Is A Mother
PV & Jamie
We’ve been best friends since college and are using a comparative lens to share how we are coming into our power after 40. We aren’t supposed to compare, right? Well, that is not realistic. We started this podcast when our boys were toddlers. They are growing fast! And we’ve been growing, too. The first few years of motherhood shook our lives and friendship like no other experience has, and by comparing and contrasting our evolution up to that point in our lives, and beyond, we have discovered the strongest threads of sisterhood yet. We don’t have all the answers and we sure have made some missteps. Follow along as we do our best to nurture our friendship and build an inclusive community while making one thousand tiny mama decisions in an unfair world.
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Top 10 Is A Mother Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Is A Mother episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Is A Mother for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Is A Mother episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
10/17/23 • 66 min
Discrimination in the workplace after giving birth is a mother, especially when your job isn’t guaranteed and to no one’s surprise, mothers, especially new mothers, are undervalued and often taken advantage of in the workplace.
In episode 3 of ___ Is a Mother, we’re sharing our experiences returning to work after giving birth and the challenges we had to face as the strong-willed, career-driven women we naturally are. Our hope is that the more we open this conversation and encourage others to share their stories, we can work towards better treatment not just for mothers, but for women, People of Color, and other minority groups.
Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- Our (unfavorable) experiences returning to work after the birth of our children.
- The unfair undervalue placed on women, moms, and minorities in the workplace.
- The importance of opening up, sharing your story, and speaking up when you or someone you know is not being treated equitably in the workplace.
- Embracing the discomfort that comes with change when you take control of your path forward.
Regardless of your experience returning to work, be it positive or negative, you must remember that you are so much more than your job, and your life is so much more meaningful than what you do to pay your bills.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell us your key takeaways! If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, please let us know. Thanks for being part of our inner circle, we’re thrilled to have you part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Startup Parent Podcast Episode 23: Overthrowing the Patriarchy with Sarah Lacy of Chairman Mom
Our Uterus Is a Feature, Not a Bug by Sarah Lacy
Your Black Employees Are Exhausted [Article]
Toxic Positivity is a Mother
Is A Mother
06/04/24 • 52 min
Toxic positivity is a Mother! It’s a topic that most of us can probably relate to as Western society has ingrained in us that we should be “likable” and aim to be positive all the time. An important disclaimer: we are by no means anti-positivity. We recognize the importance of creating space for all emotions. Sometimes life is hard, and to overcome challenges we need to acknowledge them, and take appropriate action to work through them, authentically.
In episode 16 of ___ Is a Mother, we discuss why making space for all emotions is important to avoid “toxic positivity”, and paying attention to the language we use when encouraging ourselves, others, and children. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- The toxic positivity we experienced when trying to get pregnant, and during Jamie’s cancer journey.
- Toxic positivity, although well-intended, can minimize people’s struggles and close the door to connection.
- The toxic positivity we unintentionally pass onto our children by rewarding happy behaviors and failing to consider the implications of affirmations that aren’t rooted in values, feasibility, and action.
- Aligning our authentic selves and our social (influenced) selves can help us live with purpose.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share on Instagram and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways. If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, we’re all ears. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Momwell Podcast Ep. 145: How to deal with toxic positivity as a Mom with Whitney Goodman, Marriage and Family Therapist
Toxic Positivity by Dr. Whitney Goodman
Libby - link your local library card membership number!
Body Image is a Mother
Is A Mother
11/28/23 • 55 min
Body image is a mother! No matter what your shape or size or features, society presents unrealistic and unattainable goals for how we “should” look. These unhealthy images are compounded by external opinions, comments, and comparisons in life, at work, and on social media. In reality, feeling our best, healthiest selves has less to do with how our bodies look and more with the people we surround ourselves with and the life experiences we have.
In episode 06 of ___ Is a Mother, we discuss how our relationship with our bodies has evolved throughout the course of our lives and how we have learned to give ourselves grace and appreciate and love our whole selves.
Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- Update on Jamie’s double mastectomy and trying for baby #2.
- Separating mental and physical perceptions of our bodies.
- The relationship between weight and health (hint: it’s not linear).
- Cultural differences of a healthy body image.
- How health and fitness goals change as we age (strength >>> cardio over 40).
- Thoughts on aging gracefully and naturally.
- Uninvited commentary on what your body should look like.
- Times we feel our best selves (spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with how our bodies look).
