S3E1 - The Mother’s Name episode artwork

EPISODE · Sep 11, 2025 · 51 MIN

S3E1 - The Mother’s Name

from Actual People · host Chauncey Zalkin

Season 3 opens with host Chauncey Zalkin talking burnout, perfectionism in grad school, and finally giving her kids her last name. She then sits down with publishing veteran and writer Cindy DiTiberio (The Mother Lode) who talks reclaiming competence after divorce, the “math of motherhood,” the portal of 40, and what it's like to undergo MDMA therapy.Highlights:The cost of motherhood—money, labor, identityRenaissance after divorceFlipping the playbook on patriarchal milestonesCindy’s journey from ghostwriting to her own voiceGuest:Cindy DiTiberio — writer, former HarperCollins editor, pens the popular newsletter The Mother Lode, on Substack.Other Mentions and Resources :The House of Mirth (book) by Edith WhartonNightbitch (novel & film) Fresh Starts Registry, support for divorce and major life resetsAmbition Monster (book) MDMA-assisted therapy (trauma processing in a therapeutic setting)(Amazon links are affiliate links and a great way to support this podcast!)Written, directed, and executive produced by Chauncey Zalkin. Intro/Outro sound engineered by Eric Aaron. Photography by Alonza Mitchell with Design Consulting by Paper + Screen.Want to go deeper? Follow my Substack and don't forget to pledge subscription. (;Want to see the episode? Subscribe to the Actual People YouTube Channel.Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and behind the scenes.We want to hear from YOU so if you want to be a guest, have a pithy but kind retort, or for business inquiries, drop me a line.Actual People, a Podcastwww.chaunceyzalkin.com

Season 3 opens with host Chauncey Zalkin talking burnout, perfectionism in grad school, and finally giving her kids her last name. She then sits down with publishing veteran and writer Cindy DiTiberio (The Mother Lode) who talks reclaiming competence after divorce, the “math of motherhood,” the portal of 40, and what it's like to undergo MDMA therapy. Highlights: The cost of motherhood—money, labor, identityRenaissance after divorceFlipping the playbook on patriarchal milestonesCindy’s journe...

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S3E1 - The Mother’s Name

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How long is this episode of Actual People?

This episode is 51 minutes long.

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This episode was published on September 11, 2025.

What is this episode about?

Season 3 opens with host Chauncey Zalkin talking burnout, perfectionism in grad school, and finally giving her kids her last name. She then sits down with publishing veteran and writer Cindy DiTiberio (The Mother Lode) who talks reclaiming...

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