Mom And ... Podcast

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Because Your Story Doesn’t End with Being Mom.

  1. 01/21/2025

    Navigating Career Shifts as a New (or Old) Mom

    January 21, 2024 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 144 / Guest: Jess Galica Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary: In this episode of the Mom &… Podcast,  hosts Susanne Kerns and Missy Stevens welcome Jess Galica, an executive and career coach, speaker, and author. Jess shares her journey of transitioning from corporate roles to becoming a career coach, particularly focusing on the intertwining of motherhood and career aspirations. The discussion delves into the impact of COVID-19 on work-life paradigms, common career challenges faced by moms, and strategies for re-entering the workforce. They also emphasize the importance of support systems like coaches and community networks while touching on Jess’ book LEAP: WHY IT’S TIME TO LET GO TO GET AHEAD IN YOUR CAREER. Topics From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 01:17 Guest Introduction: Jess Galica 01:56 Jess’s Career Journey and Motherhood 03:41 Impact of COVID on Career and Motherhood 05:35 Navigating Career Transitions 09:11 The Role of Coaching and Support 11:56 Storytelling and Overcoming Negative Self-Talk 18:14 Networking Strategies for Moms 24:21 Maintaining a LinkedIn Profile 26:53 Strategic Activities During Career Breaks 28:37 Exploring Core Values and Interests 30:12 Introduction to Jess’s Book 30:45 Navigating Career Shifts as a New Mom 32:39 Finding Comfort in Shared Experiences 34:11 Promoting the Book and Connecting with the Author 34:46 Look, Listen, Learn Segment Introduction 35:07 Susanne’s Look, Listen, Learn 43:10 Jessica’s Look, Listen, Learn 46:52 Missy’s Look, Listen, Learn 53:31 Final Thoughts and Farewell Look, Listen, Learns Susanne: Shopping for a printer MOTHER OF STRANGERS, by Suad Amiry How learning to put in contacts is a metaphor for life Jess: Origin Neha Ruch, Mother Untitled Melinda French Gates’s new philanthropic endeavors for women’s rights Missy: LAY YOUR BODY DOWN, by Amy Suiter Clark Listening to favorites playlist and a lot of Taylor Swift Graston technique More About Jess Galica: Jessica Galica has worked in almost every kind of corporate environment, from Fortune 100 titans to startups to management consulting at prestigious Bain & Company. Today she splits her career between her role as a Director at Siemens and her work executive coaching and writing on how high-performing women can reclaim control, fulfillment, and greater success within their careers. Jess has researched women and career throughout her education. Her undergraduate thesis at Georgetown University examined depictions of working moms across media. And at MIT Sloan School of Management, where Jess earned her MBA, she pioneered the first research study to compare rates of students’ class participation by gender—proving her hypothesis that men were more likely than women to speak up in quantitative courses. Jess wants to redefine for high-performing women what a successful career looks like. Reclaim Your Career began as a personal project to redirect Jess’ career, but quickly became something much bigger. Jess discovered that her story—building a career, doing everything “right,” but waking up lost—is not unique. She had struck a larger chord. A personal project turned into dozens of in-depth interviews and valuable research on “the why and how” of reinventing your career. Now Jess is on a mission to share these insights so that all women have the inspiration and tools to build a purposeful, intentional career. Jess is a present mom to her two kids and lives in Boston’s Charlestown neighborhood with her husband Matt and dog Riley. Connect with Jess Galica: Website LinkedIn Instagram Connect With the Mom &… Podcast Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love? Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes. Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things! Follow our Facebook Page Join our private Facebook Group (All you have to do is ask to join, and then be nice once you’re in. So easy!) Follow us on Instagram Become a patron – check us out on Patreon! Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Musical Notes Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock. Transcript is auto-generated by a robot. Apologies in advance for misspellings or errors. [00:00:04] Susanne: Welcome to the mom and dot, dot, dot podcast, the podcast that helps you make your ellipses count, you know, all the dot, dot, dots that come after I’m a mom and I’m Susanne Kerns, mom and dot, dot, dot writer, LGBTQ and sex ed advocate. And today, Prepping to jump from the frying pan into the fire, at least temperature wise, as we are heading to Arizona to celebrate my mother in law’s birthday. I mean, it’s been in the high nineties here in Texas, but it’s going to be 104 there, so. [00:00:35] Missy: but it’s a dry heat. [00:00:37] Susanne: It’s a dry heat, yes, that’s true. Look at you looking on [00:00:40] Missy: what they always say. I did think when we were there for a conference last year, I did think like it is different. [00:00:47] Susanne: is. Anything’s better than Texas, really, for many reasons. [00:00:52] Missy: Right. Agreed. Well, I’m Missy Stevens, mom and dot, dot, dot writer, foster care advocate. And today parent of a kid with a fresh new learner’s permit. We have another learning driver on the road [00:01:04] Susanne: Ooh, [00:01:04] Missy: and he drove himself to swim practice this morning. Very exciting. [00:01:07] Susanne: that is a big deal. [00:01:09] Missy: He keeps asking me if I need to go anywhere today and if he can take me and I’m like, Nope. Don’t have anywhere to go today. [00:01:16] Susanne: Can he come take Zoe to the store because she doesn’t want to drive? [00:01:19] Missy: He’d be happy to. [00:01:20] Susanne: Thank you. And today we are so excited to be welcoming Jess Gallagher to the podcast. Jess is a mom and executive and career coach, sought after speaker on topics around women’s leadership and motherhood, host of the Reclaim Your Career podcast and author of the book Leap, Why It’s Time to Let Go. Go and get ahead in your career. Jess holds an MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management, and a BA from Georgetown University. Welcome, Jess. We are so excited to have you here. [00:01:56] Jess: Hey, both. It is great to be here. Excited to chat today. [00:02:00] Missy: Awesome. Well, we want to dive into everything you do, but we thought we’d start with a just one on one and give us like a little snapshot if you can of where you started and what got you to where you are now. [00:02:12] Jess: sure. Yeah. So like you mentioned, I’m a mom. I have two kids, a daughter who is three and a half years old and a one year old son. So I am in the thick of it in those early years of motherhood, um, which is both wonderful and of course a challenge too. but my story is really about the intersection of my role as a mom also with my career ambition. And I spent the first 15 years of my career in pretty traditional corporate business roles. I worked in management consulting. I worked in tech leading global sales teams. And then my career really shifted in the beginning of 2020 before the pandemic broke out. I felt really unfulfilled at work despite working at all of these amazing companies and organizations. I just felt like I hadn’t found my place when it came to my career. And then of course I was stepping into motherhood for the first time. So I was pregnant with my now three and a half year old and that stepping into motherhood transformed really everything when it came to my career. But I had this deep desire to pursue work that felt more fulfilling. And I also had this desire to show up as a mom and invest more time with my kids that evolved starting as I became a mom and then has evolved in the years since. So that led me to write the book that you see behind me, which helps women who are kind of grappling with this question of how do I redefine my career and my career ambition, particularly after motherhood, um, and has led me to all of the work that I do today that I know we’ll dive a lot more into. [00:03:45] Susanne: Oh, it’s interesting, especially after that period of COVID that you’re, I mean, you had so many big life changes happening. Along with this global phenomenon, not in a good way, um, of COVID. So, I’m, I’m guessing that that greatly influenced the, the themes that you are hearing from some of your coaching clients. So, are, what, what is that looking like post COVID? those continuing themes, uh, that you see with moms. [00:04:19] Jess: I think there are some big themes, but I think the biggest one is just that COVID for so many people, whether a parent or a caregiver or not, It really challenged these fundamental truths and assumptions that we thought were unmovable about work and our lives, right? it really upended it, like the idea that, oh, maybe we can work remotely, maybe we can move somewhere else. this, um, you know, period where people started to, uh, COVID was such a challenging time for many, but it also was a time when a lot of people got to tap into other really rich, rewarding, fulfilling parts of their lives in a way that they hadn’t before. So I think it completely shifted, so many people that were rea

