Her Layered Life

Amanda Barker
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Entrepreneurship

Her Layered Life is a podcast that peels back the layers of every woman’s journey—founders, influencers, and startup leaders alike. Behind every dream is a network of mentors, friends, family, and communities that shape the path forward. Through candid conversations, we explore the women building their visions and the layers of support, struggle, and strength that empower them along the way.

  1. 15h ago

    Starting Over at 23: Maddie on Young Motherhood, Grief, and Choosing Faith Through Divorce

    Season 2 kicks off with a conversation that is raw, hopeful, and honest all at once. I sat down with Maddie — a mom of two young daughters who got married at 18, moved 14 times in five years, and is now navigating separation and starting over at 23. Maddie opened up with me about growing up as one of eight kids in Highland, Utah, choosing motherhood young and without regret, and the moment she found her strength as a single mom just two weeks postpartum when her husband left. We talked candidly about grief that isn't linear, the grace she's learning to give herself and others, and how leaning on faith — and family — has carried her through the hardest season of her life. This episode is a tender reminder that starting over isn't the end of the story. It's just a new layer. What We Talk AboutGrowing up as one of eight kids and getting married at 18What people misunderstand about becoming a young momThe moment she realized "I can do this" as a single momChoosing what to share online — and what stays private — during divorceGrieving a life you pictured versus the life you gotLeaning on faith, family, and friends to carry the loadGiving grace to herself, her kids, and her ex-husbandWhat she hopes her daughters remember about her somedayFinding a new purpose through social media and brand partnershipsA Few Things Maddie Said That Stuck With Us"Healing isn't linear." "Everything is already working out — because God knew long before I did." "There's no point in holding on to anger. So just move forward with grace, and your life will be so much easier."

  2. 5d ago

    The Layers Between Seasons

    Season 2 is here! Instead of bringing you a guest this episode, I wanted to open this season by sharing what an incredibly full few months has taught me. Between a wedding, becoming a grandma for the first time, leading Trek for nearly 300 youth as a trail boss, and welcoming my son home from his mission, life has been layered in every sense of the word. Here are 4 lessons God's been teaching me through it all: 🕰️ The greatest investment I can make isn't money — it's time, and who I choose to spend it with ❓ I'm learning to ask whether my relationships are drawing me closer to God or distracting me ⚖️ Best days and worst days have shown up right beside each other this year — and I'm learning that's okay 🎒 Mortality means picking up weight — the question I keep asking myself is what weight, and why 🙏 I'm realizing waiting isn't wasted — it's where I'm practicing hope and building faith, even when I can't see it happening I also share the story of picking up my missionary son from the airport, and what his changed prayers taught me about the ways God prepares us long before we realize we're being prepared. "When women stop comparing and competing and start supporting and creating with each other, we rise together." This episode is sponsored by Hafty — use code HERLAYEREDLIFE for a discount. Because my life is layered — and my influence can change the world. 💛

