Creative Mamas Unplugged

"It is a reinvention" Invite to reach out to Cher, single moms, creatives, we need each other (00:55), Cher on pushing away our fear during divorce, gratitude for our children and staying close with them during this next chapter (1:46), Cher, the girls and curtains story (5:17), discussion of whether through the divorce it is a rebirth and or a reinvention (9:13). Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly...

Yumiko’s global fame and a discussion of travel and bringing our kids with us when we travel (1:52) Cher and Yumiko reminisce traveling with Yumiko’s husband Mark through Spain, and how Yumiko’s and Mark’s child enjoys life with the YUMIKO business (8:02)   Yumiko shares about her transition from being a prima ballerina to having the worldwide YUMIKO brand (13:08).   Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shel...

Cher’s youngest sets up a movie projector (1:18), Shelly and her husband’s Atlantic City adventure (3:24), Shelly enjoys and stays calm with new teen experiences (9:07) Cher opens up about single-mom-ing (14:10).   Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson   Producer: Jessica O’Keefe, Breatheasy Productions   Follow Us  Instagram @creativemamasunplugged Facebook @creativemamasunplugged Apple Pod...

Shelly shares some dog shenanigans (00:55), Cher discusses how as a creative you feel invigorated by work when you are tapped out (2:49), how half the battle is showing up, getting in your car, to do something that fills you up with energy, a daily practice (6:47), growing up scrappy and releasing desire for control (11:53).   Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson   Producer: Jessica O’Keefe...

"I did have to learn to stop asking for permission." Chi Chi shares how when Kane when Kane was a baby it worked best for both Kane and Chi Chi that he went to work with her (1:04), a chat of how your energy allows for flow and adaptability in our lives (4:49), how you make decisions and not asking for permission (8:53).  Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson   Guest: Charlene “Chi-Chi” Smit...

“The more I feel that I'm not alone, the more I listen to other women's stories and journeys. The more inspired I am, the more I feel I have the courage to lead by example.“   A discussion of  using your body to overcome your mental state and “sitting practice” or “quiet practice” (1:58), the doubt we feel versus the trust we must embrace to structure time for activities and relationships (12:21),...

A chat on the predictable unpredictability of life as a parent, but also the pride and importance of sharing that we are parents, guardians (1:57), Chi-Chi shares the whirlwind of her successful professional career coinciding with her young child’s blossoming Broadway career and gratitude for the wonderful, caring people who have helped along the way (5:51), how we can do the things we previously...

“The transformative aspect of motherhood has really enabled me to go to another level in my life.”   Alexandra reflects on how transitioning into a rehearsal director role gave her strength and inspiration for motherhood (4:46). She emphasizes the importance of flexibility, creativity, and self-care practices like deep breathing and meditation in order to balance motherhood and creativity (10:50),...

“If you don’t fail, you can’t succeed.”   In Part 2, Laurie, Shelly and Cher discuss success and learning from mistakes (2:21), how no one is a perfect parent and how we balance taking care of our kids and our lives (9:20), Laurie shares about getting ready to return to the stage at 52 and her work at KAI (Kanyok Arts Initiative) as founder, director and teacher (13:26).   Hosts: Cherice Barton an...

“You have got to never give up on them, and you have to be kind.” Max joins the conversation, offering a glimpse into his passions and unique perspective on life (3:06). Mindy, Cher and Shelly talk about neurodiversity and how we all handle it differently as parents and people (6:07). Mindy reminisces about Max’s childhood, sharing fun stories about childcare, including the unforgettable time Kris...

“Do whatever you need to do to get  yourself feeling good, because then, when life happens, it's just life happening. And it's not your fault that it's happening. You don't feel like you're being punished for something. “ Jamie shares how parenthood and her work in television have shaped her as a morning person (1:36), offering a candid look at how her kids are not that impressed with her successf...

“I want them to know how important they are.” In this heartfelt episode, we’re joined by Mindy Sterling (1:25), as we explore the intersections of parenting, creativity, and neurodiversity (3:35). Mindy shares her and Max’s unique journeys (10:12), offering an authentic and inspiring perspective on parenting outside the box (16:52). Her love for her son is the heart of this episode.  Hosts: Cheric...

