Her Layered Life

Amanda Barker

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. 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.

    38 min
  2. 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

    44 min
  3. 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.

    1h 2m
  4. MAR 18

    Confidence in the Most Vulnerable Category of Clothing with Celeste from Desert Sage Swim

    In this episode of Her Layered Life, I’m joined by Celeste Dahl, founder of Desert Sage Swimwear, a brand rethinking what modest swimwear can look and feel like for real women in real life. Celeste shares how her journey into entrepreneurship began after becoming a mom and struggling to find swimwear that felt both functional and flattering. What started as a personal problem turned into a growing brand built on confidence, coverage, and intentional design. We talk about the vulnerability women often feel around swimwear, the reality of building a business without formal experience, and how entrepreneurship stretches you far beyond your comfort zone. Celeste also opens up about body image, motherhood, comparison, staying true to your mission, and what it looks like to create products that genuinely serve women. This conversation is honest, encouraging, and such a powerful reminder that women-owned businesses are often born from real needs, real frustrations, and a real desire to make life better for other women. In this episode, we talk about: How Desert Sage Swimwear beganRedefining modest swimwear for modern womenPostpartum body changes and confidenceStarting a business with no fashion or business backgroundLearning manufacturing, design, and sizing from scratchWhy comparison can be so damaging in entrepreneurshipStaying rooted in your values while trends shiftBuilding a brand that solves real problems for womenBalancing motherhood, business, and everyday lifeFavorite reminder from this episode: Confidence isn’t about having the perfect body. It’s about knowing who you are in it. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend, your sister, or another woman in business. When women support women intentionally, we all rise.

    53 min
  5. MAR 12

    The Life Lessons Girls Learn From Team Sports

    In today’s solo episode of Her Layered Life, I’m sharing one of the layers of my life that has shaped me deeply—coaching girls basketball. Basketball has been part of my story for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing sports, eventually earned a full-ride scholarship to play college basketball, and now I’ve spent nearly a decade coaching young women at the high school level. But this episode isn’t really about basketball. It’s about confidence, resilience, leadership, and learning how to show up in life—even when it’s hard. Through my experiences as an athlete, a mom of eight, a business owner, and a coach, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful sports can be in shaping young women. Research shows that girls who participate in sports develop higher confidence, stronger self-esteem, and lower rates of depression. Even more interesting, 94% of women in C-suite leadership roles played sports at some point in their lives. So what is it about sports that shapes girls in such powerful ways? In this episode, I share three reasons I believe every girl should experience team sports and how those lessons translate far beyond the court. In This Episode1. Showing UpSports teach girls how to show up—even when they’re tired, sore, embarrassed, or not feeling their best. Learning to move through difficult emotions instead of being stopped by them builds resilience that lasts a lifetime. 2. Competing TogetherHealthy competition inside a team environment teaches girls how to push each other to be better, celebrate each other’s success, and support teammates even when they’re the one sitting on the bench. 3. Being Seen and Cheered ForThere is something powerful about a young girl stepping onto a court or field knowing people came to watch her play. Girls deserve spaces where they are supported, invested in, and celebrated. I also share some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a coach—including what one of my hardest losing seasons taught me and why I believe the process matters more than the outcome. Because in sports—and in life—the journey is the point. If we only love the outcome and not the process, we’ll spend a lot of our lives feeling disappointed. But if we learn to enjoy the journey, we can find joy almost everywhere we go. If This Episode ResonatedShare it with: a parent raising daughtersa coach mentoring young athletesa young girl learning to believe in herselfBecause when girls step onto a court, a field, or a track, they’re not just playing a game. They’re learning resilience. They’re learning confidence. They’re learning how to lead and support one another. And those lessons don’t stay in the gym—they follow them into their families, communities, careers, and leadership. Her life is layered. And her influence can change the world.

    32 min
  6. MAR 4

    Why Getting Dressed Matters More Than You Think with Lucy Hutchins

    What if getting dressed could change how you show up in your life? In this episode of Her Layered Life, Amanda Barker sits down with Lucy Hutchins (Lucy Bergström) — personal stylist, thrifting advocate, and founder of a style community built around intentional fashion. Lucy’s work focuses on something deeper than clothes. She helps women reconnect with confidence, navigate changing bodies, and build wardrobes that actually support real life. But Lucy’s journey to styling wasn’t linear. From launching a thrift business with her husband to navigating miscarriage, postpartum identity shifts, and rebuilding her own sense of purpose, Lucy shares the real layers behind building a life and business that feels aligned. Together, Amanda and Lucy talk about sustainability, the power of secondhand fashion, motherhood, identity, and why women deserve to feel good about themselves — every single day. This episode is a reminder that style isn’t superficial. It’s personal, emotional, and deeply connected to how we show up in the world. In This Episode• Lucy’s journey from fashion school to becoming a personal stylist • Why thrifting and secondhand fashion matter more than ever • The business she built with her husband (and how it evolved) • Navigating miscarriage, postpartum depression, and identity shifts • Why women often lose themselves when becoming mothers • Learning to trust the process when life feels out of control • The emotional side of getting dressed • Why women deserve to feel confident in every stage of life • Lucy’s “6–7 point outfit rule” for instantly improving an outfit Style Tips from LucyThe 6–7 Point Outfit Rule If your outfit feels unfinished, count the visual elements. Example: Top + pants + shoes = 3 points Add pieces like: • Layering pieces • Jewelry • Fun shoes or socks • A statement bag • A jacket or layering Halftee Aim for 6–7 visual points to create a more intentional outfit. About Lucy HutchinsLucy Hutchins is a Utah-based personal stylist and fashion educator focused on helping women feel confident through intentional style. Her work centers around: • Sustainable fashion • Thrifting and secondhand clothing • Body-positive wardrobe building • Helping women reconnect with personal style Lucy also runs a membership style community and podcast where she shares deeper conversations about fashion, culture, and identity. Key TakeawayWomen deserve to love themselves — not just in big ways, but in everyday moments. From how they get dressed to how they spend their time, every woman deserves space for the things that make her feel confident, creative, and fully herself. Connect with LucyInstagram: @lucybhutchins

