Her Village

Jacqueline Baird
  • 5.0 (79)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    EP 140: Finding Your Way Back to Yourself — Identity, Self-Trust & the Inner Teacher with Dr. Nicole Wordlaw

    How much of who we are is truly ours—and how much has been shaped by the expectations, beliefs, and stories we’ve inherited? In this episode of Her Village, Jacqueline sits down with Dr. Nicole Wordlaw, clinical psychologist, author, and longtime Buddhist meditation practitioner, to explore what it means to reconnect with our own inner knowing. Nicole’s book, Waking Up Alone: Navigating the Narrow Passage Through Master-Slave Narratives, combines memoir with an exploration of identity, power, relationships, and the conditioning that can shape how we understand ourselves and our place in the world. Together, Jacqueline and Nicole discuss the ways women can become accustomed to looking outside themselves for reassurance and validation, how motherhood can challenge our sense of identity, and what it looks like to begin rebuilding self-trust. They also explore Nicole’s concept of the “inner teacher,” the difference between belonging and changing ourselves in order to belong, and why finding our way back to ourselves doesn’t mean we have to do it without community. In this conversation, we explore: The personal journey behind Waking Up AloneHow inherited stories and expectations influence our identitiesPeople-pleasing, perfectionism, and the pressure to do life “right”Motherhood, identity, and continuing to grow as an individualWhat it means to find and follow your inner teacherRebuilding self-trust when you feel disconnected from your own voiceThe role of community in becoming more fully ourselvesWhether you’re navigating motherhood, a life transition, or simply wondering what you actually want beneath all the noise, this conversation is an invitation to get curious about the stories you’ve been living by—and remember that you’re allowed to keep becoming. Connect with Dr. Nicole Wordlaw: Website: https://www.nicolewordlaw.com/ Book: Waking Up Alone: Navigating the Narrow Passage Through Master-Slave Narratives Connect with Her Village: Instagram: @hervillagehq Explore the podcast and community: joinhervillage.co If this episode resonates with you, share it with a friend who might need the reminder that she’s allowed to trust herself and keep becoming, too. 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. Sep 2

    EP 139: Who Are Your Friends When No One Is Assigning Them to You?

    Remember when making friends was just… built into life? You met on the playground. Sat next to each other in class. Played on the same team. Lived down the hall in college. Or, in Jacqueline’s case, essentially paid for your friends by joining a sorority. 😂 Then adulthood happens—and suddenly, no one is assigning you friends anymore. In this solo episode, Jacqueline explores why adult friendship feels so different, especially in motherhood. It’s not necessarily that we’ve forgotten how to make friends. It’s that the structure that once made friendship happen naturally—proximity, repetition, and shared experiences—has disappeared. She talks about friendships changing as our lives change, the difference between mom friends and friendships that feel like they’re truly yours, why one great conversation usually isn’t enough to build a real connection, and why sometimes we have to be willing to go first. Jacqueline also shares how this realization has shaped Her Village and the upcoming Her Village membership: creating consistent opportunities for women to get out of the house, explore Naperville, see the same faces again, and give new friendships somewhere to actually grow. Because maybe we don't need to magically find a new best friend. Maybe we just need a place to keep showing up. In this episode: • Why making friends felt easier when we were younger • How adult life removes the built-in structure for friendship • Why proximity + repetition + shared experiences matter • The difference between having friends and still craving more connection • Making friends through motherhood—and wanting relationships that are yours, too • Why somebody eventually has to send the “When are you free?” text • What Jacqueline is really building with Her Village • Why consistency is at the heart of the upcoming membership • Giving friendship somewhere to grow If someone came to mind while you were listening, send her this episode—and maybe send the second text, too: “When are you free?” 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. Aug 26

    EP 138: More Than the Caregiver — Raising Neurodivergent Kids & Finding Yourself Again with Susanna Peace Lovell