“I just hope that I can still be of value and make an impact”   A continued, inspired conversation with Renae Williams Niles. In this episode, Renae shares her experience and advice on the reality of being in the “sandwich generation” as she cares for her parents (2:00), travel and work as a mother (12:00), and co-producing the nation’s Juneteenth celebration at the Hollywood Bowl (20:00).   Hosts...

“Listening is the biggest gift you can give yourself” In this inspiring Part 1, Laurie Kanyok opens up about the challenges and triumphs of being a single mother to her talented 12-year-old daughter while leading a one-of-a-kind arts program (2:05) She shares the story of her departure to performing (7:53) the love of dance she shares with her daughter (15:09) and the joys of teaching and helping...

“By the act of sending the love and repeating your purpose, you are able to stay at a higher frequency of happiness.“    Cher and Shelly share the origin story of bringing Jess on as Creative Mamas Producer (1:50) a discussion about what it takes to carve out time in our schedules for our creativity (4:41) Jess shares about this idea of purpose [that she first learned about from Bob Proctor in "Ch...

“I’m focusing on the kids’ mental health, trying to keep things light. It broke my heart last Thursday to see my youngest pack her emergency bag full of stuffed animals instead of clothes, and hearing their terror as we evacuated is something I will never forget.“   Cher shares her and her girls’ experiences in Los Angeles on the day Los Angeles County caught on fire (2:57) Lindsey shares her expe...

"I believe in us. I don't think we need all of this noise. We must empower ourselves to listen to our own beliefs."   Jamie, Cher and Shelly chat about the joy of knowing fellow creative parents, and how being a creative parent influences your parenting (1:40) Jame shares her journey from comedy to Executive Producer on Grey’s Anatomy and how her career has grown with her children who are now teen...

“When the big stuff happens, we want them to be able to come to us.”   How our system of today is different and helps us connect to our children in way that is helpful (1:37), there is no such thing as full parental control and we need our kids to teach us the things we should know (12:34), over-parenting in the physical world VS under-parenting in virtual world (19:50), Lori shares about her book...

"Chances are it's menopause [or perimenopause]." [see resources below]   Erika, Cher, Shelly share laughter and stories about car-sits (1:23), Erika shares about 10-day menopause crash course discussing why we gain weight, having fun while learning about perimenopause and menopause, using movement and dance to keep levity in your life (4:39), symptoms and solutions of perimenopause and menopause (...

“I am so lucky”   Heather Lang talks about how moms have power in being able to hold space for multiple people at once (13:15), Heather gives advice to new moms and describes her flexibility in finding opportunities (17:00), Cher, Heather and Shelly talk the importance of dance parties with kids at home (32:35). Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson   Guest: Heather Lang Producer: Jessica O’...

"Yes it’s my job as parent to nurture them, teach them, to be present with them but it is my job, equally, to inspire them." Shelly chats how we find balance during summers when kiddos are out of school (3:35), Cher discusses summer joy in lack of schedule and also desire for structure (13:30), how you return to a more peaceful state with gratitude, staying present, being aware of human-ness, and...

“Balancing Acts: Renee’s Journey of Career, Caregiving, and Community" Renee shares her incredible multifaceted career journey and the demands of presenting (3:10) she discusses the importance of demonstrating what giving back to your community looks like for her children (10:43), the reality of caretaking for parents while being a mom to three children (11:50), the surprise of how different child...

"You are not those emotions." Cher and Shelly encourage you to reach out via social media and email to share your funny parenting stories (2:08) indoor basketball hoops, home repair and cat rescuing (5:43) gratitude when you get something you've wanted for so long, Shelly’s pets, Cher’s words of wisdom letter to self (7:35) Mindfulness for you doesn’t have to be what it is for someone else (8:28)...

“Community Is Everything”   Lakey talks about elementary school age kids post covid (7:20), how giving 100% in every aspect is not always feasible or necessary, giving yourself a well rounded life for balance and fulfillment  (17:45), and how she balances work events while still being present for her family (22:07) Hosts: Cherice Barton and Shelly Hutchinson Guest: Lakey Wolff Producer: Jessica O’...

“If You’re Moving You’re Winning”  (4:04) Erika shares her journey from Musical Theater at Michigan to moving to New York and dancing as a swing (6:00) Erika discusses her revelation about fitness and transition from teaching in a gym (12:49) to producing workout videos for Beachbody and her decision to become a certified menopause coach specialist, (16:56) defining self-care and finding small wor...