Moms with Benefits Samantha Saxby

In this week’s episode of the Moms With Benefits Podcast, host Samantha Saxby is joined by Elle Benson, mom of two, non-profit capacity builder, keynote speaker, author, and certified expert on the science of happiness. Her 2020 TED Talk, “A Crash Course in Learning to Laugh,” explores the relationship between humor and happiness. 



In their conversation, Elle shares what she’s learned about happiness through research and her own experiences, and how other moms can use the “TAB” method to improve happiness using examples from maternity leave and young motherhood. Specifically, Samantha and Elle discuss:




How motherhood impacted her career path 


Battling comparison and expectations as a new mother


The impact of gratitude on your happiness


Elle’s TAB formula for reframing your mindset for happiness 


How novelty can boost your relationships and happiness 


Adjusting maternity leave expectations 





If you enjoyed this episode, you can follow Elle on Instagram @cultivateyourhappiness and connect with her on LinkedIn. You can learn more about her work and books on her website. 



If you are currently expecting, or planning ahead, check out perkyleave.com to learn your leave benefits. 



Moms With Benefits is chasing financial and emotional stability for motherhood. If you resonated with this episode, we’d love it if you would rate and review us to help spread the word. You can also find Moms With Benefits on Instagram @momswithbenefitsorg. 

In this week’s episode, host Samantha Saxby talks with Akiko Thayer, wife, mother of two, certified leave management specialist, and founder of Maternity Leave 411. Through her business, Akiko helps parents navigate the complexities of maternity and paternity leave benefits, in California and beyond. She empowers expectant parents with the knowledge of their leave rights so they can have productive conversations with their employers—and maximize their time with their newborn babies.



In their insightful conversation, Samantha and Akiko discuss:


How Akiko’s leave experiences inspired Maternity Leave 411


California’s Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL)


California’s Family Rights Act (CFRA)


How expectant parents can leverage those laws to their benefit 


The possibility of a federal parental leave law





To learn more about Akiko and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn and check out the Maternity Leave 411 on Instagram @maternityleave411. 



Legal Aid At Work is a non-profit organization that helps people understand and assert their rights in the workplace. Their legal clinics and helplines provide free, direct and individualized help for workers across California. 



If you are currently expecting, or planning ahead, check out perkyleave.com to explore your benefits. 



Moms With Benefits is chasing financial and emotional stability for motherhood. If you resonated with this episode, we’d love it if you would rate and review us to help spread the word. You can also find Moms With Benefits on Instagram @momswithbenefitsorg. 

This week, host Samantha Saxby is joined by Danielle Melton, a coach, speaker, foster parent, and working mom wellbeing expert and advocate. Danielle is the Founder and CEO of MOTHERboard Society, a comprehensive burnout and wellness solution for working mothers. 



In their conversation, Samantha and Danielle discuss:

1:18 Untraditional paths to parenthood

8:34 Setting boundaries as a working parent

10:50 Finding work-life balance as a working parent

13:13 Prioritizing and setting goals as a working mom

16:34 Loud parenting and loud budgeting

24:28 Recognizing and dealing with burnout 



To learn more about Danielle and her work, follow and connect with her on LinkedIn and check out her website. If you’re interested in MOTHERboard, check out their website and find them on all social media @joinmotherboard. 



Moms With Benefits is chasing financial and emotional stability for motherhood. If you resonated with this episode, we’d love it if you would rate and review us to help spread the word. You can also find Moms With Benefits on Instagram @momswithbenefitsorg. 

Discover how Mariah, founder and CEO of Made for Mothers, transformed her traumatic maternity leave experience into a powerful mission to support and uplift fellow mom entrepreneurs. Gain valuable insights into financial empowerment, long-term visioning, and the importance of a value-driven business. Whether you're a mom entrepreneur seeking solidarity or simply curious about the intersection of motherhood and business, this episode offers profound wisdom and inspiration for every listener.

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Molly, a doctor of physical therapy and a working mom, to explore the anxiety-inducing challenges of navigating maternity leave on a small team and the daunting task of finding suitable daycare. Molly also shares her perspective on postpartum healing, both from a clinical and personal experience.

In this insightful episode of "Moms with Benefits," host Samantha Saxby sits down with Yasmine, a former lawyer and mother of three, to delve into her journey of pivoting careers after entering motherhood. Yasmine shares her candid experiences, from grappling with the internal struggle of feeling misaligned in her legal career to finding clarity during her maternity leave. Through a meticulous process of self-reflection and research, Yasmine navigated the complexities of choosing a new career path while considering the financial implications for her family. From untangling societal expectations to embracing the empowering realization that she wasn't alone in her journey, Yasmine offers valuable insights and encouragement to other mothers contemplating a career change. This episode is a testament to the resilience and empowerment that come with embracing change and aligning one's career with personal values and passions, even amidst the challenges of motherhood.