- The impact social media has on us as grown adults let alone impressional young people.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! And don’t forget to follow, rate and review the podcast and tell us your key takeaways. If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, please let us know. Thanks for being part of our inner circle, we’re thrilled to have you part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
Tracking Milestones is a Mother
Is A Mother
04/23/24 • 62 min
Tracking milestones can be a Mother. And as time starts to feel like it’s going by quicker and quicker, we can forget many of the things we have gone through to get to where we are. Reflecting on our milestones, as women and as parents, is a way to reminisce on the good and celebrate how we overcame challenges, big, small, and everything in between.
In episode 14 of ___ Is a Mother, we discuss parent and child milestones, reflecting on how far we and our little ones have come. And don’t get it twisted – celebrating milestones is important for everyone, not just parents! Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- Reflecting on our parenting milestones and celebrating our growth as mothers.
- Trusting your instincts when it comes to developmental milestones in children.
- Comparing and contrasting our experiences with breastfeeding, sleep training, sickness, and balancing work and family.
- Finding balance between sticking to your self-made “rules” as a parent and savoring in the sweet moments while your child is still little.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways! If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, please let us know. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Ep 3: Returning to Work After Giving Birth is a Mother
Ep 9: Labeling Kids is a Mother with Dr. Nekeshia Hammond
Securely Attached podcast episode:
Combating milestone anxiety: What to know about child development from pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman with Pediatrician Dr. Jessica Hochman
*while I also love the Curious Neuron podcast, this is the episode I meant to reference in the episode
Self-Love is a Mother
Is A Mother
08/06/24 • 19 min
Self-love is a Mother! As mothers, we often lose sight of ourselves, especially once the school year starts and our world revolves around our children’s schedules. But as the saying goes, it’s important to remember to put on your own oxygen mask before helping others. That is exactly what we are doing by collaborating with Calm Mama Wellness Retreats for an upcoming retreat! Come get your Self Love on with us, mamas!
On episode 19 of ___ Is a Mother, we discuss how our summers have been so far and a look inside the upcoming Calm Mama Wellness Retreat we are attending with some of our listeners! Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- The importance of intentional self-care and finding support through a community of like-minded mamas.
- What we are personally looking forward to the most about the Calm Mama Retreat this September.
- A look into some of the activities and workshops the retreat offers (sound bath! vision board! massage! head shots!).
Join us for the Calm Mama Wellness Retreat September 27-29, 2024 in Castro Valley, CA. Use promo code “ISAMOTHER” for a special listener discount of $499 off! Space is limited and there are only a few spots left — grab yours asap.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share on Instagram and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways. If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, we’re all ears. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED
Ep 18: Kindergarten Readiness is a Mother with Leigh Fitzgerald
Breast Cancer is a Mother
Is A Mother
10/29/24 • 36 min
Breast Cancer is a Mother! In honor of breast cancer awareness month, I (Jamie) had the pleasure of sitting down with my mother, a 3x breast cancer survivor herself, as we get vulnerable on how breast cancer has impacted our lives.
In episode 22 of ___ Is a Mother, we discuss how our breast cancer journey affected us as we were going through it, as well as having to watch the other one fight through it. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- Our individual breast cancer journeys, from how we were diagnosed to our treatment plans and the ongoing measures we take to monitor our health.
- The importance of leaning on your community of family, friends, and your medical team as you navigate this journey.
- Leading with positivity while acknowledging and leaving space for all of the other emotions (fear, anger, uncertainty) that come up.
- Encouraging you to be proactive with your healthcare through regular screenings, self-exams, and genetic testing if possible.
As we close out Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want to encourage you to be proactive with your health. Get your routine testing done and continue to do self-exams in between. You have nothing to lose but a life if you don’t do it.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share on Instagram and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways. If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, we’re all ears. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED:
Limited Edition Maxine EMOVE Walking Shoes
Back to School is a Mother
Is A Mother
09/24/24 • 49 min
Back to school is a Mother! The start of a new school year can be a whirlwind of emotions for both parents and kids, especially when starting at a new school. We can spend all the time in the world planning and preparing, but the reality is that sometimes things don’t pan out the way we expected.
On episode 20 of ___ Is a Mother, we’re sharing how our boys are adjusting to their new schools, the tears and triumphs we’ve gone through thus far, and how we, as parents, are balancing our new routines while trying to maintain our own self-care. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- An update on how our little ones are adjusting to the transition into a new school.
- The challenges of making sure our kids are eating well and sleeping enough as they navigate their increased independence.
- Predictions we have for our kids by the end of the school year.
- How we as parents are managing our own routines and maintaining (or not maintaining) our self-care.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please share on Instagram and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways. If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, we’re all ears. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED:
Ep 18: Kindergarten Readiness is a Mother
Ep 13: Self-Care is a Mother
10 Questions to Ask Your Kid Instead of, “How was School?”
Family Culture is a Mother
Is A Mother
03/12/24 • 61 min
Family culture is a mother! And when we say culture we are not talking about race, gender, or ethnicity but rather an agreed-upon set of expectations of the social communities we exist in with our family units at the foundation. As we grow families of our own, it becomes a balancing act of integrating each parent’s respective cultural norms to create your core family’s unique culture.