  2. 11/19/2024

    New Season: Helping Moms Trump-Proof Our Families & Communities

    November 14, 2024 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 143 / No Guest Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary: In this episode of the Mom &… Podcast, hosts Missy Stevens and Susanne Kerns reflect on the current socio-political climate following the U.S. Presidential election. Both Missy, a foster care advocate, and Susanne, an LGBTQ and sex education advocate, share their personal stages of grief and anger. The hosts discuss their upcoming season’s shift from career-driven conversations to topics affecting midlife moms, particularly in areas like political advocacy and social justice. They stress the importance of becoming ‘accomplices’ rather than mere ‘allies’ in fighting for equity, emphasizing issues like mass deportations, education funding, and LGBTQ rights. The episode also thoughtfully addresses the critical role of financial planning, research, and staying informed through reliable news sources. Topics From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 00:14 Current Emotional States 01:02 Impact of the Election 02:37 New Season Focus 04:42 Call for Guests and Topics 05:13 Discussion on Key Issues 11:52 School Funding Concerns 16:37 Grieving and Anger 18:27 Actionable Steps and Resources 26:09 Closing Remarks 29:38 Final Thoughts and Farewell Connect With the Mom &… Podcast Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love? Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes. Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things! Follow our Facebook Page Join our private Facebook Group (All you have to do is ask to join, and then be nice once you’re in. So easy!) Follow us on Instagram Become a patron – check us out on Patreon! Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Musical Notes Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock. Transcript is auto-generated by a robot. Apologies in advance for misspellings or errors. [00:00:08] Missy: Welcome to the mom and dot, dot, dot podcast, the podcast that helps you make your ellipses count. You know, all the dot, dot, dots that come after I am a mom and I’m Missy Stevens, mom and dot, dot, dot writer, foster care advocate. And today just a sad, angry, not quite in my right mind lady. [00:00:28] Susanne: Agreed. And I am Susanne Kerns, mom and dot dot dot writer, LGBTQ and sex ed advocate. And today, I think in the second stage of grief, I think that’s anger. I’m also, I jump sometimes to like the fifth, which I think is depression. And then a little bit of denial. I’m not taking a straight line, basically, through this, the stages. I’m [00:00:53] Missy: well, and I think, uh, that we won’t do a five stages of grief podcast, but I don’t even think those are really like true grief. That’s not accurate. Like it does, doesn’t go linearly and it’s a lot, there’s a lot of stuff to it. [00:01:05] Susanne: Yes, it’s complicated. [00:01:07] Missy: It’s complicated as is everything right now. And so last week, We sat down and we recorded this episode all about our upcoming new season and how we were going to be shifting our conversations more from career to what impacts moms in midlife, especially some of the menopause stuff we’re both dealing with. [00:01:27] Susanne: And then, and then the election happened. And we said, Oh, well, that was a fun recording. Let’s just throw that in the garbage. Because a lot has changed. Um. A lot has changed and probably more in a lot of your lives than are impacting Missy and I and our places of privilege lives. And we acknowledge that. but I mean, there’s a lot of stuff in our little lives that are being impacted, too. so. We’re hearing it from all of our friends. They want to know like what’s next, what’s now. And honestly, as welcoming as we like to be, there’s probably gonna be a lot of listeners that maybe I can’t imagine you’ve gotten this far in listening to us and not knowing where we stand politically and values wise, especially since I start every episode by saying that I am an LGBTQ and sex ed advocate. Um, but we want this to be a safe place for people. Like us, we want this to be a place for people who share the values of kindness and love and dignity and respect for all and anti racism and not just being allies, but being [00:02:38] Missy: Accomplices. That’s my favorite thing I’ve heard lately is it’s too late to be an ally. Now you have to be an accomplice, [00:02:46] Susanne: Yes, so this is our motivation session for our new series, our new season. It’s not just going to be moms in midlife and menopause, it’s going to be moms in midlife, any kind of moms who want to become accomplices for all of the things that are likely going to be impacted by a Trump presidency. So if there are those of you who voted for Trump, this may not be the place for you. Sorry. [00:03:15] Missy: around and learn some things and listen, I mean, we’re happy to have you, uh, but we’re not going to argue with you and, or engage if things get ugly. And this really may not be the place if. That’s where you want to spend your time. [00:03:31] Susanne: Yes, things are gonna be getting real here For the next the next season of the mom and dot dot dot podcast In fact, we’re trying to figure out if it needs to be called mom and dot dot dot resistance mom and dot dot dot [00:03:45] Missy: What the f**k? Can we call it that? Mom and da da da. What the [00:03:48] Susanne: patriarchy, whatever it needs to be. [00:03:51] Missy: yeah. [00:03:52] Susanne: So, yeah, we’re sifting through our topics right now. Um, making sure that we are focusing on ways that you as a mom, especially stay at home moms who have the privilege of, I don’t want to say extra time because that is by far, Not true. Um, [00:04:09] Missy: Flexibility though, [00:04:10] Susanne: bit of time flexibility in the sense of if there is a call to go do something during what would be typically a nine to five workday, you may have an ability to do that easier than someone who has to actually take off time or request that PTO from a job, whereas you might be able to shove a kid into a stroller or do something during a weekday that others are not able to do. So. We want to make sure we’re fighting for your rights, for your family’s rights, your kids rights, especially those daughters rights, as the case may be. Um, so let’s talk about some of the topics that we’re thinking of moving forward. And, um, we’re lining up guests for these right now. We will probably be. Finishing up with a couple of episodes that we have in the queue that we’ve already recorded for the next couple of weeks and then starting fresh. I’m guessing it will be early in December. So there’s time for you to raise your hand if you think that you would be an amazing guest, or if you know someone who would be an amazing guest, or if there’s a topic that you are interested in that you want to make sure that we are looking for experts to come talk about those. [00:05:20] Missy: Yeah. So I think some of the things we’re thinking about. talking about, um, include the mass deportations. What does that mean? What does that look like? How will that impact the foster community and other communities? and how it will directly impact all of our lives, even if we think it will not. so we’re definitely looking for experts in that, that area. And that’s another thing I don’t want to like mess up our flow here, but, um, I think a lot of what we’re looking to have happen is have people come on and we’ll facilitate. somewhat of an interview, but we’re really prepared to just be listening. We will be much like the rest of our audience, letting people tell us their story and what they’re doing, and then how we can support them, whether it’s through money or actions or all of the above. so we are looking for those people who want to come on and tell their story and let us, and you listen, [00:06:12] Susanne: Yes, and we’re balancing that with the idea that there’s going to be a lot of people who rightfully so are like, no, white ladies, y’all go do your own work and research. I don’t want to come there and have to tell you what to do. We understand that is a very valid, understandable place to be for many people. But I think there are a lot of people who are like, they’re at the stage where They haven’t been fully burned, I guess, yet, and they still are willing to come and share. And we’re going to be doing that work ourselves, but for the people who are still in a place where they’re willing to come and tell us their stories, tell us how we can all help. We welcome them and their voices. [00:06:52] Missy: Yeah. So if you know someone doing the work in any of these areas we mentioned, if there’s somebody you follow that you really trust, please introduce us to them, we’d love to invite them to come on. [00:07:03] Susanne: Yes. And obviously a subject near and dear to my heart, LGBTQ rights. I’m disgusted by the hundreds of millions of dollars that were spent specifically on anti trans ads in this campaign. It’s. It’s heartbreaking. Um, in Texas, we feel it very deeply because we are already, I just saw a map the other day, we’ll have to share it, of like the most dangerous states for trans and LGBTQ people. gay, queer communities. And Florida had been the only one that was like this deep ma

