The Boss Mom Podcast

Dana Malstaff

Motherhood and business aren't meant to be done alone. The Boss Mom Podcast isn't just a collection of conversations—it's your decision support, your permission slip, your place to laugh, cry, and connect. Hosted by Dana Malstaff, founder of Boss Mom LLC, this is your new home base, where you'll find mom-centric business advice, the raw truth about being a mom with big dreams, and a ton of hope and proof that you can reach all of your goals. No matter what stage of motherhood or business you're in, we're here for all of it. From big decisions to little wins, we've got your back. Think of us as your biggest advocate, helping you build the business and life you love, one episode at a time.

  1. 5D AGO

    Your Kids Are Not Your Purpose

    div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> At BossMom, we're normalizing the conversations that help you grow a business while raising a family. In this episode, Dana tackles one of the most controversial beliefs she holds: your children should not be your purpose. Before you close this tab, hear her out—because this distinction might be the most liberating thing you hear all year. Dana opens up about why believing your kids are your only purpose actually burdens them with the weight of your unfulfilled dreams. She shares a heated debate she had at a Circle event where someone completely misunderstood what she meant, and breaks down the critical difference between "my kids ARE my purpose" versus "my kids GIVE ME purpose." One creates guilt, shame, and disconnection. The other creates fuel, integration, and a reciprocal relationship where you empower each other. From her five-year-old daughter's problem-solving at a pumpkin patch ("Mom, get your computer and make money while we're in the bouncy house!") to why she believes modeling beats martyring every single time, Dana challenges everything you've been told about what it means to be a "good mom." The real lesson? When you pursue your dreams openly and involve your kids in age-appropriate ways, you don't create disconnection—you create a team. And your kids learn more from watching you build something meaningful than from you sacrificing silently and resenting it later. Explore More Resources from BossMom BossMom is your go-to home base for content, support, and community designed specifically for moms growing businesses → https://bossmom.com 📝 Check out the full article that pairs with this episode: → https://bossmom.com/boss-mom-podcast/purpose/ 📚 Want more conversations like this? Browse our full library of articles: → https://boss-mom.com/articles 🛠 Looking for the best tools, tips, and resources every BossMom needs in life and business? → https://boss-mom.com/resources 💬 Ready to go deeper with us? When you know that community and connection aren't just nice-to-haves, but the strategy that helps you thrive—come join us inside BossMom+. →  It's our private networking community built just for moms growing businesses—because you shouldn't have to do this alone. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Why "your kids are your purpose" is actually burdensome to your children (and what to believe instead) ✨ The game-changing difference between kids BEING your purpose vs. kids GIVING you purpose ✨ Why modeling beats martyring every time—and what that actually looks like in practice ✨ How to involve your kids in your work in age-appropriate ways (from toddlers to teens) ✨ The disconnection trap: why shame and isolation around your ambitions harm your relationships more than the ambitions themselves ✨ Dana's "model, don't martyr" philosophy and why your kids need to see you pursue your dreams Success doesn't come from doing more—it comes from doing what matters and making it easier to stay consistent. That's why tools like FutureMe GPT and Nurture to Convert AI were created: to help you take action, simplify your messaging, and grow your business without the overwhelm. Your audience is ready for you. Now it's about showing up in a way that works for you. Check out bossmom.com/futureme and nurturetoconvert.ai to see how much lighter business can feel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com Elevate the routines you live in. Head to cozyearth.com and use code BOSSMOM for up to 20% off. And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here! Dana is obsessed with their Cuddle Blanket. It feels like a weighted blanket and is so amazing she got a second one because her daughter kept stealing hers.

    18 min
  2. FEB 21

    How to Stay Connected After Kids: Real Tools for Modern Marriage with Eli Weinstein

