It's A Circus - Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of self care

Elsa Cherner
  • 4.4 (7)
  • PARENTING

Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of self-care. Hosted by Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus pulls back the curtain on the beautiful chaos of parenting. Through raw conversations with mothers, entrepreneurs, and women of all walks, the show explores what it really means to raise kids while holding onto yourself. Each episode is part confession, part community — reminding you that you’re not alone in the madness. From the heartbreak and humor of matrescence to the little rituals that keep us sane, this podcast is equal parts relatable, vulnerable, and empowering. ✨ Motherhood may be a circus, but here you’ll find clarity, connection, and the confidence to step back into your own spotlight. Coterie Diapers - 20% off with code CHERNERhttps://glnk.io/r31p/elsa20Perelel The first OB/GYN Founded vitamin  - 15% off with code ELSAC15https://glnk.io/356m/elsac15✨ Subscribe for weekly episodes filled with honesty, humor, and connection.🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms.www.chernerbroscircus.com

  1. APR 29

    Mone Wellness App and Postpartum with Brooke

    Send us Fan Mail Host Elsa welcomes Brooke, co-founder of the Mone Wellness postpartum app, to discuss motherhood, postpartum realities, and the inspiration behind building a dedicated support resource. Brooke shares her experience becoming a mom during COVID, her three home births with a midwife team (including a prolonged second pregnancy, postpartum hemorrhage, and a colicky baby), and how each postpartum season differed. They talk about baby temperament, colic, lactation support, supplementing with formula when needed, and Brooke’s experience with mastitis. Brooke explains Mone Wellness features including evidence-based education, tools for tracking and guidance, community forums, baby feeding support, symptom alerts for potential complications, partner email tips, and content on boundaries, contraception, and wellness goals, emphasizing that postpartum extends far beyond six weeks. 00:00 Meet Brooke  00:49 Podcast intro and welcome 01:23 Brooke’s mom journey 04:21 COVID pregnancy and homebirth plan 06:54 Home birth story 10:15 First postpartum reality check 12:03 Second birth and hemorrhage 17:14 Colic and baby temperament 21:39 Third birth healing water birth 24:29 Lactation role and feeding journey 25:33 Fed Baby Mindset 26:58 Mastitis Scare Story 29:02 Birth Plans Let Go 31:26 Career Shift to Birth Work 33:54 Mone Wellness App Origin 34:59 App Features and Audience 36:17 Bridging Postpartum Care Gap 40:15 Tracking Tools and Education 44:46 Partners Support Feature 45:40 Launch and Marketing Push 48:38 Advice and Myths Rapid Fire 56:14 Closing Thanks and Outro IG: https://www.instagram.com/monewellnessapp/ website: https://monewellness.com/ Brooke Orloff, co-founder of Mone Wellness—the comprehensive postpartum support app—is a certified prenatal/postpartum doula, lactation counselor, and entrepreneur. As a mother of three who has personally navigated the raw, beautiful, and challenging moments of the fourth trimester, Brooke offers heart-centered, practical guidance. She helps new parents manage the emotional whirlwind, breastfeeding hurdles, and everyday realities of early motherhood with empathy and wisdom. Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.  🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast  💄 Your Edit awaits: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/beauty-edit Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.

    58 min

  2. APR 24

    A Journey through IVF with Alicia

    Send us Fan Mail Host Elsa kicks off season five of the It’s a Circus podcast with Alicia, who shares her detailed IVF journey to becoming a mom to her son, Andreas. After trying to conceive naturally starting in 2019, Alicia and her husband moved from Clomid to three IUIs during the pandemic, then traveled from Florida to New York for IVF, paying out of pocket while navigating intense physical side effects and emotional strain. Alicia endured repeated two-week waits and three failed transfers, plus delays due to dangerously high blood pressure that required cardiology clearance, triggering grief, depression, and boundaries around family and social media. Further testing revealed silent stage-three endometriosis; after a difficult Lupron experience, she underwent endometriosis surgery in New Jersey and immediately completed a final, heavily medicated transfer that resulted in pregnancy. She describes an anxious high-risk pregnancy, induction at 37 weeks, a C-section, and emphasizes the importance of support, self-advocacy, and trusted doctors. 00:00 Welcome to the Circus 00:22 Season Five Kickoff 01:55 Meet Alicia and Andreas 05:21 Sharing IVF Online 07:29 Trying Naturally and Clomid 10:19 IUI During the Pandemic 12:09 Emotional and Financial Toll 16:17 Finding a New York IVF Doctor 20:45 Shots and Egg Retrieval 24:12 The Two Week Wait Spiral 26:43 Health Scare and Moving Plans 32:35 First Transfer and Heartbreak 41:07 Second Transfer and Hard Talks 46:24 Taking a Break and Setting Boundaries 52:50 When IVF Friends Move On 55:06 Taking a Break and Testing 59:09 Silent Endometriosis Found 59:49 Lupron and Third Transfer 01:02:56 Third Failure and Depression 01:08:34 New Doctor and Surgery Plan 01:14:26 Endometriosis Surgery Recovery 01:19:59 Final Transfer and Positive Call 01:25:48 Early Pregnancy Anxiety 01:31:20 Induction and C-Section Birth 01:33:26 Meeting the Miracle Baby 01:36:43 IVF Advice and Closing Keep up with Alicia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicia_justasplash/ Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.  🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast  💄 Your Edit awaits: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/beauty-edit Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.