    32 min

  3. 10/14/2024

    Laugh, Learn, Lead - Building Connection through Improv & Play

    August 30, 2024 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 142 / Guest: Erin Diehl Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary: In this episode of the Mom &… Podcast, hosts Missy Stevens and Susanne Kerns welcome guest Erin Diehl, founder of Improve It and author of I SEE YOU: A LEADER’S GUIDE TO ENERGIZING YOUR TEAM THROUGH RADICAL EMPATHY. They discuss the transformative power of play and improv in the workplace, including how it can lead to higher engagement and a positive shift in team dynamics. Erin shares her journey of starting Improve It through a series of dares, and her passion for bringing joy and empathy to corporate environments. Additionally, they touch on Erin’s personal experiences as a mom, her struggles, and her learnings, offering valuable insights for both working professionals and stay-at-home parents. The conversation also includes a deep dive into the concept of radical empathy and practical exercises to foster genuine connections and understanding. Topics From This Episode: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 00:58 Welcoming Erin Diehl: Business Improv Expert 02:23 Erin’s Journey: From Childhood to Improv Comedy 03:52 Balancing Motherhood and Career 07:04 The Importance of Play in the Workplace 11:50 Implementing Improv in Corporate Training 18:05 The Power of Radical Empathy 29:26 Transformational Leadership Workshops 30:53 The Importance of Leader Participation 32:06 Introducing the Book: A Leader’s Guide 32:27 Applying Leadership Lessons at Home 33:49 Self-Love and Healing Journey 36:10 Big Wick Energy: Maintaining Self-Care 37:39 Connecting with Erin Diehl 39:04 Look, Listen, Learn: Recommendations and Reflections 51:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Look, Listen, Learns Missy: THINK TWICE by Harlan Coben JUST FOR THE SUMMER by Abby Jimenez Learning how to manage the summer schedule Erin: CHANGE YOUR SCHEDULE, CHANGE YOUR LIFE by Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar, Michelle D. Seaton WORTHY by Jamie Kern Lima Speaker School, digital course from Judi Holler Susanne: Looking at her bird feeder (we are bird-watching-years-old) Treehouse by Alex G Learning about bats from Kristy Vera of Lone Star Riverboat Bat Cruise More About Erin Diehl: Erin “Big” Diehl is a Business Improv Edutainer, Failfluencer, and Professional Zoombie. Through a series of unrelated dares, Erin created improve it!, a unique professional development company rooted in improv comedy, that pushes leaders and teams to laugh, learn, play, and grow.  She is the proud host of The improve it! Podcast, a Top 1% Global Podcast, which helps develop leaders and teams through play, improv and experiential learning, and first time author of the Amazon Best Seller & Top New Release: I See You! A Leader’s Guide to Energizing Your Team Through Radical Empathy. Among her many accolades, Erin is most proud of successfully coercing over 39,000 professionals to chicken dance.  Connect with Erin Diehl: Websites: http://www.learntoimproveit.com and http://www.itserindiehl.com Podcast: https://www.learntoimproveit.com/podcast LinkedIn: linkedin.com/erindiehl Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itserindiehl/ Connect With the Mom &… Podcast Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love? Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes. Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things! Follow our Facebook Page Join our private Facebook Group (All you have to do is ask to join, and then be nice once you’re in. So easy!) Follow us on Instagram Become a patron – check us out on Patreon! Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Musical Notes Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock. Transcript is auto-generated by a robot. Apologies in advance for misspellings or errors. [00:00:25] Missy: Welcome to the mom and dot, dot, dot podcast, the podcast that helps you make your ellipses count. You know, all those dot, dot, dots that come after I’m a mom and I’m Missy Stevens, mom and dot, dot, dot writer, foster care advocate, and today the parent of a high school graduate. We’re all done. It’s very exciting. [00:00:45] Susanne: One down, One to go. [00:00:47] Missy: It’s right. [00:00:48] Susanne: Well, and I’m Suzanne Kearns, momanddotdotdotwriter, LGBTQ, and sex ed advocate, and today, the parent of a high school student! Well, the eighth grade graduation is coming up. Complete. And I gotta tell you, the first kid did not have the eighth grade graduation. His school made it like a whole thing. They walked across the thing and