    div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> At BossMom, we're normalizing the conversations that help you grow a business while raising a family. In this episode, Dana sits down with therapist and author Elijah Weinstein to talk about the quiet drift that happens in marriages when kids enter the picture. From unspoken expectations and the myth of empathy to practical tools like the import/export list and full communication, he shares honest and actionable lessons on how to stop growing apart and start showing up for each other again. You don't need a perfect marriage to start strengthening it, you just need the willingness to say the hard things out loud and give your partner the full picture instead of expecting them to connect dots you never drew. Elijah's book, From I Do to We Do, is available starting March 17, 2026. Find it and all the links at eliweinsteinlcsw.com, or connect with him on Instagram at @eliweinstein.lcsw. This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Elevate the routines you live in. Head to cozyearth.com and use code BOSSMOM for up to 20% off. And if you get a Post-Purchase Survey, be sure to mention you heard about Cozy Earth right here! Dana is obsessed with their Cuddle Blanket. It feels like a weighted blanket and is so amazing she got a second one because her daughter kept stealing hers. Explore More Resources from BossMom BossMom is your go-to home base for content, support, and community designed specifically for moms growing businesses → https://bossmom.com   📝 Check out the full article that pairs with this episode: → https://bossmom.com/relationships/how-to-stay-conn…ds-eli-weinstein/     📚 Want more conversations like this? Browse our full library of articles: → https://boss-mom.com/articles   🛠 Looking for the best tools, tips, and resources every BossMom needs in life and business? → https://boss-mom.com/resources   💬 Ready to go deeper with us? When you know that community and connection aren't just nice-to-haves, but the strategy that helps you thrive—come join us inside BossMom+. → https://bossmom.com/free-app?utm_source=LibSyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Free+App&utm_id=Join+the+free+BossMom+App   It's our private networking community built just for moms growing businesses—because you shouldn't have to do this alone. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Why the slow drift in marriage often starts after having kids and what to do about it ✨ How unspoken expectations quietly build resentment and how to stop the cycle ✨ The difference between empathy and sympathy and why sympathy might actually serve your relationship better ✨ What the Holy Trinity framework is and how it can transform the way you communicate with your partner ✨ How the import/export list can help you and your partner get on the same page before small things become big ones ✨ Why full communication is less about talking more and more about giving your partner the whole picture   Success doesn't come from doing more it comes from doing what matters and making it easier to stay consistent. That's why tools like FutureMe GPT and Nurture to Convert AI were created: to help you take action, simplify your messaging, and grow your business without the overwhelm. Your audience is ready for you. Now it's about showing up in a way that works for you. Check out bossmom.com/futureme and nurturetoconvert.ai to see how much lighter business can feel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com

    51 min
  3. FEB 12

    Balancing Motherhood and Ambition: Finding Clarity in Our Choices

    At BossMom, we're normalizing the conversations that help you grow a business while raising a family. In this episode, Dana opens up about the constant struggle moms face when deciding where to put their energy and time. From choosing to cuddle her sick kids all week to flying to Arizona for a mastermind event, she shares the raw truth that being busy isn't the same as being effective. She breaks down why every strategy "works" but most of us are stuck because we lack clarity on what we're actually building. The real lesson? You can't delegate, scale, or find freedom without absolute clarity on who you're serving and why. You don't need more time management tips, you need to get brutally honest about where you're wasting energy on busy work instead of building something that actually gives you the freedom to choose the cuddles when it matters most. Explore More Resources from BossMom BossMom is your go-to home base for content, support, and community designed specifically for moms growing businesses → https://bossmom.com 📝 Check out the full article that pairs with this episode: → https://bossmom.com/boss-mom-podcast/finding-clarity/   📚 Want more conversations like this? Browse our full library of articles: → https://boss-mom.com/articles   🛠 Looking for the best tools, tips, and resources every BossMom needs in life and business? → https://boss-mom.com/resources   💬 Ready to go deeper with us? When you know that community and connection aren't just nice-to-haves, but the strategy that helps you thrive—come join us inside BossMom+. → https://bossmom.com/free-app?utm_source=LibSyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Free+App&utm_id=Join+the+free+BossMom+App   It's our private networking community built just for moms growing businesses—because you shouldn't have to do this alone.   What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Why being busy doesn't equal being effective (and how to tell the difference) ✨ The real reason every strategy "works" but you're still stuck spinning your wheels ✨ How to do a time and energy audit that reveals where you're wasting your effort ✨ Why you can't delegate, scale, or build freedom without absolute clarity first ✨ The questions you need to ask yourself to get clear on what you're actually building   Success doesn't come from doing more it comes from doing what matters and making it easier to stay consistent. That's why tools like FutureMe GPT and Nurture to Convert AI were created: to help you take action, simplify your messaging, and grow your business without the overwhelm. Your audience is ready for you. Now it's about showing up in a way that works for you. Check out bossmom.com/futureme and nurturetoconvert.ai to see how much lighter business can feel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!   About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com

