The Mama Mode Podcast

When former teacher Katie did the math and decided to transition to stay-at-home parenthood with her young children, she gave 110% to her new role as mama and homeschool teacher. After parenting while pregnant through several big moves across multiple states, Katie found herself eager to rediscover her identity beyond motherhood. Combining her love for her children and passions for education and the outdoors, she self-published her first children’s book. Katie’s premiere children’s book “Into the Field” explores friendship, healthy screentime balance, and the excitement found in nature through the perspective of her young protagonists to inspire early readers to venture outside. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, Katie dishes on her changed perspective on homeschooling, screen addiction in kids and adults, and her journey to rediscovering her individuality alongside her role in motherhood. Learn more about Katie’s work on Instagram @intothefieldbook or online at https://katievieira.com/.

In the hospital after delivery, your nurse besties, lactation consultant, doctor, and support are on call. Leaving that bubble can be daunting for new (and seasoned!) moms. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, Emily catches up with former maternity social worker Lizzie who worked in the hospital setting to connect moms to additional resources that can lessen the stress of caring for a newborn. Lizzie fills us in on life as a new mom and how her motherhood experience has changed her professional approach to helping other mamas through those first days and weeks. We get frank about the reality of postpartum recovery to help other moms and moms-to-be prepare for the unexpected and less glamorous parts that aren’t often discussed or posted online. Tune in for some real talk and a whole lot of encouragement for the beautiful, crazy blur of postpartum.

That’s a wrap on season 1 of the Mama Mode podcast! As the inaugural season comes to a close, Emily and Laura are looking back at the creative process and inspiration for the podcast with highlights from each episode. Join us for additional insight on some of the most popular guests and topics this season before season 2 drops in 2026. Have a favorite episode or a new topic we need to discuss? Let us know on social and stream all of season 1 on Spotify and Apple Podcasts now.

Life seemed picture-perfect for Eileen Noyes, a former NFL wife, as she raised her growing family and supported her partner’s athletic career. But when her now ex-husband began following a religious cult, Eileen knew she needed to act quickly to protect herself and their children. As a single mom to 7 kids and unknowingly pregnant with her 8th, Eileen began a long journey of healing, parenting, and re-parenting guided by her faith and sense of self-worth. Today an author, speaker, and mentor, Eileen is remarried with a blended family of 15 kids ages 7 through adult. Emily welcomes Eileen to the Mama Mode podcast to share her incredible story of strength, resilience, and love as she discusses her unique family dynamic and the example she hopes to pass on to her family and fellow moms. To learn more about Eileen’s life and work, visit theunsidelinedlife.com or @theunsidelinedlife on Instagram.

For mother, pet doula, and author Kristen Griffin, caring for animals is more than a career; it’s a way of life. After years as a veterinary technician assisting animals and their owners through illness, injury, and end of life care, Kristen, now a mom of 2, trained as a pet doula to work specifically with families facing the loss of a pet. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, Emily and Kristen discuss the evolution of her career through the lens of motherhood and her next steps as a business owner and author following the loss of her beloved “soul dog,” Magnum. Join us for a conversation about the pull to career, motherhood, and new pursuits as Kristen shares her story to encourage fellow mamas to embrace the “good wrinkles.” For more information about Kristen’s work and interactive children’s book about pet loss, visit @magnumsbridge on Instagram.

As a mom and stepmom to four children—ranging from a young adult to a tween—mindset and empowerment coach CJ Stasik knows parents are going through it. But she’s also experienced her own parenting evolution, disrupting cycles that strained her relationship with her older child to now create positive, lasting connections with both of her children. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, CJ and Emily sit down to discuss the generational cycles we perpetuate, their impact on ourselves and families, and her belief that it’s never too late to change course and find a better way forward. Press play to hear more about how CJ, founder of coaching and speaking platform SheHandlesIt, helps clients through personal and professional transitions and what it looks like to do the inner work of understanding feelings, forming connections, and creating healthier patterns for ourselves and our children. Find more information about CJ and her work online at https://www.shehandlesit.com or on Instagram @cjstasik_shi