everything. Impressive. [00:01:10] Missy: Pretty cute. Yeah, we didn’t get to do that with, uh, my oldest either. We didn’t really get to do eighth grade graduation. [00:01:16] Susanne: I guess each principal gets to decide how fun they want to be. [00:01:20] Missy: Yeah. Yeah. Well, we are really excited today to welcome Erin Deal to the podcast. Erin is a mom and dot, dot, dot business improv edutainer. Fail fluencer and professional zombie. Through a series of unrelated dares, which I want to talk about later, Erin created Improve It, a unique professional development company rooted in improv comedy that pushes leaders and teams to laugh, learn, play, and grow. She is the proud host of the Improve It podcast, a top 1 percent global podcast, which helps develop leaders and teams through play, improv, and experiential learning. And a first time author of the American bestseller and top new release, I see you a leader’s guide to energizing your team through radical empathy. Among her many accolades, Erin is most proud of successfully coercing over 36, 000 professionals to chicken dance. Welcome. [00:02:12] Susanne: I [00:02:12] Erin: Thank you. Thank you. I am a very proud chicken dance enthusiast. Um, and I’m excited to be here. I love the mom and that is, that is the best. That is the best ellipses I’ve ever, I’ve ever heard. And we’re, we’re all those things. And, and, and I’m here to talk about it. [00:02:32] Susanne: Oh, well, we are so excited. I was just telling you as we were getting started that sometimes the world just brings us the right guest at the right time. And I feel like I am super in need of everything that you have to teach us today. But before we get into that, can you give our listeners a little Erin 101, kind of a snapshot of your career and your life leading up to where you are now? [00:02:57] Erin: Yes, I’ll do a 101. I’m going to do cliff’s nose version. Okay. Childhood moved around a lot. Okay, but always in acting and a love of comedy, a love of home videos and being putting on a wig was like my favorite thing to do. And, uh, then college went to Clemson University, wanted to be a talk show host post college moved to Chicago to pursue Chicago to become Oprah Winfrey. That did not happen, uh, but I found improv comedy and improv comedy became my passion and it became the thing that made me feel the most alive and the thing that when I watched other people do it, I saw sparks and I had what I call an aha, haha moment, which is. When the light bulb goes off and you’re laughing at the time. And I said, I’m going to create a company that brings improv into corporate America and businesses and teams and helps them learn to be the highest versions of themselves through play. Improve. It’s been around for 10 years. We have a team of 22 amazing improv professionals, an internal team of six, and, uh, we are all over the U S. Just wrote a book, as you mentioned, I See You, and that has been a wild journey. Through that all, my personal life, I’m a mom. I have a miracle baby boy. When I say miracle, like, lots of science, science backed baby boy, okay? And, uh, he is a five year old. We had some genetic disorders on top of the science, and proud to say he is extremely healthy. Hearing, because our genetic disorder was hearing loss and deafness. Five year old, almost five year old, right now he’s a fournado, a four year old [00:04:45] Susanne: Oh, boy. Yes. [00:04:47] Erin: turns five in about five weeks. And, uh, yeah, it’s been a journey, all of it, but I would say, I would say out of all those creations, he’s my greatest one. [00:04:58] Susanne: Oh, I love that. And the fournadoes. Oh, my gosh. I think both Missy and I, every time we hit these milestones, like they’re graduating the eighth grade, graduating the high school, it always ends up seeming to go back, like, into the photo albums, because usually the teachers are like, oh, for the slideshow, for this graduation, we need their baby picture, whatever. And you can’t just look at a baby picture. You got to look at the twos and the threes and the fournadoes and the videos. And yeah, it’s UV. [00:05:27] Missy: pictures now. Because I spent weeks making a graduation slideshow because. You go down the rabbit hole. You can’t just be like, well, that’s a cute picture. I’ll put it in. You have to look at every picture and you had, then you’re caught up in that moment again, and you’re reliving it all. And my mom said, you’ve been doing this slideshow for weeks. And I’m like, because it takes like. A day to go through a year of pictures, at least because I just can’t so start a little file, set them aside and move over a little slideshow picture every so often so that it may be won’t