    13 min
  4. JAN 29

    Motherhood doesn't kill your ambition or dreams, this does

    At BossMom, we're normalizing the conversations that help you grow a business while raising a family. In this episode, Dana opens up about the internal war every mom faces between the woman she was before kids and the mother she's become. From feeling guilty about wanting more to recognizing how that inner turmoil affects your kids, she shares why saying things out loud and knowing what you actually want are the only two things that will stop the cycle of overwhelm and mom guilt. You don't need to sacrifice your dreams to be a good mom, you just need to stop fighting yourself and start voicing what you really want in a space where other moms actually get it. Explore More Resources from BossMom BossMom is your go-to home base for content, support, and community designed specifically for moms growing businesses → https://bossmom.com 📝 Check out the full article that pairs with this episode: →    📚 Want more conversations like this? Browse our full library of articles: → https://boss-mom.com/articles   🛠 Looking for the best tools, tips, and resources every BossMom needs in life and business? → https://boss-mom.com/resources   💬 Ready to go deeper with us? When you know that community and connection aren't just nice-to-haves, but the strategy that helps you thrive—come join us inside BossMom+. → https://bossmom.com/free-app?utm_source=LibSyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Free+App&utm_id=Join+the+free+BossMom+App   It's our private networking community built just for moms growing businesses—because you shouldn't have to do this alone. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Why the internal war between the woman you were and the mother you've become is affecting your kids, your business, and your relationships ✨ The two non-negotiable practices that will stop the cycle of overwhelm and mom guilt for good ✨ How saying things out loud in a safe space unlocks the genius mom brain you know you have ✨ Why knowing what you actually want (not what you think you should want) changes everything ✨ How the three parts of yourself (woman, mother, voice) can work together instead of tearing you apart   Success doesn't come from doing more it comes from doing what matters and making it easier to stay consistent. That's why tools like FutureMe GPT and Nurture to Convert AI were created: to help you take action, simplify your messaging, and grow your business without the overwhelm. Your audience is ready for you. Now it's about showing up in a way that works for you. Check out bossmom.com/futureme and nurturetoconvert.ai to see how much lighter business can feel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com

    17 min
  5. JAN 21

    Say It Out Loud: Curing Mom Guilt for Good

    At BossMom, we're normalizing the conversations that help you grow a business while raising a family. In this article, Dana reveals the primary reason moms struggle to hit their goals: isolation. Despite being constantly surrounded by people, moms are silently battling guilt, self-doubt, and internal conflict about whether they're making the right choices. She introduces a powerful framework (Speak, Find, See, Hope, Reflect, Achieve) that breaks the cycle of isolation and cures mom guilt by getting you to say things out loud, find your circles of understanding, and realize you're not alone in your struggles. From learning how to receive without constantly proving your worth to understanding that wanting more doesn't make you selfish, Dana shows you how clarity and freedom come from breaking the silence. You don't need to have it all figured out, you just need to stop isolating yourself and start saying the things you've been keeping silent. Explore More Resources from BossMom BossMom is your go-to home base for content, support, and community designed specifically for moms growing businesses → https://bossmom.com   📝 Check out the full article that pairs with this episode: → https://bossmom.com/mindset/say-it-out-loud-…m-guilt-for-good/   📚 Want more conversations like this? Browse our full library of articles: → https://boss-mom.com/articles   🛠 Looking for the best tools, tips, and resources every BossMom needs in life and business? → https://boss-mom.com/resources   💬 Ready to go deeper with us? When you know that community and connection aren't just nice-to-haves, but the strategy that helps you thrive—come join us inside BossMom. → https://bossmom.com/community?utm_source=LibSyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Free+Community&utm_id=Join+the+free+BossMom+Community   It's our private networking community built just for moms growing businesses—because you shouldn't have to do this alone.   What You'll Learn in This Article: ✨ Why isolation (not lack of hustle) is the real reason you're not hitting your goals ✨ The difference between guilt and shame, and why mom guilt has become such a huge issue for our generation ✨ How to break the isolation cycle with a proven framework: Speak, Find, See, Hope, Reflect, Achieve ✨ Why saying things out loud in the right circles is the key to curing mom guilt ✨ How to learn to receive support, love, and money without constantly proving your worth Success doesn't come from doing more it comes from doing what matters and making it easier to stay consistent. That's why tools like FutureMe GPT and Nurture to Convert AI were created: to help you take action, simplify your messaging, and grow your business without the overwhelm. Your audience is ready for you. Now it's about showing up in a way that works for you. Check out bossmom.com/futureme and nurturetoconvert.ai to see how much lighter business can feel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com