    1h 41m

  3. APR 22

    Happy One Year Anniversary of Starting this Podcast

    Send us Fan Mail Host Elsa kicks off season five with a solo episode celebrating nearly one year since launching the podcast and reflecting on recurring themes from past interviews and her own transformation. She shares key learnings: the critical importance of advocating for yourself in medical, parenting, and relationship situations; recognizing that women and mothers are more alike than different; the harm of mothering in isolation and the need to find community; how asking for help is an essential “unlock” rather than a weakness; and practicing surrender and self-trust to navigate difficult seasons without slipping into victimhood. Elsa emphasizes the power of unfiltered storytelling to reduce shame and guilt, reminds listeners their stories matter, previews upcoming interview episodes, invites listeners to share the show, and mentions opening an in-person studio and building a supportive space for women in transition. 00:00 Welcome to the Circus 00:22 Season Five Kickoff 00:31 Year One Reflections 01:55 Learning One Advocate 04:34 More Alike Than Different 07:04 Find Your Village 09:31 Ask for Help 11:34 Surrender and Trust 14:17 Power of Storytelling 17:54 Closing Thanks and Whats Next 18:57 Podcast Outro Message Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.  🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast  💄 Your Edit awaits: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/beauty-edit Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.

    19 min

  4. MAR 25

    I'm Opening A Studio!!!!! Solo Episode with Elsa

    Send us Fan Mail Host Elsa closes out season four of her solo series, reflecting on a busy, “unhinged, relentless, ascending” year and announcing a major next step: opening a studio to support in-person podcast filming and house her Beauty Edits! She introduces a limited founder circle that lets people get in early with a special rate, receive a Beauty Edit, and later return for full glam when the studio opens, with ongoing access for beauty questions. Drawing on 20+ years in the beauty industry—from sales-floor makeup artistry to running boutique locations and advising founders—Elsa explains her passion for client experience and her goal of guiding people through today’s overwhelming, confusing beauty shopping landscape with practical, confidence-building product choices and tips. She previews a fully booked season five and invites listeners to join the community for women navigating motherhood, identity, and self-care. 00:00 Welcome to the Circus 00:22 Season Four Check In 01:11 Announcing the Studio 01:46 Founder Circle Offer 03:49 Why Beauty Edits Matter 04:22 Two Decades in Beauty 08:06 Fixing the Shopping Experience 09:56 How the Beauty Edit Works 12:04 My Beauty Philosophy 13:32 Season Wrap and Farewell 14:05 Podcast Outro Message Book your free consultation for The Beauty Edit: https://thechernerbroscircus.as.me/schedule/10f252c8/appointment/84434150/calendar/12799619?appointmentTypeIds[]=84434150 Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.  🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast  💄 Your Edit awaits: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/beauty-edit Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.

