Her Village

Jacqueline Baird

Her Village Podcast This is the space where real women have real conversations — the ones we don’t always say out loud, but all feel in some way. Hosted by Jacqueline Baird, this podcast goes beyond surface-level talk and into the stories, struggles, and moments that shape us — in motherhood, relationships, identity, and everything in between. Through a mix of personal reflections and honest conversations with other women, each episode is designed to leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little less alone… while also giving you new perspective, insight, and the kind of validation you didn’t know you needed. Because you’re not the only one thinking it.And you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Welcome to Her Village. Connect with Her Village: Instagram: @motherhood_intended Join the email list: hervillage.kit.com/naperville

  1. -2 j

    EP 135: Maybe You Did Better Than You Think

    As summer winds down and back-to-school season approaches, it's easy to look back and wonder... Did I do enough? Did we make enough memories? Did my kids have the summer they deserved? Did I somehow miss the mark? If you've been carrying those thoughts, this episode is for you. In today's solo episode, Jacqueline shares an honest reflection on the pressure moms often put on themselves during the summer—from trying to create magical memories to balancing work, childcare, businesses, and everything in between. Whether you're a working mom, a stay-at-home mom, or somewhere in the middle, this conversation is a reminder that your worth isn't measured by Pinterest-worthy adventures or perfectly planned summers. Your kids don't need a perfect summer. They need you. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why moms feel so much pressure to "win" summerThe comparison trap of social mediaWhy working moms and stay-at-home moms are both carrying invisible loadsHow to redefine what a "successful" summer really looks likeWhy back-to-school can be a fresh start for moms, tooHow creating community for yourself is just as important as creating memories for your kidsIf this conversation encouraged you, I'd love for you to share it with another woman who may need to hear these words today. ✨ Learn more about Her Village or join our email community at joinhervillage.co 📍 Local to the Naperville area? We'd love to have you at an upcoming Her Village gathering! If you're enjoying the Her Village Podcast, leaving a rating and review is one of the best ways to help more women discover these conversations. Thank you for being here. I'm so grateful you're part of this village. Support the show __________________________________________________________________________________ Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live. If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

  2. 29 juil.

    EP 134: The Woman Behind Blue's Clues, Daniel Tiger & Princess Penelope's Purse of Preposterous Things | Angela Santomero

    Some stories entertain us. Others help shape who we become. This week on the Her Village Podcast, I'm joined by Emmy Award-winning creator, author, and storyteller Angela Santomero, whose work has helped generations of children learn, grow, and navigate the world with curiosity and confidence. Known for creating Blue's Clues and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Angela shares the thoughtful research, educational philosophy, and heart behind the stories she's spent her career bringing to life. We explore why imagination isn't just play—it's a powerful tool for helping children build resilience, process emotions, solve problems, and develop empathy. We also dive into her newest YouTube series, Princess Penelope's Purse of Preposterous Things, and discuss how storytelling can encourage kids to embrace creativity, face uncertainty, and see challenges as opportunities for growth. Whether you're raising young children, missing the days of singing along with Blue's Clues, or simply interested in the lasting impact stories can have on our lives, this conversation is full of thoughtful insights and practical takeaways. In this episode, we discuss:  Angela's journey creating Blue's Clues The lessons behind Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Why imagination plays such an important role in childhood  The research that guides Angela's storytelling  Helping children build confidence and emotional resilience  Encouraging curiosity, kindness, and creativity  Angela's newest project, Princess Penelope's Purse of Preposterous Things What parents can take away from the stories their children love If this episode resonates with you, I'd love for you to share it with another parent, grandparent, educator, or anyone who believes in the power of raising kind humans. And if you're looking for connection in your own season of life, I'd love to welcome you into Her Village—a community where women come together to build meaningful friendships, support one another, and remember they don't have to do life alone. Support the show __________________________________________________________________________________ Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live. If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

  3. 22 juil.

    EP 133: What I Learned About Friendship After Starting Her Village

    When I started Her Village, I thought I was creating a place where women could make new friends. What I didn't expect was what those first few months would teach me—not just about friendship, but about belonging. In this solo episode, I'm sharing some of the biggest lessons I've learned while building this community from the ground up. From women nervously walking into events alone to conversations that linger long after the official end time, I've realized that what so many of us are searching for isn't simply more friends—it's a place where we can show up as ourselves and feel genuinely connected. If you've ever wondered why making friends as an adult feels so different, or if you've found yourself craving deeper connection in this season of life, this episode is for you. In this episode, I share: Why I realized women aren't just looking for more friends—they're looking for belonging.What surprised me most after hosting Her Village events.The biggest misconception about adult friendship.Why meaningful connection takes intention in this stage of life.Small, brave steps you can take to begin building your own village.Whether you're navigating motherhood, a new city, a career change, or simply a season where life feels a little lonely or disconnected, I hope this conversation reminds you that you're not the only one looking for your people. And maybe… your village starts with one conversation, one invitation, or one courageous "yes." 🌻 Connect with Her Village If you're local to the Chicago suburbs and looking for meaningful connection with other women, I'd love to welcome you to an upcoming Her Village gathering. Learn more at joinhervillage.co Follow along on Instagram: @hervillagehq Support the show __________________________________________________________________________________ Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live. If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

  4. 18 juil.