    19 min
  6. JAN 15

    Starting Over as a Mom Entrepreneur Isn't Failure - It's Power

    At BossMom, we're normalizing the conversations that help you grow a business while raising a family. In this episode, Dana gets vulnerable about something most mom entrepreneurs hide: starting over. After stepping back from Boss Mom to navigate grief, family changes, and rebuilding herself, Dana shares why the shame around starting over is keeping us stuck—and how breaking that silence changed everything. She reveals why Silicon Valley celebrates rebuilding every five years while moms treat it like failure, what isolation actually does to your business and creativity, and how stepping away doesn't mean you failed—it means you're human. With major entrepreneurs like Amy Porterfield and Jenna Kutcher publicly stepping back from parts of their businesses, Dana makes the case for why we need to normalize the start-stop cycle for moms and show our kids what real resilience looks like. Explore More Resources from BossMom BossMom is your go-to home base for content, support, and community designed specifically for moms growing businesses → https://bossmom.com 📝 Check out the full article that pairs with this episode: → https://bossmom.com/mindset/starting-over/ 📚 Want more conversations like this? Browse our full library of articles: → https://boss-mom.com/articles 🛠 Looking for the best tools, tips, and resources every BossMom needs in life and business? → https://boss-mom.com/resources 💬 Ready to go deeper with us? When you know that community and connection aren't just nice-to-haves, but the strategy that helps you thrive—come join us inside BossMom+. →  It's our private networking community built just for moms growing businesses—because you shouldn't have to do this alone. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Why stepping back from your business doesn't make you a failure—it makes you human ✨ How breaking the silence about struggling changed Dana's entire trajectory in 6 months ✨ What isolation actually does to your creativity, motivation, and ability to sell ✨ Why Silicon Valley celebrates rebuilding while moms hide it in shame ✨ The real power moms have when we stop isolating and start showing our resilience ✨ How to have the conversation that will break you out of stuck mode and into hope Success doesn't come from doing more—it comes from doing what matters and making it easier to stay consistent. That's why tools like FutureMe GPT and Nurture to Convert AI were created: to help you take action, simplify your messaging, and grow your business without the overwhelm. Your audience is ready for you. Now it's about showing up in a way that works for you. Check out bossmom.com/futureme and nurturetoconvert.ai to see how much lighter business can feel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com

    16 min
  7. JAN 8

    Your Next Business Idea Starts With: I Wish This Existed with Lauren Falesnik

    At BossMom, we're normalizing the conversations that help you grow a business while raising a family. In this episode, Dana sits down with Lauren Falesnik, founder of GILi Guise, a kids' clothing brand born from a simple mom problem: finding jeans her toddler would actually wear. Lauren shares how she went from stay-at-home mom to entrepreneur without sacrificing her presence with her kids, proving that you don't have to choose between motherhood and building something meaningful. From sourcing denim in her basement to launching a thriving business in 2024, Lauren gets honest about the tears, the late nights, and the conversations she had to have with her kids about Mommy's work. She reveals how she manages routine, guilt, and growth while expecting baby number three, and why moms already have every skill they need to build a business. You don't need the perfect time or a flawless plan, you just need to solve a problem you care about and trust that you'll figure it out along the way. Explore More Resources from BossMom BossMom is your go-to home base for content, support, and community designed specifically for moms growing businesses → https://bossmom.com 📝 Check out the full article that pairs with this episode: → https://bossmom.com/mindset/need-to-move-lauren-falesnik/   📚 Want more conversations like this? Browse our full library of articles: → https://boss-mom.com/articles   🛠 Looking for the best tools, tips, and resources every BossMom needs in life and business? → https://boss-mom.com/resources   💬 Ready to go deeper with us? When you know that community and connection aren't just nice-to-haves, but the strategy that helps you thrive—come join us inside BossMom+. → https://bossmom.com/free-app?utm_source=LibSyn&utm_medium=Podcast&utm_campaign=Free+App&utm_id=Join+the+free+BossMom+App   It's our private networking community built just for moms growing businesses—because you shouldn't have to do this alone.    What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Why there's never a "perfect time" to start a business as a mom and how to just make it work ✨ How to integrate work and motherhood without choosing one over the other ✨ The real conversations you need to have with your kids about Mommy's work (and why they're easier than you think) ✨ Why routine is your secret weapon for managing business and family without losing your mind ✨ How moms already have every operational skill needed to run a successful business (and why corporate doesn't recognize it) ✨ What to do when you're afraid of failure and how to lean on community instead of going it alone Success doesn't come from doing more it comes from doing what matters and making it easier to stay consistent. That's why tools like FutureMe GPT and Nurture to Convert AI were created: to help you take action, simplify your messaging, and grow your business without the overwhelm. Your audience is ready for you. Now it's about showing up in a way that works for you. Check out bossmom.com/futureme and nurturetoconvert.ai to see how much lighter business can feel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com