  3. May 6

    Nine Months, Every Lesson: Season 1 Wrap-Up

    It's our Season 1 finale — and we're going out with everything we've learned. After 9 months and dozens of incredible interviews, I reflect on the lessons, stories, and moments that defined this season before heading into a maternity pause. 🎉 THE BIG LESSONS FROM SEASON 1 ✨ God orders our steps. Trust the timing, even when it doesn't make sense. (Thank you, Alyssa, for a phrase that carried us all season.) ✨ Women build differently. They don't just create products — they create solutions, spaces, and impact. Mel (Tobiq), Shannon & Ash (House of Foils) all proved it. ✨ Look in the mirror. If you keep hitting the same wall, the fix might be a small adjustment — not a whole new strategy. Lesson from Danielle. ✨ Stay in your lane. Comparison will take you out. You choose what success looks like. — Bailey, Bailey Rae Studios ✨ Start before you're ready. Elise (Beehive Meals) started with freezer meals and hit $10K her first day. Tess Frame says: if you feel nudged, just do it. Who God calls, He qualifies. ✨ The fake orchid story. Kimber (Pearl Pop) spent years faithfully caring for an orchid — one ice cube a week, perfect lighting, even a babysitter — only to discover it was fake the whole time. God didn't care. He was proud of her for showing up anyway. Sometimes we just need one small thing to hold onto. ✨ Rhythm, not rush. Life has seasons — to build, to rest, to push, to pull back. Stop fighting the rhythm and you'll feel aligned instead of exhausted. — Amy, The Inherit Co. ✨ Give back. Every single woman this season gave back to their community. Every one. When women support each other with intention, the growth is exponential. ✨ Consent is everyone's conversation. Liliana (UCASA) reminded us — this isn't just a women's issue. Find your state's Coalition Against Sexual Assault and get involved. ✨ Shop with intention. Women drive the majority of spending. If we shifted even a small percentage toward women-owned businesses, we wouldn't just change businesses — we'd change lives. "Start the thing. Trust the timing. Your life is layered too — and it matters more than you think." Season 2 is coming. We'll see you on the other side. 🌿

  4. Apr 29

    I Lost My Voice and Found My Purpose with Lauren Bean of Unfinished Apparel

    What if a piece of clothing could remind someone in their darkest moment that they are still worth caring for? That's the question behind today's guest — and the answer she's building her entire business around. I'm sitting down with Lauren Bean, founder of Unfinished Apparel, and I went into this conversation knowing very little about her brand. What came out of the next hour completely moved me. Lauren grew up outside Philadelphia in a household where both parents were CEOs. She watched them pour everything into their companies and swore she'd never do the same. Instead, she set her sights on songwriting and enrolled at Belmont University in Nashville — the only school she applied to. Then COVID hit. She got sick. Her vocal cords were affected by a connective tissue disorder she'd been managing for years, and doctors gave her a hard choice: keep singing until your voice gives out, or stop now and preserve what you have. She stopped. And in losing the thing she thought defined her, she found something she never saw coming. In this episode, Lauren walks me through the spiral of chronic illness, the mental health crisis that followed, and the moment she almost checked herself into inpatient psychiatric care — until she heard what that experience actually looked like. Patients being stripped of their clothes. Handed see-through paper scrubs. Left exposed and dehumanized in their most vulnerable moments. That image never left her. With a secondhand embroidery machine bought off Facebook Marketplace from a woman at a gas station, Lauren started selling clothing to fund something that felt a little crazy at the time: getting psychiatric patients out of paper scrubs and into clothing that made them feel human again. One TikTok post later, thousands of people responded — and Unfinished Apparel was born. We also talk about the hard pivots. There was a season where Lauren leaned away from the mission and into fashion, chasing revenue so she could eventually get back to the hospitals. It wasn't working. Then one Sunday, her pastor looked up and said, "You were not put here to make money. You were put here to make a difference." She knew exactly who that was for. Lauren is now a new mom to a three-month-old, navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood and entrepreneurship simultaneously — and she's the first to say it's made her better at both. This one is for every woman who has had her plans completely rerouted, who's wondered if what she's building actually matters, and who needs the reminder that none of us are finished yet. In this episode: How chronic illness derailed Lauren's songwriting career and led to a mental health crisisWhat she discovered about psychiatric care — and why paper scrubs cause more harm than most people knowHow a Facebook Marketplace embroidery machine became the seed of a mission-driven brandWhy pivoting is not failure — it's wisdomWhat happened when she chased revenue over purpose, and how she found her way backHow motherhood has made her a sharper, more grounded business owner Connect with Lauren & Unfinished Apparel: https://unfinishedapparelstore.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Share it with a nurse, a psychology student, a healthcare worker, or any woman in your life who needs the reminder that her story isn't finished. Leave a review, follow Her Layered Life, and come back next week for another conversation that goes all the way to the layers. Because her life is layered — and her influence can change the world.

