This is a lot™

In this episode, Ellie and Nicole reflect on their personal growth, the lessons learned from 2025, and their intentions for 2026. They share insights on letting go of pressure, embracing imperfection, and focusing on mental well-being amidst life's chaos. Keywordspersonal growth, mental health, letting go, 2026 goals, self-care, parenting, burnout, mindfulness, reflection, life lessonsChapters00:00 Reflections on 2025 and Personal Growth01:21 Navigating Life Changes and New Beginnings03:53 Therapy and Self-Discovery05:59 Embracing Change and Letting Go08:23 Finding New Passions and Interests10:47 Navigating Consumerism and Self-Sabotage13:29 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health15:03 Intentional Living and Letting Go of Control17:36 Embracing Fiction and Finding Calm18:47 Burnout and the Pressure to Perform20:53 Leaving Behind Self-Imposed Pressure23:42 Empathy and Boundaries in Relationships25:18 Town Market

Christina Pardy, the powerhouse founder of Sh*t That I Knit, joins This Is A Lot for a candid conversation about building a brand from scratch, scaling it into major retailers like Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Tuckernuck, and even landing as the official Team USA hat at the Beijing Olympics. Christina opens up about what it was really like to run a fast-growing business while raising two little girls (and now expecting her third), selling her company, and navigating the messy collision of motherhood, identity, and ambition. This episode is equal parts business playbook and honest mom talk—packed with laughs, perspective, and permission to do things your own way.

Amy Nelson, founder of The Riveter and mom of four, joins This Is A Lot to talk about the inflection points that shaped her journey as both an entrepreneur and a mother. From building a national company to facing setbacks and beginning again, Amy shares what it looks like to navigate ambition, resilience, and reinvention while raising a family. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply relatable for anyone at the inflection point of balancing big dreams with the realities of motherhood.

In this episode, Sarah Elizabeth Graham shares her journey from a career in journalism to becoming the head of communications and events at Patreon. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing her professional life with motherhood, the importance of adaptability, and the value of authenticity in the workplace. Sarah offers insights into her experiences at Twitter and how they shaped her approach to communication and leadership. She emphasizes the need for women to embrace change, prioritize their well-being, and pursue what makes them happy.

Eliza Shirazi, founder of Kick It by Eliza, joins us for a real conversation about movement, early motherhood, and giving yourself grace. What began as a college passion project has since grown into a nationally recognized fitness community—and through it all, Eliza has been refreshingly honest about navigating the less polished, not-so-aesthetic parts of life while building a business.She shares what it really takes to stay grounded and resilient in every season, with practical ways to move your body, simplify your routine, and give yourself the grace you deserve.

Five guests. Endless takeaways. In this episode, we’re looking back at the most impactful, hilarious, and heartwarming moments from our first five guest episodes. Whether you’re new here or have been listening since day one, this recap is the perfect place to start.

Ellie, Nicole and guest Mian LaVallee explore the complexities of motherhood, the importance of community, and the power of vulnerability. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and family life, the need for supportive relationships among women, and the journey of self-discovery that often accompanies motherhood. Mian shares her experiences and insights, emphasizing the significance of creating safe spaces for women to connect and empower each other. The discussion highlights the value of authenticity, celebrating successes, and finding your tribe in both personal and professional realms. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of motherhood, discussing the emotional struggles, the importance of establishing non-negotiables, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. They emphasize the need for open communication with children about parental responsibilities and the necessity of reclaiming one's identity outside of motherhood. The discussion also touches on the importance of nurturing relationships with partners and the reality that no parent is perfect, highlighting the shared experiences of feeling overwhelmed and the need for self-care.

In this episode, we sit down with Michelle Pelletier, COO of a major real estate firm and mom of one, to talk about what no one prepares you for—returning to work after having a baby.Michelle shares how the transition back to work can actually make you stronger, more focused, and more intentional—if you give yourself permission to embrace your new life. We talk about shifting identity, setting boundaries, letting go of perfection, and how companies can better support moms in the workplace.Whether you're in the thick of your return or just preparing for that season, this episode is filled with real talk, perspective, and practical advice.

Alli Jordan is the co-founder and President of LibertyFi, a financial services company—and a mom of three under five, including a newborn. In this episode, she shares what it really looks like to lead a company while raising a young family, and how she intentionally built a business that makes space for parenthood—not just for moms, but for dads too.With poise, clarity, and quiet command, Alli opens up about:How she got into fintech and co-founded her firmThe mindset shifts that helped her grow through motherhoodWhy mentorship mattersWhat it looks like to lead with empathy and still aim highThis is an honest, empowering listen for any working parent trying to build a career and a life that feels meaningful. Subscribe here on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to never miss an episode!

Devin Roper is a powerhouse real estate agent, a mom of three, and a master at showing up online with heart and authenticity. In this episode, we talk about building a personal brand that actually feels like you, navigating the highs and lows of motherhood and ambition, and finding the courage to do things your own way—even when the path isn’t clear.We cover:Her career journey The mindset shift that changed everythingHow motherhood reshaped her definition of successBuilding a team with systems to give her more time present at homeLetting go of guilt and leaning into confidenceThis one is honest, energizing, and filled with the kind of permission every ambitious mom needs to hear.

In this episode, Nicole shares her inspiring journey from aspiring politician to the president of a real estate company in Boston. She discusses the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career, the importance of leadership and community, and her passion for empowering women in business. Nicole also reflects on her personal growth, the realities of motherhood, and the lessons learned from her experiences in business acquisition. The conversation highlights the significance of letting go of expectations and finding joy in the chaos of life.

In this episode, Ellie shares her journey from an ambitious young girl to a realistic mom and marketing executive, discussing the challenges and triumphs of balancing a demanding career with motherhood. She reflects on her evolving definition of ambition, the myths surrounding working moms, and the importance of community and support. Ellie emphasizes the value of stability in a W-2 job and how it can contribute to building wealth while maintaining a fulfilling family life. The conversation also touches on personal insights, daily routines, and the realities of being a working mom.

In this episode, cohosts Ellie Priester and Nicole Hartwick introduce their new podcast, This ia a lot, aimed at supporting women navigating the complexities of motherhood, careers, and personal identity. They share their motivations for starting the podcast, the challenges they face as mothers, and their desire to create a community where women can share their experiences, wins, and fails. The conversation emphasizes the importance of normalizing discussions around motherhood, work-life balance, and the pressures women face in society.Follow along on Instagram and watch on YouTube at @justalotpod!