    Motherhood has a way of rewriting the plans we were so sure we had figured out. For Susanna Peace Lovell, that meant becoming a mother to her daughter, Arizona, who is neurodivergent and has autism, ADHD, anxiety, and significant allergies. For Jacqueline, it meant infertility, loss, a 24-week premature birth, a four-month NICU stay, and eventually learning that her oldest son has autism and ADHD, and her younger son also has ADHD and sensory processing disorder. In this deeply personal conversation, Jacqueline and Susanna talk about what happens when motherhood looks nothing like the version you imagined—and how you learn to find yourself within it. They open up about receiving a child's diagnosis, the instinct to immediately jump into "fix it" mode, the fear of what the world will think of your child, and the invisible mental load of raising a child with additional needs. They also talk about something caregivers don't hear nearly enough: you are allowed to have needs, joy, interests, dreams, and an identity outside of caring for everyone else. Susanna shares the importance of compassion—for our children, for other mothers, and especially for ourselves—and why finding people who simply get it can change everything. In this episode: When motherhood doesn't look the way you imaginedProcessing an autism or ADHD diagnosisThe invisible work of parenting a neurodivergent childWhy gratitude and overwhelm can exist at the same timeLetting go of the pressure to "fix" everythingWhat other people don't understand about raising a child with additional needsBuilding a village when you can't do it aloneRediscovering joy and identity outside of caregivingWhat Susanna would tell a mom who just received her child's diagnosisWhy your child is still the exact same child they were before the labelSusanna also shares her work with We Are Brave Together, a community supporting the mental health and wellness of caregiving moms, and the anthology Suddenly Brave Together, featuring letters from experienced caregiving mothers to moms who are just beginning this journey. If you've ever wondered where you went while taking care of everyone else—or you're navigating a motherhood story you never saw coming—this conversation is for you. Connect with Susanna: SusannaPeaceLovell.com Instagram: @mamapeace Learn more about We Are Brave Together: WeAreBraveTogether.org 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. Aug 19

    EP 137: The Kids Are Back to School… What About Us?

    A Her Village Solo Episode 🎙️ The backpacks are packed, the school supplies are labeled, and the kids are settling back into their routines. But once we’ve gotten everyone else where they need to be… what about us? In this solo episode, I’m talking about the back-to-school season as more than just a reset for our kids. It can be a reset for us, too. Not in a reinvent your entire life now that the kids are in school kind of way. But as an opportunity to check in with ourselves and ask: What do I want this next season to feel like? We’re talking about the routines we want to come back to, the things we may be ready to let go of, the parts of ourselves that have gotten pushed aside, and how to make a little more room for what fills us up. Because motherhood has a way of dividing life into seasons—and sometimes a new season is exactly the invitation we need to reconnect with ourselves. In this episode: Why back-to-school can feel like a fresh start for moms, tooThe difference between adding more to our plates and making intentional changesTaking inventory of what worked (and what didn’t) this summerReconnecting with the parts of ourselves that exist outside of motherhoodThinking about how we actually want this next season to feelStarting small instead of trying to overhaul everything at onceAnd if connection is one of the things you’re craving in this season, that’s exactly why I’m building Her Village—a place for women to connect with themselves, each other, and their local community, both through these conversations and in real life. 🎧 Hit play, take a walk, pour another cup of coffee, and spend a little time thinking about what you want from this next season. I’ll be right here when you come back to hit play. 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. Aug 12

    EP 136: What Comes After Trauma? Healing, Hope & the Freckles of Light with Cindy Benezra

    What happens after you've survived something that could have defined the rest of your life? Today's guest, Cindy Benezra, is a USA Today bestselling author, speaker, trauma recovery advocate, and author of Under the Orange Blossoms. Cindy is also a survivor of childhood sexual abuse at the hands of her father. But this conversation isn't about the details of what happened to Cindy. It's about what came next. Cindy and I talk about what healing actually looks like in everyday life, learning to trust yourself again, breaking generational cycles, reclaiming your voice, and shifting the question from "What happened to me?" to "What's next?" We also talk about Cindy's beautiful concept of "Freckles of Light"—the small, ordinary moments of hope and goodness that remind us healing doesn't always happen through one massive breakthrough. Sometimes it happens quietly, little by little. In this episode, we talk about: Moving from a past-defined identity toward what's nextWhat it means to become your own healerCindy's "Freckles of Light" and finding hope in ordinary momentsBreaking intergenerational cyclesReclaiming your voice and learning to trust yourselfThe role of storytelling and vulnerability in healingWhy community and connection matterFinding hope when you're still carrying something from your pastWhether you've experienced trauma yourself or you're simply carrying something from your past that has shaped who you are today, this conversation is a reminder that what happened to you can be part of your story without getting to write the rest of it. Connect with Cindy: Learn more about Cindy, Under the Orange Blossoms, and her work at CindyTalks. Connect with Her Village offline: If you're local to the Naperville area, Her Village is about getting out from behind the screens and building real-life connection, too. Join us for upcoming coffee dates, nights out, book gatherings, and other opportunities to meet women in your local community. Find details and upcoming gatherings by following along on Instagram or signing up for our email list. And if this episode made you think of someone in your own village, send it her way. Sometimes being part of someone's village is as simple as saying, "I heard this, and I thought of you." 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. Aug 5

    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 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

  7. Jul 29

    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 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

  8. Jul 22

    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 💛 __________________________________________________________________________________

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About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Jacqueline Baird
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    140
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Her Village
  • Show Website
    Her Village

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