    42 min
  8. JAN 1

    The Guaranteed Way to Be Successful as a Mom in Business

    At BossMom, we're normalizing the conversations that help you grow a business while raising a family. In this episode, Dana breaks down the five non-negotiables for moms building sustainable businesses. From understanding why isolation kills momentum to getting brutally honest about whether you need money now, are monetizing your healing, or want impact and visibility, each reason requires a completely different strategy. She explains why traditional time management fails moms, introduces the three internal parts (Mom, Woman, Voice) fighting for your attention, and reveals why messy, authentic marketing is now your biggest competitive advantage. You don't need more time or fewer responsibilities to succeed, you just need to stop building like someone without kids and start creating a business that fits your actual life. Explore More Resources from BossMom BossMom is your go-to home base for content, support, and community designed specifically for moms growing businesses → https://bossmom.com 📝 Check out the full article that pairs with this episode: → https://bossmom.com/uncategorized/the-guaranteed-w…ou-cannot-ignore/ ‎   📚 Want more conversations like this? Browse our full library of articles: → https://boss-mom.com/articles 🛠 Looking for the best tools, tips, and resources every BossMom needs in life and business? → https://boss-mom.com/resources   💬 Ready to go deeper with us? When you know that community and connection aren't just nice-to-haves, but the strategy that helps you thrive—come join us inside BossMom+. → https://go.bossmom.com/optin-bossmom-free-community   It's our private networking community built just for moms growing businesses—because you shouldn't have to do this alone. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✨ Why building your business in isolation is killing your momentum and the three types of people you actually need ✨ The three real reasons moms build businesses and why using the wrong strategy for your reason keeps you stuck ✨ Why traditional time management doesn't work for moms and the 10-minute framework that does ✨ The three parts of yourself (Mom, Woman, Voice) at war inside you and how to stop the internal conflict ✨ Why messy, unpolished marketing is now your biggest advantage and how to use it to build real connection Success doesn't come from doing more it comes from doing what matters and making it easier to stay consistent. That's why tools like FutureMe GPT and Nurture to Convert AI were created: to help you take action, simplify your messaging, and grow your business without the overwhelm. Your audience is ready for you. Now it's about showing up in a way that works for you. Check out bossmom.com/futureme and nurturetoconvert.ai to see how much lighter business can feel. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! About BossMom: BossMom is the leading voice and resource for moms building businesses. We know you're not here to choose between being an amazing parent or running a successful business—you're here to build a life that makes room for both. Find more resources, support, and community right here → https://bossmom.com

    27 min
4.6
out of 5
350 Ratings

About

Motherhood and business aren't meant to be done alone. The Boss Mom Podcast isn't just a collection of conversations—it's your decision support, your permission slip, your place to laugh, cry, and connect. Hosted by Dana Malstaff, founder of Boss Mom LLC, this is your new home base, where you'll find mom-centric business advice, the raw truth about being a mom with big dreams, and a ton of hope and proof that you can reach all of your goals. No matter what stage of motherhood or business you're in, we're here for all of it. From big decisions to little wins, we've got your back. Think of us as your biggest advocate, helping you build the business and life you love, one episode at a time.

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