When a single hypnotherapy session halted a lifelong finger picking habit, Alexandra Janelli knew this method was powerful and effective for many people seeking lasting lifestyle changes. Today on the Mama Mode podcast certified hypnotherapist and life coach Alexandra Janelli joins Emily to demystify hypnotherapy and its applications for individuals across the lifespan, including parents and children. After a successful career as a spa owner and environmental consultant, Alexandra’s experiences with hypnotherapy served as her motivation to return to school to become a hypnotherapist herself. Alexandra spent years working one-on-one with clients before developing the Go burble app, a mobile app designed to bring her most successful wellness practices and strategies to a wider audience. Join us to learn more about Alexandra’s professional and personal journey with hypnotherapy and her favorite practices to incorporate into her own family life. To try Go burble for free, visit for a 7 day trial or connect with Alexandra on Instagram @iamalexandrajanelli .

Part of parenting is realizing that there are things you’ll handle differently than your own parents did, and sometimes what seemed normal to us as children may not be the healthiest path forward. Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and relationship specialist Alyssa Scarano is the founder and owner of The Collective Therapy and Wellness. She joins Emily on the podcast today to discuss how our own early social learnings impact our parenting and how growth from our individual healing supports ourselves and our children. We’ll also touch on the importance of breathing for everyone- including those of us who have never set foot in a yoga class. Our conversation today breaks down moments of conflict and overstimulation step by step to help listeners recognize how to be the parent their child needs in that moment. Learn more about Alyssa’s work at The Collective at https://collective-therapy.com/ or visit them on Instagram @live.collective.wellness on Instagram

There’s no avoiding tough topics with little ones, but it can feel nearly impossible to explain serious illness or death to children, especially if the caregiver is grieving as well. As Certified Child Life Specialist and Fellow in Thanatology Ashleigh Schopen explains, using age-appropriate, concrete language to build understanding in kids lays the foundation for healthy processing and grieving as time goes on. Today on the podcast, Emily and Ashleigh discuss her work as a Child Life Specialist and the importance of her profession, as well as the critical role she serves in helping families mitigate trauma as they endure incredibly difficult experiences. She’s sharing more about her formal education, training, and clinical experiences that have positively impacted countless children and families facing a range of challenges. Even if you haven’t had to navigate these conversations with your kids, Ashleigh’s insight is invaluable for any parenting toolbox.

As a pediatric orthopedic nurse practitioner, Alicia McCarthy loves the fulfillment that comes from helping patients and families. Alicia’s work on a spine team involves assisting kids of all ages and activity levels and the many conditions, injuries, and challenges related to children’s developing spines. Today on the podcast Emily and Alicia discuss the ins and outs of pediatric spine health and how motherhood and Alicia’s career path continually influence each other. With 2 kids of her own and a husband who also works in medicine, this episode is packed with Alicia’s perspective on helping families advocate for their children, her unique role as an NP, and the balance of career and parenting.

Even as a kid, Victoria felt called to nursing and caring for moms and babies. Today she’s working her dream job as a labor and delivery nurse with her own little one (who was on the way during recording, but is now here!) and she’s giving us all the details expecting mamas want to know. From packing lists and birth plans to support people and pain management, Victoria is sharing her tips and insight with Emily, who has three different delivery experiences of her own to unpack. Join us as we demystify some of the moments before and after birth and leave with some encouragement for the journey ahead.

For many parents planning to start a family, the first few months of pregnancy can be both exciting and nerve-racking. When first-time mom-to-be Caitlin learned that her baby would likely be born with Down Syndrome, a rollercoaster of emotions followed her through months of prenatal appointments and testing. Learning her daughter’s diagnosis early in her pregnancy, though, allowed her to let go of what could have been and prepare to welcome her beautiful baby girl. Today, Caitlin and her family count themselves among “The Lucky Few” to have a child with Down Syndrome as she shares the highs and lows of her pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience. Join us to hear more about Caitlin’s perspective, her adorable daughter Emmie, and her encouragement for moms facing an unexpected diagnosis.

