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. Keywords personal growth, mental health, letting go, 2026 goals, self-care, parenting, burnout, mindfulness, reflection, life lessons Chapte...

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...

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 relatabl...

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...

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 shar...

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 crea...

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 bo...

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 op...

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...

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 learne...

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...

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 co...