    15 min

  5. MAR 18

    Renewed in Motherhood with Jessica

    Send us Fan Mail Host Elsa welcomes board-certified nurse practitioner and hormone specialist Jessica Silver, who shares her path from labor-and-delivery nursing to founding Renewed You, a virtual hormone practice for women often dismissed in conventional care. Jessica discusses her motherhood journey, severe postpartum anxiety, years of debilitating 104° fevers that extensive specialist testing couldn’t explain until she traced them to ovulation and menstruation. She describes ectopic pregnancy detection after insisting on an ultrasound. The conversation covers bioidentical hormones, limitations of lab “normal” ranges, testosterone for women, peptides: Jessica currently serves clients in Florida and New York. 02:05 Meet Jessica And Mom Life 05:12 Pregnancy Symptoms And Baby Names 08:11 Miscarriage And Trying Again 12:32 COVID Pregnancy As A Nurse 16:23 Delivering As An L&D Nurse 21:17 Postpartum Anxiety And Breastfeeding 24:36 Mystery Fevers And Endless Testing 31:01 Hormones Behind The Fevers 36:32 Building Renewed You Clinic 41:42 Postpartum Plan With Progesterone 49:16 Why Hormone Issues Get Missed 51:09 Vaginal Estrogen Update 52:09 Flawed Hormone Study Fallout 54:25 Doctor Education Gap 55:52 Lab Ranges Versus Optimal 59:56 When To Get Checked 01:02:14 Advocating For Better Care 01:07:15 Perimenopause Estrogen Swings 01:09:32 Testosterone For Women 01:13:20 Peptides Explained 01:17:49 Self Care And Career Shift 01:22:31 Postpartum Anxiety Reality 01:31:32 Ectopic Pregnancy Wake Up 01:42:52 Advocacy For Moms 01:47:54 Where To Find Jess 01:48:23 Podcast Closing Message Jessica Silver is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and hormone specialist who built her practice after experiencing firsthand what so many of her patients describe — feeling dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told everything was "fine" when it clearly wasn't. That experience became the foundation for ReNu'd You | Functional & Hormonal Optimization and The Signature Hormone Optimization Method™, a 9-month clinical partnership program designed to help high-achieving women identify and address hormone dysfunction before it becomes a crisis. Certified in advanced bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (ABHRT), Jessica combines clinical precision with a deeply personal approach — helping women finally get answers that match their experience and a plan that actually works. Follow Jessica:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_silver_np/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renud_you/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/renudyou Website: www.renudyou.com Free Hormone Clarity Assessment: https://hormoneclarityassessment.manus.space The Hormone Reset Blueprint: https: Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.  🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast  💄 Your Edit awaits: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/beauty-edit Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.

    1h 49m

  6. MAR 11

    Hopeful and Honest in Motherhood with Kate

    Send us Fan Mail Host Elsa introduces a candid “It’s a Circus” conversation with her friend Kate, a mom of four and realtor, about the realities of parenting, identity, and self-care. Kate shares her family story with husband Ryan, including mostly easy first pregnancy, harder later pregnancies, and the shock of an unplanned fourth baby after a delayed vasectomy, plus the strain of having four kids six-and-under. She describes moving from Philadelphia to Sarasota at 30 weeks pregnant for family support, living with her parents during a delayed home build, and surviving a newborn’s nightly “witching hour.” Kate reflects on work as an escape, quitting during COVID stress, starting “rage runs,” and later finding flexible balance through real estate. She also discusses postpartum anxiety, starting Lexapro, needing time away, and the importance of an equal, involved partner and supportive family. 00:00 Stay At Home Queens 00:10 Welcome To The Circus 00:33 Meet Kate Mom Of Four 02:19 First Baby And Early Memories 06:15 Pregnancy Highs And Lows 07:47 Fast Food And Feeling Sick 09:57 Two Under Two Reality 12:16 Surprise Fourth Baby 15:13 New Years Pregnancy Reveal 18:58 Overwhelm And Regret 22:18 Unexpected Big Brother Gift 24:40 Marriage Pact For Survival 26:50 COVID Quit And Need Help 28:15 Moving To Florida Fast 31:18 Thirty Weeks New Doctor 32:59 Living With Parents Chaos 35:54 Kids Adjust To New Baby 37:57 One To Two Was Hardest 43:14 Favorite Age Three 45:24 Career Before Stay Home 46:08 Back to Work Reality 48:19 Moving and Baby Two 49:56 Work as Identity 51:15 Daycare Costs Debate 52:52 COVID Career Breaking Point 54:51 Rage Runs and Me Time 57:58 Kids Growing Up Phase 01:02:37 Real Estate Reset 01:09:43 Girl Mom vs Boy Mom 01:14:05 Postpartum Anxiety Help 01:25:01 Meds and Mom Guilt 01:27:31 Co-Parenting Standards 01:32:52 Podcast Farewell Follow Kate on her IG: https://www.instagram.com/katekwiecinski_realtor/ Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.  🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast  💄 Your Edit awaits: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/beauty-edit Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.

    1h 33m

  7. FEB 27

    Episode 50?!! Solo Episode with Elsa

    Send us Fan Mail In the 50th episode of It’s a Circus podcast, Elsa, the host reflects on how the show reached this milestone in under a year and shares recurring themes from dozens of interviews about motherhood and womanhood. She explains that many women don’t lose ambition after becoming mothers—it can be buried to avoid looking selfish—and that restlessness and resentment can be signals to refill their own cup rather than evidence of failure. She highlights the tension of loving your kids while grieving who you were before, emphasizing that conflicting emotions like gratitude and grief can coexist without disclaimers. She reframes motherhood as the beginning of personal expansion and authority, describing how it strengthens and clarifies priorities, and invites listeners into a community where women can speak honestly and feel seen. 00:00 Episode 50 Celebration 01:03 Why This Podcast Exists 03:28 The Shared Motherhood Arc 04:40 Truth One Hidden Ambition 09:05 Truth Two Love And Grief 13:07 Truth Three Resentment Signals 16:50 Reframe Motherhood Expands You 20:18 Community Mission And Invitation 22:47 The Beauty Edit Offer 23:40 Final Thanks And Sendoff Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.  🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast  💄 Your Edit awaits: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/beauty-edit Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.