When therapist Natasha Davalt married her college sweetheart, she didn’t picture having to navigate divorce while raising an infant just years later. As a single parent, Natasha rebuilt a life for herself and her son while balancing her career and establishing a new support system, carving out pockets of time for herself and a string of less-than-stellar dates. A COVID-era walking date changed everything, though, and Natasha knew that she’d met the one. Fast forward to today and join us on the Mama Mode podcast for her journey to blended family life, the challenges of starting over, and the mindfulness practices that have helped along the way.

Erin Wahler-Cleveland, founder of Roots and Wings Math, is an educator and mom on a mission to create a positive, enduring math learning experience. Erin joins us today on the Mama Mode podcast to reflect on our own math learning as adults and discuss the importance of conceptual understanding as it relates to math learning for toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. As a veteran teacher and school leader, her professional experience helped her to identify areas of improvement for educators and families to encourage more reasoning and conceptual understanding beyond the “illusion of mastery.” Erin talks us through both sides of the equation to understand the student and educator perspective on math learning and how families can support confidence and curiosity in math from a young age. Press play for more insight from Erin, simple and powerful ways to incorporate math into everyday play, and a discount code for 50% off her toddler math foundations course! https://www.rootsandwingsmath.com/math-building-blocks-for-toddlers-sales-page/?mamamode

Whether you meticulously researched and planned your child’s toilet training or played it by ear, you probably encountered a few bumps in the road. But when those hang-ups become a bigger stressor, the anxiety for kids and families often builds. Today on the Mama Mode podcast Emily sits down with clinical child psychologist Dr. Lauren Fussner to discuss her work with children facing GI conditions and other health challenges and how families can encourage a positive potty training experience. Press play for insight on accidents, regression, and managing the emotions of kids and adults throughout the process. Learn more at https://comprehensivepedspsych.com/

Former university professor Kelly George had a routine familiar to many, with early mornings, school runs, full work days, and then a scramble to get the family fed and off to bed. When a struggle with long COVID brought to light a chronic illness, life changed dramatically and Kelly found herself reliant on her support system in many areas of her life. Kelly’s experience and recovery journey inspired her to start Kelly George Coaching, where she helps clients to make more room for themselves in the midst of their busy professional and personal lives. Today on the Mama Mode Podcast, Kelly shares more about the diagnosis that changed the course of her career and family life- and offers some on-the-spot perspective as Emily experiences a bit of brain fog, too! Join us for Kelly’s incredible story and a larger conversation on career, identity, and the mental load of motherhood. For more about Kelly, visit https://kellygeorgecoaching.com/ or find her on Instagram @kelly_george_coaching

We promise, we’re not trying to make you feel old! We’re on the road this week visiting family and friends and I’m so excited to be catching up with Riley. She’s schooling us on slang and answering some of my questions about growing up as a teen today, including her thoughts on friendships, family life, and what her perfect day looks like at 13. It’s such a joy to chat with Riley, and get a peek into the future as my own kids grow. Press play to join the conversation now!

Today on the podcast we’re joined by Mary Fusillo, RN, BSN, MS to discuss her paths in business and motherhood as the founder and CEO of Family Solutions International and an IVF mom to twins. After working as a registered nurse and manager of different IVF clinics, Mary started her own business as a matchmaker for intended parents in need of third party parenting. Today, her kids are all grown up and her business has grown, too, with multiple agencies to meet a range of needs for intended parents, donors, and surrogates. We’re getting real about the ups and downs of raising kids while chasing goals and letting go of the mom guilt during postpartum and beyond. Press play to hear more about Mary’s professional experience and education in the field of fertility, her journey in business, and the seesaw of career goals and family needs.