    53 min

  4. 08/09/2024

    Creating Time for Your Passion Projects with Dallas Woodburn

    August 8, 2024 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 141 / Guest: Dallas Woodburn Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary: Join hosts Susanne Kerns and Missy Stevens on the Mom &… Podcast as they talk with Dallas Woodburn. Dallas is an award-winning author, book coach, and podcast host who helps women around the world write and publish their heartfelt stories. In this episode, they explore practical tips for finding time to write amidst busy lives, the importance of small kindnesses, and how community and support can aid in the creative process. Dallas also dives into her various book projects and how she balances her professional and personal life. Topics From This Episode: Introduction Dallas’s Background and Career Journey Writing Routines and Overcoming Obstacles Finding Motivation and Setting Boundaries The 52 Weeks of Kind Acts Project Look, Listen, Learn Segment Look, Listen, Learns Susanne: Glenstone Museum in Maryland Untitled (Lover Boys) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres Listening to great conversation with her daughter Learning that it takes a lot longer to pack up a dorm room than you might think Dallas: Brave in the Water by Stephanie Wildman The Expiration Date by Leslie McElroy The Heart Centered Entrepreneur Podcast Mary Van Geffen courses: Calm, Kind, Firm Missy: Unfrosted on Netflix John Mulaney Presents Everyone’s in LA Merrily We Roll Along Learning to embroider More About Dallas Woodburn: Dallas Woodburn is an award-winning author of fiction, nonfiction, and plays; an in-demand book coach; and host of the Thriving Authors Podcast. She has helped dozens of women around the world write and publish the books inside their hearts to grow their businesses, grow their impact, and grow their legacies. Dallas’s debut YA novel, The Best Week That Never Happened, was a #1 New Release on Amazon, a Featured Bestseller on Apple Books, and the Grand Prize Winner of the Dante Rossetti Book Award for Young Adult Fiction. She is also the author of the motivational writing handbook Your Book Matters: 52 love notes from my creative heart to yours; the YA novel Thanks, Carissa, For Ruining My Life; and the short story collections Woman, Running Late, in a Dress and How to Make Paper When the World is Ending. Her novel Before & After You & Me and nonfiction book 1,001 Ways to be Kind are both forthcoming in 2024. A former John Steinbeck Fellow in Creative Writing, Dallas has received the Cypress & Pine Short Fiction Award, the international Glass Woman Prize, and four Pushcart Prize nominations. Her short stories have appeared in ZYZZYVA, The Nashville Review, Louisiana Literature, North Dakota Quarterly, and many other journals, and her nonfiction has been published in Family Circle, Writer’s Digest, The Writer, The Los Angeles Times, Modern Loss, and more than two dozen Chicken Soup for the Soul series books. Her plays have been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, South Lake Tahoe, and Maryland. Dallas lives with her family in the San Francisco Bay Area in a comfortably messy house with overflowing bookshelves. Connect with Dallas: Thriving Authors Virtual Summit: Coming up! August 12-16 (follow her on social media for details & updates) Instagram: @DallasWoodburnAuthor Podcast: www.thrivingauthorspodcast.com Facebook: @DallasWoodburnAuthor Website: www.dallaswoodburn.com Connect With the Mom &… Podcast Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love? Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes. Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things! Follow our Facebook Page Join our private Facebook Group (All you have to do is ask to join, and then be nice once you’re in. So easy!) Follow us on Instagram Become a patron – check us out on Patreon! Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Musical Notes Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock. Transcript is auto-generated by a robot. Apologies in advance for misspellings or errors. The post Creating Time for Your Passion Projects with Dallas Woodburn appeared first on Mom And Podcast.

    51 min

  5. 07/18/2024

    Learning from Our Emotions with Jennifer King Lindley

    July 11, 2024 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 140 / Guest: Jennifer King Lindley Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary: In this episode of the Mom &… Podcast, hosts Missy Stevens and Susanne Kerns welcome back Jennifer King Lindley to discuss her new book EMBRACE YOUR EMOTIONS. The conversation explores the significance of understanding a broad range of emotions, and how that contributes to overall well-being. Jennifer shares insights from her research, the benefits of journaling, and practical tips to identify and navigate through various emotions. The episode also delves into personal anecdotes, the challenges of school graduations, and the societal pressure of constant positivity. The hosts and their guest conclude with recommendations on books, music, and personal experiences, providing listeners with an enriching dialogue on emotional awareness and mental health. Topics From This Episode: 00:42 Introducing the Hosts and Their End-of-School-Year Chaos 01:34 Special Guest Jennifer King Lindley: Exploring Emotions and Her New Book 03:02 Embrace Your Emotions 101: Understanding the Spectrum 20:19 The Power of Journaling and Emotional Exploration 30:37 Practical Tips for Emotional Awareness and Management 36:30 Embracing Emotional Complexity 36:46 Favorite Writing Prompts and Emotional Exploration 38:02 Childhood Emotions and Learning to Express Needs 40:42 Harnessing Positive Emotions and Playfulness 42:18 Facing Uncomfortable Emotions for Growth 43:26 No Excuses: Embracing Both Dreams and Fears 44:19 Finding the Book and Embracing New Chapters in Life 47:37 Look, Listen, Learn: Sharing Personal Discoveries Look, Listen, Learns Missy: Rilee J. Smith – luggage reviews Post Malone Learning how to get more protein Jennifer: Couples Therapy Gardening Sociopath: A Memoir, by Patric Gagne, PhD Susanne: The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst Freedom! by George Michael (check out the MTV Unplugged version) Scoliosis screening: WebMD Tips More About Jennifer King Lindley: Jennifer King Lindley is an award-winning health and wellness writer and editor. She’s been providing content for national magazines and digital publications for more than 25 years.​Her writing has been published in Real Simple, O, the Oprah Magazine,  Parents,  Martha Stewart Living, Good Housekeeping, Health, Family Circle, DailyOm, and many other print and digital publications. Jennifer has written about everything from rent-a-chickens to fear of clowns, but specializes in service pieces on topics such as relationships, psychology, and health. She won a National Magazine Award in the “personal service” category.For more than a decade, Jennifer was a staff editor at the late-lamented New Age Journal, later reincarnated as Martha Stewart’s Whole Living. (She still doesn’t know what color her aura is…) She also served as executive editor of Dr. Andrew Weil’s Self Healing, a national health newsletter covering integrative medicine.Jennifer graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in English and has an MA in English Literature from Boston College.  Connect with Jennifer King Lindley: Website Instagram Buy the Book! Visit Jennifer’s website for links. Connect With the Mom &… Podcast Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love? Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes. Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things! Follow our Facebook Page Join our private Facebook Group (All you have to do is ask to join, and then be nice once you’re in. So easy!) Follow us on Instagram Become a patron – check us out on Patreon! Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Musical Notes Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock. Transcript is auto-generated by a robot. Apologies in advance for misspellings or errors. The post Learning from Our Emotions with Jennifer King Lindley appeared first on Mom And Podcast.