    53 min
  7. FEB 25

    Permission at the Table: Building Confidence, Community & The Little Milk Bar with Lindsay White

    In this in-person conversation, we sit down with Lindsay White, founder of The Little Milk Bar—a woman who embodies the “layered life” mission through entrepreneurship, advocacy, athletics, and community leadership. Lindsay shares the moment that sparked her brand: the isolating reality of early breastfeeding, the pressure to “go somewhere private,” and the confidence shift that changed everything. What started as empowering merch became a movement and eventually evolved into essential products (like the Allie Bra, designed for sleep and real-life nursing). We also talk about how an athletic upbringing builds grit, exactness, and leadership—and why those lessons translate directly into business and motherhood. Lindsay opens up about why she believes in collaboration over competition (and the marketing principle behind it), how she runs joint PR boxes with other brands, and why making it easy for others to say “yes” is a power strategy. Finally, she shares how she gives back to the community that raised her, what it means to make “God goals,” and how she honors all her layers without burning out—through support systems, therapy, grace, and ownership when she drops the ball. Key Topics CoveredThe moment Lindsay decided breastfeeding culture needed to changeHow isolation affects postpartum mental health (and how confidence shifts everything)“Permission to feed at the table”: education + empowerment as a business missionStarting with empowering graphic tees (and why the message mattered more than the shirt)How The Little Milk Bar evolved into essentials like the Allie BraThe “two-shirt method” for breastfeeding in publicThe athlete-to-entrepreneur pipeline: grit, discipline, exactness, leadershipCollaboration over competition and the fast-food “cluster” marketing conceptJoint PR boxes + giveaways (splitting cost, splitting shipping, splitting the win)Giving back to low-income schools and athletes: small needs, huge impactBootstrapping product launches: domino effect funding + faith + timingManifestation as focus: affirmations + daily goal-writing + aligned actionBurnout prevention: support systems, therapy, self-grace, and accountabilityRapid-fire wrap: habits, lessons learned, and how women can support women betterStandout Moments & Quotes (short + shareable)“I wanted to be the best friend I didn’t have—someone to tell new moms, you can feed right here.”“It’s not about the product. It’s what it represents—confidence, permission, and a community behind you.”“Athletes learn to do hard things even at their worst. Motherhood is the epitome of that.”“Collaboration works when you’re confident in what you do. There’s room for everybody.”“Sometimes it’s not about massive donations—it’s about filling the smallest needs.”“Manifesting isn’t magic. It’s focus. If the goal stays in front of you, your decisions change.”

    1 hr
  8. FEB 18

    The Power of Spring Goal Setting

    What if the reason your New Year’s resolutions don’t stick… isn’t lack of discipline — but bad timing? In this episode of Her Layered Life, I share why I don’t set my goals in January — and why I wait until spring instead. January has always felt heavy to me. It’s dark. It’s cold. Nature is resting. And yet culturally, we’re expected to reinvent ourselves overnight. That disconnect never felt right. Instead of forcing change in the middle of winter, I use the first few months of the year for reflection, pruning, and discernment — and then I plant in the spring. Because growth has seasons. And so do we. 🌱 In This Episode We Talk About:Why January feels misaligned for major life overhaulsThe historical and agricultural roots of spring as the true “new year”Why 80–90% of resolutions failReflection vs. reinventionTrusting God’s timing in your goalsThe difference between macro goals and micro goalsWhat a “God goal” is — and why I believe in themThe power of choosing a word for your yearHow I create my vision board (yes, including AI images and magnets from IKEA 😅)Why clarity creates peaceAligning your goals with faith, discernment, and real life🌸 My 2026 WordsThe three words that kept showing up for me this year: SimplifyTemperance (self-mastery)CheerfullyThese aren’t trendy buzzwords. They’re directional. They become filters for how I live, decide, and grow. 🛠 My Personal Goal-Setting StructureInstead of 20 scattered goals, I choose one goal in six core areas: FamilyPersonalWorkSpiritualPhysicalCoachingEach has: A macro goal (the big vision)Micro goals (the dominoes that make it happen)A visual representationSupporting scriptures or anchoring quotesBecause dreams without systems stay dreams. But systems without meaning burn us out. 🙏 God Goals & DiscernmentA “God goal” is a goal so big that the only way it happens is with divine help. I don’t just ask: Is this a good goal? I ask: Is this aligned with God? Discernment isn’t passive — it’s practiced. Goal setting becomes one of the most powerful ways to build that spiritual muscle. 🌷 Why Spring WorksLight returnsEnergy risesMomentum buildsGrowth feels naturalBy the time spring arrives, I’m not scrambling to decide who I want to be. I already know. I’m ready to plant. 💛 If January Felt Heavy…You’re not broken. You’re not behind. You may just be out of season. Give yourself permission to: Reflect in winterPrepare intentionallyGrow when it’s timeGoals don’t need to be rushed to be powerful. They need to be rooted. If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who needs permission to slow down and grow differently. Because her life is layered. And her influence can change the world. See you next time. 🌿

    17 min

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.

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