Be honest- how often do you actually look at all of the videos and photos in your camera roll? If you’re like us, those memories in your phone are collecting a lot of digital dust. Kalee Isbell of Isbell Family Films has been creating modern archives for families since 2019, curating, creating, editing, and polishing heirloom films designed to be treasured for years to come. Her custom films allow families to continue the tradition so many of us remember by getting our memories off of our phones and into formats we can enjoy together. Today on the podcast, we’ll hear more from this teacher turned business owner about how a creative outlet helped her postpartum mental health and grew into a thriving business that now gives other families the gift of time. https://www.isbellfamilyfilms.com/

Ready to focus less on perfection and embrace more of the messy, mundane, and in-between parts of motherhood, too? Today we’re joined by psychologist Dr. Amy Young, owner of the CBT Center for Anxiety and OCD and a mom of 3 big kids (teenagers!) to discuss what it means to be a “fellow traveler” to her clients and the ways we can approach the whole enchilada of parenting. We’re digging into common types of stinking thinking, or cognitive distortions, that often plague moms and strategies we can use to reach a healthier headspace. For more information on Dr. Young’s work and practice, visit https://cbtcenterforanxiety.com or @dr.amybyoung on Instagram.

After a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Danielle Chesney was overjoyed to welcome a “COVID miracle” baby with her husband. A few years later, they hoped to grow their family again through fertility treatment and were optimistic when their first transfer was successful. When her 20 week scan revealed a serious and life-limiting diagnosis, however, they faced a heartbreaking decision. TFMR, or termination for medical reasons, is an unimaginably difficult decision for expecting parents. Dr. Chesney has spent over a decade specializing in supporting clients through grief and loss, as well as other life changes. As a TFMR mom, she now uses her experience to support other parents through their own TFMR experiences. Join us on the Mama Mode podcast to hear more about Danielle’s motherhood journey, her professional work, and how her experiences empower her to help others heal. https://www.healingaftertfmr.com/

For parents of newly diagnosed neurodivergent kids, finding the proper support is often vital- and overwhelming. Founder and CEO of Beyond Autism Services Jacquie Godwin joins us on the Mama Mode podcast today to share more about her work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst specializing in young children and life as a mother of two. Jacquie’s experience in studying the science of behavior and developing skills with young people provides insight for neurotypical and neurodivergent families alike. We’ll discuss her opinions on ABA, common questions from parents, and her advice to families of young children seeking therapy options.

Whether you’re newly postpartum or well beyond, understanding your own emotions and helping your kids to navigate their own plays a major role in your family’s wellbeing. Today’s conversation with perinatal therapist Lauren Fischer helps us to identify emotional needs and recognize the wide-ranging impact of childhood emotional neglect across generations. Lauren is here to share more about her own experience as a mother and practitioner with tools moms can implement to begin reconciling their own experiences as they build stronger, more supportive relationships with their children.

Ever wonder how the pros navigate parenthood? First-time mom and full-time pediatric occupational therapist Kasey Dwyer sits down with Emily on the Mama Mode podcast to recap her introduction to motherhood and how her training shapes her experience as a parent and practitioner. Join us on Spotify to learn more about the balance she strikes between clinical and realistic expectations, her unexpected breastfeeding journey, and her new appreciation for the amount of work it takes for families to navigate the first few months of life. Kasey’s insight and valuable perspective will resonate with new mamas and everyone seeking to support them.

Art therapy provides a unique opportunity for clients to explore emotion in creative ways. For kids, what looks like messy play can help children to better regulate and understand their feelings through artistic exploration. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, art therapist Emily Thompson breaks down the ins and outs of art therapy with school aged children. Tune in to learn more about how she creates a space for kids to create and connect without critique, and the role of families and caregivers in the process.

A 24 hour stomach bug or a week long cold- what would you choose? Emily and Laura are checking in again today to catch up on mom life, Mama Mode, and our latest parenting hang ups. We’re sharing some of the adorable catchphrases our kids have coined and laughing about our latest motherhood misses as we try to raise good humans. Join us for a conversation on parenting in the digital age and finding our footing as part of a new generation of moms. No judgement, just lots of figuring it out as we go.