  5. Apr 22

    What Your Missionary Actually Needs to Hear with Jennie Dildine

    Growth doesn't always feel like growth when you're in it. Sometimes it feels like stretching, doubt, or wondering if you're doing enough. This episode is for every missionary, every mission mom, and every family walking through that sacred, layered season of becoming. I sat down with Jennie Dildine — missionary coach, mental health advocate, and host of the LDS Mission Podcast — for an honest, deeply personal conversation about what really happens on a mission and after one. And I'll be honest, this one hit close to home. In This EpisodeWhy the hardest parts of a mission are rarely talked about — and why that needs to changeThe one thing Jennie tells every missionary preparing to leave: learn how to be uncomfortableWhat actually causes the "loss of purpose" when missionaries come home — and how to shift itThe power of normalize, validate, repeat — a simple framework for mission parentsHow to help a missionary in a slow, monotonous area find meaning againWhy anxiety on a mission is neurologically normal — and how to stop treating it like a crisisThe difference between a missionary who's thriving and one who's spiraling (hint: it's not about working harder)Jennie's take on coming home early — and why she never uses the word "early"How trusting God and trusting yourself are more connected than we thinkThe Brother of Jared and co-creating a life with GodKey TakeawaysFor Missionaries: "You can't do it wrong. God will use you the way He created you — you aren't meant to be your companion or a different version of your district leader." For Mission Parents: Normalize. Validate. Repeat. — When your missionary is struggling, resist the urge to fix it. What they need most is to feel seen. For Returned Missionaries: "Your purpose in life is not the mission. That was one step to make you who you're meant to be — and now you get to decide what's next." About Jennie DildineJennie is a certified life coach with nearly 7 years of experience working with missionaries, returned missionaries, and mission families. She runs a Mission Prep Plus program focused on internal tools — mindset, emotional processing, confidence, and identity — so missionaries can navigate anything the field throws at them. 🎙 Podcast: LDS Mission Podcast (250+ episodes) 🌐 Website: jenniedildine.com 📱 Instagram: @jenniedildine

  6. Apr 8

    I Forced My Daughter to Do a TikTok Dance. It Got 14 Million Views.

    Modesty, Halftee, & 14 Million ViewsCharlee and I read through the viral comments on our Halftee video — and unpack what "modesty" actually means. Episode descriptionAfter our Halftee transition video hit 14 million views on Facebook, my daughter Charlee and I sat down to go through the wildest, funniest, and most thought-provoking comments we received. From G-string comparisons to Dickie debates, we cover the full spectrum of modesty, the layering-as-fashion argument, and why showing the product was the best business decision I ever made. Plus — I let slip a little surprise announcement about Charlee (she's going to kill me). Viral comments we read"Well I can take a G-string bikini and call it a modesty G-string. It doesn't really change the coverage of the garment." My take: there's a big difference between bum cheeks and a Halftee. "I'm not a modest person really, and I think this is an exceptional idea. I hate shirts writing up under — plus it can be sold two ways." Not about modesty at all — just a functional layering solution, and I love it. "You're literally wearing them as a crop top in every single post — not very modest." I explain why I made the decision to model the product myself — and why I'd make the same call again. "These are called Dickies." Charlee says a Halftee is the new and improved Dickie. I say a Dickie is the G-string of layering pieces. "I think modesty means different things for different people. Celebrating our options is the rad thing to do." Our favorite comment — it sums up everything we were trying to say. Key takeawaysModesty is relative — what's scandalous in Utah is completely normal in Hawaii or Brazil. Layering is a fashion statement, not a compromise. You can't sell an undergarment by hiding it. And if you wait long enough, most skeptics come around.

