AND/BOTH Podcast

Starting AND/BOTH has been about creating a community through sharing stories and experiences in motherhood AND... Over the last 49 episodes these stories have resonated with listeners, helped grow the podcast and created a space for people to find connection, especially when we're talking about *that* part of motherhood. But podcasts are still, very much, a one way street- and I think it's time to change that. People gravitate towards what feels good, what is helpful, and what they want to have more of in their life. With all the pressure and expectation in other motherhood focused channels, we want to be the community that focuses on everything but that. Reading emails and messages over the last year from listeners saying the episode was exactly what they were looking for (and some didn't know it until they heard it) was the lightbulb for how AND/BOTH can continue to build this community. So this Friday we are launching the AND/BOTH Community! It is a space to connect with each other, podcast guests, and so much more. Signups will open on 11/29! Comment with any questions or DM for any details.

There is a loneliness that comes with motherhood, no matter how many mom friends you have or group activities you sign up for, there are corners of our lives that we are fully alone. It's the quiet, middle of the night, "how did I get here" that every mother experiences but doesn't always talk openly about. Since starting the AND/BOTH Podcast the episodes with the highest listenership are the ones centered on grief and loneliness in motherhood. Topics that don't always fit into a text thread. Hearing another mother share their "behind the curtain" thoughts and moments makes the "is it just me?" of motherhood less daunting. This week's episode of the AND/BOTH podcast with Melissa Saleh is the epitome of sharing her experience in order to be the guiding light for a mother in complete darkness. Her journey from the loss of her first child (at birth) to her life today is a testament to the strength, perseverance and tenacity of motherhood. She does not sugar-coat anything and that raw authenticity was awe inspiring and it was an absolute privilege to sit on the other side of the microphone- as a mother, business owner and woman. If you are or know someone looking for resources related to today's episode- send me a message. Get today's episode where you get your podcasts (link in comments too) and please rate and review the show so that we can continue to grow.

The "having it all" reality that is actually "doing it all" hits hardest after we've made the leap into motherhood. This week Lee Sevier shares her experience and the decision she made to stop trying to do "all the things" at the same time. "Good" motherhood, being a "good" employee/partner/friend/everything is often only measured by our output. It's all so subjective and we are all susceptible, especially early on in parenthood, to use these markers as guideposts. But continuing to pour in many directions eventually means not being 100% in any direction, no matter who you are. Thank you to Lee, for sharing your story, for sharing an example of what a pivot can look like and how bringing parts of your pre-motherhood self along for the journey is possible and beneficial in protecting your time and energy. Get the episode where you get your podcasts (link in bio) and don't forget to rate and leave a review for the show. #motherhood #podcast #parentpodcast #andboth

I was late to the game in realizing how impactful online communities are as an entrepreneur but I didn't realize what I was truly missing out on until I learned about groups like The Society of Working Moms. Working motherhood, however you define it, is dealing with competing forces and interests- no one has it nailed down. Finding community, like the one Kate Westlund Tovsen has created, helps normalize these experiences, gives an outlet or resource to handle the ups and downs of the journey and to acknowledge the massive lift that is working motherhood. Grab today's episode where you get your podcasts and don't forget to rate and leave a review to help us spread the word! #workingmotherhood #podcast #andbothpodcast

"Feminine leadership involves reimagining work structures and creating businesses rooted in values." This week's episode with Jennie Armstrong could have (probably should have) been a whole series. There were so many wonderful parts to this interview with someone who is walking the walk of building it better for future generations: - her work as a State Rep for Alaska, representing women and families in the room where decisions happen - helping entrepreneurs and social impact leaders build out and launch companies through her work with Delve and Wild Awake - the amazing story of helping two girls in her community in their journey to Alaska in search of safety and education. Hear from someone who has so expertly woven together the impact of different life experiences and created a path forward for her, her family, her community and those wanting to build something to impact their own families and their communities. Grab the episode where you get your podcasts (link in comments) and please rate or leave a review to help us spread the word! #andbothpodcast #feminineleadership #podcast

