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.
12/31/24 • 43 min
Overcoming limiting beliefs is a Mother! Society puts forward unsustainable and often unattainable ideas of who we should be and what we should accomplish, setting us up for failure and on a path to burnout. These unrealistic expectations can lead to a host of limiting beliefs, keeping us from reaching our full potential and living our best and healthiest lives.
In episode 23 of ___ Is a Mother, we are joined by Audrey Rose, a self-worth empowerment mentor, to discuss what limiting beliefs are, where they stem from, and how we can use her RISE process to overcome them. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- What the R.I.S.E. (Recognize, Interrogate, Shift, and Evolve) method is, and how to use it to overcome limiting beliefs.
- RISE is an ongoing process that requires constant attention and self-work. An important part of that is rest!
- Giving yourself grace is also important, especially towards the end of the year when expectations are often heightened.
- How to set realistic, sustainable goals for the new year while leaving space for rejuvenation.
Regardless of any inner thoughts that may feel like they are holding you back at the moment, remember that you are worthy. You do not need to fit any societal mold. You get to choose your own path!
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 AUDREY:
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey (also see her Rest Deck!)
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
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
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
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!
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
07/16/24 • 77 min
Kindergarten readiness is a Mother! As parents, we want to do everything in our control to get our kids ready to enter Kindergarten, but what does it mean to be “Kindergarten ready”? Our guest Leigh Fitzgerald is a veteran Kindergarten teacher from San Diego, CA, and she joins us on the podcast to explain that Kindergarten readiness is less about knowing ABCs and 123s, and more about helping your kids be excited to be there and empowering agency.
In episode 18 of ___ Is a Mother, we discuss the social, emotional, and academic skills kids need entering Kindergarten, and what parents can do to support their child (& their teacher) during a successful school year. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- The social and emotional benefits for children who attend any schooling outside of the home before Kindergarten.
- Because of this, kids are entering Kindergarten with a higher level of skills and development than ever before.
- What Kindergarten readiness really looks like, beyond the ABCs and 123s.
- Technology is revolutionizing the way kids learn, and parents & teachers connect.
- How to effectively communicate with and build relationships with your child’s teacher.
- Ideas to show your child’s teacher how much you appreciate them.
Episode corrections from Leigh:
In California, Transitional Kindergarten (TK) started in 2012 (not 2010, as mentioned). For the 2024-2025 school year, kids who turn 5 between September 2 and June 2 are eligible for Universal TK (UTK) in California. iReady is used in 600 districts in California (not all of them).
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:
Calm Mama Wellness Retreats – Use “ISAMOTHER” discount code for $499 off!
05/14/24 • 54 min
Estate planning is a mother! It can feel morbid to think about but when our time comes, the best thing we can leave behind for our loved ones is a roadmap for who will take care of our kids, how we want our assets dispersed, and who we have designated to make decisions on our behalf.
On episode 15 of ___ Is a Mother, we are joined by Jillian Cardona, the founding attorney of Peace of Mind Planning, to discuss what estate planning is, the right time to start estate planning, when to review and update your plans, and how to make the process as easy as possible for your loved ones. Some of the talking points we go over in this episode include:
- The difference between an estate and a trust (and all the elements that go into each).
- Taking inventory of your assets is best handled by your “A-Team”, composed of your CPA, financial advisor, and estate planning attorney.
- Advice for avoiding probate court and ensuring all of your assets go to the people you intend them to go to– without years of fighting for it.
- Digital executors are becoming more common to handle digital assets like e-mail accounts and social media profiles.
- Encouraging someone to think about estate planning can be sensitive and tricky, but it is necessary and provides peace of mind.
*The information presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and not to be taken as legal advice. Jillian is licensed in the State of California. Estate planning laws may differ by state. To ensure your estate plan reflects your wishes and complies with the laws of your jurisdiction, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney licensed in your state.
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 JILLIAN CARDONA:
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH US:
@_IsAMotherpodcast on Instagram
LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Ep 10: Financial Planning is a Mother with Karen Holloway, Financial Advisor
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FAQ
How many episodes does Is A Mother have?
Is A Mother currently has 24 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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