    24 min

  8. FEB 25

    Honesty and Support in Motherhood and Beyond with Kavita

    Send us Fan Mail Host Elsa introduces an episode of the It’s a Circus podcast featuring Kavita Tisdale, a corporate leader at Airbnb and mom to her nearly three-year-old daughter, Alia. Kavita shares her journey to motherhood, including years of trying to conceive, the emotional toll of fertility challenges, and advice to seek fertility education and support earlier. She describes the shock and joy of learning she was pregnant, the importance of community during fertility struggles and postpartum, and how personalized support can look different for different people. Kavita talks about a difficult pregnancy marked by constant vomiting and ER visits, her labor experience including a negative interaction with a nurse, and surprises after birth—including her daughter’s blonde hair and blue eyes and assumptions others made about their relationship. The conversation covers postpartum realities: painful breastfeeding, pumping every two hours, guilt around feeding, switching to formula, and the relief and improved well-being that came with changing her approach. Kavita also discusses the impact of her husband losing a close friend postpartum and how it shaped his focus on her mental health. She reflects on returning to work after a short maternity leave at Wayfair, challenges re-entering a role, layoffs, and how she ultimately found a supportive remote culture at Airbnb, including leadership that prioritized humanity during family crises. Kavita and Elsa discuss what makes working parenthood sustainable—intentional career choices, remote work, supportive managers, and an equal partnership—along with parenting goals centered on creating a safe, loving environment, teaching boundaries, and modeling empathy. Kavita shares that she and her husband strengthened their relationship through therapy early in marriage and ends with reflections on empathy as her word for motherhood, myths she questions about parenting language, and pride in building a joyful, present family life. 00:00 Fertility Fears and Dreams 00:19 Podcast Circus Intro 00:42 Meet Kavita and Her Journey 02:55 Trying to Conceive Reality 05:29 When Hope Gets Hard 09:26 Advice and Early Testing 12:40 The Positive Test Moment 16:15 How to Support Friends 25:22 Pregnancy Was Brutal 30:13 Birth Plan and Hospital Drama 35:03 Postpartum Feeding Struggles 45:23 Formula Choice and Mental Health 49:11 Returning to Work Challenges 50:44 Dropoff Guilt 51:39 Chasing Remote Work 52:26 Post Leave Whiplash 53:47 Airbnb Kindness Culture 55:44 Leading With Empathy 59:01 Equal Partnership Balance 01:02:17 Why Keep Working 01:07:33 Raising A Daughter 01:12:10 Boundaries And Bullying 01:15:45 Marriage Takes Work 01:22:42 Motherhood Is Empathy 01:29:34 Myths And Mom Guilt 01:35:08 Being Present Wins 01:38:13 Closing Thoughts Thanks for listening to It’s a Circus Podcast — Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of Self care These stories remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos. And if you’re ready to take the next step from conversation to transformation, explore Svea – The Beauty Edit. It’s my signature service that helps women edit the noise, simplify their routines, and reclaim confidence through radiant, effortless self-care.  🎙️ More stories: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/podcast  💄 Your Edit awaits: https://www.chernerbroscircus.com/beauty-edit Embrace the chaos. Reclaim yourself.

    1h 39m
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4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Unfiltered stories of motherhood, identity, and the art of self-care. Hosted by Elsa Marit, It’s a Circus pulls back the curtain on the beautiful chaos of parenting. Through raw conversations with mothers, entrepreneurs, and women of all walks, the show explores what it really means to raise kids while holding onto yourself. Each episode is part confession, part community — reminding you that you’re not alone in the madness. From the heartbreak and humor of matrescence to the little rituals that keep us sane, this podcast is equal parts relatable, vulnerable, and empowering. ✨ Motherhood may be a circus, but here you’ll find clarity, connection, and the confidence to step back into your own spotlight. Coterie Diapers - 20% off with code CHERNERhttps://glnk.io/r31p/elsa20Perelel The first OB/GYN Founded vitamin  - 15% off with code ELSAC15https://glnk.io/356m/elsac15✨ Subscribe for weekly episodes filled with honesty, humor, and connection.🎧 Available on all major podcast platforms.www.chernerbroscircus.com

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