibility and Adaptability

When asked about her perceived "superpowers" as a mother, Askeland identified flexibility as a key strength. She highlighted her ability to "roll with the punches" and understand that challenging moments are temporary. Her capacity to pivot and help her children navigate transitions is a cornerstone of her parenting philosophy. "So I think my ability to be able to let go of the expectation and be flexible and try something maybe that they wanted to do â“ it doesnâ™t cause me the stress and the anxiety like it may a lot of people." This attribute allows her to maintain a sense of calm and adaptability in the often unpredictable journey of motherhood and content creation.

Future Aspirations and the Enduring Appeal of SUVs

Looking ahead, Askeland mused about her dream car for her "empty nest" years. While acknowledging the allure of luxury vehicles like Lamborghinis and Ferraris, she anticipates a more practical choice. She believes she would eventually downsize but not to a small car. The experience of driving higher up in an SUV has become a preference she doesn’t foresee abandoning easily. This suggests a continued focus on practicality and elevated driving position, even as her family dynamics change.

Jana Askeland’s work represents a significant contribution to empowering women in a crucial consumer sector. By sharing her expertise and personal insights, she is not only helping mothers make informed decisions about their family vehicles but also challenging industry norms and encouraging a more inclusive and representative automotive landscape. Her presence on platforms like The Motherly Podcast ensures that these vital conversations reach a wider audience, further solidifying the understanding that mothers are indeed in the driver’s seat of their own lives and purchasing decisions.