    58 min

  6. 06/27/2024

    How Parents Can Support Their LGBTQ+ Kids with Heather Hester

    June 27, 2024 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 139 / Guest: Heather Hester Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary: Navigating LGBTQ+ Parenting and Advocacy with Heather Hester In this episode of the Mom &… Podcast hosts Susanne Kerns and Missy Stevens talk about parenting with a focus on LGBTQ+ advocacy. They welcome Heather Hester, founder of Chrysalis Mama, and author of PARENTING WITH PRIDE, to discuss her journey, her book, and her podcast, Breathe: Parenting Your LGBTQ+ Teen. The conversation explores essential parenting techniques, such as listening actively and validating children’s feelings, as well as practical advice for creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ teens. The episode also provides vital tips on what to say and not say when someone comes out to you, and the importance of unbiased allyship. Topics From This Episode with Heather Hester: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:03 Meet Heather Hester: Advocate and Author 02:30 The Shingles Vaccine Tangent most accurate AI generated description ever. 04:35 Heather’s Journey: Supporting an LGBTQ+ Child 07:28 Creating a Safe Space for LGBTQ+ Kids 13:08 The Four Pillars of Parenting with Pride 31:13 Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth 36:34 Challenges in LGBTQ Advocacy 38:07 How Allies Can Support 40:33 Connecting with Heather 41:07 Look, Listen, Learn Segment 58:48 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Look, Listen, Learn Susanne: Susanne’s middle-of-the-night intruder (shout out to Ring video doorbells and cameras) Don’t go outside when you hear search helicopters – listen to find out why! Heather: Bridgerton The Tortured Poets Department – Taylor Swift  Maclemore’s new song, Hind’s Hall Classes on hormones and the nervous system Missy: SURE, I’LL JOIN YOUR CULT by Maria Bamford Noah Kahan Poppy & Peonies Go Getter Tote (recommended by Rilee J. Smith) More About Heather Hester: Heather Hester is the founder of Chrysalis Mama and creator of the podcast, Just Breathe: Parenting your LGBTQ+ Teen. She’s also the author of Parenting with Pride: Unlearn Bias and Embrace, Empower, and Love Your LGBTQ+ Teen, a book that offers practical and emotional guidance for parents and families.  Connect with Heather Hester: Website with links to everything! If you’re looking for Heather’s podcast episode about how to be a good ally, click here – it’s episode 125.  Connect With the Mom &… Podcast Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love? Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes. Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things! Follow our Facebook Page Join our private Facebook Group (All you have to do is ask to join, and then be nice once you’re in. So easy!) Follow us on Instagram Become a patron – check us out on Patreon! Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Musical Notes Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock. Transcript is auto-generated by a robot. Apologies in advance for misspellings or errors. The post How Parents Can Support Their LGBTQ+ Kids with Heather Hester appeared first on Mom And Podcast.

    56 min

  7. 06/14/2024

    Coaching, Resilience and Growth Mindset with Olympian Brendan Hansen

    June 14, 2024 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 138/ Guest: Brendan Hansen Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary: In this episode of the Mom &… Podcast, hosts Susanne Kerns and Missy Stevens introduce guest Brendan Hansen, a six-time Olympic medalist and renowned swimmer. They discuss Hansen’s illustrious swimming career and accomplishments, including his role as team captain of multiple U.S. Olympic teams. Hansen shares his journey from childhood swimming in Pennsylvania to becoming a leading figure in the sport. The hosts and Hansen delve into parenting insights, emphasizing the importance of water safety, fostering resilience in children, and the significance of maintaining a growth mindset. Hansen also discusses his current role as the Director of Team Services at USA Swimming, and his experiences raising three daughters while advocating for their empowerment and participation in youth sports. The episode wraps up with the hosts and Hansen exchanging personal recommendations in their ‘Look, Listen, Learn’ segment. 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast 01:04 Meet Brendan Hansen: Olympic Swimmer 02:44 Brendan’s Early Swimming Journey 05:47 The Importance of Being Coachable 13:18 Growth Mindset and Perseverance 22:47 Challenges in Youth Sports 30:26 Raising Strong-Willed Daughters 32:05 The Rise of Women’s Sports 32:39 Instilling Confidence and Resilience 34:30 Behind the Scenes: Olympic Stories 34:45 The Power of Belief: Katie Ledecky’s Journey 38:28 Engaging Corporate Speeches and Leadership 39:23 Look, Listen, Learn: Personal Insights 45:46 Fun and Educational Family Activities 50:27 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell Connect With the Mom &… Podcast Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love? Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes. Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things! Follow our Facebook Page Join our private Facebook Group (All you have to do is ask to join, and then be nice once you’re in. So easy!) Follow us on Instagram Become a patron – check us out on Patreon! Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! The post Coaching, Resilience and Growth Mindset with Olympian Brendan Hansen appeared first on Mom And Podcast.