    EP 132: Why Making Friends as an Adult Feels So Hard (and What We Can Do About It) with Alex Gohla

    When we're kids, friendship just... happens. We're surrounded by classmates, teammates, roommates, and neighbors. But somewhere between careers, motherhood, relationships, and the never-ending to-do list, making meaningful friendships can start to feel surprisingly difficult. In this episode, I'm joined by licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and founder of Bluebird Counseling Services, Alexandria Gohla, to unpack why connection feels so much harder in adulthood—and why so many women find themselves longing for something deeper than another group chat. Alex shares insights from her work with women, the inspiration behind her upcoming book, More Than the Group Chat, and the importance of vulnerability, intentionality, and creating spaces where women feel safe to truly belong. Together, we explore:  Why adult friendships require more intention than they did growing up  What's really keeping women from forming deeper connections  The difference between being surrounded by people and feeling genuinely known  How vulnerability strengthens relationships  Practical ways to begin building meaningful friendships—even if you're starting from scratch  Why online communities can be a starting point, but in-person connection still matters If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "I wish I had people like that," this conversation is for you. Connect with Alex: Blue Bird Counseling ServicesMore Than the Group ChatConnect with Her Village: If you're longing for deeper connection and you're local to the Chicago suburbs, I'd love to meet you at an upcoming Her Village event! 🌻 Learn more: joinhervillage.co 📸 Instagram: @hervillagehq Support the show __________________________________________________________________________________ Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live. If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

  5. 18 juin

    EP 131: She Left Her Career to Raise Her Kids. Then She Started Again. | Dr. Vandana Arcot

    She Left Her Career to Raise Her Kids. Then She Started Again. What happens when the life you've built no longer fits the woman you're becoming? This week on the Her Village Podcast, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Vandana Arcot to talk about identity, ambition, motherhood, and the courage it takes to reinvent yourself. After a successful global health career spanning more than a decade and work across 13+ countries, Dr. Arcot made the decision to step away from her professional life to focus on raising her children. Years later, she found herself navigating the vulnerable process of returning—not to who she used to be, but to a new version of herself. Together, Jacqueline and Dr. Arcot explore: • The emotional realities of stepping away from a career to focus on family • Losing—and rediscovering—your sense of identity • The guilt and fear that can come with wanting something more • How motherhood reshaped Dr. Arcot's definition of success and leadership • The pressure women feel to choose between caregiving and ambition • Why reinvention isn't about becoming someone new—it's about reclaiming the parts of yourself that were waiting to be rediscovered • The permission to evolve through different seasons of life Dr. Arcot is the founder of Komselj, a strategy firm advancing women's and children's health and empowerment worldwide, and VUND, a home décor and fragrance company that supports women-led beekeeping initiatives. Her work has helped raise millions for global health causes while empowering women and communities around the world. If you've ever wondered whether it's too late to dream again, pivot careers, pursue a passion, or redefine what success means to you, this conversation is for you. Because every season changes us—and sometimes beginning again is exactly what we're meant to do. Connect with Dr. Vandana Arcot: Website: https://www.komselj.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvandanaarcot/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvandanarcot Support the show __________________________________________________________________________________ Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live. If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

  6. 16 juin

    EP 130: The Reinvention Nobody Talks About

    Reinvention is often portrayed as a dramatic before-and-after moment—a bold leap, a fresh start, a perfectly curated transformation. But what if it doesn't look like that at all? In this solo episode, Jacqueline shares what she's learning about reinvention while living it in real time. From infertility and loss to motherhood, podcasting, and building Her Village, she reflects on the many versions of herself she's loved, outgrown, and carried with her along the way. Together, we'll explore: • Why reinvention can feel a lot like grief—even when it's chosen • The pressure women feel to justify change • What happens when people don't understand your evolution • The courage it takes to keep going in the messy middle • How to recognize when restlessness may actually be an invitation If you've been questioning what's next, missing parts of who you used to be, or wondering if you're allowed to want something different, this conversation is for you. You don't have to have all the answers before you take the next step. Maybe you're not lost. Maybe you're becoming. P.S. This conversation is the first in a series of episodes exploring what it means to evolve through motherhood, identity shifts, and the changing seasons of womanhood. I can't wait for you to hear what's coming next. Support the show __________________________________________________________________________________ Her Village is more than a podcast—it’s a space for real connection, honest conversations, and meaningful friendships in the places we live. If you want to go deeper and stay connected beyond the podcast, you can join us here: joinhervillage.co 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

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À propos

Her Village Podcast This is the space where real women have real conversations — the ones we don’t always say out loud, but all feel in some way. Hosted by Jacqueline Baird, this podcast goes beyond surface-level talk and into the stories, struggles, and moments that shape us — in motherhood, relationships, identity, and everything in between. Through a mix of personal reflections and honest conversations with other women, each episode is designed to leave you feeling seen, understood, and a little less alone… while also giving you new perspective, insight, and the kind of validation you didn’t know you needed. Because you’re not the only one thinking it.And you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Welcome to Her Village. Connect with Her Village: Instagram: @motherhood_intended Join the email list: hervillage.kit.com/naperville