As a mom and family connection coach, Jessica Brittani knows that both children and adults can thrive with the right coping skills and tools for connection. Her Calm and Colorful workbooks and coaching sessions help clients discover mindful and effective methods to support their wellbeing as individuals and families. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, she’s filling us in on her life as a coach, mother, and full-time traveling family, plus future plans for the Calm and Colorful brand. For more on Jessica and Calm and Colorful, listen along to this episode and follow her on Instagram @calmandcolorful

Life and leadership coach Jessi Sheridan knows her purpose in life is to help others realize their potential. When motherhood changed her perspective on the course of her professional life, Jessi began interviewing women in her community about their individual stories and experiences. These conversations became the foundation for Habituelle Life and Leadership Coaching, her own company dedicated to empowering women to habitually lead in their lives, businesses, and communities. On this episode of the Mama Mode podcast, Jessi shares more about her journey to founding Habituelle and the impact it’s had on her parenting, relationships, and life as a whole. To follow Jessi on Instagram: ⁠@jessisheridanspeaks⁠ Check out the Habituelle community: ⁠@_habituelle_

When a surprise baby postponed her plans for after high school, Juli’s priorities shifted while raising her family. The next decade brought two more babies and different job opportunities, but it wasn’t until her kids were grown that she found her calling in studying Yoga. Today on the Mama Mode podcast, Juli is sharing her story of growth as a mom and individual and what pursuing her goals has looked like at different stages of motherhood.

The postpartum fog was lifting for Nikki after the birth of her second baby. As she started scheduling her regular doctor visits and settling into the new rhythm as a family of four, a lingering spot on her leg became cause for concern. Life changed quickly after receiving her diagnosis: Melanoma. Today on the podcast, Nikki is sharing her story of strength and vulnerability as a mom navigating cancer treatment and how the experience impacted her outlook on life, motherhood, and the “village” of support for families.

Jenna always knew she wanted to be a stay at home mom and was overjoyed to welcome her first baby. When she learned to crochet using a craft kit, she never expected her newfound hobby would become a business of its own. Now Jenna’s sharing her story of motherhood and entrepreneurship and how a postpartum Shark Tank marathon started it all. Join Emily and Jenna for a chat about the highs and lows of starting a business, managing the guilt that creeps in, and finding the courage to start something new. To see some of Jenna’s adorable sweaters and stuffies, visit her Etsy shop Cozy Alamo or find her on Instagram @cozyalamo

As moms, we put a lot of effort into understanding how our kids are feeling, but we’re not always so quick to address our own emotional state. Gloria Shepard, an educator with decades of experience in working with children and adults, joins us on the podcast today to share more about confronting our feelings as adults to help get “unstuck” in guiding our children through their own. With extensive training in education, meditation, and astrology, she’s here to share tips and practices to help us lovingly parent ourselves as well as our children to create stronger relationships, connection, and understanding in our homes. Visit Gloria's website at gloriashepard.com

In this unedited bonus episode, Emily sits down with her husband Rob for a candid (and tipsy) chat about their wildly different birth experiences with each of their kids. Labor with their first born was a marathon, with their second, a sprint, and finally with their third, a redemptive experience. They’re reflecting on the details and emotions that defined their children’s birth stories and sharing the ups and downs of adjusting to life with each new addition. Buckle up because this one is unedited, unfiltered, and more transparent than most!

With two successful careers and four kids between them, close friends Meagan and Kwinn have years of experience in juggling professional and personal lives. And when a psychic reading alluded to a joint venture on the horizon? It was just the push they needed to try something new. Join us for a conversation about finding fulfillment at work, at home, and in motherhood as they share their plans for KaM Collective, a small business marketing firm, and the encouragement they’ve found along the way. Follow along as they prepare to launch their new biz on Instagram: ⁠@kamcollectivefirm⁠ Check out Meagan's photography business on Instagram: ⁠@me_photo_design⁠ Check out Kwinn's business on Instagram: ⁠@consultingbykwinn

In the early days of motherhood and the trenches of raising kids, maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn’t come easy for everyone. For some it’s second nature, but for many moms, fitness falls low on the list of priorities. Today, Kate, or “Fly Philly Female” for any Peloton riders, takes us through her fitness journey as she looks back on over a decade as a mom. Kate reflects on her efforts to make fitness part of her routine and how a mindset shift helped make positive, sustainable steps toward a healthier mind, body, and family.