    52 min

  8. 04/26/2024

    Voting Rights: Why You Need to Know Crystal Mason's Story

    April 26, 2024 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 95 / Guests: Shellie Hayes-McMahon and Crystal Mason Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary This episode originally ran on March 25, 2022. Last month, Crystal was finally acquitted. In the words of her attorney: “Crystal and her family have suffered for over six years as the target of a vanity project by Texas political leaders. We’re happy that the court saw this for the perversion of justice that it is, but the harm that this political prosecution has done to shake Americans’ confidence in their own franchise is incalculable.” Defense Attorney, Alison Grinter Allen It’s election year y’all. Know your rights, and remember what a privilege it is to vote. Shellie Hayes-McMahon and Crystal Mason joined us this week to talk about advocacy and education around voter’s rights and voter suppression. On the Mom &… Podcast we frequently talk about how much influence moms have, and this week’s guests are two incredible examples of this influence. We talked about convoluted laws and complicated processes that make it difficult – and often impossible – for all people to vote. Crystal shared her story of being arrested and jailed for casting a provisional ballot. Shellie encouraged us to get involved at a local level, to learn the laws and rules, and listen to women of color. She implored us to educate ourselves and then speak out. We talked about ways to get involved – starting with voting – and eliminate voter suppression and voter intimidation. This episode left us reeling, and more than a little angry. And yet, we are encouraged by advocates and champions like Shellie and Crystal. Change is not going to come easily, but if enough of us speak up (and… vote!), change can happen. Topics From This Episode Voter suppression Voter intimidation Voting laws Polling place workers and rules Anti-racism LGBTQIA+ friendly legislation Importance of school boards Look, Listen, Learn Susanne Rachel Maddow’s breakdown of Pamela Moses’s case John Oliver on Critical Race Theory Shellie The Cross Connection with Tiffany Cross The ReidOut with Joy-Ann Reid Jonathan Capehart, The Washington Post Black Food by Bryant Terry Missy Kween Werk More about Shellie Shellie is a fierce advocate for women from all walks of life stepping into roles of power. Currently Executive Director – Finance and Operations at Planned Parenthood Texas Votes. Shellie was Director of Operations for Annie’s List, is Co- President for Political Action of Black Austin Democrats, Senior Advisor and Treasurer for the Williamson County Democratic Party and a Williamson County Precinct Chair. Shellie sits on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Texas and the Barbara Jordan Leadership Institute. She is a 2020 Leadership Austin Graduate, 2020-21 NLC Mentor, and an Ordained Minister.  Shellie is a frequent political contributor  for Pink Granite and The Rabble. Before joining Planned Parenthood Texas Votes Shellie spent 30 years in Management, as well as running for office in 2018. Her belief is that the most vulnerable in our society must be protected and the best way to do that is by electing more pro-choice, progressive women to office.  More About Crystal Crystal Mason is the founder of “Crystal Mason The Fight” foundation. The foundation is dedicated to fighting against voter suppression. She has a personal story of trials, tribulation and triumph, and through that story, she has become the face of Voter’s Suppression. In 2016, Crystal did what any noble American would do: she cast her vote at the ballot box hoping to be the change that she wants to see. Instead, she was given a five-year prison sentence after casting a provisional ballot that was ultimately rejected. Crystal is adored by her family, friends and colleagues. She is a mother, grandmother, and successful business owner. If asked who she is, Crystal will tell you, “I am a rehabilitated felon that believes in second chances.” About Crystal Mason The Fight Crystal’s foundation is dedicated to helping felons who are transitioning back into the world. Specifically, Crystal’s goal is to offer education and guidance as it relates to voting rights. Crystal wants to ensure that all people know when they can vote, why they need to vote, and the importance of voting. Crystal helps teach people the importance of understanding who they are voting for, and having a good grasp on policy interpretation. Crystal’s motto in this fight is: “You are not defined by the word felon. You have a voice and with Crystal Mason the Fight your voice will be heard.” Connect With the Mom &… Podcast Please subscribe to the show wherever you get your podcasts! If you’re so inclined to give us a 5-star rating, we’ll love you forever. Who couldn’t use a little extra love? Leave us a message – via voicemail or use our form – with your questions for experts, or suggestions for future episodes. Check out our website, where you can find links to all the things! Follow our Facebook Page Join our private Facebook Group (All you have to do is ask to join, and then be nice once you’re in. So easy!) Follow us on Instagram Become a patron – check us out on Patreon! Watch this episode on our YouTube Channel! Musical Notes Our delightfully happy intro and outro theme music, “We Will Get Through This” is performed by Young Presidents, and used under license from Shutterstock. Transcript available upon request. The post Voting Rights: Why You Need to Know Crystal Mason’s Story appeared first on Mom And Podcast.

    57 min
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About

Because Your Story Doesn’t End with Being Mom.

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  • Creator
    momandpodcast.com
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    159
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Mom & ... Podcast
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    Mom And ... Podcast