"Having women in leadership positions creates a more understanding work environment for parents." This week?Tori Johnston?joins me in the AND/BOTH studio to talk about working motherhood and the nuanced (or not so much) expectations that mothers continue to face in the workplace. Tori's career has continued to grow, alongside her son, from the early days of?SoulCycle Inc. in NYC to her new position as Brand President?goGLOW. Understanding the impact of motherhood on our lives and career is hard to describe until you are in that position. There is plenty of work to be done from the top down to recognize that motherhood is one aspect of our lives and not our entire life and industry leaders, like Tori, are helping to change this- one board room at a time. Get your episode where you get your podcasts and, if you loved it, please rate and leave a review to help us spread the word. #andbothpodcast #motherhood #leadership #workculture

The only way I can think to sum up this week's episode- Chauncey Z. is one of the coolest people I've ever met. She's had a journey that you'll one day watch on a documentary series.. don't be surprised if she's the one that films and produces the entire thing, it's in her wheelhouse. She has so much perspective on many different parts of life: parenting, work, creativity, relationships, and shares it in the most authentic way, a way that invites you into her world. Women like Chauncey are the reason this podcast exists. She is honest, down to earth, strong and determined to live a life that makes sense for her and her daughters. Stories like hers help shine light on all aspects of motherhood, change the conversation around expectations and impact change. If you like this weeks episode and want to hear more from her, check out her incredible podcast ACTUAL PEOPLE- it's absolutely brilliant. Get this AND/BOTH episode where you get your podcasts and, if you like the episode, please rate and leave a review. Follow AND/BOTH podcast to get new episodes each week. #motherhood?#parenting?#realmotherhood?#motherhoodconversations #andbothpodcast?#motherhoodunfiltered?#parentingstruggles?#realtalk?#motherhoodunplugged?#parentingjourney

This week Jen White from Collective Memory?joins me to talk about the mom/CEO overlap in skills and responsibilities (just not pay). The experience and perspective gained in motherhood mirrors many qualities of experienced executives, so it's time to give ourselves the credit for work we do. I love conversations with mothers that have kids older than my own, especially those that have navigated startup life while raising kids because it's a journey and a half. Check out the episode where you get your podcasts and, if you like what you hear, please rate and leave a review to help us spread the word!

Almost a year ago, I started recording episodes of the AND/BOTH podcast. Dozens of moms from all over the globe, with different careers and different family setups- what did they all have in common? Pressure. The pressure from unrelenting expectations- ones we have of ourselves and ones we absorb from everything we see and hear just going about our lives. The pressure to do everything "right" all the time and make it look effortless. Knowing that the pressure was unrealistic was a part of these conversations, but not being able to turn "off" the messaging. The pressure moms operate under is incredible and impacts each of us differently. Today is World Mental Health Day. It's a chance to talk about our experiences and journeys, as individuals and as we step into roles like motherhood. The saying goes something like "you never know what someone is going through, so be kind." Kindness can look different to different people: - maybe it's checking in on a new mom (with hot coffee) and holding the baby while she takes a shower - maybe it's a knowing nod to the mom at the park who's kid is tap dancing on her last nerve - maybe it's sending a text to the mom you know is under siege as flu season kicks off Whatever it is, anyone who's slipped on motherhood shoes, knows they aren't easy to walk in, so check on the moms. If you want to hear the stories of these amazing women- get your episodes of the AND/BOTH podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

This week's episode with Nicole Lenzen is relatable on so many levels. Corporate career? Travel? Doing cool and interesting things? Yes. A "what am I doing with my life" moment after running a million miles an hour and everything crashed, including her health? Yes. Taking the lessons learned in her journey to motherhood, navigating leave (leading to the launch of Nicole Lenzen Coaching), and what it really means to "have it all" as a woman and parent? Oh yeah. All in this week's episode. Including the work she's doing to help parents navigate the nitty gritty of parental leave and return to work. (Episode link in comments also). Check out the new episode, available wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to rate or leave a review for the show.