In episode 12 of ___ Is a Mother, Jamie uses the foundations of the Intercultural Conflict Style (ICS) assessment with PV and Brett (married and co-parenting a 4.5-year-old) to illustrate how it can help us understand our authentic approach to communication and addressing conflict—key elements of any family’s culture. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- A set of questions to consider to ground into our respective cultural beliefs.
- How someone might perceive themselves vs. how others may perceive them depending on their communication styles.
- The way we naturally react to conflict is rooted in our cultural norms and upbringing.
- Our individual culture and conflict style balances with the style of our partners’ to guide how we parent our children and define our core family’s culture.
- How Jamie uses the ICS assessment to help organizations establish an inclusive culture by understanding everyone’s unique and individual communication and conflict resolution styles.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a screenshot of the episode to post and link in your stories and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways. If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, please let us know. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED IN / RELEVANT TO THIS EPISODE:
Intercultural Conflict Style Assessment
Dr. Becky’s (parenting coach & clinical psychologist) TED talk on connection, modeling, and repair in parenting
Trauma psychologist Dr. Mariel Buqué’s book Break The Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma
Episode 10 Financial Planning is a Mother | www.karenholloway.nm.com
01/23/24 • 73 min
Financial Planning is a Mother. If you’re like us, you were taught only the basics of financial management. But there are so many tools and resources available to us that can truly set us up to achieve financial health and protect our future.
In episode 10 of ___ Is a Mother, we are joined by Karen Holloway to discuss the financial elements every family should have in place and lay out the options that are available to you so you can start making strategic financial decisions that align with your goals. Be sure to grab a notebook because Karen drops some incredible knowledge in this episode.
This episode is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual. They believe in doing the right thing, and to them, the right thing is making sure their clients won’t have to worry about their finances. Northwestern Mutual recommends financial strategies based on each client’s life and priorities, designed to help them reach their unique goals. For more information, please visit www.karenholloway.nm.com
Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- Breaking down the four buckets of financial planning.
- The difference between whole and term life insurance and how to decide which may be right for you.
- Education savings funds available to you and the pros and cons of each option.
- How to approach asking family and friends to invest in your child’s future instead of buying physical presents for life events.
- A unique way for entrepreneurs to kickstart their child’s financial future with a Roth IRA.
- How Traditional and Roth IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) stack up against other investment funds.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways! If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, please let us know. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH KAREN HOLLOWAY:
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Managing Adult Friendships is a Mother
Is A Mother
02/27/24 • 51 min
Managing adult friendships is a Mother! The older we get, our packed schedules, geographical moves, and changing priorities can make it challenging to make and maintain friendships. In our current phase of life, we are mindful that some friendships come and go, while others continue to thrive year after year. And still, there can be room to develop new friendships, but it ain’t easy to do. . .
This episode is sponsored by Northwestern Mutual. They believe in doing the right thing, and to them, the right thing is making sure their clients won’t have to worry about their finances. Northwestern Mutual recommends financial strategies based on each client’s life and priorities, designed to help them reach their unique goals. For more information, please visit www.karenholloway.nm.com
In episode 11 of ___ Is a Mother, we discuss our experiences making and maintaining friendships as we move through different phases of our lives, and recognizing when someone is your friend for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- Low-maintenance, or flexible, friendships become more and more valuable the more chaotic our lives become.
- Managing expectations around how you show up as a friend vs. how others show up for you.
- Re-evaluating friendships over time, and setting boundaries that prioritize mutually beneficial relationships.
- Motherhood and other major life shifts will likely change friendship dynamics—either positively or negatively.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please take a screenshot of the episode to post in your stories and tag us! Follow, rate, and review the podcast, and tell us your key takeaways. If there are topics you would like us to discuss in a future episode, please let us know. Thanks for being part of our inner circle and an important part of this community. Go call your best friend!
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
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FAQ
How many episodes does Is A Mother have?
Is A Mother currently has 23 episodes available.
What topics does Is A Mother cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Parenting, Kids & Family, Podcasts and Relationships.
What is the most popular episode on Is A Mother?
The episode title 'Managing Adult Friendships is a Mother' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Is A Mother?
The average episode length on Is A Mother is 57 minutes.
How often are episodes of Is A Mother released?
Episodes of Is A Mother are typically released every 21 days.
When was the first episode of Is A Mother?
The first episode of Is A Mother was released on Jul 24, 2023.
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