  7. Apr 1

    The Truth About Comparison, Creation & Community with Mimi Bascom

    In this episode of Her Layered Life, I sit down with Mimi Bascom—a faith-driven content creator known for her modest fashion, motherhood content, and honest conversations around belief, identity, and community. Mimi’s content feels grounding, intentional, and real—and in this conversation, we go far beyond social media. We talk about what it actually looks like to balance motherhood, creativity, faith, and ambition… without losing yourself in the process. From navigating comparison as a creator to embracing your personal rhythm in different seasons of life, this episode is full of perspective shifts every woman needs to hear. We also dive into: How Mimi structures her days as a mom of two while still creating contentThe tension between comparison vs. collaboration in the creator spaceWhat it means to stay authentic online—even when facing criticismWhy your “season” and “rhythm” matter more than anyone else’sHow faith influences daily habits, decisions, and content creationThe evolution from modest fashion creator to faith-based voiceHaving hard conversations online with grace and intentionLetting go of metrics—and redefining success through impact This episode is a reminder that your life doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful. Your rhythm is yours. Your voice matters. And your influence—no matter how big or small—is powerful. What You’ll Take AwayHow to stop comparing and start creatingWhy collaboration is the antidote to competitionHow to build a platform rooted in purpose, not pressureThe importance of honoring your current season of lifeHow to stay grounded when life (and social media) feels overwhelming

  8. Mar 25

    Awareness to Action: Ending Sexual Violence Starts With Us

    Before we begin, a content note: this episode includes discussion of sexual assault and sexual violence, which may be difficult or triggering for some listeners. Please take care of yourself as you listen. If you or someone you know needs support, resources are included below. Today’s episode is different—but it’s one of the most important conversations we can have. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this episode is about more than awareness. It’s about education, prevention, and protecting the people we love. I’m joined by Lily Arbon, Director of the Utah Coalition Against Sexual Assault (UCASA), an organization dedicated to preventing sexual violence, supporting survivors, and strengthening communities through education, advocacy, and resources. This conversation opened my eyes in so many ways—not just as a business owner, but as a mother, a community member, and a woman navigating what it means to create safe spaces for the people around me. Because the truth is: Sexual violence is more common than we think, and far too often, it goes unspoken. In This Episode, We Talk About:What UCASA is and the role it plays in prevention, advocacy, and supportWhy sexual violence is one of the most underreported crimesThe reality that most perpetrators are known and trusted individualsHow to start conversations about consent (at every age)Why consent goes beyond sexual relationships and shows up in everyday lifeThe importance of educating children on boundaries and respectThe role parents play in creating safe, open conversationsCultural barriers that keep us from talking about sexual violenceThe impact of dating apps and modern relationship dynamicsWhy we must start by believing survivorsHow community, education, and awareness can prevent violenceWhat This Conversation Really Comes Down ToWe all have a role to play. Prevention doesn’t just happen through organizations—it happens in our homes, in our friendships, in our communities, and in the conversations we choose to have (or avoid). You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. You just have to be willing to listen, learn, and speak up. How You Can Get InvolvedFollow your local sexual assault coalition or advocacy organizationFind and support your local rape crisis centerVolunteer, donate, or share educational resourcesStart conversations about consent, boundaries, and respect in your homeBe a safe place for someone to come toSometimes it’s as simple as saying: “I believe you. I’m here for you.” ResourcesIf you or someone you know has been affected by sexual violence, support is available. If you’re in Utah, you can also connect with UCASA’s statewide sexual violence helpline. Final ThoughtsSexual violence thrives in silence. But awareness, education, and community have the power to change that. When we choose to have these conversations—when we choose to listen, believe, and act—we create safer homes, stronger communities, and a better future for the next generation. If this episode moved you or taught you something new, share it with someone. Because awareness is where prevention begins.

See All (36)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Her Layered Life is a podcast that peels back the layers of every woman’s journey—founders, influencers, and startup leaders alike. Behind every dream is a network of mentors, friends, family, and communities that shape the path forward. Through candid conversations, we explore the women building their visions and the layers of support, struggle, and strength that empower them along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Barker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Amanda Barker