Ever had to get a rush passport for a newborn who won’t open her eyes for a photo? Itching for realistic travel tips from a seasoned pro? As a military spouse and mother of two, middle school teacher Shea has adventures to spare. Shea fell in love with her now husband, Tucker, when she was in college near his duty station. 10 years, 2 kids, and a few moves later, she’s sharing the highs and lows of her journey and the importance of finding a supportive village wherever this life takes her family.

Today we’re catching up with Shelly, founder and CEO of Nolia Roots and mama of two as she recounts her path to entrepreneurship with a young family. Tune in for Shelly’s take on work/ life balance, adapting to changing needs in personal and professional life, and finding the upside to hitting rock bottom. Whether your workday is spent at a desk or with a baby on your hip (or a combination of the two,) our conversation highlights the strength of mothers and the importance of supportive community both in and out of the workplace. For more on Shelly’s perspective and Nolia Roots’ novel approach to strategic marketing, follow @noliaroots and @shellyhughes_ on Instagram and Facebook.

We’re so grateful for Lauren’s candor in today’s episode as she shares the ins and outs of her fertility journey to baby Jordan. Although she had stopped birth control, Lauren’s gut feeling told her that something else was complicating her attempts to get pregnant. Her quest for answers led her to a fertility clinic and PCOS diagnosis - just the start of a long road to her baby boy. Join us for an open discussion about the physical, emotional, and financial costs of fertility treatment and how this inspiring mama is finding hope and humor as she considers growing her family.

When Allison and Liza decided they wanted to have a baby, there were a lot of decisions to make about their future family. Allison is breaking down her journey to motherhood and all of the adventures that come with being a first time parent. From navigating IVF to balancing parental leave and work schedules, Allison shares her perspective as we dive into finding connection, creating inclusive communities, and the common bonds of motherhood. Learn more about the ⁠Mama Mode app here ⁠and ⁠join the community on Instagram⁠

Today we’re chatting with Paige to hear more about her journey through motherhood and the perspective that comes with four unique birth experiences. After feeling overwhelmed and hurt by the unexpected challenges of her first pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period, Paige found healing through self-advocacy and preparing for childbirth with an emphasis on her own mental well-being. Her courage to make peace with challenging experiences and determination to seek more positive outcomes make her story one you won’t want to miss.

When Emily registered for Abby’s class as an undergraduate design student, she didn’t expect to gain a mentor in motherhood. Today Emily and Abby discuss how becoming a parent impacted Abby’s teaching philosophy and the postpartum check-in that inspired Emily’s approach to supporting new moms. Join us as we catch up on life with busy families, the ballooning number of products marketed to moms, and managing flights with little (and big!) kids.

Sleep challenges got you dreaming of more restful nights? Join Emily for a conversation with Ann Marie, a sleep coach and mother of three, about the transformative power of sleep. Together, they bust common sleep myths, share practical tips for exhausted moms, and explore how better rest can strengthen both parenting and relationships. If you’re looking for tips beyond “sleep when the baby sleeps,” tune in for an encouraging conversation with a realistic approach to prioritize sleep and self-care as a mom. To connect with Ann Marie, follow her on Instagram at am_smiles_sleepcoach, email her at [email protected], or visit her website: amsmilessleeptraining.com.

In the debut episode of the Mama Mode podcast, founder Emily sits down with Laura, a mom, a do-it-all freelancer, and one of the inspiring minds behind Mama Mode. Together, they share the story of the app from its infancy to launch, the challenges of navigating motherhood while pursuing big dreams, and the power of creating a community that uplifts and supports moms. Join us for a heartfelt and authentic introduction to what Mama Mode is all about—real talk, connection, and empowerment for moms everywhere.

Welcome to the Mama Mode Podcast! We're so glad you're here. Tune in weekly for an in-depth chat with founder Emily and featured guests discussing the topics that matter most to the Mama Mode community with heart, humor, and insight. You’ll hear some giggles, some baby grunts, and plenty of authentic conversation 🫶